podcast

I Finke I can, I Finke I can

The Finke Desert Race has a reputation for being one of the toughest off road motor sport events in the world.

It began 38 years ago when two Alice Springs motorbike riders wanted to challenge a local hero known for being unbeatable. By designing a grueling contest they thought they’d be able to catch him on more even ground.

Today the annual race, held over the Queen’s birthday long weekend in June, has hundreds of competitors from all over Australia and includes cars, quad bikes, buggys and motorcycles.

Racers drive or ride over 230 kilometres from Alice Springs to the small community of Aputula, formerly known as Finke. The next day they race back to Alice Springs, some hoping to win – most hoping just to make it back.

The many that don’t finish are a testament to the punishing track, originally a service road for the Gahn railway line. Although the name of the race has changed from ‘There and Back’ the sentiment hasn’t changed – to finish is a huge achievement.

Another huge part of Finke is what sits alongside the track. Thousands of people camp along the trail. It’s dangerous for both racers and spectators but locals aren’t phased, even with the knowledge that some have died.

Camping at Finke is a strong tradition in Alice Springs and a good excuse to get outdoors with family and friends.

The buzz of activity in the town in the lead up is called ‘Finke Fever’. Last year Alice Springs ran out of marshmallows, let’s hope that’s not the case this year as Off Track investigates the legend of Finke.

First broadcast on RN’s Off Track in June, 2013.