SPECIAL NOTE:  This will be the last update until late on Sunday or early Monday morning, depending on what time and in what condition we arrive into Laverton. You can keep track of us on the “Where are they now” page and also read our daily insight pages which tells you a little about what is going on and where we are going.

Day 6, Coober Pedy – Lay Day

A relaxing night last night in Coober Pedy. Small groups of crews scattered all around. A bit of team bonding, a lot of laughs and plenty of funny stories getting around.
3.30am this morning and the rain arrived. Boy… did it arrive in style. Thunder, lightning, gale force winds, and bucket loads of water. Great call RB! Very thankful we didn’t stick with the bush camp! Everything would have been a mangled, muddy mess. RB was very excited to see and hear the storm. Apparently it never rains in Coober Pedy, let alone storms.
Today there are cars and crews scattered all over town. The workshops, laundries, opal shops, supermarket, service stations are all getting a workout. Getting ready for the 3 days where we will be travelling across the desert fully self-sufficient as one group. How exciting. No power, no internet, no phone service, no water supplies (aside from what we carry), no servos… nothing. Not even a toilet or shower… (We do have a number of satellite phones, should we need to be contacted or vice versa.)
We have been spreading the GIVIT word out in these backblocks and people (members of the public) just want to give a few dollars here and there. I have had a couple of random donations of $5 and $10 that has been donated on the side of the road etc. A traveller in Coober Pedy just donated $4.05 to one of our rallytives in the laundromat. How very cool.
For those of you who don’t know, we have Roo Arcus along with us. Yes, that’s right, the ‘No. 1 country album of the year’ singer – something like that anyway. Roo is a friend of ours and loves the rally as much as we love to have him along. Anyway, he is performing for us tonight. I’m sure this will be the first of a few performances. It is pretty incredible to see Roo perform in a stadium of thousands as well as in a recording studio, then to have him come and perform the same to our group is pretty awesome. Thank you Roo. (Anyone back home want an album and/or autograph, get your loved one on the rally to get it.)
Good phone service today as Coober Pedy is a major centre. Still a few ‘Finkers’ around. We have been asked by a couple of locals how we enjoyed Finke. RB is quick to tell them that he won…
Have sent vision and photos back to Toowoomba. Channel 7 local news will run an update on the RBR for anyone who watches. The Chronicle are also putting a story in the paper and Jamie did another interview with Graham Healy from 4GR. So listen and watch out for those on the Darling Downs.
We have a crew heading out this arvo on tomorrow’s course, just to double check that it is good to go in the morning. It may need an extra hour or so to dry a bit. Whichever way… all’s good. Plans are in place.
Well folks, better get back to the circus.
Cheers,
Michelle
ROAD BOSS MESSAGE:  Here we are, the launching pad into the unknown.  This is what we have all come for and this is what sets our event apart from anyone else.  We take on and do things that most just walk away from because it’s simply too hard. The next three days are going to probably be the most trying we have ever undertaken.  The crossing of the Anne Beadell H/way and the Great Victorian Desert is the panicle feature of our journey across Australia.  It is long, it is remote, it is rough and it is tough, but we have meticulously and pain stakingly planned the entire operation and logistics.  Everyone here is more than up to the challenge and is 100% focused and geared for it.  Without question we are going to run into difficulties and hurdles, but we are ready, we are willing and we are more than able to improvise, adapt, overcome and ultimately achieve.  Three very long, difficult but hugely rewarding days lie ahead of us.  In three days’ time (hopefully not 4 or 5) we will give you an update from Laverton with some incredible stories of trials and tribulations.  This is the Road Boss Rally ‘Super Addition’ and this is what we came for.

