Start points

For unsupported riders, the starting point is the Cairns Railway station, which is centrally located behind the Cairns Central Shopping complex. The assembly point for bikes and loading luggage is the car park above the station near the central stairs of the station. Riders with transport should arrange to be at our first night's campsite by 4.30pm.

Finish Point

The finish point is the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, about 4 kms north of the railway station at Cominos House, 27-29 Greenslopes Street, Cairns North.

Overnight before or after the tour

The following are some accommodation options relatively accessible from the start and/or finish points. Our crew will do a sweep past these venues for people, bikes and luggage between 7 and 8am on the departure day. If you require a pick-up please give us at least one week's notice and we will notify times closer to the day.

Budget Camping, Cabins and Hostels

CAIRNS HOLIDAY PARK, 12-30 Little Street, Cairns (Close to Finish Point)
Motel accommodation (from $50/ night) to Camping Sites (from $18/night).
Phone (07) 4051 1467/ 1800 259 977, Fax (07) 4041 1929, www.cairnsholidaypark.com.au

CAIRNS CENTRAL YHA (Central to CBD and near Start point)
Dorms from $26/night. Phone (07) 4051 0772,
http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/qld/cairns-surrounds/cairns-central

THE NORTHERN GREENHOUSE (Central to CBD and near Start point)
Dorms from $28, Apartments from $100, 4047 7200,
http://www.friendlygroup.com.au/northern-greenhouse

Apartments from $140/night

CITY TERRACES (Central to CBD and near Start point): 07 4051 8955
http://www.cityterraces.com.au

THE LAKES RESORT AND SPA (next to Finish point, from $140 per night): 07 4053 9400
http://www.thelakescairns.com.au

Payment of balance of Tour Price

All fees (including fundraising component) must be received by 1st September.

The registration fee covers meals, camping fees, facility fees and other administrative costs and fees associated with the conduct of the ride.

For shirt ordering and manufacturing reasons registrations received after 1st August cannot be guaranteed an event jersey.

What the Tour provides

• Luggage support: The tour will carry all luggage however space is at a premium and so we ask that you pack as lightly as possible and do not bring bulky things such as swags or eskies. If you are staying longer in Cairns and have additional luggage not required on the tour contact us to organize storage.
• Rider support: We have volunteer riders, with skills to fix people and bikes riding with the group every day. There are also vehicles and trailers available to give lifts as necessary on most, but not all sections. People can hop in support vehicles anytime. Maps, day sheets and safety briefings will be part of each day's preparation.
• Meals: Evening meal only on the first Saturda. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is provided on all other days, including a farewell dinner on the last Saturday evening. Please advise of vegetarian or special dietary requirements (see also "Sustenance" below).
• Great Campsites: We camp out each night, at environment centres, camp grounds, schools and adjacent to streams in the bush. These facilities vary from excellent to basic. There will be toilets at every stop - built or mobile. We provide temporary hot showers where possible,however, on one or two evenings we may have to embrace the greater luxury of a delightful swim in the remote rivers that we camp at (no soap is allowed in those rivers).

What you will need to bring

• A well-serviced bike with suspension, good gears and chunky tyres.
• Front suspension is essential for this tour. Many riders also prefer rear suspension although this is not essential. The majority of roads are dirt, there are long corrugated sections, sandy sections, pebbly surfaces and rocky wash outs. Semi-knobbly tyres are also essential. Mountain bikes are recommended, but touring bikes or hybrids with the widest tyres are OK as long as you are aware of your limitations. Also touring bikes with only two front cogs might need a smaller lower ring for the hills.
• A helmet in good condition
• You'll also need two water bottles on your bike. And be sure to check your water bottle brackets.
• Bike items in your luggage should include a bike pump, a basic repair kit, a spare tyre, 2 tubes, patches and glue, some spare spokes and spoke spanner, a pocket knife and additional tools to fit your bike.
• A rear view mirror is also highly recommended. Riders just can't rely on hearing, as wind rush in the ears from downhill speed or head winds will blank out noise. A mirror will help the safe passing of support vehicles and trailers on the narrow dirt roads.
• A small tent, small blow up mattress or sleeping mat, and a warm sleeping bag.
• Good-quality clothing for on- and off-road. Remember, nights can be cold, days can be hot, and rain is possible. Lightweight long sleeve outdoor shirts are recommended for riding in the sun.
• A plastic plate, mug and bowl and cutlery (preferably in an identifiable bag)
• Toiletries, toilet paper, towels, sunscreen, lip cream, something to protect your neck, sunglasses and personal medical kit.
• A good torch in working order and with spares.
• A small camping stool (the small scissor-type with canvas on top won't take up much room).
• Swimmers and towel.
• Spending-money on tour.

