FAQ's - Cycle Australia 2021
1. What does Cycle Across Oz provide daily during rides?
2. What do we need to bring?
Cycle Across Oz insists that each rider has a total maximum of 15 kgs luggage plus 5 kgs camping equipment, which does not include your bike.
3. What about narrow and windy roads?
The route has some narrow and windy roads (last leg). Some roads have no shoulders. Traffic is mostly light and drivers are incredibly friendly and accommodating. They will generally give you lots of room when passing, but you must get off the road if you are aware of 2 vehicles passing each other within your vicinity. You are advised not to ride two abreast on these sorts of roads. 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 itinerary has a wide range of distance with 45 kms the shortest and 125 kms the longest. The gravel road sections are all under 100 kms but you cannot expect to ride on them as well as you can on a sealed road. The itinerary highlights the gravel sections in red
5. How much Highway riding is there?
We will use minor roads wherever possible to reduce the highway riding on Sturt Highway, for example. The highway word is a misnomer - these are not motorways in the full sense of the word. We cannot avoid all the highway sections. Mostly traffic on the Sturt highway is light (busier around the towns) and there is a modest shoulder in these busier sections. Drivers, especially truck drivers, are courteous.
The longest highway section is Kamilaroi Highway from Bourke to Narrabri - as this is wide open country, riding should be considered as safe.
- Carrying of personal equipment up to 15 kgs plus 5 kgs camping equipment per rider
- Daily ride updates with maps & directions
- Adequate water supplies that may occasionally be fresh artesian bore water.
- Morning tea supplies (some afternoons on longer days)
- Meals as per ride itinerary
- Basic first aid supplies
- Basic bike repair tools & assistance
- Camping accommodation nightly
- Basic cooking equipment
2. What do we need to bring?
Cycle Across Oz insists that each rider has a total maximum of 15 kgs luggage plus 5 kgs camping equipment, which does not include your bike.
- Personal & riding clothes- all caravan parks have laundry facilities.
- Bicycle & helmet (compulsory)
- Bicycle mirror (compulsory) & lighting (rear lighting compulsory)
- Camping equipment- small tent, mat, sleeping bag (no chairs)
- Eating utensils- plate (or bowl), knife, fork, spoon & mug
- Spare tubes x 3 & spare tyre x1
- Appropriate spokes
- Hand sanitiser
- Cycle Across Oz is unable & will not carry bike boxes, bike bags or bike cases. Store them at your point of arrival and departure.
3. What about narrow and windy roads?
The route has some narrow and windy roads (last leg). Some roads have no shoulders. Traffic is mostly light and drivers are incredibly friendly and accommodating. They will generally give you lots of room when passing, but you must get off the road if you are aware of 2 vehicles passing each other within your vicinity. You are advised not to ride two abreast on these sorts of roads. 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 itinerary has a wide range of distance with 45 kms the shortest and 125 kms the longest. The gravel road sections are all under 100 kms but you cannot expect to ride on them as well as you can on a sealed road. The itinerary highlights the gravel sections in red
5. How much Highway riding is there?
We will use minor roads wherever possible to reduce the highway riding on Sturt Highway, for example. The highway word is a misnomer - these are not motorways in the full sense of the word. We cannot avoid all the highway sections. Mostly traffic on the Sturt highway is light (busier around the towns) and there is a modest shoulder in these busier sections. Drivers, especially truck drivers, are courteous.
The longest highway section is Kamilaroi Highway from Bourke to Narrabri - as this is wide open country, riding should be considered as safe.
6. 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 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.
7. What about meals?
Every rider will be provided with
8. What, if any, services pre & post ride?
Pre ride:
Commencement of ride
Post ride
9. 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:
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 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.
7. 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 National Park camps.
- When meals not provided there is always the ability for the rider to purchase a cooked meal.