​Day 4: Broken Hill to Lyndhurst
Cars & crews left Broken Hill early this morning to head out to Silverton to have our breakfast. I am sure most of you have heard of Silverton and seen it as a backdrop to many Australian movies and commercials, not to mention the number of TV shows which have visited the town for a number of reasons. Anyway, great spot. Plenty to look at and great facilities. Recommend you put it on your ‘to do’ list.
From Silverton we headed west, out into private property. We are very privileged to have access to some of the most amazing country which isn’t accessible to the general public, or other general events really. Anyway, today has been spectacular. So much so, that it is a bit indescribable, but I’ll do my best. Travelling up, over and through the Gammon Ranges (Northern Flinders) in South Australia is unlike anywhere else in Australia. So much so, you begin to think you could be anywhere in the world or even the universe. Some of the land scape was surley an indication of Mars. Breathtaking. First you begin to see the silhouette of the ranges and as you get closer they slowly grow to become a rugged and majestic backdrop which is stunning. It was a great experience to see the ranges from early this morning then slowly track toward them, through and over them then out the other side late in the afternoon.
Holy moly we had some rough tracks today! Very slow going. The kind you have to crawl over, roll through and bounce around. All cars and crews made it through with the kind of smile you get when you take on a challenge and get to the other end. It never ceases to amaze me what these old 2WD cars can actually do with the right preparation and driver. Even the drivers and crews are amazed.
Camping at Lyndhurst tonight. I can only imagine the stories which will come out of the day. This is one of those days which will be remembered and talked about for the rest of our lives. To say today was rough and difficult, would be an understatement. But this is the Road Boss Rally and this is what we do and love… We never settle for the easy stuff or where everyone goes. We go that extra mile and make sure we go places, see and experience things that very few will or would take on. Anyone can do easy. It’s not easy, but the rewards are huge.
NB: A weather system is still on the horizon so tonight we will look at some alterations for tomorrow afternoon in case we need it.  No troubles and this is what we are geared for and RB loves… a challenge, a curveball, an adventure!  We have a pocket full of Plans and happy to use them when the need arises. 
Cheers from the Road Boss Road,
RB & Michelle

What a beautiful morning and start to the day. Nothing like waking up beside a magnificent river like the Darling. Kallara is a fantastic place for an overnight camp and over the years we have had a number of events through here and Tilpa.  Wonderful hosts and a wonderful and generous community.  It is always great to visit here and drop a few more dollars into their community and help with their current fundraising projects.
Although it has been a very wet trip with lots of rain over the past couple of months and weeks, and although there is lots and lots of water and mud everywhere that we look, we have still been able to use almost all of our planned course. This is thanks to the great support we get from ‘property owners’ and the many small communities which we have visited and travelled through.
Today we had a reasonably short day into Broken Hill. It was designed to be a fun filled morning with a bit of time left in the afternoon to update repairs and maintenance on the cars before the going gets tough. The easy bit is over, from here on in it starts to get real.
As you can see from all the photos, today we had a rare opportunity to photograph just about every car (that followed the course). RB was in his favourite ‘Outback’ office doing a few media interviews on the satellite phone, so there was a bit of time in between calls to grab a few shots as they passed by. Not every cars is there, a few are playing it carful and preserving themselves for the days across the Anne Beadell and are therefore choosing to divert around some of the rougher sections.
Each year RB has an idiot of the day award. Over the years we have had many items for our ‘idiots’ to claim for a day. This year we have a white robe with ‘GOD Almighty’ written on it. The idea being that GOD Almighty… that was stupid, or God Almighty, what were you thinking! We always have plenty of contenders for this award for things like, having stickers made which say ‘Offical’ instead of ‘Official’, leaving your undies at home, losing random items, locking yourself on the wrong side of a gate, running over a gate post… you get the idea. There are always plenty of stories to tell and laughs to be had each morning to keep us entertained. As you will see from one the photo’s, todays lucky recipient was Shayne Moore.

