AT 61-years-old, most people might be slowing down.
But for Congarinni man Martin Russel, life is still moving full throttle, literally.
This June, Martin will take on Australia’s most gruelling motor endurance event, the Tatts Finke Desert Race.
Held annually on the King’s Birthday long weekend, the Finke is a world renowned off-road, multi-terrain race that pushes competitors to their physical and mechanical limits.
Riders navigate the harsh desert landscape from Alice Springs to the remote Aputula (Finke) community and back.
The Finke event is unique in that it enables people of all walks of life to become involved.
Over 600 competitors will race along a 460km course that is open to all-comers.
Martin is no stranger to motorbikes and has been racing motocross for over 50 years.
“I feel I want to take on the challenge of one of Australia’s greatest endurance races while I still can,” Martin told News Of The Area.
“Preparation has been key, both physically and mentally, so spending lots of time on the bike is very important and making sure the bike is as prepared as it can be gives me confidence that helps my mental focus.”
Martin will take on the Finke riding a fully rebuilt 41-year-old 1983 Honda CR480, originally gifted to him by Chris Elderfield Motorcycles in the UK in 1996.
While this will be Martin’s first Finke, he’s approaching the challenge with equal parts excitement and respect.
“This race will be a new experience, so I’m hoping I can enjoy the ride and take in the desert environment as much as I can,.” he said.
Recent wet weather has impacted his ability to get out and train, but Martin remains optimistic.
He also acknowledges the support of local businesses that have made his participation possible, such as Chris Beslic Excavations, Fortade Group, Mid Coast Trucks, and Mid Coast Moto.
Martin is well known in the community for turning his passion for riding into a force for good, hosting the Snakey Creek Enduro on his Congarinni property to raise funds for local and national causes such as Macksville Palliative Care, Wish for Willow, assisting a little girl to travel to America for a life changing hearing operation, and MND Research Australia.
Any unused support from his Finke campaign will be donated to MND Research Australia.
By Mick BIRTLES
