By Jed Lanyon
Yarra Glen resident Sam Handley is set to face one of Australia’s toughest off-road races next month.
Mr Handley will be competing in the Tatts Finke Desert Race, a gruelling multi terrain two-day race for bike, cars, buggies and quads through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community and back again.
Mr Handley, who is recovering from a broken ankle, will be competing in the race after it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
“It wasn’t ideal, but I’ve been back on the bike now for three weeks and I’m feeling pretty good now. Hopefully I’ll have a good year,” he said.
Mr Handley spoke of how a broken ankle impacted on his preparation for the Tatts Finke Desert race, which will be held across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June.
“It definitely doesn’t help. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t bad, there’s no ligament damage, so it’s probably on the better side of an ankle break opposed to what some are like.
“It definitely hinders the bike prep time, but you do as much as you can to keep your fitness up while you’re stuck at home.”
The injury comes after Mr Handley was ‘stuck at home’ for another reason as the pandemic took hold of the country plunging it into lockdown.
“It was definitely quite a hard period last year not being able to get out and have those stress relievers like we do out riding the bikes. Honestly it’s awesome to get back on the bike and have some fun again, it never worries me getting on the bike. I’m not scared to get back on after a while out so that’s good.”
Mr Handley described the Tatts Finke Desert Race as “one of a kind”.
“It’s like nothing else in the world. The speeds you get up to are in the vicinity of over 150km/h and you’re going through these whoops or corrugations that are in some spots, waist deep. It’s that exhilarating nature of the race and it’s something that drags a lot of people out there including myself.
“It’s definitely one of the most difficult races in Australia based on the average speed you’re running and for 230 kilometres… It’s just a very gruelling and demanding track and you have to have that four inches inbetween your ears in a good space so you can allow yourself to push the boundaries.”
Mr Handley finished 27th overall in the race in 2019, but said he doesn’t have expectations on a position this year and that coming out of the race unscathed is always the main goal.
“When you have those expectations, you always sort of leave yourself open to disappointment. The race itself is a very difficult experience on its own. There’s so many contributing factors that can ruin your weekend. Getting there and back healthy and on two wheels is the main goal.
“If you’re into motorbikes or any form of motorsport in general, it’s definitely a race you should check out. Nothing’s better than watching cars and bikes barreling through the desert at break-neck speeds in the red centre.”
