SHOWING PEOPLE THE BEAUTY OF THE RED CENTRE
Clarke Petrick is one part of Outback Cycling, who run tours a bike shop and bike hire both at Uluru and in Alice. Clarke and his wife Justine are a crucial part of cycling’s growth in the Red Centre, and the news about further expansion fits the demand.
“On the tours riders get interesting history and geology, and indigenous stories. It suits the full-on mountain biker but as a tourist there’s that experience too. Better on a bike than a bus!” Clarke enthused as we asked about the tours they run. But the chance for a long-distance route to come to Alice is exciting, especially to
truly experience the area. “It is really important we have something of scale,” said Clarke, adding that the new infrastructure will draw the focus away from Alice Springs and further into the outback. It’s a broader experience for any visitors, and offers a greater chance to engage with the country, the people and the stories.
We stayed on in Alice Springs for Lasseters Easter in the Alice, and experienced everything you’d expect from a visit to the Red Centre. We rode dry trails, saw brilliant sunrises and epic sunsets. We went to swimming holes with locals, hiked up Mt Gillen, and soaked up the warm, dry air. Best of all – we slowed down. Alice Springs is the throbbing heart of Central Australia, but the pulse isn’t so fast that it’s not a holiday. We can’t wait to see how the mountain bike master plan plays out, allowing further access to the great nothingness of red rock, blue sky and desert trails in Central Australia.