The Life Of Riley: Episode 20

There are very few competitors who can say they contested the very first Wynn’s Sydney to Darwin Safari back in 1985 and actually made it to Darwin. Of 67 riders, Steve Riley was one of only eight riders to finish. And hence became addicted; an addiction that Steve has suffered for almost all his life. It took him only three years to mount the Safari podium when he ran second to three-time champion, Steve Chapman, in 1987. Then he had the misfortune to run up against John Hederics finishing on the podium no less than five times – always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

Riley switched to the Auto division in 2000 and was again on the podium in 2002 with navigator, John Doble. Another second place! Class wins in 2003 and 2004 just didn’t do it for Riley and Doble, so when the Safari moved to Western Australia, they were back with a vengeance. This time, second place was just not good enough and Outright victories followed in 2008, 2009 and 2011; after which Riley and Doble called it a day and retired the old Pajero.

But Riley couldn’t get the Safari out of his blood and suffered recurring dreams of how the Great Aussie Ute conquered the world. Earlier this year, he turned up at the Condo 750 with his little green truck stuffed full of V8; six litres to be precise. That’s ten times more than the Honda XR600 he started out on three decades ago.

Riley and Doble eventually plan to take the Holden Ute overseas but for now they have the top step of the podium in their sights. It’s Riley’s 20th Safari and Doble has been with him for the past decade or more. Second place is simply not good enough for this pair.

For regular updates on the 2014 edition of the Australasian Safari, keep an eye on Transmoto‘s website.