The Great Australian Ride

21/03/2023

To start our 2023 Tour Calendar, GAR has come out swinging like a heavy weight with a real short, sharp cracker challenge for you! Designed to push you and your machine. This is only for riders who love sand as this desert is a tricky one to ride and navigate through. We strongly recommend smaller bikes for this ride from 250cc – 690cc.

Little Desert Moto Challenge ride will be a double crossing - total 350kms
Friday 24th March – Coaching Day.
Saturday 25th March - 175km from Dimboola to Frances. Following GPS tracks.
Sunday 26th March - 175 km from Frances to Dimboola. Following GPS tracks.

We will be focusing on sand riding technique, correct tyre pressures, bike setup and fitness. Our goal is to prepare you and your machine for tough terrain, increase your ADV self-awareness, your abilities and knowledge. To enable you and your bike to reach your destination safely.

Few spots left for this weekends ride
Accept the Challenge and ride the Little Desert.

Contact Stuart
[email protected]

13/03/2023

Ok Riders....Only 12 days till the Little Desert Moto Challenge starts.

By now you should have your accommodation booked and bikes primed and ready to go.

As a reminder,
IMPORTANT - You will need either a Spot Tracker or epirb for this ride. You must email your tracker link to the Event Organiser before Mon 20th March. All riders MUST HAVE a tracking device so that we can locate you throughout the ride.

ALSO, Please keep your gear down to a minimum (ONE BAG) so that it can be carried in our support vehicle across to Frances and then back to Dimboola. Last year people were bringing way to much!

For those riders participating in the Fri Train Day.
We will be focusing on sand riding technique, correct tyre pressures, bike setup and fitness. Our goal is to prepare you and your machine for tough terrain, increase your ADV self awareness, your abilities and knowledge. To enable you and your bike to reach your destination safely.

For any late comings.....their are a few spots still available if you are keen for the challenge. Contact Stuart [email protected]

Any worries, please feel free to contact me....till then Happy Travels.

28/02/2023

WELCOME TO THE DIMBOOLA TRIANGLE RIDE 2023

Make no mistake, this ride is a true test of character and endurance! 3 consecutive days of Australia's most technical and toughest terrain. Question is : Can you be part of an Elite group of ten adventure riders, to overcome diversity and master two deserts. Do you have the sheer grit and determination to conquer the TRIANGLE?

THE NUTS AND BOLTS - This will be a lead ride and corner man event. You will be provided with a paper map and GPS routes as extra safety navigation aids. This ride is a team event and you will be required to work together so that all riders cross the line. There will be a support vehicle with food, water and fuel in tow. It is however advisable that you do carry a camel back and snacks.
The Dimboola Triangle Ride is only for riders who are confident in sand.

We stronglyrecommend smaller bikes for this ride from 250cc – 690cc.

The Dimboola Triangle Ride will be a 3 day ride - total 700km
Cost for The Dimboola Triangle Ride - $595

Accept this incredible challenge and get in quick - Limited to 10 Crack ADV Riders. For more info contact [email protected]

25/02/2023

Here she is! The official Little Desert Moto Challenge Map.

Riders will receive this map as a digital photo for reference a day before the ride commences. You will also be emailed both GPX routes for your Garmin or KML for smart phone.
We have a few spots left on this ride.....get in quick, only 26 days to GO.

GAR strives to ensure the best Outback adventures in the most remote areas of Australia. Make 2023 your year for ADVENTURE COURAGE FREEDOM!

Stuart Ball
Founder - The Great Australian Ride
Marketing, design and lead rider
W www.thegreataustralianride.com
E [email protected]

23/02/2023

Righto fellas!
WELCOME TO THE GEO CENTRE EXPEDITION 2.0!

GAR continues to rewritten the adventure history book! We are extremely proud to re release this one of a kind Simpson Desert adventure ride after last years amazing success. Make no mistake fellas, this is no ordinary ride, this is a full blown adventure Expedition! A true test of character and endurance! Seven consecutive days of Australia's most technical and toughest terrain. Question is : Can you be part of an elite group of six adventure riders, to overcome diversity and master this mind blowing seven day Simpson desert loop.

