• Home
• Race Details
• Getting There
• Entry Form
• News
• Newsletters
• Downloads
• Our Sponsors
• Race Reports
• Stories
• Links
• Contact
• Members

 

 

 

In memoriam - Su Spencer

5th August 2011.

It is with great sadness I heard that Su Murphy has lost her battle with cancer and died on the 5th of August.
Almost everyone involved with the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge will remember little Su, the timekeeper.

I first met Su when I supported Grim in 1995, and she was timekeeper for all the 10 crossings I have done. In the early days, she drove a little Suzuki Grand Vitara that she got across dunes, flicking the back end as she went across. I only ever saw her bogged once. In more recent years she has been with husband John Murphy.
As well as being an outstanding timekeeper for SDBC, Su was an International level Commissaire, and officiated at bike races throughout Australia, and overseas.
When I saw Su two weeks ago, she was still interested in the Tour de France.
I offer my condolences to John, who has nursed Su through the last few months.
R.I.P. Little Su.

The funeral will be held Friday 12th August at 10.15am at the Florey Chapel, Centennial Park.

(words by Bruce Macky)

In memoriam - Kevin Tinker

31st July 2011.

Kevin died recently in Sydney 31st July 2011 aged 62. Kevin was born in Sydney 1949 growing up with his five sisters then moving to Lake Macquarie Central Coast to raise a family.

Kevin Tinker - Triathlete, Adventurer, All Round Great Guy leaves behind his much loved beautiful wife Teena and 3 children.

Kevin was in the 1999 race placing first in the Over 50's and 10th overall (pretty good for a 50 year old)....not sure if he was in another one but he knew the Simpson Desert well - as in the 70's he used to run tours through the Simpson Desert in mini buses with another guy. They were sponsored by Uncle Toby's at the time and used to be given boxes of Space Food Sticks (they were energy bars made by Uncle Toby's). It got them through the desert for three weeks at a time.

Kevin was always running or cycling or running up the side of a mountain he travelled and worked extensively in the last few years in different ares of Australia including the Pilbara, and crossed the Nullabor quite a few times.

Kevin led an interesting life he had many tales to tell including his adventures driving a bus from Afghanistan to London with Teena during the 70's. Kevin took over after the driver became ill and maintained the vehicle as he was a fitter and turner and a true tinker. All who knew him will miss his motivating ideas, his sense of humour and his enormous compassion for his fellow man. He could fix anything. Vale Kevin Tinker.

(words by Deborah Tinker)