Aiden James, 19, and Bryce Wright, 22, have heard how demanding and unforgiving the 450 kilometre course is but they are looking forward to the experience all the same.

They will be joined by veteran Shane Cramp who has raced at Finke twice before - and about 497 riders from other parts of Australia.

Aiden will be riding a Honda CRF 450 while Bryce will be on a Yamaha WZF 250.

Having pre-run the track recently, Bryce knows the going will be tough.

He’s still recovering from the attempt.

They’ve also heard stories from their mate, Brett Brooks, who entered the race two years ago.

He has regaled them with tales of bruised kidneys, grip stress, profuse sweating, dehydration and painful aches from head to toe - then laughs and says he can’t wait to go again.

He’d would have entered this year if he had the money.

It is an expensive passion, costing thousands of dollars to ensure the bike is up to competition standard then extras for the entry fee, licences and ambulance cover.

Both Aiden and Bryce have been spectators at Finke so they are familiar with the gelid night conditions, the dust and the challenging, uncompromising track which follows the Finke and Hugh rivers to nowhere and back.

They’ve been practising on local bush tracks knowing that nothing will really prepare them for the notoriously rugged course which has dashed the hopes of many entrants in the first stretch, produced some incredible, spectacular crashes and pushed experienced endurance riders right to the edge of tolerance.

“The Finke is one of the toughest courses you can do but I’m really looking forward to it,” said Aiden who has been riding motorbikes since he was just eight years old.

Bryce said he’s always wanted to race at Finke and this year it seemed like the right time to give it a go.

“We should do okay out there,” he said.