Heysen Trail

Interview between Friends Council and ultra-marathon runner Richard Bowles

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The Council of the Friends of the Heysen Trail was able to sit down and chat with ultra-marathon runner Richard Bowles, who recently completed his 15-day run of the 1,200 km Heysen Trail.

In the interview he talks about his excellent experience with the Heysen Trail – the scenery, the way marking, the huts, the people. He goes on to describing himself as not a runner or superhuman, yet why he undertakes such runs, talking about headspace and motivation. He talks about food, shoes and why he camped on the trail.

Captions are available in the video.

Transcript:

Richard Bowles >> I’ve ran many trails around the world and if I’m honest this [the Heysen Trail] is the best marked, the best looked after, the huts are amazing, you guys have done a wonderful job. You should give yourselves a round of applause.

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Video of Ultra-Marathon Runner Finishing the Heysen Trail

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Further to yesterday’s email about ultra-marathon runner Richard Bowlescompleting his 15-day run of the Heysen Trail, you can view the Seven News TV video at https://au.news.yahoo.com/sa/video/watch/23626381/run-richard-run/.

Richard ran to promote the work of Red Dust Role Models.

“Health is a basic human right” says Richard. Red Dust state it is essential to the social development of Indigenous people in remote communities.

Health promotion strategies improve and transform lives and have a sustainable impact on social, economic and environmental conditions. Health promotion is a practical approach to achieving greater equality and closing the gap.

You can donate funds to the cause at

1200kms.gofundraise.com.au

Ultra-marathon runner finishes Heysen Trail in 15 days – watch Seven News tonight

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Ultra-marathon runner finishes Heysen Trail in 15 daysUltra-marathon runner Richard Bowles has completed his run of the Heysen Trail. Finishing this afternoon at Cape Jervis after 14 days, 8 hours and 32 minutes on the trail. He was welcomed by his crew and our President Robert Alcock, who was there with a nice cold beer on hand. Well earnt mate!

He was interviewed at Cape Jervis by Seven News, so you can catch the story on tonight’s news.

Runner to Complete the Heysen Trail in 14 Days

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Richard Bowles to run the Heysen Trail, Dingo of the Heysen TrailStarting Sunday ultra-marathon runner Richard Bowles is running the entire 1,200km of the Heysen Trail in 14 days.

Follow The Dingo of the Heysen Trail progress on his Nixon Red Dust Run via:

Having arrived in Adelaide, he met up with president Robert Alcock this morning.

Richard Bowles is an Australian ultramarathon runner and adventurer based in Melbourne, Victoria. Richard has many world records running trails that cover the length of entire countries.

Major Re-Route of Heysen Trail around Bangor Bushfire

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Bangor bushfire damage at Wirrabara nurseryA major re-route of the Heysen Trail is in place around Wirrabara Forest, the site of the January/February 2014 Bangor Bushfire.

The temporary 44km re-route replaces a 41km section of the Heysen Trail and affects the Northern Guidebook from Map 2.3 through to Map 2.8.

The re-route trail is marked, and takes the trail along roads through Laura. The re-route continues along the shared-use railtrail, and along backroads to rejoin the original trail alignment south of Murraytown.

Wirrabara Forest remains closed indefinitely to the public due to the risk of falling trees and to allow salvage harvest operations. Forest access is limited.

Beetaloo Tank Camp Site is still accessible. It has suffered some damage but is functional.

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BUNDALEER REMINDER

The Heysen Trail through Bundaleer Forest remains closed following the January 2013 Bundaleer Bushfire. A marked temporary re-route is in place.

Billionaire Kerry Stokes in talks to buy coastal land to reroute Heysen Trail

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Click on image to view larger imagePlans are afoot to re-route a section of the Heysen Trail near Balquhidder Station and Tunkalilla Beach to take in more of the spectacular coastline.

An article on news.com.au (and in today’s Advertiser) has brought to light that billionaire Kerry Stokes is in “secret talks” with the state government to buy a parcel of coastal land at Tunkalilla Beach.

The Advertiser quotes Mr Stokes as saying “This is an amazing part of South Australia and I am looking forward to ensuring its heritage and also opening up the Heysen Trail.”

“We were approached by the department to extend The Heysen Trail and create some hard-stand facilities for youth engagement.”

The re-route of the Heysen Trail along the coast through Balquihidder Station is something we’ve been keen on for a while. A re-route and upgrade of the Heysen Trail along the South Coast could see the Trail become a significant drawcard for walkers both locally, nationionally and internationally.

We welcome the prospect of improved facilities for people of all ages to hike the highlight section of the Heysen Trail South Coast from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor.

Success of the Day on the Heysen Trail – the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk

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Click on image to view larger imageWhat a success Sunday was, 556 people hiking along the 60 sections of the 1,200km Heysen Trail. Every section of the trail was walked on the day, and with such a fine weekend plenty of other people out hiking the trail too.

Thanks to all leaders, members and guests, for being involved. It was wonderful to meet new people and have them raving about the county we walked through. Simon Bonython walked in his father’s footsteps, completing the Cleland to Norton Summit walk.

A big thanks to the organising committee led by Simon Cameron, and all the members who jumped on board to make this event a big success. 18 months in the planning, and a fantastic outcome.

A great celebration of Warren Bonython’s life and the Heysen Trail.

View a collection of photos up and down the trail on Facebook (no Facebook account required): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627709787273187.1073741834.106108449433326

Event Clothing now Available – the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk

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It’s just 4 weeks until the Day on the Heysen Trail – the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk. We’ve released a selection of event clothing you can wear on the day, or keep as a souvenir of the event.

Purchase online now at www.sportscentre.com.au.

Delivery is available. Orders placed prior to 22/9/13 will be available before the October 6th event.

The t-shirt is moisture wicking, and available in womens and mens fit. The polo top is breathable polyester and available in red or white.

Ten new camping platforms

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In recent weeks multi-purpose camping platforms have been constructed at four campsites, with six more to be built.

This program of constructing ten platforms has been permitted with funding from donations by the End-to-End 3 group, who completed the Heysen Trail in 2011.

Volunteers have installed these four multi-purpose camp platforms at:

In the near future, platforms will be built at Smith Hill Campsite and Black Jack Shelter.

View an album of photos on Facebook.

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End-to-End 5 Plants 600 Trees

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Last weekend Russell O’Brien’s End-to-End 5 group hiked the Heysen Trail north of Worlds End, near Burra. A relatively long road walk, along the way the walkers helped the Greening Committee plant nearly 600 trees along the trail. The weather was kind, so the planters did not get wet yet planting conditions were ideal.

The Greening Committee is moving on to its next planting at Spalding from Thursday 13th June to Sunday 16th June. We’re looking for volunteers to assist, please get in touch with Neil at neil@noztours.com.au or on 0447 922 617.