Sunday 13th June

Finke race day 1


Rider sign on is at 10am so we headed to the track around 8.30 to arrive by 9am. Rich and Wal were taking photos at the Alice Springs sign and we gave them a toot on the way past and they arrived at the track very shortly after us.

The boys kitted up in the car park, packed up the camelbacks with a sandwich, protein bars and drink plus 2-way radio and phone. We took plenty of team photos-got the local police to take them for us so everyone would be included. Then the boys headed off for rider sign on and we packed up and headed off in convoy to a Finke camp the long way. I took the lead, followed by Wal and Graeme.

M8's racing team 2021, vet's class ready to roll on race day 1


Riders heading off for the race start.

We all met up to refuel at Erldunda and have some lunch (sandwich from esky) and Linda bought and shared some hot chips. Headed back out towards Kulgera in convoy; 3 hours from the track to Kulgera including fuel stop. This is where we turned onto the red dirt for around an hour and a half to arrive at Apatula township-which we were to stay clear of to avoid creating Covid health issues in the community.

Graeme and Chris had gone ahead to secure the camp spot and we headed on past the finish line to find them. Fortunately they had been there long enough to climb up the ridge and wave to us. The left side of the track, which is normally packed with tents had been fenced off for cultural reasons so there were many more campers where we normally camp. Nevertheless we found a good spot with plenty of flat ground. It was pretty windy so we “circled the wagons” to block the wind and set about setting up camp.

Camp site Finke

I had barely unfolded the rooftop tent when Roy was on the 2-way radio looking for us. He had trouble finding us and went up and down the road before radioing in again for directions. Linda went over to the road to flag him in. Not long after Rich radioed in and Roy headed off to find him and bring him in to camp.

Both riders were in good spirits and good condition. Very different to previous years when Roy has been pretty beaten at this point.

Pulled up well after race day 1 though covered in red dust.

Camp was set up, fire built and tents erected. Roy washed under the camp shower when he finished servicing the bike, swapped out the wheel due to a damaged spoke. 


Running repairs and service ready for race day 2.


Boiled up some pasta and heated the bolognaise sauce while Rich and Wal headed off on their bikes to find the catering tent. After the washing up, on a surprisingly mild night with both bikers in surprisingly good shape, we headed off to sleep.


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