The Simpson Desert Challenge is a rugged event across sand dunes, salt lakes, vast cattle stations and gibber plains

The Simpson Desert Challenge is an iconic 5 day MTB stage race/event across the iconic Simpson Desert. This event covers 300km or 500km. Each race day has two stages – approximately 80km morning and a 50km afternoon stage, with riders have the option to compete solo or in a relay team.

This event crosses the Australian Simpson Desert from West to East starting in Purni Bore (South Australia) and finishing at Birdsville (Queensland). The course does vary from year to year as several routes have been surveyed and developed. The race routes traverse tracks that were constructed for oil exploration in the 1950s. In wet conditions, track closures are common and the race may need to be diverted. The course covers some 700 sand dunes, salt lakes, vast cattle stations and gibber plains. Riders and crews will experience all the diversity of this rugged and beautiful desert.

The race is a rigorous event and requires a reasonable amount of fitness and endurance. This is not an elite race and riders of all ages and abilities participate. A friendly warning: this is a tough event so don’t expect to finish!

You will need to provide your own support crew, food and water but Commercial tour operators are available to assist with rider support.

This looks like a great event to attend, either alone or with your regular weekend crew!

You’ll find other cycling events, like the The Simpson Desert Challenge, in our online Cycling Event Calendar.

Enjoy!