Do you have the sheer grit and determination to conquer the GEO? If so read on.....

THE GEO MISSION - Be in the knowledge it has taken GAR over ten years and more than twenty other Simpson desert rides to be able to present such a ride as The Geo Centre Expedition. Trust that you are in good hands and we take this ride extremely seriously. Once we leave the French line to head north to the Geo we are completely on our own. Last year we created a formula that worked beautifully and we'll replicate that again for this years run. I can guarantee you will see the Simpson Desert in a completely different light once you have completed this ride. The scenery and pockets of untouched wildlife that you will encounter is nothing short of spectacular. It'll bend your mind in a way that you will never want to ride a designated track ever again!

Our Route to the Geo – We'll leave Birdsville and head west to Big Red. Connect to the QAA Line and bang out our first day run to Poeppel Corner. Please note there are no set designated camp spots for this Expedition, we ride on the fly and pull up for camp when the time is right. From Pop Corner we drop onto the French Line and push through to Knolls, approx 17kms west of Knolls Track is where we'll turn north to punch up between the dunes to locate the Geo. This is where the fun is!! 80km of mind blowing terrain. This is a way in that we have done in 2022 so for the crew it is all known territory. In reaching the GEO CENTRE (Our half way marker) we'll celebrate in style, rest up and enjoy the utter spender of this truly unique place, she's probably the most remote place on Earth.
From the Centre we'll progress north, between the dunes, slow and steady we carefully picking our way north/east over saddles of sand dunes, after 80km of trackless terrain until we reach Madigan's Camp 9. Reaching the Madigan Line, another massive milestone completed on our adventurous loop. From Camp 9 we'll follow Cecil Madigan Line east, considered the most challenging and interesting way of crossing the Simpson. Once we reach the Hay River track we'll run south for a very short stretch then branch east again at the Blaze Tree to continue along the remainder of the Madigan. From there were in cattle country and she starts to open up, allowing us to ride fast south along the Eyre Creek track to reconnect back onto the QAA Line. From here it's a short 25 km dash to BIG RED! She's been there for millions of years....patiently awaiting our triumphal return! Rest in the knowledge fellas, we have returned as truly MAGIFICIANT MEN!! Mission Complete.

THE NUTS AND BOLTS - This will be a lead ride and corner man event. You will be provided with a paper map and GPS routes as extra safety navigation aids. This ride is a team event and you will be required to work together so that all riders cross the line. There will be a support vehicle with food, water and fuel in tow. It is however advisable that you do carry a 2 liter camel back and has room for snacks.

The GEO CENTRE EXPEDITION is only for riders who are confident in sand. We strongly recommend smaller bikes for this expedition from 250cc – 690cc.
THE GEO CENTRE EXPEDITION will be a 7 day loop - total 780km. (Please note – We state 7 days max, if we are on track with no issues we may be back into Birdville in 6 days.)
Cost for THE GEO CENTRE EXPEDITION 2.0 - $2495.00
Accept this incredible challenge and get in quick - Limited to 6 Crack ADV Riders.
Starts 12th June - 18th June 2023
Contact Stuart
[email protected]

16/01/2023

Good Monday Morning Adv'ers!

I'm a bit slow out of the traps this year....but make no mistake GAR 2023 is going to be an awesome one.

LITTLE DESERT MOTO CHALLENGE 2023 is ready for registration. Limited to 25. I have signed up 5 just last week, so we are off and running. If you are keen for this ride, contact [email protected]

Staying with Victoria, because it's just an incredible place to ride....I'll be releasing THE DIMBOOLA TRIANGLE tonight. She's be an all new 3 day blast ride that'll really push you and machine. It will be a lead rider ride by Stuart Ball. We are looking to dial in ten experienced sand riders on small capacity bikes for this mission.

Info for Simpson rides coming very soon.
Happy travels.

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas to Everyone.
Especially you bad ass ADVENTUREMAXERS!

