The Tatts Finke Desert Race has just kicked off, with the two-day event promising the best in bike, car and buggie desert racing.
The Tatts Finke Desert Race is an off-road, multi-terrain two-day race for bikes, cars and buggies through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community. The race is held each year on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June. “Finke” as it is commonly known, is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory and has the reputation of being one of the most difficult off road courses in one of the most remote places in the world.
Rod Keogh of EP Cruises is getting ready to accomplish a long time dream of competing in the Tatts Finke Desert Race, with the goal of helping to mentor younger people into getting into motocross.
Keogh is one of the hundreds of entrants who will take part in the annual desert race today, which will see people on bikes and in cars and buggies go off-road through varied terrain from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community across the next few days.
Keogh’s passion for the sport exudes from him, regarding the event as something that he has always wanted to do, but just never had the chance.
With over 650 participants in the event, Keogh remains cool, calm and collected regarding the competition.
“I wanted to qualify in the top 200 and I’ve done that, so all I can do is just enjoy the ride and hope that I end up in the top 20. The race is brutal though, as of now, the top runners are completing the track in 2 hours and 45 minutes. If I can get close to that, I’ll be happy,” Rod says.
With this being his first race at Finke and first time in Alice Springs, Rod was so shocked by how much he enjoyed the trip as well as the community.
“The scenery when your riding past is so incredible, I’m riding my bike at 230km and looking at sweeping terrain and rocky mountains. It feels like a dream. At the age of 40, it shows you that there is no age limit to living out your dreams,” Rod says.
You can follow Rod’s journey on his Facebook. And for more information on the race, visit The Tatts Finke Desert Race website here.
More News
