This week I was in Coober Pedy for work was fortunate enough to see the start of a bike ride that commenced in Coober Pedy and continued over three days for 160 km along the unsealed road to Oodnadatta. I work with one of the companies that helped sponsor the ride and the bosses said get down there with your camera (I always carry a camera with me).

The ride was planned and supported by the Umoona Pjutagku Health Service (part of Health SA) in Coober Pedy and is part of a program to raise awareness of health and nutrition in the aboriginal community. 

There were about 20 people on the ride and there was a mix of younger kids, teenagers and their dads accompanied by the Health SA workers and support crew.

At the start, just next to the oval, kids were on their new bikes doing monos and skids while waiting for the official start. I wanted to jump on a bike and join in!

There was a bit of urgent running around at the last minute for gel seat covers (they're gonna need them) and I wonder if any of them knew how much it was going to hurt after 20km let alone 160 km!

SBS had a camera there and I think it might be shown on the 'Living Black' program at some stage. I wish I could say more about the ride but I don't know many details to report.

I did see one of the organisers this afternoon and he said that after the first day there were a lot of aching and tired riders, but they had a great camping spot and an unseasonably warm night (earlier this week it was hellishly cold at night in CP).

Good luck to all involved, keep the rubber side down, and BelgianCoober Pedy-up!