8. What, if any, services pre & post ride?
Pre ride:
- Riders must organise their own transport & accommodation pre ride from Adelaide and Wentworth and Bourke - unless otherwise agreed
- Cycle Across Oz will do one airport pickup in Adelaide on the morning of May 2, 2022.
Commencement of ride
- A briefing will be conducted on the eve of each ride (see further details on individual daily ride details).
Post ride
- Riders must organise their own transport & accommodation post ride from Wentworth and Boruke and Port Macquarie - unless otherwise agreed.
- Cycle Across Oz is unable to provide transport of riders belongings post ride.
9. 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).
10. What accommodation is supplied?
The main accommodation will be camping in caravan parks or lodgings or farm stays and paid for by Cycle Across Oz - riders provide their own tents & camping equipment. There is usually an opportunity for riders to upgrade into 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).
11. Do I need to carry anything on my bike?
Cycle Across Oz suggests you carry at least two spare tubes, tyre levers, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as camera, wallet, toilet needs and rain gear. We transport your luggage, food & extra water. All riders are expected to be able to repair their own flat tyres.
12. What is the age group & gender on average each ride?
On all our rides we have a good mix 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.
13. What will the weather be like?
The itinerary page of this website has detailed weather maps. Do not be surprised if it is cooler than you are used to - there will be some cold days. Do not be surprised if there are windy days especially in the outback.
14. What type of bike should I ride?
Comfort is the main factor. A road bike, tourer or mountain bike fitted with wider tyres are suitable. Recumbents, tandems & small-wheeled tourers are suitable. With the 2nd leg including 500 kms of gravel roads, smallest width suggested is 32 mm (28 mm might be a push)
15. What’s not included in the ride price?
16. 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 plus an additional 5 kgs for 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.
17. What about Covid-19?
Cycle Across Oz will continue to run the calendared events at the discretion of the
Ride Organisers, unless and until there is some government edict banning
sporting events of this nature. The full Covid-19 policy is laid out in this Covid-19 Policy document
18. Refunds
The entry fee will be refunded if the rider is unable to participate in the Cycle Tour due to death or hospitalisation prior to the commencement of the ride.
The main accommodation will be camping in caravan parks or lodgings or farm stays and paid for by Cycle Across Oz - riders provide their own tents & camping equipment. There is usually an opportunity for riders to upgrade into 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).
11. Do I need to carry anything on my bike?
Cycle Across Oz suggests you carry at least two spare tubes, tyre levers, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as camera, wallet, toilet needs and rain gear. We transport your luggage, food & extra water. All riders are expected to be able to repair their own flat tyres.
12. What is the age group & gender on average each ride?
On all our rides we have a good mix 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.
13. What will the weather be like?
The itinerary page of this website has detailed weather maps. Do not be surprised if it is cooler than you are used to - there will be some cold days. Do not be surprised if there are windy days especially in the outback.
14. What type of bike should I ride?
Comfort is the main factor. A road bike, tourer or mountain bike fitted with wider tyres are suitable. Recumbents, tandems & small-wheeled tourers are suitable. With the 2nd leg including 500 kms of gravel roads, smallest width suggested is 32 mm (28 mm might be a push)
15. What’s not included in the ride price?
- Transport to and from the ride city.
- Accommodation before and after the ride
- Accommodation in towns between the legs if you are joining or leaving in that town
- Personal accident or travel insurance
- Personal items purchased during the ride
- Meals other than those indicated on the itinerary
- Optional activities and sightseeing
- Bike parts & major repairs if required.
- Transport pre & post ride unless otherwise agreed with Cycle Across Oz.
16. 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 plus an additional 5 kgs for 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.
17. What about Covid-19?
Cycle Across Oz will continue to run the calendared events at the discretion of the
Ride Organisers, unless and until there is some government edict banning
sporting events of this nature. The full Covid-19 policy is laid out in this Covid-19 Policy document
18. Refunds
The entry fee will be refunded if the rider is unable to participate in the Cycle Tour due to death or hospitalisation prior to the commencement of the ride.