What a year it has been!!
Looking forward to riding tracks with you in 2023. Happy travels.

29/11/2022

Happy Birthday Keith Weir.
From the 2015 Great Australian Ride crew.

Great memories mate....long live The Barry Award.

29/11/2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbHon7BX-ek

Ever wondered what it would be like to live and work out at Australia's most remote Pub, MT DARE? Isabelle & Jeremy have put together an awesome YouTube video of their time at Mt Dare. From recoveries to events, plane trips for eggs! Drinking water from a nearby bore, tyre changing to trips to Dalhousie Springs and Old Andado Homestead. Even the girls from the All Women Simpson Desert Crossing get a good cameo and explain the work they do for Dolly's Dream.
How remote is MT DARE? Mt Dare Hotel is situated on the Western Edge of the Simpson Desert in South Australia. 1510km north of Adelaide. The pub is a popular spot for Simpson Desert goers, as well as a stop by for tourists heading from the Oodnadatta Track, Binns Track, Old Ghan and off the highway from Kulgera.
Check their video and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Happy travels.

G'day, we're Isabelle & Jeremy and we have been travelling Australia since October 2020. From April to the end of 2022, we worked seasonally at the most remo...

21/10/2022

G'DAY ADVENTURERS.

GAR is back after some much needed rest after the Adventuremax ride. It has been good to let the dust settle and consider the upcoming 2023 GAR Itinerary.

As always we have an absolute cracker of a lineup for you and your machine! They'll be new rides, some fav Simpson rides and a couple of tough challenges thrown in to really get your adv DNA tingling. These GAR rides will be released over this month.

First up - LITTLE DESERT MOTO CHALLENGE Released today! Event starts 24th March 2023. Limited to 25 riders.
Have you got what it takes to accept the challenge and complete a double crossing of the Little Desert? Secure your spot today.

Contact [email protected]

In addition to next years itinerary....After the success of 10 east to west crossing of Australia I'd like to offer an intensive 4 day train/ride program, based out of Maryborough, Qld. Maryborough is situated 250km north of Brisbane and is on the doorstep to a hive of amazing forest, single trails, sand/beach tracks. Fraser Island is not far and would be an ideal location to train on. This program will consist of 6 topics which I consider to be the backbone to Adventure riding. Weather you are new to riding or a seasoned throttle jockey I'll be looking to sign up individuals who are keen to learn and boost their adventurous frame of reference! Gain self awareness and confidence to ride any desert solo, expand their resources. Navigate day or night through tough terrain and use the elements to their advantage. More will emerge about this course in due time, I am excited about this new program and the prospect of meeting new people and sharing what I have learnt from 10 ADVENTUREMAX Rides.

GAR strives to ensure the best Outback adventures in the most remote areas of Australia. Make 2023 your year for ADVENTURE COURAGE FREEDOM!

03/09/2022

ADVENTUREMAX - FINAL RUN - 2022
TIME TO LET GO.

THANK YOU FROM TEAM GAR.

I have found that truly memorable experiences evolve from pushing your boundaries. The Great Australian Ride will test you; it will inspire you and it will push you way out of your comfort zone! I believe that every single rider involved in GAR will have questioned why they chose to participate in this ride and for many, it is the need to rise to the challenge and to feel that ultimate escape!

This ride, and the good effects that have come from it, has drawn riders from all walks of life. I am very proud of the interest that we have created not just in the motorcycle community but also with the wonderful people of the vast Australian Outback.

Over the last 10 years, ADVENTUREMAX has evolved and progressed and given me the ability to create other incredibly successful rides such as MADIGAR, GEO CENTRE, CAPEGAR, LITTLE DESERT MOTO CHALLENGE, ALL WOMEN SIMPSON DESERT CROSSING and ALL WOMEN SIMPSON DESERT CHALLENGE. Through some self-discovery, I have realised that I have never been scared to take risks, to ride off the beaten track, to seize the moment and to step back, take a breath and appreciate the good.