Super Addition – Day 2
Early start today as it was to be an 850km day, however we got a message from our Zero Car who came across a ‘Road Closed’ sign and we had to add an extra 100km. Lucky for that early start! Official’s headed out at 5am and the first rally car headed off about an hour later. I’m sure we will all make it in before midnight – maybe. Although it has been a long day/night, it has been super exciting with forestry tracks, mud and sand. Always plenty to do, see and look forward to.
Breakfast was at a local historical museum where the country hospitality shines through with all the home baked meals and slices.
Yesterday we let you know that car 122 broke an axle bearing and went to Walcha for parts. They caught up to us this morning. They too must have had an early morning as we barely had time to miss them.
Just before lunch today, C3 was heading to Dubbo looking to fix bearing issues. No doubt we will see him tonight, just a little later than most of the others.
Nic found her laptop bag which was accidentally picked up with car 307’s gear, which has been placed in a safe place, all together, until the guys are ready for it. Good news on that front. All are doing well and one was even discharged early this morning.
Tonight we are back at Kallarra (Tilpa), where we were a few years ago. Some of you may remember C9 famously driving into a big hole and where Roo Arcus performed for us.  Well, guess what…? Roo is joining us tonight and will be coming along for the rest of the trip to Perth. I’m excited!
RB is weather watching. There is an enormous amount of water around these parts and it is quite green. Oh well, that’s the way it works. All’s good. In fact, all is Super…

Once again, we have put a selection of pics of a few of the cars. These are just happy snaps we take as we buzz about doing our RB duties during the day. Quantity and variety of pics depends on how our day unfolds.

WOW! What an amazing night it was last night. A very befitting night for all of us on the Road Boss Rally… From Road Boss and his family, to Juliette Wright and the GIVIT family, to each and every person travelling on the rally and of course their families and loved ones back home. The venue and meals were fantastic and the atmosphere matched. What a way for the Road Boss Rally to finish and the Super Addition to begin.
This morning’s start was a bit later so we could all say goodbye to our ‘friends’ from the Road Boss Rally. Once they had all left we headed up to the high school to collect our lunch packs, have our daily briefing and then we were flagged off. The weather at Port Macquarie was absolutely glorious. During the briefing a crew member from each car came and collected a knitted teddy made by car 1959’s mum. We all now have a travel buddy in our cars.
Fortunately incidents are rare on the RBR but unfortunately from time to time things can and do happen, as you would know and expect with a very large group of cars and people traveling into and through some pretty adverse and challenging conditions. Car 307 “Cane Toad” took a little leap off the road into the scrub and came to an abrupt halt.  Although situations such as this are very rare, they do happen and we are always geared and prepared for them “just in case”.  It is reassuring to know that all our plans, systems and procedures sprang into action and worked perfectly. The boys were in good spirits and although they had to take trip to hospital, will be on the road to recovery quite soon, but sadly, their trip across the country with us was cut a little short.
Car 122 are in at Walcha tonight and will catch up with us tomorrow.  They had a small problem with their wheel bearings.
Today’s course travelled back up over the hills and ranges and continued up and up and up into the cold country.  Splendid views, grassy tracks and spectacular creek crossings were some of the surprises of the day.  The final surprise for everyone was the town of Quirindi.   Wow, what can we say about this little town.  Tonight’s dinner was held in the old Theatre and they have opened the hall for a huge snore fest.  (You rally wives at home know what we are talking about).   
A short easy day turned into a long and late night for some of us so unfortunately this means that our updated results from today will be delayed.  Tomorrow is also a very long day at 850km, so you can expect a late night update from Kallara.  Now that we are on the super with big days, late nights and remote locations, our daily updates will be a little sporadic when they get uploaded.  We will endeavour to get everything up as soon as possible.
Cheers from the Road boss Road. One down, fourteen to go. 

