Aboriginal History of the Bike Route

The land we travel through in the area of the Cape to Cape region is the country of traditional aboriginal owners who still have close links to this land. The organisers of the tour recognize the stewardship of this area by the traditional owners over countless generations, so that we can enjoy the high conservation values of this land today.

Start and Finish Point

The tour will start and finish at the Glenbrook Farm Stay 4km south of Margaret River. Glenbrook will be used as the volunteer base for the duration of the tour. Riders arriving by car are welcome to leave their vehicles at Glenbrook. For participants arriving in Margaret River by bus Glenbrook is only a short taxi ride from the bus stop.

The tour is limited to maximum of 30 adult riders.

Tour Price

$1150 per adult.

Payment of Deposit and Balance

To secure a place on the tour a $300 deposit is required . Full payment is required no later than Friday 2nd October 2009. The organisers have the right to refuse participation by any person who has not paid the fare in full by this date if other prospective riders are willing to fully pay for that place. In this event the deposit amount will be returned, less a small administration fee. For cancellations after 28th of September 2009 reimbursement of the fare will be at the discretion of the tour organisers.

Payment

Direct debit is the preferred method of payment. Due to the high bank charges on credit card transactions, the tour is forced to make a 2.0% surcharge on payments made by credit cards.

Luggage Support

The tour will carry all luggage within the limitations set below: Each rider will be allowed two suitcases per person weighing no more than 25 kg per case. Also, riders are allowed one piece of hand luggage. No bulky items like the roll-up swags and mattresses, as they just take up too much room. We would appreciate it if you packed as light as you can.

Rider Support

Support vehicles will travel on direct roads between campsites and lunch stops, they will not follow the cyclists. Should riders require support due to mechanical failure, injury or illness a pick on route will be arranged.

The daily routes are easily achievable with a regular training routine prior to the tour and while offering full support whenever required the ride is not a min-van tour. Should riders choose stop riding early each day due to lack of training a carton of beer penalty may be applied.

Meals

Excluding our rest day in Augusta on Friday 22nd all meals and snacks from dinner on Sunday the 17th to breakfast on Monday the 25th will be catered for, further details on menus to be posted. Please advise of vegetarian or special dietary requirements. (see also "sustenance" below)

Accommodation

For the first and last night of the tour there will be individual room and dormitory accommodation at Glenbrook Farm Stay. On other nights the group will pitch camp in National Parks and Caravan Parks. The facilities will vary from excellent to basic. There will be toilets and showers at every stop. At camp sites Where running hot showers are not available each rider will be provided with an individual 20 litre solar shower.

Luxury Accommodation

For those not in love with camping there are more luxurious options available at the following camp sites. Taunton Farm Caravan Park, Hamelin Bay and all of Augusta. Please contact business direct should you want a little Luxury.

Short Tour Options

Only one tour option will be available. Half tours, self catering options etc will not be available. Cyclists riding in the ‘Cape to Cape MTB Challenge' are welcome to join us on Monday the 18th

Friends and Family

Friends and family are welcome to join the tour along the way but will have to be independent and self-sufficient. All camp sites are open to the public.

Climate

Spring in Margaret River is a delightful time. After winter rains, rivers are flowing, the local bush comes to life and the bush tracks are firm and compact. The weather in October is generally sunny but cool with light winds and great day light hours. Having said this there is still the possibility of frontal rain. This is normally short and sharp and should not be a challenge to riders, but come prepared with some warm and waterproof clothing.

Day Length

October 20th Sunrise 5:30am, Sunset 6:30pm

Fitness Level

One can't just hop on a bike and do this ride without preparation. You will need at least one month's solid training to gain some aerobic capacity. The biggest problem for those who don't do much cycling is that your body (especially backside) needs to be bike hardened - that is it needs to have the ability to stay in the saddle for up to six hours. Unfortunately, you only get bike hardened by riding bikes.

Do at least a month of constant preparation. Your training should include rides of varying distances which should build up to the longest ride closer to the event. Try to ride at least two to three times per week. Shorter rides through the working week, with a longer one over the weekend where you can push yourself a bit.

Riding

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. Riders will regroup several times a day. At intersections one rider will stay and give direction until another rider takes his or her place. We will travel in an extended group through out the trip. This is not a race.

Daily Routine

Riding starts at between 8.00 and 9.30 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.

Camp Routine / Rider Roster

Tour organisers, volunteers and a roster of riders, will prepare and clean up after breakfast and evening meals. Once your one-off roster requirement is fulfilled you no longer have to feel guilty that you should be helping.

Sustenance

Food will be healthy, hearty & heaps of it! Dried fruit & nuts will be dispensed into individual bags each morning so riders have some fuel en route. 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). We will also provide for sale, "fuel" items like snakes and lollies. If you need power drinks please bring your own powder to mix with water.

Recycling

Our tour will recycle as much as possible, so be prepared to separate food scraps, tins, glass and general waste.

Tour Price Includes

Camp sites with toilets and showers, full rider support, all meals + snacks, lavish farewell dinner (except meals on Augusta rest day).

This bicycle tour is an event designed to enhance the rider's appreciation of the wonderful natural assets of the Margaret River, Cape to Cape Region.