The Great Australian Ride all started because of my daughter, Gabrielle. It started with the idea of giving back. At the time, I was experiencing a very difficult and trying period of my life when it was all take take take and what I really wanted to do was give back. From that idea, and with the help of many good people, GAR has raised over $600 000 in charitable funds and has given the opportunity for 150 riders to cross Australia. Have the hassles, heartache and grief been worth it? Of course, 100% YES! I feel as though I have come full circle, becoming a wiser, stronger and more resilient man for it.

Among many triumphs, there have been failures, but through GAR, I have learnt that failure is the only way to learn and grow. Even with covid testing us, we never faltered in our determination to complete our 10th crossing! Thank you to everyone that stood fast! Your patience and perseverance paid off. I have stayed true to my course and now it’s time to let go and focus on some other exciting projects!

I would like to say a special thank you to everyone who has donated to our chosen charities over the years. The kind generosity that I have witnessed from around Australia and across the globe has been overwhelming. Thank you to our riders and support team for all you hard work and courage. Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters, your help and commitment have truly contributed to our success.

A big thank you to Tex, Lucy, Jason and Sheila (the mighty red heeler) for your support during this final GAR run and a thank you to all the fantastic people we have had the pleasure to meet as we rode across. Hundreds of great people who gave their time and resources to help us, from roadhouses to camping grounds, motorcycle shops to freight companies, your response to our cause has been tremendous!

Last but not least, thank you Gabrielle. You are and always will be my compass x

Happy Travels
Stuart Ball
Founder-The Great Australian Ride

26/08/2022

GAR ADVENTUREMAX SUPPORT CREW

Special thanks to Tex, Lucy, Jason and of course Shelia our red healer.

Thank you for answering the call and putting your lifes on hold to join this final run.

Crossing Australia is never an easy task and you guys never quit. We fixed a lot of breakages, replaced many a inner tube and shared a thousand memories together.

Thank you...wishing you all a safe and adventurous journey home x

20/08/2022

We have just completed our 10th and final ADVENTUREMAX!

It hasn't been easy and we've certainly had some very challenging days. But we have pulled it off again and arrived at Steep Point.

Massive thanks to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.

13/08/2022

At the heart (Uluru) tonight. Has been 0 degrees out here last few nights!

Stage 2 complete with some issues but we are in good shape to continue. Both Donal and Ian have caught us up. The ride to Alice, Kings Canyon and Uluru was spectacular.

We'll be camping in Western Australia tomorrow night with a full moon....has been 3 years in the making.

05/08/2022

Most definitely the most difficult Stage 1 - ADVENTUREMAX in GAR history!

Mother nature is not making it easy for us to cross Australia. We've copped rains, storms, high winds and mud on our way from Byron to Birdsville. Fried clutches and broken tow bar....it has been a memorable journey.

The Team is in high spirits and we are on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Rest day today with a play on Big Red. Sun is shinning and bikes are running well.
Happy travels.

31/07/2022

10th run.

12/07/2022

This is it ADVENTUREMAXERS!

Official GAR poster hot off the digital press.

I'll be adding the riders/support names to the poster a couple of days before the GO.

02/07/2022

Proud to announce - The Great Australian Ride 2022 is in full flight!

Chance prefers the Patient Rider. 3 years in the making.

Lets make this crossing the best one yet. Happy Travels.

26/06/2022

The Geo Centre Expedition has been a complete success!

5 riders and 3 support have just returned to Birdsville after an incredible journey to the heart of the Simpson Desert.

A dream true come true after years of planning. We set out 5 days ago and reached the centre early Fri morning.

We ventured north on a formed track from the French Line for 35km, from there we followed a salt pan and made another 20kms north. Hoping to connect with Shot Lines to take us noth/west we found faint to none out there. After burning an hour of daylight and energy trying to locate any lines the team decided to punch on over the dunes and make their our way towards the Geo. All I can say is 78kms of tough beautiful harsh country. A ride none of the team will ever forget. The dunes harmonised awesome team spirit and we all worked together to get though the Simpson's challenging terrain.

