Angus Ashby, Scott Madden, Jordan Hunt and Chris Thomas
Jordan Hunt, Chris Thomas, Scotty Madden and Angus Ashby joined forces with fellow locals and commentators Rusty and Jodie Bell at the Finke Desert Race.
The Finke Desert Race is an off-road, multi terrain, two-day race for bikes, cars, buggies and quads through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community along the old Ghan railway.
A week before the event the boys made the trip to Alice Springs to get a feel for the track.
Hunt described the terrain as rough, barren and dusty.
“It was nothing like we had seen before,” he said.
The track runs for 226 kilometres and hosts some of the best riders across the country.
Once completing the 226km leg and arriving in Finke, the riders look forward to a much needed night’s sleep before turning around and doing it all again in the reverse direction.
It has a reputation for being one of the most difficult off-road courses in one of the most remote locations in the world.
The first day of the event saw plenty of action, with commentators Jodie and Rusty calling all 493 riders and 81 cars off the starting line.
“It’s the Bathurst of off-road racing,” Rusty said.
“We went live on the internet and the crowds were huge. It was an awesome experience.”
Hunt was competing in the 250cc four stroke class, Thomas lined up for the over 450cc four stroke class and Ashby and Madden started their engines for the 450cc four stroke class.
Hunt started well but came off at the 130km mark dislocating his shoulder.
“Coming off lost me a bit of time. I popped my shoulder back in and continued riding the remainder of the race,” Hunt said.
“It definitely slowed me up a bit but I managed to make up a few more spots.”
Hunt finished 13th in his class and 76th overall.
Madden said the ride was the hardest he had ever competed in.
“It’s the first time I had ever done anything like this. Just to finish was a real achievement. I’ll definitely be doing it again next year.” He placed 205th overall.
Ashby placed 78th in his class and 176th outright.
Thomas showed his expertise and experience placing fifth in his class and 50th overall.
The boys recommend the race to anyone who is keen for an action packed weekend full of adventure.
