A River Runs Through It

Finke Desert Race
Photograph by Stuart Bowes

True Grit
"It's an institution, like climbing Ayers Rock," says official Ian Jordan of the 460-km Finke Desert Race, part of which runs on the dry bed of the world's oldest river. "Every off-road rider says, I've got to ride the Finke one day."

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.