'Rock Ride' - Adelaide to Ayers Rock & Alice Springs

May 3 - 18 2008

G'day Rock Riders!

What an experience, what a challenge, what an achievement. You did it. The biggest day was 254km from Glendambo to Coober Pedy, just about the hottest place in Australia.

The vineyards, old stone buildings and gnarled forlorn looking gum trees faded away, as we crossed the tail of the Flinders Ranges and entered the true outback.

Some rode on their own, lapping up the independance allowed to all to cycle how fast they choose. Others rode in groups, inspiring each other to pace themselves before the inevitable dash to the drink stop, or perhaps the shower at days end in the cute little roadhouse cabins or motels.

Once past Port Augusta the landscape changed to red sand, mulga trees and salt bush. The odd salt lake appeared, like a permanent mirage, before the rolling hills of red gibber stone and features plateaus. This extraordinary sight is like a moon mission, taking you forever into another era.

The roadhouses, food, accommodation and people along the way were exceptional, and the cyclists goal of riding to Uluru was rewarded with 5 star accommodation at Sails in the Desert, topped off with tablecloth dinner on the red sand hills, didgeridoo droning and astronomer comments. Alice, we love you, was a comment and thought from most riders, a mammoth ride, satisfaction guaranteed. Well done Rockers!

The Rock Ride

Crossing Australia has been the dream of many explorers and what better way than by bike.

Clare Valley is a dream, especially in Autumn with rows of golden grapevines stretching forever, interspersed by stone cottages and farm house wine tasting rooms.

It gets even better as we skirt Mt Remarkable, a cyclists paradise, alive with kangaroos and rugged red gum tree trunks.

Further north the landscape thins, with saltbush, red earth and treeless plains. Salt lakes extend forever, like this timeless land, bringing you the real feeling of The Outback.

Explore underground at Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world, littered with luckless mines and surrounded by white mounds of mullock. Stay underground in our 4 star accommodation with a sauna and swimming pool. We really spoil you with 5 star accommodation at Ayers Rock, where you can explore the rock and Olgas and marvel at nature's masterpiece. Enjoy the luxury of the truly Australian "Sounds of Silence" evening. (See highlights.)

The array of roadhouses, people, wildlife and landscapes is vast and so are the stars at night. Cycling this country is the best way to appreciate arriving at Alice Springs, The Centre of Australia."

C'mon on Aussie C'mon C'mon!

Crossing Australia has been the dream of many explorers and what better way than by bike.

Testimonials

"Thank you for organising another wonderful ride. I had another wonderful cycling experience with lots of familiar faces and new friends which was the best holiday anyone could have. Although friends at work look at me strangely when I tell them we have a lot of fun on these rides."

Fiona Lawless NSW – Rock Ride May 2008

"Now that the dust has settled (almost literally) after The Rock Ride, it is time to say a big thank you for making possible in the maximum comfort available, another great outback ride. As for the Nullarbor Ride, the catering was again a feature of the event, with both the quantity and quality of the food available being beyond reproach, and what other Tour Operator provides a 'Mobile McDonalds' to offer gourmet snacks, and to pander to our every whim at snack, and morning, and afternoon tea stops along the way!

The whole event was a credit to your research and organisational skills and I look forward to joining another such ride next year."

George Belcher VIC - Rock Ride May 2008

Day 2 Photos - Click for a larger image

Day 3 Photos - Click for a larger image

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Day 13 Photos (Rest Day) - Click for a larger image

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Day 16 Photos - Click for a larger image

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