Sylvia Dansie and Mike Stockdale represented Port Lincoln at this inaugural event held earlier his month. The 360 km ride started at Blinman in the Flinders Ranges and followed the Mawson Bike trail to Melrose. It could be completed over 4 days in stages (75 riders) or straight through in pairs (48 riders).
Karin Laherstorfer had trained for this event with Sylvia, but was unable to ride after slipping over and tearing a hamstring just 9 days prior. Fortunately Mike was able to ride at short notice and team ’Hot Eyre’ made the Start line on June 11th.
The Mawson Trail is comprised of fire tracks, station tracks, a little single track, gravel roads and linking sections of sealed road.
The straight through duo ride was won by champion rider Chris Jongerwaard and partner Brett Anderson in 14 hours 9 minutes with 3 other duo male teams finishing in under 15 hours. Of the 24 teams (16 male, 3 female & 5 mixed), 5 were unable to finish mainly due to exhaustion.
Sylvia and Mike took 27 hours 55 minutes finishing ahead of two other duo teams in open competition. They took a 1.5 hour stop at the Hawker check point (after 12 hours) for warm food and shower, and then 2 hours at Quorn including a 1 hour nap.
“Hot Eyre’ average moving speed was 18.3 kph, with14.3 kph overall.
Energy expenditure was approximately 10,000 calories.
Phil Dansie provided team support and was a very welcome sight along the way.
Spectacular scenery awed riders, especially between Blinman and Rawnsley Bluff,.
Team ‘Hot Eyre’ had one puncture and just on dark, was briefly blocked by six or so large, horned bulls that thankfully gave way.
The ride was very challenging due to its length, scores of gully & creek crossings and a 14 hour long night. Good lights were essential.
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