It was extremely satisfying to finally reach the Geo Centre. The boys were both relieved and jubilant!

The home run south to the Frenchy was much easier and we sliced 82kms between the dunes. About every 10km was still some very uneven ground and dodging spinefex was becoming tiring to say the least. But we persevered and was very very happy to reconnect with an known track.

There were a few good bike crashes on the dunes but the boys were tough buggers and we managed the entire journey without injury. The two trusty Toyota support Landcruiser handled everything well and the drivers were upbeat and positive regardless of any difficulty. Zero punctures to report, all vehicles made it in and out under their own steam.

This ride has certainly changed my whole perception of the Simpson. Our confidence and skill has increased tenfold. To see the Simpson from the inside out has been both inspiring and captivating. Their are vast pockets of wildlife I have never experienced before, miles of gidgee trees and amazing flora. The Simpson is most definitely a very living desert.

The team itself.....hhhmmmm....Never, have I seen such a blatant display of magnificence! All prepared to lay in on the line to get the job done. I sincerely thank them all for their time and trust. It has been one hell of an awesome Expedition.

Who Dares Wins.

20/06/2022

Huge thanks to the Donohue family, Lee and Andrew for providing such great support on our MADIGAR 2.0 adventure.

You blokes were AWESOME!

20/06/2022

MADIGAR 2.0
This ride has been a great success.
Happy to report no injuries. No punctures. We enjoyed a clean run (800kms) across the Madigan Line with an awesome crew. More photos to come....

Now in Birdsville preparing for our Simpson Geo Centre ride. We'lll be leaving after lunch today.

30/05/2022

An oldie.....but a goodie! 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeFeEDoBnwM

Adventure is always on your doorstep, just waiting for you. All you need to do is take that first step. This group of individuals take adventure to new level...

30/05/2022

Couple of spots left for this up coming AWESOME AUGUST ADVENTUREMAX!

In a world of order, mortgage repayments, traffic jams and gov regulations I believe our freedom is worth fighting for more than ever! Over the years we’ve had some incredible Adventure, Courage and Freedom.

Brothers.....for the last two years we have been denied access to cross our own country, but....we now have a access into WA. The time has come for one last east to west crossing.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR ADVENTUREMAX 2022.
Leave date is 31st July 2022 - Byron Bay.

I invite you to join me on the last GREAT AUSTRALIAN RIDE crossing. We are going to make this run count and run free as wild adventures should. History has shown, Perseverance pays.

For more info and to register for ADVENTUREMAX 2022 contact [email protected]

GAR strives to ensure the best Outback adventures in the most remote areas of Australia. Make 2022 your year for ADVENTURE COURAGE FREEDOM!

Like to add, thank you for supporting GAR and standing by us in these difficult times.🙂

ADVENTUREMAX Promo Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzd_raJpOs8

29/05/2022

Update on Geo Centre Expedition.

Happy to announce we have 2 support vehicle on this Expedition. 4 experienced riders have locked in. We are looking for 3 more riders to complete the team. The Geo Centre Expedition is going to be a exciting remote unique 800km loop ride to the Simpson heart.

A fully supported 5 day/4 night adventure. Via the southern section of the Simpson. Go where others fear to ride with confidence.

Start and finish - Mungeranie Hotel, SA
22nd - 26th June 2022.

Please keep in mind.....this is no pony ride....all interested riders must have excellent sand riding skills to be considered for this expedition.

If you are interested contact [email protected]

21/05/2022

MADIGAR 2.0 Line up!
WHO DARES WINS - Leaves MT DARE on the 15th June 2022

Adventure into the most remote areas of the Simpson with GAR.
2022 is fully booked out. We are currently taking registered interest for the MADIGAR 3,0 in June 2023.

Get in quick to secure your Simpson adventure with the best.

www.thegreataustralianride.com
Home of ADVENTURE COURAGE FREEDOM🙂

10/05/2022

Just a selection of the all new GAR merchandise!

Head over to My Moto Merch site.
https://my-moto-merch.myshopify.com/