victorian bikepacking routes

Check out more of where Bens been riding on Instagram @bushdreamer. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to map and gather overnighters all over the worldby locals who know their own backyards best. Can be done on a 32mm tyre, What:some of the best road, gravel and rail trail riding between Melbourne and Canberra, Where:central VictoriaBendigo, Heathcote, Redesdale, Axedale, Harcourt, Metcalfe, Terrain:flat/undulating, with a couple of moderate climbs. The return to Beechworth on day 2 sees you riding the spectacular Rose River Road to Lake Buffalo before lunch in Myrtleford and the final push up Flagstaff Road back into Stanley and Beechworth. Surface:sealed roads, gravel roads, rail trails, some rougher sections. The Otway Rip is a three-day gravel route designed to take in some of the best bits of beach and bush in South West Victoria. If you are already a serious hiker, you will be well used to packing light and compact so will (hopefully) have gear that can do double-duty, such as lightweight stoves, tent and clothing. Similar to the bike bags, going lightweight is not cheap but, again, the initial investment will see you reap the benefits for many years of bikepacking adventures. Short section of sealed road. Trying to squeeze, shove and cajole your gear into your bike bags is probably the most stressful part of what is a relaxing activity. So, where has this new activity come from, and why has it got outdoor enthusiasts so excited? A mountain bike would be easier. Coming from the sunshine coast. Services are aplenty, and although there are a few sections of loose gravel you wont have to navigate any technical singletrack. Here's why: Among the quiet tracks of the Dandenongs, I reflect on life, loss, and a world bumped off its axis. Bicycle tourism now has its own national TV show. Drivetrain selection will, however, still come down to personal preference. This multi-use trail is 60km long, providing a safe bicycle route from Victoria to Sooke. Following decommissioned rail trails, gravel side roads, forest service roads, and singletrack, the BC Trail boasts some of the most spectacular views the province has to offer. Surface:95% sealed (though a bit choppy). Where: Creswick, Ballarat, Skipton, BeaufortCentral Victoria, Terrain: Flat with a couple of short hills. We are looking for the best quality bikepacking routes to inspire and enable people to get out and explore the world in a sustainable way, on two wheels. Bikepacking The Victorian Rail Trail Over 4 Days It covers a tad over 550km, gains over 8,000vm, and has been devised so that you can choose to end each day at one of the High Countrys independent craft breweries. For tyre widths, wed recommend between 2.25- and 2.6-inch. New 2023 Backcountry Riding Gear. Along the way youll also see evidence of settler history, in the form of old railway, logging, and mining infrastructure. From a glance at the map above, you'd think you could travel almost anywhere without hitting the pavement. This ride takes in much of the area of the proposed Great Forest National Park. The BC Trail traverses eastward across British Columbias southern border. To access and experience this area by bike is bloody amazing. Weekend Routes (2-4) Week-long Routes (5-10) Odyssey Routes (11-30) "Freakouts" (31+) Local Overnighters. You can be a well-seasoned backpacker and a dedicated mountain biker, and have had plenty of success putting the two together on long bikepacking trips, but planning a route can still be a little intimidating. Combining elements of trekking, camping and cycle touring, plus the spirit of Australias historical overlanders, bikepacking opens the world up to two-wheeled exploration. A few pairs of knicks are obvious essentials, too, along with a lightweight rain jacket and (a bit of indulgence) a pair of sandals/thongs for around camp. Whether you have a free weekend, month or more, a bikepacking journey along singletrack trails or remote forest roads might be just what you need to satisfy your cravings for adventure. The Cowichan Valley 8 makes for a perfect weekend escape for locals and visitors alike, and its diverse terrain and lush rainforests will have you wishing for more by the time youre done. A tubeless tyre allows more control over air pressure you run inside it, which can aid comfort and traction; a tyre with lower pressure will fold over rocks and rough terrain more easily than one that is too firm. Long enough for a great day on the bike. The Cowichan Valley Trail turns back eastward, passing by Cowichan River Provincial Park and great camping opportunities at Stoltz Pool Campground, passing through the town of Duncan before joining the top loop of the