Epic Outback Challenge: Simpson Desert Motorcycle Crossing

Epic Outback Challenge: Simpson Desert Motorcycle Crossing | Motorcycle Podcast

Show Notes

The Simpson Desert is Australia's fourth largest desert and the largest sand dune desert in the world, containing the world's longest parallel sand dunes. On the western side of the desert, these dunes are as high as 3 metres, and on the eastern side as much as about 30 metres. The desert has no maintained roads, but there are tracks which were made in the 60's and 70's when surveys were done in the search for oil and gas. The tracks are navigable by four wheel drive, but without any services, extra fuel and water are necessary. It's very hot with summer temperatures reaching up to 50 Celsius. It doesn't rain often and sand storms happen regularly. The desert dunes are a cornucopia of colour, with oranges, pinks, reds and whites on brilliant display.  The first non-indigenous person to cross the desert did so on camels in 1936 and there have since been several crossings made on foot. It's inviting and terrifying all at the same time, and is compelling to adventurous motorcyclists, some who have made it across the desert successfully and some who haven't been so lucky and have needed rescue.  Stuart Ball is the founder of The Great Australian Ride, raising money for a charity called Red Nose. He recently completed two crossings of the Simpson Desert in one week. Sarah Taylor is a motorcyclist and paramedic, and a team medic for The Great Australian Ride. Sarah also recently rode through the Simpson Desert. The Great Australian Ride: http://www.thegreataustralianride.com/ Red Nose: https://rednose.com.au/

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Music by Jason Shaw at www.audionautix.com

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Creators and Guests

Host

Jim Martin

Jim Martin is the host and producer of Adventure Rider Radio, the longest-running and most respected podcast dedicated to adventure motorcycling. With in-depth interviews, expert insights, and a focus on real-world riding experiences, Jim brings over a decade of storytelling and production excellence to riders around the world.

What is Adventure Rider Radio – Motorcycle Podcast?

Adventure Rider Radio is the original adventure motorcycle podcast, established in 2014 and now the world’s longest-running show dedicated to adventure motorcycling. It features in-depth conversations, real-world stories, and expert insight from the people who ride, explore, and shape the adventure motorcycling world.

Hosted by Jim Martin and released weekly, the show brings you experienced riders, trainers, industry professionals, and long-distance travelers sharing hard-earned lessons about riding skills, motorcycle travel, trip planning, bike setup, gear, and the realities of life on two wheels.

From remote expeditions to rider development and decision-making on the road, Adventure Rider Radio goes beyond surface-level talk to explore the thinking, preparation, and experience behind adventure motorcycling.