Adventurer Hein Eigenhuis from Moruya will join the droves of motoring competitors in the 2013 Australasian Safari in outback Western Australia this month.
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Known as the toughest endurance motorsport event in the Asia Pacific region, Mr Eigenhuis will tackle the week-long challenge solo on his beloved KTM 500 motorcycle.
Stretching over 3500 kilometres of Australian desert, Hein said it was the first time he had entered the race, which resembled the Paris to Dakar challenge.
“This is kind of like a rally event. The entire race occurs on dirt in the outback and is a closed circuit attracting many international competitors,” he said.
“We aren’t allowed to know exactly where the race will be because it is a blind race – you don’t know where you are going except for the map they give you at the start line.”
Mr Eigenhuis said to prepare for the race he entered the two-day, 950-kilometre Condobolin 750 motorcycle race and rides his bike at least every second day.
“I just love motorcycles and I love adventures and the unknown,” he said.
“I think it’s really exciting to set off on a course you have never seen before and see things you never would unless you do a race like this one.
“I have a competitive spirit and to push both my mind and body for a week will be a massive challenge and I’m not sure how I’m going to handle it.
“Finishing the event will be a mile stone in itself – to know that I have finished one of the hardest races in Australia will be extremely rewarding.”
Mr Eigenhuis had to modify his bike for the gruelling event – installing a scroll map reader, extra fuel tanks, beefed up suspension and better brakes.
He said he received a lot of support from the people and businesses of Moruya who donated their services, as well as oil, spare parts and tyres, in preparation for the race.
“Everyone has been really supportive and I think it helps that Moruya is a really motorcycle friendly area,” he said.
Mr Eigenhuis’ partner, Frances Bussield, will be his service group member and support in the lead up to the race and his salvation during the harsh hurdles he may come across on the safari.
They leave on Wednesday with the race to run from September 20 to September 27.
“We have taken the month off and will be driving over for the race with the bike in tow, so hopefully we make it,” he said.
Last year 115 competitors started the Australasian Safari and after a prologue and seven legs 92 crossed the finish line.
For more information on the 2013 Australasian Safari visit www.australasiansafari.com.au
