Wheels and tyres on your bikepacking rig are governed, in the main, by what type of bike you opt to use. I chose this as our first bikepacking ride due to proximity to civilisation (we could actually stay in town both nights all of which are train accessible), there may be total fire ban days and love hot dinners so can buy food easily, you can get a train to and from melb there and my mate has ridden 2 of the legs before. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! 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. If you find this resource useful and would like to contribute to the fight for the sovereignty of Australias First People, please consider giving to Antar Victoria. Long enough for a great day on the bike. Make sure to dig into these . Recommended XC mountain bike or gravel bike with wide tyres. Some rough and corrugated parts. You will, however, need to bring a tubeless puncture repair kit (and know how to use it) as some holes may be too big and youll need to repair the tyre with a tyre plug or a patch, if the sidewall has been torn. Wide tyres will help. There are so many gravel bikes available today that its easy to get overwhelmed. What:pastoral land, bushland, rural idyll, local produce, wineries, small towns, moderate climbing/descending. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. After a short backtrack along the Cowichan Valley Trail, the route heads east along the Northern edge of Shawnigan Lake. Justin Walker Photos Bob Barrett and Justin Walker, Riding toward the Glow Worm Tunnel, in the NSW Blue Mountains region, Australian Geographic Society Expeditions, Australian spiders: the 10 most dangerous, Lorikeets: Four things you didnt know about them, Entries are now closed for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition 2023. The routes are just suggested loops on publicly-accessible roads and tracks, and the day-to-day quality, safety, difficulty and open/closed status of any part of the routes is totally outside of Gravelmobs control. Rough sections. Hydraulic disc brakes operate exactly the same as motor vehicle brakes: the brake fluid is pushed (via your brake lever) through the hose and the resultant pressure activates small pistons in the calliper, which then squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. Get the lowdown on the best touring bikes available in Australia in 2023. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. After starting small at a local school, Dr Crankys is spreading its bike-fixing, community-building initiative around Australia. Wide tyres will help. What:challenging climbs, fast descents, temperate rainforest, farmland, Yarra River, small towns, gourmet food & wine, Where:the Otway Rangessouth-west Victoria. What: Vast open farmlands, historic trestle bridges, quiet back laneways, Where:Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges, Lake Eildon, central district, Great Victorian Rail Trail. 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. Getting stuck in a flood was the last thing I expected when I cycled outback South Australia. Sometimes it's just as nice to jump on a train and roll down to the beach for a swim. But before you pack up and roll away, it can be well worth the effort to put a solid plan in place. To facilitate these efforts, we rely on our Bikepacking Collective and the greater bikepacking community to call attention to critical issues and opportunities that are discovered while riding these routes. New Bikepacking Collective Routes are partially funded and supported by the Bikepacking Collective, our member community. Since 2014, weve been building, establishing, sharing, and maintaining high qulity bikepacking routes around the world. Although each route is different, these are the general roles that may be expected of Route Stewards: BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. 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. Backcountry has expanded their mountain bike gear and apparel for 2023, including new styles, sizes, and color options for lots of their women's gear. Terrain:very hilly until the Warby Rail Trail. For riders looking for a surprisingly challenging bikepacking race, make sure to check out the links found in additional resources at the bottom of this page. Rideable over 3 days (if youre fit), this route absolutely nails the High Country bikepacking adventure experience. 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. Since then, jumping on your bike and heading into the great unknown has been popular, world-wide. Took this route an edited it to just include the Comox to Victoria route. Surface:about 50/50 sealed/unsealed. Its a truly inspiring High Country experience that youll have to ride to fully appreciate. 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. July 2022: There are additional closures between Hope and Chilliwack Lake due to washouts. Short section of sealed road. Its strongly recommended that you have your own personal accident and liability insurance whenever you hop on your bike. 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. If you download and use one of these self-guided routes you acknowledge and accept that you are riding totally at your own risk. 1. 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 frame bag or half-frame bag is the main load lugger for heavier gear, such as stoves, water (if youre running your hydration bladder in there, with the tube outside for easy access), food and clothing plus, often, your spare parts and tools. 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). The route is split into two different sections. Learn all the features, pros and cons of different brands to help you buy the right bike. 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. Bikepacking the Catalunya Trail in the Pyrenees Bike Touring Collection by Katherine Moore Hebridean hopscotch cycling along Scotland's magical west coast Bike Touring Collection by komoot Bikepacking the roof of the world - Annapurna Circuit in Nepal Mountain Biking Collection by Robin Patijn - Farawayistan It's the least expensive in the range at 999. 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. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. (As mentioned earlier, the new cargo-carrying options, such as Aeroes Spider Rear Rack, Handlebar Cradle and accessories, has meant racks are a viable and reliable option for those who like a system type of approach, with dry bags designed specifically for this rack type). The booths are crawling, the bikes are shiny, and the kids are . Happily, that means that, even though there is some bikepacking-specific gear you will need, it is not as much as you think, thus keeping costs down. Ride safely, dont drink and ride, carry a PLB or InReach, and have fun. As such, our editorial team, route creators, and Route Stewards serve as mediators for route improvements and opportunities for connectivity, conservation, and community growth around these routes. We recommend you arrange a backup communication plan, bring a dedicated GPS unit (so you can get yourself back to the pub), and pack a Personal Locator Beacon in case of a true emergency. Bikepacking the TNG is one of the best ways to explore the wilderness in the Southeast. The size of your handlebar bag will, to an extent, be governed by what type of handlebars you run; MTB bars allow the bag to be wider, gravel/road drop bars are narrower so you have less width to utilise. Well also be strengthening these routes through our forthcoming Route Stewards program. Rail trails, country backroads, MTB parks and alpine road ascents, they're all here! 7. Lake Sirio on the Via Francigena, Piedmont, Italy, Photograph: Alamy. . Published in Ride On magazine Autumn 2017. As such, our editorial team, route creators, and Route Stewards serve as mediators for route improvements and opportunities for connectivity, conservation, and community growth around these routes. Mt Buller. This six-day journey through pristine and remote Walls of Jerusalem National Park is rated one of Australias greatest walks. Published on bikepacking.com. There's more than 132,000 km of dirt roads and tracks in Victoria. Stay in Bright on night 1 and Mitta Mitta night 2, or take longer over the journey and pick your own overnight stops. If coming from Albury the fastest way is to take the Wodonga exit and then the Wodonga- Beechworth Road. Wed also probably add a top-tube bag, for items you want at-hand, such as snacks, phone, tools, camera, etc. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. Its mild climate and diverse terrain open up endless opportunities for year-round adventures. Find the full route network below (other than overnighters), including race routes, contributed routes, and our routes. Best suited for CX/ gravel bikes or anything that will take at least a 32mm tyre. As an added bonus, a self-supported bikepacking race, known as the BC Epic 1000, follows the BC Trail from Merritt to Fernie every June in true grand depart format. The simple fact is that theres no one best type of bike; it will depend on the route(s) you plan on riding. A carbon-fibre frame will be lighter than a steel or aluminium equivalent. He fell in love with bike travel while touring the United States in 2014 and it has been a huge part of his life ever since. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. The only possible addition to this basic set-up would be for those riding a dual-suspension MTB a small backpack. There is about 3,500 metres of climbing but its mostly gradual with not a single section of hike-a-bike to be found. I talk to the people behind some of Australia's great bike-related social enterprises. The right equipment can make a world of difference when youre on the road. In this video, we take a look at the top 12 most popular bikepacking routes in our network for 2021. 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. King Alfred's Way A donation to the land justice group Antar Victoria was made in honor of the routes publication. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. 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. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! 76 mi 9,081 ft *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. 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. In part one of our reportage from the 2023 event, Evan Christenson digs up a dozen interesting finds, including bikepacking bags from Osprey, Taco Pedals from Simworks, and much more. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! Be sure, however, to check the length of the tents poles and if they will fit inside one of your bike bags length-wise. The Camino de Santiago is a popular hiking trail but can also be ridden as a bikepacking route. Dried fruit is a great snack option, as are your regulation muesli bars. As we update and refine some of our popular published routes, we'll induct them into the network, along with other distinguished rides. Dont forget to stop at the Shawnigan House caf for a warm drink and baked goods. While the KVR segment from Princeton to Midway remains among Canadas most popular off-pavement bike tours, this longer route, which showcases the bulk of BCs Trans Canada Trail, with the exclusion of the Vancouver Island section and the convoluted maze of suburban bike paths in the Fraser Valley, offers less-developed riding for the more adventurous rider. This Australian company is making versatile luggage straps that are useful on and off the bike. Free-camping by Reedy Creek in Eldorado is magical, and once youve set up camp for the night youre not far from a slap-up dinner at Victorias smallest pub, The McEvoy Tavern. Easily accessible from the big smoke, it's a ripper way to spend a long summer weekend! The Cowichan Valley 8 is a 190km figure-eight bikepacking route that starts and ends at the parliament buildings in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Gravel-type bike recommended. 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. This is a classic Victoria area ride. Were expecting this will become an iconic High Country bikepacking loop. 