routes figure-eight shape. If selected, well need a detailed guide of the route, including highlights, details, logistical info, high quality photos, and a GPX track. For those who run a dropper seat-post, there are seat packs that compensate for the vertical movement of those as well. Can be done comfortably on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. From the shores of the Arctic Ocean in Norway to the wild Atlantic coastline of southwestern Portugal, the European Divide Trail is a 100-day bikepacking route that's incredibly diverse and always full of surprises. Plus, you reduce the chance of a puncture considerably with no tube in your tyre. So youve sorted your bike its drivetrain, brakes and the wheel size. We are depending on individuals from the bikepacking community within these corridors for help. More here. The right equipment can make a world of difference when youre on the road. Day 1 90km | Day 2 85km | Day 3 120km | Total 5,200 vm | 70% gravel. Linking two of the High Countrys favourite towns, this route provides plenty of vertical gain over its journey through some epic mountain landscapes and challenging backroads. The ranges are home to the world's tallest flowering plant, the mountain ash, and swathes of rainforest typified by cool gullies and stands of tree ferns. Lennard Pretorius of Kamloops, B.C first introduced the race in 2016 with only 7 of 14 riders finishing the route, and saw double the interest and a much higher completion rate in 2017. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. Rail trails, country backroads, MTB parks and alpine road ascents, they're all here! Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. Next up is the gear, and selecting this correctly whether it is the right combo of bike bags and/or the camping kit youll go with is a key point to an enjoyable bikepacking experience. Victoria's train network is a great way to get around the state with your bike. The BC Trail Bikepacking Route - BIKEPACKING.com While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. Get incredible stories of extraordinary wildlife, enlightening discoveries and stunning destinations, delivered to your inbox. Day 1 35km | Day 2 35km | Total 1,100 vm | 90% gravel. Victoria Divide 550 (2022) - BIKEPACKING.com In terms of bike choice, we designed this to be enjoyable on our personal gravel bikes (an alloy Giant TCX with 700x42mm tyres and a steel Curve Grovel with 6502.0 tyres), so most of the route is good quality gravel. These days, dehydrated meals are pretty damn good and easy to pack in your bike bags. The route, roughly following the shape of a figure-eight, starts and ends in British Columbias capital, the city of Victoria. Perhaps the best known bikepacking route of all, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route follows unpaved roads and trails for about 90 per cent of its 2,700 miles. to your handlebars via buckles or Velcro strap set-ups. Some chunky gravel. As public lands shrink, land rights change, and roads are paved, bikepacking routes must adapt and our community must be vigilant. Find the full route network below (other than overnighters), including race routes, contributed routes, and our routes. As with the hardtail MTB, the gravel bike frame can be made from steel, aluminium, or carbon-fibre. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Route Development: This route was created to capture the best parts of the Shipwreck Coast and Otway Region, an area of South West Victoria that attracts millions visitors a year. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. If you cop a puncture, the sealant will usually do its job and seal that small hole. Bike stopping power today is very much the realm of the disc brake, with the main decision whether to opt for mechanical (cable-operated) or hydraulic. Alan designed the route as a warmup route for anyone hoping to ride the Colorado Trail. Terrain:very hilly until the Warby Rail Trail. The Cowichan Valley 8 follows several popular, multi-use trails along the way, including the Galloping Goose Trail, Sooke Wilderness Trail, Cowichan Valley Trail, and Lochside Trail. The BC Trail is arguably the best way to explore and visit the many breathtaking regions of British Columbia. Explore the map below or click here for more information about the project, or to submit your own Local Overnighter. 76 mi 9,081 ft Touring on bicycles is far from new, and neither is venturing off-road to do so. