10 Deserts Solo Cycle Epic

This morning I awoke from deep slumber with the feelings of apprehension and euphoria of venturing into the unknown which I have grown to like and welcome; but treat with respect.

My first similar endorphin rush was through mountaineering; stepping into the unknown on "summit day". I had a similar sensation on the Canning Stock Route, and was very happy that I at least passed three full days there before I saw the first 4WD. Some people do not like to venture into the unknown, but I thrive on these challenges. My sister once joked that I should have been born 100 years earlier Isn't it amazing to take just one more step into the unknown and expand your horizons, physically and metaphorically?

This afternoon I head off into the Simpson. My chest infection is much better. The horrendous winds have finally dropped away, but left scars in the form of very losely packed sand at the crest of every single dune; 1100 in total. The Simpson is the largest parallel dune desert in the world.

I have had a little luck on my side. Eyre Ck is still in flood, and flowing water is present. Eyre Ck lies directly on my chosen path, but also means I have a creek crossing to negotiate with bike and all my equipment. I have also been told by 4WD'ers there is lots of bird-life present, so I look forward to seeing this oasis first-hand. This means I will be able to travel a little lighter over the first 50km, including Big Red and some of the other biggest dunes, with reduced water load. I can defer taking on board my full water compliment till this point; although it will cost me in terms of time to sufficiently boil / filter this water in case it is contaminated from upstream.

Beyond Big Red (the biggest dune on the east of the desert), Eyre Ck is the only point where I am likely to see anyone en-route until I either successfully come out on the west, or need to abandon (for whatever reason) and head south to the French line.

My reasons for travelling remote of 4WD tracks for this crossing are very akin to those of Lucas Trihey's first crossing on foot; to see this beatiful country in it's purest form. This is also a tremendous challenge for bike and body; an experience I will cherish forever, no matter how it all unpans. My bike and equipment have already well surpassed my expectations and similar achievements of any of their competitors. I can personally vouch for their quality and performance in the toughest conditions, so please check out the sponsors tab for more detail.

Thanks for well wishes, and continuing donations for the RFDS. Please take the time to follow my "snail trail" across the desert over the next 10 or so days. Warning: it will be VERY SLOW.

Following arrival at Mac Clark Acacia Reserve on the western side of the Simpson, it should hopefully be a relatively easy 300km back to Alice Springs.

How hard could it be?!?! Bye for now, Russ.