Its been called "Satans Velodrome" and for many competitors it has certainly been hell. And yet they return, again and again, from throughout Australia and around the world, for those five days of the year when this unique location plays host to this extraordinary cycling event.

Race Overview

On 27th September 2011, competitors, support crew and officials will gather at Purni Bore, South Australia, on the western edge of the Simpson Desert for the 24th Annual Bike Challenge.

At 6am on Tuesday 28th September the first of nine stages will commence. The riders will surge off into the heart of the Simpson Desert along the Rig Road. This narrow clay capped track was originally constructed to facilitate oil exploration in the 60s, but it is fast deteriorating as time, weather and 4WD traffic takes its toll.

The first 4 days have an 80km morning stage followed by a 50km afternoon stage. The final 80km stage on day 5 ends outside a classic Aussie icon - the Birdsville Hotel in the tiny outback town of Birdsville in Queensland.

The total distance of around 590 km takes in some 700 sand dunes, salt lakes, vast cattle stations, gibber plains and even a potential creek crossing. The course is weather dependent and subject to alteration.

Race Overview

Nervous riders lining up for the start on Day 1

The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge offers many unique challenges - physical, mental and logistical.

The race takes place mostly in South Australia, crossing the border into Queensland in the final 20km on Day Five. The start point is Purni Bore, on the western edge of the Simpson Desert and about 70 km further in from the popular campsite at Dalhousie Hot Springs.

There is a large open camping area at Purni Bore with a basic pit toilet and shower but little shade. Drinking water is not available at Purni Bore or Dalhousie Springs but it is useful to top up any empty water containers with bore water for washing before leaving here. There is no water at all between Purnie Bore and Birdsville.

From Purni Bore the race follows the Rig Road for the first six stages before coming out on to the Birdsville Track early on Day Four. The usual route then turns off the main Birdsville Track and follows the old Inside Track to Birdsville. However in wet conditions the Inside Track may be closed, in which case the race will divert along the Birdsville Track and include a short transport section.

To get through the race, you need a fit body, a good quality mountain bike and an enthusiastic support crew.

The race is a not-for-profit event which was originally created as a fundraiser has supported the Paraquad Association, the Paraplegic Benefit Fund and now the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

A rider passes the Boxing Kangaroo Flag indicating the stage finish is near