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. Impressively, bikepacking is easily accessible to anyone that can ride, and it isnt that hard to get a set-up sorted that allows you to explore. British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. After camping overnight, day 2 includes two solid climbs back up Mount Porepunkah (gravel) and then the Back of Stanley (sealed) before a very welcome descent from Stanley back into Beechworth. Published on Cycling Tips. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. 5 New Women's Off-road Cycling Apparel Lineups. Mountain bike or big-tyred gravel-type bike recommended. Looking for a new adventure? Moderate gradients. This gem follows several regional trails, including the Galloping Goose Trail, Sooke Wilderness Trail, and The Great Trail. Youll receive route updates and information about our new route initiatives and opportunities as they arise. Scotland has a vast network of so-called Great Trails, originally mapped as long-distance walking routes. 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. After nine months of testing, we reveal if they stack up. For a car-free bikepacking experience take the train to Wangaratta, Chiltern or Albury station and hop on your bike for the last leg. A guide to some of the best bicycle touring in Victoria, Australia, featuring a wide variety of multi-day bike rides. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Where: Creswick, Ballarat, Skipton, BeaufortCentral Victoria, Terrain: Flat with a couple of short hills. Can be done comfortably on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. Have any questions about the route? Check out more of where Bens been riding on Instagram @bushdreamer. Published in Ride On magazine sping 2016. As with the hardtail MTB, the gravel bike frame can be made from steel, aluminium, or carbon-fibre. To access and experience this area by bike is bloody amazing. 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. Their Women's Slickrock shorts now come in 5", 7", and 9" inseam options. Where:Bunyip State Park, Yarra Ranges, Yarra Valley. 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. Bikepacking takes you further, following fire-trails, stock routes or even more fun singletrack, through wild and remote parts of the world, camping along the way and covering more distance than youd ever hope to if you were hiking. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. To help you out, Im going to briefly review six of the most common ones available on the Australian market. Cateran Trail. For the rider, your general bike clothing works perfectly. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. So great to s, Monday night gravel .. Mt Pilot sunset. 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. Heres why. And theyre offering an exclusive discount to ACV readers. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. However, the route veers north in Langford, continuing along The Great Trail and onto the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail. I have a few too many in Victoria's high countrythe story of a mountain biking and brewery road trip. Over nighters. 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. Run wot ya brung is the pared-down explanation as to which bike is best for bikepacking. From a glance at the map above, you'd think you could travel almost anywhere without hitting the pavement. 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. Brands such as MSR and JetBoil offer these types of stoves. This ride takes you one some of Victoria's most scenic roads, including the Acheron Way and Mount Donna Buang Road. They are most suited to solo adventurers but there are additional accessories (larger pots, pans) for bigger groups if need be. I'm planning a bikepacking trip this year to Southeastern Europe anywhere from the Balkans, down to Greece and/or Romania and Bulgaria. Even in summer, nights may be cool and these pack down super-compact. Miles completed the BC Epic 1000 portion of the route in 5 days, 10 hours during the 2017 Grand Depart and invites any questions to be posted below. The source for original bikepacking routes, guides, and dirt touring itineraries from off the beaten path. While a gravel bike might cut a similar silhouette to a road bike, the presence of drop bars is just about where the parallels end. 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. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route. These single-ring drivetrains go very close to matching the limits of a 2x drivetrain setup especially in terms of those granny-gear ratios. Historical areas. Sea Otter is packed. They are equally at ease on sealed and unsealed surfaces. For tyre widths, wed recommend between 2.25- and 2.6-inch. While the KVR segment from Princeton to . Its important to know that the route passes through the unceded lands of the Djargurd Wurrung, Girai Wurrung, Gadubanud, and Gulidjan people. Bikepacking takes you further, following fire-trails, stock routes or - even more fun - singletrack, through wild and remote parts of the world, camping along the way and covering more distance than you'd ever hope to if you were hiking. The Victorian High country huts association. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Have a route to contribute? Victorian Alps Cycle Trail, VIC. Regarding cookware, seek out lightweight titanium pots and pans if you can. Unsealed surfaces are well made and can be ridden on a road bike. 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. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Surface:single track, vehicle tracks, gravel road, some sealed road. If you have a vital issue or opportunity regarding this route that pertains to one of the subjects below, please let us know: **Advocacy opportunities may include bringing awareness to a new trail project, conservation initiative, access potential, or local effort that we might help with or bring awareness to via our broad-reaching platform. Your fitness, amount of remote experience, riding ability and bike suitability is also out of Gravelmobs control. Were a fan of both brake types when applied to different scenarios. Starting in the heart of downtown Victoria, the route begins at the steps of British Columbias Parliament Buildings. The Kettle Korn booths are smoking and the lines are long this year.
victorian bikepacking routes