10 Deserts Solo Cycle Epic

Woohoo, all finished! Finally, I can sit down in a seat I don't have to pedal

Sorry for the delay in update. I've never been so tired in my life. I've been eating well, but have really needed extra sleep since arriving back home.

The photo below is upon arrival at RFDS - Alice Springs Tue 28th July.

The expedition was nine months in the planning, and took three months to complete. 7500km (over 90% off-road) and 2000 sand dunes ... sometimes it felt like so much more. Travelling these deserts by bike has been the hardest yet most rewarding adventure imaginable. I have to confess to being a little teary at a couple of points on the final leg after dedicating so much time and effort to this expedition in the past year.

Pushed to breaking point by the terrain and elements, shear exertion, and my own schedule, I could not have completed this objective without the tremendous support from my terrific sponsors. The Fatback bike and Extrawheel trailer combination are amazing, expertly assembled by my local "For the Riders" bike shop. Combined with sturdy Crosso panniers, how else could I transport such a heavy "burden" on such technical terrain? My Suunto trip computer always kept me well on track. Family and friends have been able to track my snail trail with the spot tracker, and I was ever so grateful for the security of a sat-phone if the need arose. My Mont Moondance tent provided relief from flies, mosquitos, the rain (yes it does rain in the desert), and is light-weight to boot. Ay-up lights shone through the dark cold mornings, but only thanks to a Brunton solar charger that worked brilliantly in the scorching sun. I'm ever so grateful to Astrovisual for enabling me to share this expedition over the net, and especially with the MTB community on MTB Dirt.

Follow up:

Personally enriched by the experience and ever so grateful of the amazing support from family, friends, 4WD passers-by and followers over the net, this expedition has met its objectives:

2nd solo and unsupported crossing of the Canning Stock Route
1st solo and unsupported crossing of the Anne Beadell Highway
1st East-West supported crossing of the QAA/French line in the Simpson desert TBC
Longest continuous ride in such terrain

With a bit of luck, this ride may also inspire a few others to follow their dreams.

I received a call from the marketing manager from RFDS recently as thanks for my efforts. RFDS is well exposed in central Australia, but the organisation really appreciates any exposure to the eastern sea-board. Although we've not yet raised our target donation amount, we're well on the way. Yes, donations are still being accepted. We still have a couple more radio and one TV interview scheduled. Through chance meetings out in the desert too, I've also been invited to do a presentation at some rotary and seniors' groups, and also a couple of schools; all with the prospect of raising some more funds.

Thanks for your support.

Heaps more photos and brief about the Simpson crossing are on their way