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Richard Dodd

Simpson Desert Bike Challenge 2024

Simpson Desert Bike Challenge 2024

Help keep the Flying Doctor flying! 

It is official - I am doing it again - The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge. This is an amazing opportunity to play  in the worlds largest sandbox and raise some much needed funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service to enable them to continue responding at a moment’s notice for people living, working, and travelling in remote, rural and regional areas in Australia.

I will be doing all the hard work (and having an immense amount of fun) and all I ask is that you contribute some funds. Miss a coffee every now and again and donate that. The odd beer or three - it all adds up and helps immensely.

Last year alone, the RFDS reached more than 330,000 Australians with 24-hour emergency retrieval and primary health care. That’s one person every two minutes!


The Flying Doctor is always on call to help and save lives, and that’s why I’m asking you to chip in to and help the RFDS to provide the finest care to the furthest corner.


Go on. Please donate now towards my fundraiser, and let’s see how high our tally can fly.

My bit of history

I first came upon the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge some years back and it made a big impression on me – riding through one of the most inhospitable regions in Australia – all for a good cause, so when I was offered a chance to assist I leapt at it.

My first role was an ever changing one – a common fact with the SDBC – as I started off as a 2nd assistant to the support team of Justin ‘Maddog’ Morris and then morphed in the driver for the race doctor – the unforgettable Dr. Sue. I really enjoyed this free ranging role – rather than the static role of a water stop / medic driver, which I was the following year as the driver for Dr. Rob. I missed the next years ride as we were travelling around Australia.  2019 saw me back as a driver for the Media crew and in 2020 my favourite role as driver for Dr Sue. Various incidents had me (and Mr Kelly) heading off to Birdsville early to accompany a very ill support crew. We rejoined the race at Little Red for the grand procession into Birdsville.
In 2022 I succumbed to the lure of the Fatbike when I bought my first Fatbike. That year I rode the Googs Track and later that year the Sandy Blight Track then onto Uluru via the Great Western Highway (along with another bunch of SDBC stalwarts) Of course this started me thinking about the SDBC itself and the crazy idea that I might ride. After discussing this with the supporter of all my crazy ideas (who is also my support in these things ) I started training in earnest for my 6th participation in the SDBC - this time from the other side of the fence. My first foray did not go well as I succumbed to the fever of the SOD which blew me out of contention for my goal - a 100% medal.
So this year brings me back - a bit older, questionably wiser with my same crazy support crew and a new bike. What could possibly go wrong???
I do have a great love for the Australian outback and head off at any excuse – and these events do give me an opportunity to play around in the worlds biggest and greatest sandbox and also do some good – not often found together.
 So see you out there?

Week 15 Task 3 of 4

So today was a 3.5 hour endurance task on my Fatbike. Initially was planning on going to Bribie island for some sand riding but then decided to play in my back yard. Single track in the mountains can be fun albeit a bit challenging. Well this was just brutal. Badly eroded with washouts everywhere . Next time I will know what sections to avoid.
Tomorrow is a rest day - yayyyy time to catch up on some chores.

Please help me reach my goal

Raised

$964

My Goal

$10,000

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My impact

So far, my fundraising could help…

Provide a full range of life saving medication such as sedatives, pain relief and antibiotics so the Flying Doctor can be ready for 29 emergency situations.

Send 15 life saving-medical chest to remote communities

Provide one on one counselling to 9 outback Australians during a difficult time

Purchase 6 pieces of equipment that could include ventilators, defibrillators and infusion pumps which are used on board flights

Thank you to my supporters

OUTBACK HERO DONATION

$200

Libby Dodd

Hope you have a great time Rich

OUTBACK HERO DONATION

$158.25

Richard Dodd

OUTBACK HERO DONATION

$156

Jenny Rogers

In support of this very important & worthy service and I’m so proud of you for doing this!

$107.61

Kathy Gardner

Good on you Richard

$100

Ann Amos

Go Richard!!! You got this!!! Hope you have an amazing time in the desert. Hopefully not as hot as last year!! Ann and Steve

$67.52

Jorn Jacobsen

Have fun out there Richard

$52.75

Dale Streten

Good Luck Richard. I'm sure you do it well!

$52.50

Sarah Leaf

$34.81

Mind Matters Athlete Coaching

GO Richard 💪

$34.81

Lona Wilson

All the best Richard!

My Team Members