10 Deserts Solo Cycle Epic

I am due for departure from Coober Pedy on leg 5 today, but Mother Nature has changed my plans; or at least delayed them. There is a monstrous dust storm and northerly gusting wind here in Coober Pedy. It is quite pointless going out to do battle with the winds; they will win.

So in the meantime, I thought I'd share some details on my diet for the CSR and Anne Beadell legs of my ride. Unfortunately a lot of my longer text messages did not get through, so the race I had to get to Wiluna (CSR) before I ran out of food was missed by most. For the last week of that ride, I could have eaten the back-side out of a dead camel I was so hungry. Thoughts of a good hot feed definitely spurred me onto Wiluna.

But here it is, food glorious food:

Breakfast:
200g toasted muesli with a handful of banana chips and whole milk powder
Boiled egg (first week only)
Hot chocolate

Snacks:
LEDA nutrition bar (banana or apricot)
muesli bars
sultanas (approx 1kg/week)
nuts (approx 1kg/wk)
semi-dried peaches,pears, prunes, apricots, mango, apple, banana (approx 500g/wk)

Lunch:
Dried crackers, vegemite and processed cheese (& more snacks)

Treats:
All-natural confectionary (1 pack every 2 days on average)

Dinner:
Dehydrated meal (mix of single and 2 person meals, lots of variety). Thanks to the lads at Mountain Designs Fortitude Valley store for generous discount on my bulk purchase.
Family size block of cadbury chocolate
Coffee

The difference between CSR and the Anne Beadell was I had more snacks for the Anne Beadell. Also, since I was travelling for 2 weeks instead of 3, I had a bit more room for a couple of "spare" blocks of chocolate, which of course I timed to perfection to finish just before arrival in Coober Pedy.

I estimate I only lost about 3kg on the CSR, but boy was I hungry. I believe I actually put weight on during the Anne Beadell, because I was intentionally (and needed to) over-eat

I felt quite satisfied with my diet on the Anne Beadell. I definitely prefer low GI foods, as little processing as possible, but a sugar kick occassionally did help.

I've been stoking up on pizza, pasta's, the odd Coopers pale ale, and lots of bread whilst in Coober Pedy.

I'm looking forward to the Moon / Painted deserts now. I will have to use the guy ropes on my great MONT Moondance-1 tent for the first time for sure.

I don't know how my diet compares to other peoples' for similar physical exertion. I forumated this diet solely based on my own experience and with no nutritional advice. I felt comfortable with my selections, but did under-estimate the physical exertion I had to expend. I'm pleased I over-compensated on the Anne Beadell as my body was still repairing after CSR.

Maybe the above is of help for someone else's crazy adventures?!?

I've now finished 2 of the 3 "hard legs" of this epic desert ride. The Simpson still awaits, plus some other 2000km of remote outback riding.

This ride would not have been possible without the terrific support I have received from sponsors. Their products have enabled me to travel with "relative" ease and safety through some of the toughest desert terrain in this country. Please refer to the sponsors tab and check out all the kit that has enabled me to get to places that are normally reserved for the likes of only the toughest of 4WD's. Maybe some of their gear can also power your next adventure.

I also owe a HUGE thanks to my terrific parents, uncle Ron and cousin Dave for their sacrifice to "be available" in this remote country in case something does go terribly wrong for me. Sometimes my father and uncle have been off on "near-by" desert tracks, but sometimes geography does not allow and they can only travel the same route and at speeds dictated by my heavily laden progress. Thanks heaps guys. I could not do what I am doing without your sacrifice. Isn't family great

... and what is a 4WD that cannot be driven. Dad has asked me to pass on a special thanks to Peter Kittle motor company for speedily assisting with replacement wheel bearings when it really mattered: when I was along way from any help in the northern section of the CSR if the need arose!

Yes, my ride is solo and unsupported because that is the ultimate challenge, but it is not without back-up. After all, my goal is to raise funds for the RFDS, not cost them anything in terms of an avoidable rescue. Consider this "RESPONSIBLE" adventure!

Here in Coober Pedy, DUSTY MECHANICAL SERVICES stepped-in with help of a small modification of the rear pannier rack on my bike; an extra stiffener (just a safety pre-caution) in advance of the huge load I will be taking into the Simpson desert on leg 8. Thanks heaps David & Nora!

Of course, where would you be without friends. My great mates back in Brisbane have been helping out with updating the website with my text messages from afar. Thanks heaps Adrian, Aaron and Pete for your team effort. I'll get some photos sent today.