Aussie adventurer Russell Worthington has completed his ultimate physical challenge – to ride a mountain bike through the 10 deserts of inland Australia – in aid of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Never before had anyone cycled unsupported through the Great Victorian Desert or the Simpson Desert on natural terrain, let alone 10 deserts in one continuous push.
The Brisbane-based engineer was also only the second person to cycle the Canning Stock Route (WA) unsupported – including stretches of up to 200km between water holes – over 1960 kilometres and through three deserts in three weeks.
Russell cycled into Alice Springs on Wednesday 29 July to complete his 10 Deserts Solo Cycle Epic which started 12 weeks earlier in Alice Springs. The 7500-kilometre journey over some of the most inhospitable terrain on the continent included more than 2000 sand dunes.
“Undoubtedly the most strenuous part of this challenge was on a northern section of the Canning Stock Route,” says Russell, who switched from mountaineering to adventure racing and mountain biking four years ago.
“I had to cover 40 kilometres of endless sand dunes with 40 litres of water and two-and-a-half weeks supply of food on my trailer,” Russell says.
“Every sand dune had to be crossed twice – once with my bike and a second time with my detached trailer. It took me 24 hours to travel just 40 kilometres,” he says.
In contrast, Russell said the highlight of his journey was the colours of the landscape in the Great Victorian Desert (SA).
“Every morning and evening you see colours and contrasts you probably don't see anywhere else, with the marble gum trees and the red sand dunes,” Russell added.
“It certainly made me feel like I was out in the middle of Australia – which I was!"
Russell’s epic journey was not without risk. Russell carried his own water and, on occasions, had to travel for periods of up to a week between reliable sources of water. His safety strategy included a daily ‘check-in’ with the RFDS Communications Centre at Port Augusta (SA) to confirm his exact location and health and well-being throughout his journey.
Russell also carried a satellite-based SPOT tracker which provided his family, friends and followers with an hourly update to his whereabouts via an interactive Google Map located on his own website.
“I’ve had plenty of opportunity to experience the immensity and solitude of the outback, not to mention feel the history, share its spirit and gaze upon the stars – all the while questioning whether I have the resolve to see this adventure through to the end,” Russell says.
“Now that I have completed my journey, I hope that people will be inspired to make a donation to the RFDS via my website www.10deserts.com”
