Mixed in with high revving four-stroke engines is the unmistakable sound, the pinning rattle of a small two-stroke engine. Then the sweet smell of burning oil as two strokes line-up alongside KTM 500s, CRF450s and the blue streaks of Yamaha YZ250 and 450s. Some of the riders are dressed in riding pants and body armour with riding shirts over vests. While others have full on racing suits and team colours.
Hundreds of sand warriors and their machines prepare to tackle one of Australia’s premier but, terrifying, high speed, throttle wide open sand sprints. It is a 300 kilometre event on uneven sand with large jump ups and deep bike swallowing holes. This is not a race for the faint of heart, it’s a test of courage, skill, determination and a complete lack of self-preservation.
In the beginning…..
Queensland’s ultimate sand showdown:the Don River Dash, was like a lot of events, it started from a small get-together of a couple of dare-devil riders. According to the internet and a couple of the older local bikers that I ride with once a month, the current Don River Dash began as the Don River Enduro Race in 1977. It was a simple sand race. However, once the Burdekin Off-roaders club got involved it changed format, added trucks and buggies and became the official Don River Dash.
For more information on its history, check out the official Don River Dash Website. It is now on the Australian Motor Racing Association calendar. The race has had some star-studded winners, including Dakar and Finke race champion, Toby Price.
Peace before the storm
I’m sitting on Emu, a hot coffee in hand, looking over the dry Don River near the Don River Bridge in Bowen, North Queensland. During the dry season, between April and November, this river is a dry, hot, desolate strip of deep sand that stretches from the Great Dividing Range to the Coral Sea.
In the wet season it’s a wide raging torrent of water, some say the fastest flowing river in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a complete contrast to how it looks today. It’s not a long river, as rivers go, and it’s not the type of water course that would or could be home to crocodiles. But it offers something that few other racetracks can provide, sand and lots of it.
The race is a uniquely Don River and Bowen experience, a dry river which is uncommon in the tropics. It’s located in the township of Bowen, at the top of the Whitsunday island group. The town itself, one of the most beautiful tropical paradises with arguably two of the best beaches in Queensland. Check out my blog post on Queensland best beaches if you’re not convinced. Queensland’s Best Beaches.
Lack of viewing locations
The race covers a 300 kilometres circuit, through the deepest river sand. The riverbed is wide and flat, the only downside is an unfortunate lack of spectator access to the action. Standing in the riverbed will get you arrested by the police, or at least that’s what they said to me. And don’t even think about taking photos unless you’re an official-registered Motorsports Australia photographer.
If you’re a follower of motorsport you only have two choices, at the start line and at the secondary viewing platform at the Don River Crossing about 30 kilometres west just off the Collinsville road. As you can see from the above photo, the river bed is very narrow!!
A unique environment
The Don River starts west of Bowen in the Clarke Range, which is part of the Great Dividing Range, approximately 60 kilometres inland. It drops 253 metres over that distance and finally enters the Coral Sea through tidal mangroves, mud and shallow water at the top of Queen’s Beach, Bowen.
A Finke Race on the Coast
The Bowen community host people from all over the country to compete in the Dash. It usually occurs on the first weekend of September. But check the official website for actual dates. This usually dry river bed becomes a destination for one of the most exciting and death defying sand racing events on the Australian calendar, arguably second only to the great Finke Race from Alice Springs.
There are similarities between the Finke Race and the Dash. Both are on river beds, although the Finke is on an ancient riverbed, the Dash actually has some water in it at different places. While the Finke is a straight line desert race with a similar straight line charge for glory through deep bull dust and corrugations. The Dash is a racing circuit and has deep sand challenges and man made jumps and dips.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a toss up as to which is worse, deep desert bull dust, corrugations or energy sucking sand with man made challenges. I’m not a fan of either but would prefer bull dust to sand. Mind you, just crossing the river on Emu near the finish line was a challenge, he’s far too heavy for this style of riding.
The race attracts all sorts of people, including many locals who are motorcycle mad and have participated in the Dash since its inception. Many local businesses provide financial support to host the event each year. Like all racing events, credence should go to the organisers, volunteers and the Bowen community for welcoming all the families and competitors.
Monster Trucks, Side by Sides and Enduro Bikes
The race is a combination of motorcycles, side by side buggies and trucks. The mustering point and camping area for competitors is the Bowen Show Ground.
A family affair
If you’re a long term follower of my blogs you will know that I hate riding sand, in fact, it’s close to my greatest nightmare. That and being tied naked to a float at the Sydney Mardi Gras. The Don River Dash is more than a race, it’s a family affair, with families coming from all over the country to take part in this three day even. A community of camper trailers, vans and giant Mac Trucks arrive at the Bowen Show Grounds during the week preceding the race. They mark out their territory, with bikes or cars taking centre stage at their sites. They use the event as a camping and adventure holiday.
When I asked some of the participants what it was about Queensland’s ultimate sand showdown:the Don River Dash that inspired them to turn up each year, the answer wasn’t what you would expect. Many saying it’s the event, the family coming together and the opportunity to connect with bikers and other race crazy families.
Not without its risks
Queensland’s ultimate sand showdown:the Don River Dash is not risk-free, every year riders high side, low side or flip bikes, buggies and trucks. This year I was witness to one such event when a side by side ploughed into the jump up at the finish line.
This side by side hit a small depression before the main jump, dug in and then hit the major jump at full speed, flipping over in spectacular fashion. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Later, I talked with the next driver to arrive at the obstacle. He said the main suspension arm bolt dropped out, causing the suspension to fall down and dig into the ramp, flipping the car. He had the same issue but was fortunate to stop because of the accident and did not to end up in the same situation.
Conclusion
Queensland’s Ultimate Sand Showdown: The Don River Dash is a unique race, that is uniquely Bowen in character. Bowen is a small country town in one of the most spectacular settings on the coast of Queensland. Because of its down to earth country nature, it is often overshadowed by the more hyped Airlie Beach. The race itself seems to keep this same character, it’s a top event in a caring and friendly community.
Want to know more about the history of Bowen and North Queensland in general, and you like stories of motorcycle travel, don’t forget to pick up a copy of my books. Red Dust and Rainforests explores the North Queensland coast by motorcycle and explains some of its interesting history.
As always safe riding:)