Cycle Across Oz
Frequently Asked Questions about our rides.
1. What does Cycle Across Oz provide daily during rides?
Cycle Across Oz will supply
- Carrying of personal equipment up to 15 kgs per rider
- Daily ride updates with maps & directions
- Adequate water supplies that may occasionally be fresh artesian bore water.
- Morning & afternoon tea supplies.
- Meals as per ride itinerary
- Basic first aid supplies
- Basic bike repair tools & assistance
- Camping accommodation nightly
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Basic cooking equipment
2. What do we need to bring?
Cycle Across Oz insists that each rider has a total maximum of 15kgs luggage, which does not include your bike.
- Personal & riding clothes- all caravan parks have laundry facilities.
- Bicycle & helmet
- Bicycle mirror (compulsory) & lighting
- Camping equipment- small tent, mat, sleeping bag
- Eating utensils- plate (or bowl), knife, fork, spoon & mug
- Spare tubes x 2 & spare tyre x1
- Appropriate spokes
- Cycle Across Oz is unable & will not carry bike boxes, bike bags or bike cases.
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| Don't forget the bike!! |
3. What about road trains?
Road train drivers in Australia are usually very courteous of cyclists. They will generally give you lots of room when passing, but you must get off the road if you are aware of 2 road trains passing each other within your vicinity. Safety & road conditions will be discussed daily in the evening.
4. How far do we have to ride each day?
Distances are as per itinerary however at the discretion of Cycle Across Oz the route/direction/distance may be altered according to weather & road conditions. The shortest day is approximately 35 kms with the longest day at 185 kms.
5. What if I’m not well & am unable to ride the distance on a particular day?
We do not encourage use of a “Sag Wagon” however if you are unwell or struggling to complete the distance within daylight hours then we do have capacity to provide transport to the next evening’s camp. It is expected that all riders have an adequate amount of training prior to the ride, as it is not recommended that you train into the ride. To ensure a rider enjoys the trip it is to their advantage to prepare themselves & their fitness levels.
6. What about meals?
Every rider will be provided with
- A food storage box
- Air tight container for dairy products
- Communal milk, margarine, tea & coffee supplies
- Morning tea- plunger coffee, tea & biscuits with the occasional extra treats depending on the occasion & the availability of ingredients.
- Food shopping suggestions & information on food purchasing availability will be provided as necessary.
- Meals are provided as per itinerary & always on bush camps.
- When meals not provided there is always the ability for the rider to purchase a cooked meal.
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| Bush camp with a couple of stirrers! |
7. What, if any, services pre & post ride?
Pre ride:
- Pick up from airport will be provided on one occasion only at a pre-arranged time per ride depending on location of ride commencement.
- Contact Collis or Kathy for details of pick up times each city.
- Taxis & shuttle buses are available at all airports within Australia.
Commencement of ride
- A briefing will be conducted on the eve of each ride (see further details on individual ride details).
Post ride
- Celebration meal will be provided at the completion of each ride.
- Riders must organise their own transport & accommodation post ride.
- Cycle Across Oz is unable to provide transport of riders belongings post ride, as they will be continuing onto their next ride.
8. What about toilets out on the road?
Most highways have regular rest areas, which occasionally have a toilet available. These are not always situated where we would like them so it is advisable for each rider to carry with them on their bikes the following items:
- Toilet paper
- Wet ones
- Small spade (as all human waste must be buried).
9. What accommodation is supplied?
The main accommodation will be camping in caravan parks or roadhouses and paid for by Cycle Across Oz- riders provide their own tents & camping equipment. There is usually an opportunity for riders to upgrade into dongers/cabins or motel rooms at their own expense.
On occasions Cycle Across Oz will pay for upgraded accommodation in towns where there is inadequate accommodation for camping. These can be at a backpacker style accommodation or the local pub (see itineraries for details).
On each ride we will have bush camps depending on the distance between each town- an area that is cleared, off the road with easy access and where firewood available is sought and organised by Cycle Across Oz. Bush camps are usually an enjoyable experience but showers & toilets will not always be available. When possible we camp by a river for washing ability otherwise water can be restricted for personal needs so as to ensure we have adequate drinking supply.
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| Woody in a Donger! |
10. Do I need to carry anything on my bike?
Cycle Across Oz suggests you carry a spare tube, tyre levers, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as camera, wallet, toilet needs and perhaps rain gear if it’s threatening. We transport your luggage, food & extra water. All riders are expected to be able to repair their own flat tyres.
11. What is the age group & gender on average each ride?
Our last ride from Broome to Perth we had an equal amount of male & female riders. There has been a steady increase in the amount of women who join our rides.
The age range has been between 33 and 72 with an average around mid 50’s.
12. What will the weather be like?
- We are leaving Melbourne at the best time of year for cycling.
- Stable weather patterns persist during March & April. Winds will be of good assistance particularly from Cairns across to Broome.
- Very likely to be rain-free from Cairns to Geraldton (WA).
- Expect the possibility of tropical rain between Charters Towers & Cairns (but we may dodge it).
- Cool with the possibility of showers from Perth to Melbourne.
13. What type of bike should I ride?
Comfort is the main factor. A road bike, tourer or mountain bike fitted with slicks are suitable. Recumbents, tandems & small-wheeled tourers are suitable.
14. What’s not included in the ride price?
- GST
- Airfare to and from the ride city.
- Accommodation before and after the ride
- Personal accident or travel insurance
- Personal items purchased during the ride
- Optional activities and sightseeing
- Bike parts & major repairs if required.
- Transport pre & post ride.
15. What do we need to pack?
We recommend you bring a soft bag or backpack. Cycle Across Oz will not carry suitcases, as they are bulky, difficult to stow on board vehicles or trailers and heavy. You may be required to lift or carry your own luggage from time to time. We have a limit of 15 kgs per rider including camping equipment but not your bike. Any excess luggage may need to be stored or forwarded on to your final destination at your own expense or carried in panniers on your own bike. We advise that you pack as light as possible.
Suggested list of items will be provided once rider registered & deposit paid.