As one door closes another one opens. Today we successfully brought one rally across the finish line, spun around and flagged another one off.  We sure do love it when a plan comes together.  Our 2016 Road Boss Rally is now safe and sound in Port Macquarie with one very big box ticked.
Although only a short day, it packed a pretty entertaining punch with plenty of action and challenges crammed into the 150km.  Gates, creek crossings, heavy sand, mud holes and even took on the scary challenge of driving for a few kilometres along the Pacific H/way.  (Give us the bush tracks any day, they are much safer!)
It was an exciting and proud achievement to bring our first ever Road Boss Rally across the finish line. Our focus and aim was to put on an event that people could go home with a smile from ear to ear and bursting with excitement and ready to line up again next year. Mission accomplished!  Although only one week long, it had a road train full of fun, entertainment, adventure, challenge, hardships, mateships, hilarious unplanned antics and of course, all the generous and charitable deeds and donations that would bring a tear to your eye.  These are amazing people and as I so often say, the best in the world. 
Juliette Wright, CEO and founder of GIVIT bounced and jumped around as she excitedly flagged every car in from the Road Boss Rally and off on the Super.  By the time everyone finished, started and re started, it saw about 150 vehicles come under that arch today. WOW!
Tonight is the big night and it will truly see a dream come true.  A little over twelve months ago we set out on this RBR project and once all the fine tuning and logistics were put in place, it became obvious that this night was going to be the BIG one.  Everyone, regardless of what event they have done or are doing, will be in the room.  It is here that we also see our fundraising efforts announced and the BIG/HUGE/MEGA cheque presented to GIVIT.  The Rally Tally and result is so far from what we ever dreamt or imagined, it is just too hard to comprehend.  This is going to be one of the proudest moments in all our rally lives and will be quite a historical moment.  What we have done and achieved together has truly made a difference in so many people’s lives.  As Juliette Wright said, this (the RBR) is a game changer for GIVIT. 
Thanks for watching and reading everybody and we hope you have enjoyed the ride.  We certainly did.  Entries are now open in the 2017 RBR, so go for it!
Super starts from now, so tomorrow we will be back to day one again, and on the road for Perth, Road Boss style!  Si hang on tight.
Cheers – Road Boss
(Note: I didn’t get any bush or action shots today, too busy elsewhere  There are two significant photos though. One of Car 62, the Red Rocket from Goondiwindi being the highest fundraiser on the 2016 RBR and Car 753 ‘Jagman’ who will be starting the Super as the highest fundraiser as of today.)

What a great overnight and stop Wee Waa was.  They showcased their town and community spirit to the full.  This year, we have used local groups as much as possible for catering, from Lions clubs, small school P&Cs and other not-for-profit groups and the standard and quality of meals have been sensational.   Exactly what you would expect from country folk.  Look out weight watchers when the RBR people get home. 
A great change of terrain and landscape today as we left the muddy black soil plains and headed for the hills.  The New England can be quite cold at this time of year, but the weather finally turned on a show and spoiled us with mild, almost warm temperatures through the day.  For the first time since leaving Toowoomba, the rally cars were kicking up and driving in dust.
Rolling hills, rugged stony ranges and tall hard stand timbered forests, a stark contrast from the first few days.  No two days are ever the same on the RBR and once again, we were excited to deliver what the entrants came for.  It’s the tough and challenging tracks through amazing country that not too many people know where to look, let alone find.  Going that extra mile is always worth every bit of effort with huge rewards for everyone.
All the cars are now in Bellbrook and accounted for.   All cars are well except two.  Car 120 (Who’s Shout) broke a diff late this afternoon and are currently making plans and arranging parts to be ready and waiting in Port Macquarie. Car 142 are still in Moree but will be underway first thing tomorrow and will join us once again in Port Macquarie, ready to start the Super.
Tomorrow is one of the biggest and most exciting days we have organised or pieced together.  Our Road Boss Rally heads for the finish line in Port Macquarie, where we will also have another 40+ cars waiting for us.  As soon as all the RBR cars are in, we spin around and start flagging everyone off for the Super. Then tomorrow night is the night of all nights.  Every single person, regardless of what event/s they are doing or have done, will be in the room.  Holy dooly, I hope the roof is bolted on tight, it is going to be one heck of a party.  We will also be announcing our 2016 fundraising total and handing over our big cheque to GIVIT.  That alone is going to be a memorable and very proud moment in the RBR history.
Working off the back of the ute tonight with a few rain drops starting to blur my screen, so with that I think I should leave you for today’s update.
Although we are so excited about tomorrow and can’t wait to get the whole mob together, it will be sad to say good bye to the guys who are leaving us in Port.  This little group has been amazing and I have been extremely proud to move them around the country.  They have all done us proud and it is rewarding to have achieved our number one goal.  They will be travelling home, covered in mud, dust and dirt with a smile and grin that a bulldozer couldn’t shift.
Thank you to all our followers all and we look forward to sharing the final update for the RBR at Port Macquarie and then updating you with our Super Addition updates as we get geared to spin around and start our next adventure, Westward across the country.
We might even get a chance to upload a gallery of our more “professional” pics in the next day or so.  I have just been grabbing a few happy snaps to go up with each nights update, but once we get an opportunity, we will place a great selection and gallery of images from this week on the web site as well.
Cheers from the Upper Macleay River – Bellbrook.

