A summary of the trip Itinerary is available below, and is also available as a download-able PDF document (203.66 Kb).

Please also take the time to read our Detailed Riders Information on the ride. If you would like to join us - please visit the the signing-up page. If you have any questions regarding the tour (please read the info first!) please feel free to contact us .

Please keep in mind this is the ride that was done in 2007.  While we usually go through a similar area, each year the track varies to accomodate local conditions - and spice up the life of the organisers and regular riders.

Day One, Saturday 22nd Sept.

Cairns to Cardwell by train - or other means. Ride to Kennedy State School after lunch. 25 kms, [Evening Dinner only]

Summary : For most who have no alternative transport, the forward journey to Cardwell is on the Sunlander. It's a very relaxing and scenic journey along the green coastal plane, passing Queensland's highest mountains. Leave Cairns 8.30am. Assemble at the station 7.00am and pack bikes which come down on trailers. An easy ride after lunch to a lovely little school at the base of the range. Briefing at 5.00pm about the next 7 day's riding. Non-train travelers must make own arrangements by bus or car to be at Kennedy by 4.30pm. Those flying into Cairns should ideally arrive Friday night. If that's not possible contact organisers for assistance.

Day Two - Sunday 23^rd Sept.

Kennedy to Blencoe Falls area. 65 Km. 100% dirt granite road. [Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.]

Summary : A tough first day of hill-climbing with not much let-up. 20km to the top of the range, 9km down the other side with a solitary 2km of dead flat to lunch. The rest is a relentless succession of ups and downs as we follow the ridge lines and gullies though the mountains. All but the very fit should get lifts from the rider support cars during the day. However, today has some of the best riding through rainforest you will ever get. After lunch rainforest gradually gives way to delightful high-country woodland, as rider's head west. Spectacular river and gorge scenery at destination. At aprox 4.30pm a guided walk goes to the top of the Falls.

Day Three - Monday 24^th Sept.

Blencoe Falls to Herbert River Crossing : 100% dirt granite road, all good quality. 37 Km. [B.L.D] (Option to inspect Western Lookout - a moderate 10km extra)

Summary : Riders now begin a journey through dryer country, and after exploring the nearby gorge country, head to rainforests further north. Today is an easy rewarding day - from swimming hole to swimming hole. The day begins with an optional 10 kilometre circuit down to view Blencoe Falls and the gorge from the Western Lookout. Those staying back can wait at the turn-off. As riders continue west today, initial hills and gullies soon give way to flatter country where (unfortunately) some station tree clearing has been started. Camp tonight is on the banks of the Herbert River upstream from the grand Herbert River Falls.

Day Four - Tuesday 25^thSept.

Our Camp site to Herbert River Falls and return. 65 Km. 100% dirt clay road, with some rocky and some sandy sections. [B.L.D.] Possible rest day for some.

The Herbert River Falls is a spectacular and remote place where the survivor 2000 series was shot. Access is through an adjacent station and riders will have to backtrack 10 kilometres to the turnoff. After the turnoff the road is well formed but has some very hard rocky sections. Nearer the falls there are a number of sandy gullies to negotiate. Lunch will be provided at the falls and riders can make their way back to camp when they feel like it. There are plenty of great swimming holes upstream of the falls. Be careful not to slip on rocks.

Day Five - Wednesday 26^thSept.

Herbert River Crossing to Innot Hot Springs pub : via Gunnawarra Rd and Mt Garnet. 95 Km. 75% dirt clay road. [B.L.D.]

Summary : A long and tough day which will be hot, dusty and dry. Stark ironbark woodland country with its own particular beauty. Today will be a test of the will on this lonely stretch of outback corrugated dirt. By lunch the toughest part is over, and by 2.00pm a sealed road welcomes riders into the tiny town of Mt Garnet. However, a further 16 km stretch of narrow bitumen highway must be negotiated to finish the day. Packs and rider discipline will be required for this highway section. The riding finishes at tiny Innot Hot Springs. Overnight camp is at the Caravan Park. Here there are hot spas, a swimming pool and washing machines. Even a nice room can be had if a booking is made beforehand. Dinner tonight is at the pub.

Day Six - Thursday 27^th Sept.

Innot Hot Springs to Ravenshoe via Glen Gordon Station and Wooroora Rd, 80% dirt clay then sealed road. 55 Kms. [B.L.D]

Summary: Some easy early riding through an agricultural area as riders head for the Herbert River until a crossing at Mandalee. Fairly remote dirt road now as we head toward Glen Gordon Station. On-route we'll divert along the levee bank of a large ponding area with plenty of birdlife. 5 gates to open and close during the journey through Glen Gordon Station. Flat roads eventually gives way to hillier country, and a higher, wetter, cooler climate regime is not far away. The bitumen begins at Vine creek where we have lunch. A steady/step/long climb brings riders up to the Ravenshoe Pony which is the overnight stay spot. After arrival riders can explore the many attractions in and around Ravenshoe or just rest up - or perhaps head into the chemist to buy that tooth brush left back at Cairns. Ravenshoe, at around 900 metres elevation, is an interesting town which has the "highest" this and the "highest" that historical feature

Day Seven - Friday 28^th Sept.

Ravenshoe to Tinaroo 95 Km. 70% sealed, other sections dirt clay and granite roads with moderate to very steep down hills.

Summary: Today is a big day. Riders proceed uphill to Tumoulin together. Here they can split up and soon leave the bitumen after getting on to Old Kaban Road which eventually becomes Flaggy Creek Road. Riders are now trending downward to a lower level of the Atherton Tablelands. A series of back roads take riders through to the Strawberry Farm at Shaklee for some well-deserved ice cream. A flat and easy ride from there across the flatter part of the tablelands into Tinaroo.

Day Eight - Saturday 29^th Sept.

Tinaroo to Cairns via Clohesy river 70% dirt granite or clay road, all of reasonable quality. 90 Kms. [B.L.D]

Summary : Today has some challenging hills, but the ride across the mountain ranges and down into Cairns must surely be one of the best rides of the tour. Individual permits may be required as riders must pass through a State forest section today.

On leaving Tinaroo, hills confront riders before giving way to a dry rain-shadow area which descends to a flat middle section where riders skirt along irrigation canals. Now, unfortunately, 10 km of main highway have to be negotiated. That over, riders are again on isolated dirt heading down Clohesy River Road for lunch at the first creek crossing.

From here riders start climbing into rainforest. There are about six more creek crossings, some steep climbs and some very steep descents - all of which will have to be walked by most riders. Eventually, riders arrive at Copperlode Dam and its famous kiosk nestled above a spectacular rainforest and water vista.

It's time to shout yourself some coffee and cake. You've made it and there's no more dirt. There are only a few short but sharp climbs to bring riders to the edge of the escarpment, then the magnificent long descent into Cairns. It's all over.