IT’S not every day you can hit the open desert at speeds of 150kmh for 460km, racing against hundreds of others in one of the toughest events Australia has to offer.
A Maroochydore father and son have done just that, taking part in the Tatts Finke Desert Race, an off-road, multi-terrain, two-day race for bikes, cars, buggies and quads from Alice Springs to remote indigenous community Aputula/Finke.
Held annually on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the Finke is one of the biggest sporting events the Northern Territory offers, with a reputation for being one of the hardest off-road courses in one of the most remote places in the world.
Levi Van Panhuis said he had wanted to tackle Finke for a while and finally took the plunge this year with dad Arthur in support.
Competing on a Yamaha YZ250, 21-year-old Levi was one of 470 who started the race and one of only 350 to finish it.
“It’s so strenuous on the bikes. I was hitting top speeds of 150kmh on most parts with holes a metre and a half deep,” he said.
“There is nowhere that even compares to the terrain to help to get yourself ready.”
Despite fellow competitors suffering broken bones and other injuries along the way, Levi finished unhurt and proud to have accomplished the long journey.
“I finished 116 overall,” he said.
“It’s an unbelievable experience; the whole Alice Springs community gets into it.”
While Levi said he had undergone plenty of physical training to prepare for the ride, he said it was a tough mental challenge.
“The mental part was the worst for me. Each day was riding for about three hours a day.”
It was also a challenge for dad Arthur who patiently endured the long drive to and from Maroochydore.
“There was a lot of nothing. We drove for five hours at one stage and saw nothing but two cars,” Levi said. “Dad’s relieved to be coming home.”
The Finke Desert Race
450 competitors
350 completed
460km all up over two days.
230k from Alice Springs to Finke (remote community)
Bike, Quad, Car and Buggy competitors