TRAVERSE Issue 32 - October 2022 | Seite 72

TRAVERSE 72
broken , bodies bruised and blackened , in the pursuit of adventure . Not one complaint , arrogance left at home .
As the sun dips behind the hills each day , strangers come together , tools in hand searching for the next bike that needs repairing for the following days adventure . Camaraderie like no other , a desire to see everyone complete the three days of riding , brought together with a beer and a lot of laughs . Strangers bonding over bikes and banter , just willing for everyone to get to the end regardless of machines , riding style and capability .
The morning chills quickly forgotten as riders group to find what the day will hold . Leaders explain the route and plans , the riders care little , they ’ ll follow , they ’ ll explore , they ’ ll laugh and cry . Groups swell and diminish as riders drop to a ‘ lower ’ level after a previous exhausting day of enduro or step up to something more challenging .
“ How are you riding that big thing on this ?”, a question thrown in at the end of a day . A shrug in recognition that it will be done again tomorrow .
“ If I have to climb another rock outcrop I ’ ll dump the bike and walk home ,” an enduro rider slumps his shoulders , his mates laugh , the banter takes over .
“ You can stick that gravelly creek bed shit ,” a GS rider exclaims . “ Can we do it again tomorrow .”
The very nature of the Flinders Classic is to bring together like minded riders with little fear of assessment , judgement , or ridicule . It ’ s about adventure , exploration and discovering more about yourself and the wider community . Untamed , harsh
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