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Run wot ya brung is the pared-down explanation as to which bike is best for bikepacking. The Cowichan Valley Trail, which is primarily a wide gravel path, passes on the west side of Shawnigan Lake, crossing several smaller bridges and the popular Kinsol Trestle along the way. After starting small at a local school, Dr Crankys is spreading its bike-fixing, community-building initiative around Australia. The dually may seem a surprise choice as a third rig option. Its the ultimate just-in-case scenario. Where: Dandenong Ranges, just outside of Melbourne. Here are the best bits of camping equipment Ive used in that time. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Giving you the DIRT on bikepacking routes. I'm planning a bikepacking trip this year to Southeastern Europe anywhere from the Balkans, down to Greece and/or Romania and Bulgaria. It features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more Issue 09 takes readers on trips through timeone to the early days of bicyclesand offers several reminders to be grateful for supportive friends and family, and strangers we meet along the way For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives weve long been eager to share May 2022: There are closures along the KVR due to washouts and landslides. I would like to go for 4-6 weeks, but I am having a hard time finding any information on gravel routes in this region. Tree to Sea Loop, Vancouver Island - BIKEPACKING.com These are excellent if you camp where you can set them up, i.e., strung between trees (or carry a couple of tarp-specific poles), and are very light and compact. These were very effective if touring on road, but as soon as you veered onto narrow bush tracks, the additional width created by the panniers meant you had to be very careful you didnt hook your bike (and yourself) on a surrounding tree or similar. These, along with gravel bikes, offer the most frame real estate for your bike-bags (more on these later) thanks to having no space taken up on the frame by a rear shock. Can be done on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. Before these arrived on the scene, cycle tourers had no choice but to use panniers. Find details about all three models at Saracen.co.uk. It is used to pack lightweight, bulky items, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and spare clothing. Riding around an entire mountain range: how cool is that! Where: Strathbogie RangesCentral Victoria, What: rolling pastures, pretty rural areas, local produce, quiet roads, small towns, a great gravel descent, the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Gravel-type bike recommended. 588 miles / 947 kilometres 42,159 feet / 12,850 metres climbing total Get the Camino de Santiago. Its name changes along along the way, at different times being called Nolans Road, Tarcombe-Ruffy Road, Ponkeen Creek Road, and finally Hughes Creek Road. For cooking, wed recommend an all-in-one gas canister stove. Routes are mapped and chronicled by a core group of experienced route designers and a thriving group of contributors from around the world. Steel is probably the most popular frame material for bikepacking-specific bikes. This trail continues north to Cowichan River, following its banks to the town of Lake Cowichan. Traversing the highest continuous stretch of road in Australia and exploring Ned Kelly country, this trail gives incredible extended views over the Victorian countryside and mountains. The Otway Rip is a three-day gravel route designed to take in some of the best bits of beach and bush in South West Victoria. The seat bag attaches via a strap system to your bikes seat-post and seat rails, ensuring it doesnt wobble while riding and affect your balance. The Camino de Santiago is a popular hiking trail but can also be ridden as a bikepacking route. Nearly all of todays MTBs and gravel bikes run through-axles, rather than the old quick-release systems, as this increases strength and stability of the wheel. The simple fact is that theres no one best type of bike; it will depend on the route(s) you plan on riding. Check out Trail Towns on SBS. Bikepacking and cycle touring routes in Victoria, Australia rides Click through to rides on the maps below or scroll through the list below Featured Gals Gone Gramps iconic, moderate-hard, gravel, mountain bike Where: Grampians/GariwerdWestern Victoria Length: 155km Difficulty: moderate/hard Terrain: mixture of hills and flat Indeed, Australia has a strong history of bike-borne explorers, dubbed the overlanders, who criss-crossed this vast country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Have a route to contribute? Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. Its never a race when bikepacking, but reliable brakes are still a must. But its bloody expensive, and very difficult to repair. Surface:everything from sealed road to rocky/muddy tracks. Having said that, opting for compact, lightweight gear and clothing and there is some incredibly light and compact gear on the market these days will see that stress a distant memory. Historical areas. Looking for a new adventure? The Victoria Divide is a 570km off-road bikepacking route, traversing the Great Dividing Range across the state of Victoria, from Melbourne to Albury/Wodonga When Date: February 26, 2022 Time: 11:00 am Details Event Website Organizer: Lewis Ciddor Email: lewisciddor@gmail.com Where Wurundjeri Spur Lookout Yarra Boulevard Bike bags have revolutionised two-wheel travel. Rough sections. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. The opening part of the route is called the Heuvelrug Divide. Beechworth is 30 minutes from the Hume Freeway. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. https://ridewithgps.com/trips/5275401 - 357.9 km, +5019 m . Bikepacking the TNG is one of the best ways to explore the wilderness in the Southeast. The story of riding the Old Beechy Rail Trail in the Otways, and the desperate search for a chicken parma. Rideable over 3 days (if youre fit), this route absolutely nails the High Country bikepacking adventure experience. And by that we mean bikepacking is little about speed and most about efficiency over long distances and distances that include knee-killing ascents. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Bikepacking gear is expensive. Easily accessible from the big smoke, its a ripper way to spend a long summer weekend! Includes some creek crossings. With crucial information like maps, gradients, distances, terrain, where to stay, where to get water, etc. A route plotted by gravel rider Erwin Sikkens in 2021, the Green Divide bikepacking route runs 585km through the Netherlands, making it the country's longest nature traverse. Starting at the Old Beechworth Gaol its downhill or flat for the first 50km of day 1, but theres a solid backroad climb up Mt Porepunkah to negotiate before you roll down into Bright for a well-deserved ale. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. Its easily accessed from Wangaratta or Albury train stations, less than 30 minutes drive from the Hume Highway and is home to some of Australias best gravel riding. Although the majority of the route is not technically difficult, there are some loose, sandy, and sections with repetitive washboard that can be hard on riders. ACV acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and play. Plus, they are a great double for a pillow. A massive thanks to Pepper for putting her faith in my route planning skills and blindly riding out into the wilderness on what is a very challenging part of Victoria for bikepacking. One steep rocky downhill which can be easily avoided. Trangia is the most well-known brand of this type. Route Scouts may be notified during the scouting phase of new routes, or if issues arise as a result of land or trail closures on established routes. Gravel bikes still may feature a 2x crankset, with a corresponding 10- or 11-speed cassette at the rear, for that optimal ratio spread. We started the Route Scouts program back in 2017 to foster community involvement and harness on-the-ground and local expertise for route documentation and planning. Bikepacking | Komoot - Cycling & Hiking App Lake Sirio on the Via Francigena, Piedmont, Italy, Photograph: Alamy. What:temperate rainforest, eucalypt forests, rivers, good free camping, lots of climbing, a couple of breweries, rural areas, Lake Eildon. As the leading creator and publisher of bikepacking routes, BIKEPACKING.com endeavors to maintain, improve, and advocate for our growing network of bikepacking routes all over the world. What:pastoral land, bushland, rural idyll, local produce, wineries, small towns, moderate climbing/descending. Get the lowdown on the best touring bikes available in Australia in 2023. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. A short bikepacking overnighter can be just as rewarding and restorative as a big trip. There is about 3,500 metres of climbing but its mostly gradual with not a single section of hike-a-bike to be found. You will still find hundreds of thousands of secondhand MTBs with the old 26-inch wheel and, if your bikepacking goals tend to global, out-of-the-way destinations, a 26er is a viable option, owing to the fact that wheel size was the only MTB size up until the early 2000s. Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Mountain bike or big-tyred gravel-type bike recommended. Record your own trail from the Wikiloc app, upload it and share it with the community. While decommissioned rail trails still make up the majority of the terrain, dont be fooled, many of these sections are rough and are hard on gear and riders alike. So, this is where the fun starts! Here are six of the best bikepacking routes in the UK that make us want to ditch our laptop, grab a bicycle and cycle into the sunset. Other cooking essentials include a water filter and spare matches/lighter. Where can I go bikepacking? New book reveals a host of top Scottish routes Gravel bikes have longer wheelbases for stability, far bigger tyre clearance and a more upright riding position with wider bars as comfort takes precedence over aerodynamics. A handlebar bag attaches (obviously!) The route mixes a healthy dose of frontcountry amenities with remote sections that require a bit more skill and planning. Surface: Sealed road, gravel, hard packed dirt, rail trail. They've also added new gloves, a long sleeve jersey . If you have a route you'd highly recommend, read the requirements below and fill out this form. What: Vast open farmlands, historic trestle bridges, quiet back laneways, Where:Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges, Lake Eildon, central district, Great Victorian Rail Trail. Revelate, Porcelain Rocket and Aussie-based Bike Bag Dude are all highly regarded bike bag brands. Surface:gravel of varying quality, some rocky sections, some singletrack, some sealed road. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! What:cool temperate rainforest, tall mountain ash forest, rolling pastoral land, shady pine plantations, small towns, an award-winning brewery, interesting natural and human history, Where:Ruffy Highlands, Strathbogie Tablelands, EuroaCentral Victoria. There are more than 50 different First Nations on Vancouver Island, located in three distinct tribal regions: Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakwaka'wakw. Firstly, all road cyclists need to forget the big gears. 25-year-old Leila Husain from Brevard, NC decided to tackle her first bikepacking trip this year during the incredibly challenging Trail version of the Rockstar Challenge, an annual self-supported event that runs from Harrisonburg to Roanoke, Virginia. Recommended gravel/touring tyre 32mm or wider. Sequim, WA 98324 United States. As long as your bike has been well serviced, theres no reason that a dual-suspension MTB of yours cant do double service Its all about compromise in bikepacking. Australian Geographic acknowledges the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians, and pay our respects to Elders past and present, and their stories and journeys that have lead us to where we are today. The route has plenty of services, but there are a few remote sections along the trail that have limited bailout points, which could potentially force longer than anticipated days if a resupply is needed. Clas, South Coast NSW has provided some awesome mornings, Getting lost and unlost on the South Coast N, The eucalypt trees of Mogo forest are again a beau, The mornings have been epic in North East Vic late, New Year off to a magical start! As we update and refine some of our popular published routes, we'll induct them into the network, along with other distinguished rides. Leila Husain First Woman Rockstar Trail 2023 - BIKEPACKING.com 721 Carlsborg Rd. Moderate gradients. For bedding, a down sleeping bag is the best option. 4 days of relaxed bikepacking through central and northern Victoria Great pubs and extremely quiet roads Close proximity to Melbourne Accessible from suburban Melbourne Caravan parks or bush camps to stay at Beginning Our Bikepacking Adventure It's 6.10am on a chilly autumn morning in Melbourne. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. Wide tyres will help. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. After passing by Bamberton Provincial Park, a potential camping spot along the route, the Mill Bay Ferry provides safe crossing to Brentwood Bay. Heres why. The route is split into two different sections. The Victorian High country huts association. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. The Cowichan Valley 8 is a 190km figure-eight bikepacking route that starts and ends at the parliament buildings in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. You need to be logged in to use these features. Iconic High Country mountain landscapes, knee deep creek crossings, fire trails through native forest, chunky surfaces thatll have you reaching for a dually, quiet sealed backroads, the chance of snow in winter its all here are as the route passes through the towns and villages of Whorouly, Myrtleford, Ovens, Bright, Mount Beauty, Mitta Mitta, Eskdale and Yackandandah before returning to Beechworth and ending with a frothy at the brewery (well, thats how we do it anyway).

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victorian bikepacking routes