Cheers - Road Boss.

Day three is now in the bag with everyone in Wee Waa present and accounted for. Well…all but one.  Car 142 had some radiator fan trouble (it fell off and went through the radiator) and are now in Moree getting themselves sorted and will be back on the road tomorrow. 
Once again the entire fleet is covered in thick black mud and wearing smiles and egos as large as the day is long. Just like the first two days, the RBR road show slipped, slid and dug its way through a pretty tough course.  A few alterations had to be made to this afternoons route but with our never say never attitude and dedicated approach, Plan B gave everyone plenty of excitement and challenges to ensure plenty of bang for their buck, making sure we delivered exactly what they all came for. Snatchem straps, shovels and recovery gear is getting one heck of a work out, that’s for sure.
Boomi went off with a bang last night and what an amazing little community it is.  People came from miles around to lend a hand with the catering and served up dishes and a spread that you could only find in a wonderful bush community.  A huge and special thank you must go out to the entire Boomi community for their hospitality and welcome. What a great place to stop.
Once again we are receiving and generating some great media coverage and we are all enjoying spreading the word of GIVIT and showcasing how they can and do help so many people and charities in so many communities.
There is a tremendous amount of logistics involved with this year’s Road Boss Rally and it is very exciting to know that tomorrow sees another rally migration begin.  All the entrants and officials that haven’t done this first RBR leg but are doing the Super, will leave their home base and start heading for Port Macquarie.  As of tomorrow, we will have ninety odd vehicles (our entire group) and 250 people on the road in many and varied parts of the country.  Come 12.00pm on Friday, every single car and every single person will be in the one sport at one time.  Can’t wait.  Safe travels everyone.
Thanks for reading these and we trust you are enjoying the short updates from the road.  Next week I get my usual offsider back (my wife Michelle) so will be able to spend a little more time and effort with updates and information from the road.
It is a long and tough day tomorrow so no guarantees when the Day 4 Road Noise update will be posted up. 

BOOM, that’s what we are talking about! One thing we are good at doing on the RBR is making a promise and delivering, right on cue.  What a day! This is what they all come for and this is what we love giving them. When we are out and about mapping, planning, plotting and slowly piecing this event together, we always go that extra mile so the entrants not only get what they came for, but also get more than they bargained for as we always aim to deliver beyond expectations. Today’s rally course was jammed and actioned packed full of everything these rally entrants love and live for.  With recent wide spread rains, it added to the challenge and the crews were armed with snatchem straps, shovels and recovery gear that was working overtime all throughout the day.
Due to the weather a course alteration had to be made but even though Plan A was tossed aside, Plan B become just as exciting and adventurous.  We never say never and will always do everything we can to make sure we deliver our promise.  An official crew was dispatched last night from Westmar to head straight to Boomi and piece together and alternate course, and what a great course it was.  Once again we are so very privileged to have property owners so willing and able to help us out and allow us access to their land.  The Boomi community have always been very generous and great fun to work with. 
Boomi is now booming with the sound of music, laughter and stories that are as long as the rally itself. From being bogged, to getting through, just missing the tree and some wanting to go back and do it again.  The ring around the camp fires are glowing and radiating with jovial excitement and laughter.
I had better wrap this update up, because as I type, the power in Boomi is dropping in and out and it looks like the RBR might overload this amazing little community and black out Boomi.
Day One and Two down and everyone is busting to see what day Three will bring.