Issues regarding luggage

• 1st Day Pack: We have limited luggage capacity for the first 24 hours and so will need you to bring a much smaller overnight bag to the train station (toothbrush, deodorant, jumper, plate/cutlery and sleeping gear). You will be reunited with your larger bag (and teddy bear) by the following afternoon.
• Dust: Luggage will be going in a covered-in large trailer. This will keep out water if it rains but it is unlikely to keep out fine dust. Therefore, it is advisable to wrap essential/sensitive items in a plastic bag.
• Luggage drop off and pick up: Luggage may be dropped at the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Greenslopes St, Edge Hill, CAIRNS. from 9am – 4pm on the Friday prior to the start of the event. Luggage will also be collected from the train station meeting point on the Saturday morning. On the last day luggage will be available for pick up from 3.00pm at the Environment Centre.

Other general items:

• Medical emergencies and ambulance travel: If a rider is injured and requires medical attention, organisers will transport the rider to the nearest clinic. In the ride section between Blencoe Falls and Ravenshoe this is a 2-3 hour drive. The clinic may, or may not, have bulk-billing facilities. For serious injuries we would seek assistance with evacuation via Queensland Ambulance or helicopter who provide free services, however the nearest ambulance service may be some distance away.
• Bikes and scratching: Many bikes will be transported by trailer, and so arises the possibility of scratching. Riders should bring along their own tape and bubble-wrap to avoid this. All care will be taken by organisers, but riders who are seriously worried about their bikes should make arrangements to make their own way to start the Tour.
• Climate: September is the Far North's driest month so there is a good chance that it won't rain. However this is the wet tropics so it could! Days will be warm and could get quite hot in the afternoons depending on how far away from the coast we are. Nights however, could still be quite cool. For most of the trip the altitude would be from 500 to 900 metres.
• Fitness level: You cannot do this ride without preparation. You will need at least one month's training to gain some aerobic capacity and be "bike hardened" so you can ride for up to six hours. Unfortunately, you only get bike hardened by riding bikes. Your training should include rides of varying distances which should build up to the longest ride closer to the event. Try to ride two to three times per week. Definitely include some hill work. The organisers of this tour want to cater for a range of fitness levels and riding ability. For the fit there are ranges and hills that will take you to your limit if you want to attack them and ride them all. For those who want more moderate exercise we can ferry you up the harder sections. People can jump in support vehicles any time, but remember – this is not a bus trip!
• Riding on main highways: On planning this route every effort has been made to avoid being on main roads. We usually only have to negotiate about 20km of main highway on the entire trip. However we must ride in packs or groups on main highways and in single file. An escort vehicle with a flashing light and signs will accompany each group of riders. This arrangement is a condition of our police permit and cannot be avoided.
• Riding on back roads: We can relax a little on roads where traffic is very low. But as cyclists on a friendly tour we should be prepared to stay back and give encouragement, advice and support to less-experienced riders. On dirt roads don't ride too close. Give your fellow riders ample space to judge their route and to take evasive action if needed.
• Daily routine: Riding starts at between 7.30 and 9.00 am depending on distance. We have a daily briefing on road conditions, safety and itinerary. Faster riders may be asked to stay back 30 minutes some days in order that the bunch can be together later on.
• Sustenance: Food will be healthy, hearty and heaps of it! As much as possible, meals will include fresh fruit and vegetables (including organic items bought along the way). Morning and afternoon teas of home-made cookies and cakes and fruit will be provided on-route. Where this is not possible, riders will be given snacks to carry with them. Water containers will be placed at stop points. There will also be a range of fruit and snacks laid out after each day's riding. Coffee will be the real stuff in plungers. Let us know of any dietary needs (vegetarian, milk intolerant etc). Drinks will be available at reasonable prices from the Bikers Bar every evening (beer, wine, cider and soft drinks). By popular demand, this year we'll also provide for sale, "reward for effort" items like chocolates, and "fuel" items like snakes and lollies.
• Recycling: Our tour will recycle as much as possible, so be prepared to separate food scraps, tins, glass and general waste.

Call or email us anytime:

We can never give you all the information you might want about the ride on a website, so if you have any questions please feel free to contact CAFNEC (the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre) - Phone: (07) 40 32 1746; Fax: (07) 40 533779; E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

PLEASE NOTE: The organisers of the tour recognize the Indigenous stewardship of all areas through which we travel.