Adventure rider and founder of the Great Australian Ride, Stuart Ball, will attempt to set a new record for a west-to-east crossing of Australia via the Gunbarrel Highway and Simpson Desert.
(UPDATE: Stuart crashed out but hopes to have a third attempt.)
He left last night (September 7, 2017) and hopes to be on the east coast early next week.
You can follow Stuart in his bid by clicking on his Spot Tracker site.
“My focus is to be the fastest man across Australia,” he says. “I have fuel laid out in the Gunbarrel and the Simpson.”
The time to beat is 70 hours and 33 minutes.
2016 record attempt
His solo attempt last year was shattered when the wiring harness on his KTM 990 burnt out.
“Certainly, very unfortunate as I was making good ground and feeling strong,” he says.
“I had left Steep Point at 4.30am and rode nonstop as far as Docker River some 1800km in just 27 hours (almost half way across the country).
“Riding the notorious and difficult Gun Barrel Highway at night which I will never forget.”
2017 record attempt
A year later Stuart is set for another attempt, this time on a faster and lighter KTM 950SE.
Stuart is hoping his ride will help raise awareness and funds for Red Nose that aims to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
So far his Great Australian Ride team has raised $90,000 this year and he’s hoping to break $100,000.
You can donate by clicking here.
Stuart started from the Steep Point sign in WA and hopes to ride to Cape Byron Light House, NSW.
He will then walk the Cape Byron Walking Track, then the Little Wategos Track to the last rock of mainland Australia.
“A true west to east,” he says.
“My course is set and I endeavour to give it my best shot with Godspeed, adventure, courage and freedom.”
- Send your message of support via his Facebook page.