Day 0-3 "Are we cycling or walking to Adelaide?"

Day 0 RDFS Base Alice Springs.
Saturday was the day we saw everyone (9 riders, 9 volunteers) arrive in Alice Springs. It was a busy day rebuilding bikes, food shopping (7 overflowing trolleys clogging up the checkout) and packing of the 3 x 4WD's and the truck. We all got to know each other over a great BBQ put on by John Lynch and Darren Shiller of the RFDS (thanks guys!). A welcome and briefing by John Lynch and George Karlis and Medical Officer Andy Killcross and it was time to call it a night.

Day 1 Alice to Arid Gold Date Farm (Deep Well) 83km.
It was an early start for the first day of cycling. A small but enthusiastic group of supporters said farewell to the riders on their 18 day journey. Ten km of bitumen and then it was straight onto the dirt. It was a long day with the last 6 km being the most difficult over sand requiring some riders to dismount and walk. The night was spent camping on Tim Micklin's Arid Gold Date Farm. We awoke to the sun rising over 1000's of date palms which was a nice way to begind the day.

Day 2 Arid Gold Date Farm to Maryvale Station (54km).
Today was an enjoyable days cycling. It was short and covered many different types of terrain and scenery and included for many of us, our first sighting of a camel in the wild. There were many photos opportiunities on route. The short nature of the day meant that everyone arrived at Maryvale Station in good condition and in good spirits.

Day 3 Maryvale Station to Engoordina Ruins (65km).
Oh dear. After a leisurely start through the neighbouring Aborigional Community today's route of 65km was dominated by long straight roads scattered with remains of sleeper nails and sleepers from the old Ghan railway.

And sand. Loads of it.

When God finished making the Sahara Desert, any left over sand must have been deposited on the old Ghan route. Riders spent the whole 9.5 hours riding distances of 1-2km and then dismounting to walk. The last 14km was all walking whilst pushing the mountain bike in deep sand in the heat of the day. By day's end, we were nursing sun burn, copious blisters from walking in sand filled shoes not purpose built for walking and headaches from dehydration.

Day 4 Engoordina Ruins to Finke (72km).
Today's route was supposed to be a ride to Finke. The road was so sandy however that the riders had to be driven and the truck taking a detour to avoid getting bogged. Everyone was a little disappointed about not cycling this leg of the journey but it was for safety and well being reasons. Instead the day was spent resting and preparing for the longest leg of our journey, 119km to Hamilton Station (10 hours).

The Volunteers, without whom this trip would not be possible have afforded tremendous support for the riders. The combined years of 4WD and outback experience of Bob, Eddie, Pat, Stephen and Trevor is invaluable. Danny unfortunately got stuck doing most of the truck driving as he was one of the few with the appropriate license to drive it. A special mention also for our 2 international guests, Katharina (Germany) and Nicholas (Canada) for their great support and assistance. Last but in no means least, our 5 star chef Jennifer who has been serving up gourmet meals.

The riders.
Tough as nails Len and his partner in crime Esther have been keeping everyone entertained with their banter. Phil is so lathered with sun screen he looks like a ghost. Dr Andy has yet to demonstrate his complete musical talents on bongos and guitar. Lisa has demonstrated cycling talent well beyond her training regime. Ruhi is imparting his off road knowledge and skills to road cycling mates George ("Don't panic, you are the strongest") and David. And bush bike mechanic Andy with his high mechanical aptitude showed eveyone the technique for coughing up unwanted flies.