10 Deserts Solo Cycle Epic

Details -
Distance: 1960km
Conditions: Soft sand, sand dunes, sharp rocks, corrugated 4WD trails
Difficulty: 4.5/5
Est'd Time: 3 weeks

The Canning stock Route is steeped in history. It was only driven by specially developed vehicles for the first time in 1970. CSR traverses three class 'A' deserts, so categorised due to thier remoteness and difficulty of terrain; the Great Sandy, Gibson, and Little Sandy. Halls Creek and Willuna are the recognised start and finish points, although the route is often travelled in both directions by 4WD. One thing is for sure, no matter which way you embark on travelling this route, it is a massive undertaking and great adventure.

Map of the Canning Stock Route

Although several people had tried to ride this route, Jakub Postrzygacz is the only person to have accomplished this feat unsupported. I'll be attempting this same feat, and also in the same direction. The multitude of sand dune slopes should be more easily climbed from the gentler northern slopes.

Follow up:

This leg will be a back breaker. Although less than 2000km, I'm planning for 3 weeks. The single longest stretch between water stops will be 210km, but the relentless dunes and soft sandy trails, sharp rocks and rough corrugations will make this distance seem much further. Never again will I complain about toll roads when I have to pay "desert tax" on this route. Jakub reported he lost 18kg riding this route. I cannot afford to lose so much weight as I'll be dependent on maintaining strength for the remaining 4500km I plan to ride following the CSR.

I'm already looking forward to seeing the mighty desert-oaks and river red gums, some of the beautiful gorges, the dry salt lakes, wild camels and dingoes, and maybe one or two of these large King Browns: