10 Deserts Solo Cycle Epic

Status Update 8th May
Russell is now within sight of Halls Creek which marks the end of the first of 9 legs. Well done Russell.

Status Update 7th May
Russell has now reached a small township (read dot on the map) called MINDIBUNGU which is at a junction of the Tanami Road and Canning Stock Route.

Status Update 6th May
Since leaving Alice Springs in the early hours of the morning on Sat 2nd May, Russell has covered 420 Kms and is now in WA.

Added 5th May
Listen to Russell's interview on ABC Radio. He is describing the bike and the equipment that he is taking on the ride

Hi Folks,

My first post from the trails.

Firstly, I'd like to express a huge thanks to the kind folks at Ross Engineering in Alice Springs for their help to modify the skewers and fabricate a couple of brackets to reposition the mounting point for my Extrawheel trailer. My Extrawheel fork is designed for the Surly Pugsly. Unfortunately it 'ever so slightly' interfered with the rear tyre when fitted to the Fatback, due to the Fatback's 165mm rear spacing.

Anyways, long story short is that Ross Engineering's small modification is working a treat, and trailer and bike are working marvelously.

The first 185km to Tilmouth Roadhouse was quick, and even afforded some time for some scrambling (and a breath-taking view) on a small rock monolith only a few km off the track. I shared the summit with a rock wallaby for a short time.

Riding parallel to the West McDonnell ranges was relaxing. I wonder how old these giants are? Having explored the other side of this range last week, I can see how the aboriginals have eeked out an existence in this area. There is actually quite a lot of life, water and food if you know where to look. Termite mounds are already all over the landscape, formed from bulldust red sand and "termite saliva", produced from the water table a short distance below ground. Buzzards glide overhead.

Following Tilmouth Roadhouse, I rolled onto dirt for the first time, and onto some of the worst corrugations I've ever experienced. People warned me of the soft sand and large rocks in places, but these were the least of my worries for the Fatback. This bike really does float over these desert sands on it's 4" wide hoofs.

The corrugations however .... I have never ridden 100km so slowly in my life, reduced to 10km/hr in places. And news of what lies ahead doesn't lift my spirits any. Give me sand dunes any day.

I'm avoiding riding in the heat of the day. My Brunton solar charger is charging up my Ay-up night lights ready for some night riding for relief from the scorching sun. Thanks goodness for effective solar power.

Here from Yuendumu, following a great coffee and chat with the local constabulatory, I set off for the longest unsupported section of this leg; 313km to Rabbit Flat Roadhouse.

Until next time ... Cheers, Russ.