Goulburn River Trail

The tour is 9 days long with 8 days being cycling days.

This tour offers flat to undulating terrain with different road types such as sealed (35%), unsealed loose gravel and clay (24%), compacted gravel rail trail (28%), and clay tracks (13%) with some potholes and wheel ruts (although generally good/smooth ride lines around any potential hazards).

It is ideal for cyclists who want to enjoy a low-traffic, relaxing experience with typical "Australian bush" scenery.

The tour has been graded a difficulty rating of 5/10

There is no vehicle access in some locations along trails and tracks. Where a trail is accessible by road, the vehicle will be stopped at strategic locations helping riders with water, snacks, bananas or information. You will also see the support vehicle at morning tea and lunch locations. Riders may get in the support vehicle at the meet-up points if they would like to skip a section of the ride or if they have fallen well behind schedule.

Times for morning departure and stops such as morning tea will be given on the ‘Day Sheets’ provided before the ride and we try as best we can to stick to the schedule and keep the group within a reasonable distance of each other and the  support (for safety reasons), however our trail tours do have quite a bit of flexibility and you are welcome to go ‘at your own pace’ within reason. Slower riders should try to leave first to allow plenty of time to enjoy their ride and snack breaks, while faster riders are encouraged to leave a bit later.

For non-regular cyclists, it's recommended that training be done for the ride, as even though you may be physically fit, you should still spend some time getting your body (and different body parts) used to being on a bike for extended periods. This may pose a bigger challenge than cardio or aching muscles. It's good to remember that there is always a support vehicle for those who wish, or need, to be transported for a portion of any day.

A training schedule specific to each ride will be sent to you after placing a deposit,  however the tour operator would be more than happy to send this to you earlier when you are considering the tour.

As a rough guide, try to get to a point where you can average 15-20 km/hr on flat paths, and build your kilometre total distance in training to be out on the bike for 3-4 hours (roughly 50km) for two days straight. This will usually put you in a good position to be ready for your tour. The more training you do, the more you will enjoy the cycling.

A spare tube, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as phone, wallet and rain gear,  are some suggested items to carry on the bike with you.

The Tour Operator will  transport your luggage, drawstring day bags, food and extra water. A more detailed list of things to bring and not bring is on our ‘Tour Preparation Guide’ which is sent out to you before the ride.

Always a big part of any cycling holiday! The emphasis is on fresh food and balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, fruit and veggies catering for a cycling holiday. The Tour Operator has successfully catered to most dietary requirements, however, feel free to contact us with any questions. Most meals are included as part of the tours; however, as this tour has an emphasis on travelling at your own pace, you can expect to purchase your own lunches at a time/place convenient to you. You will of course be provided with ample opportunity and suggestions.

The Tour Operator has a great safety record, but accidents can happen. They have trained First Aiders as crew, comprehensive First-Aid Kits, a list of hospitals in the areas that you'll travel through, as well as mobile phones and a satellite phone for emergency calls when you are out of cellular range. Safety discussions are held throughout the tour as part of the daily briefings.

You may be required to lift or carry your own luggage from time to time, e.g. into accommodation. We expect your bag to be no heavier than 15kg, making it easy to manage for you and the staff. Two lighter bags are better than a big heavy one. Any excess luggage may need to be stored or forwarded on to your destination at your own expense. Information about what to pack is included as part of your pre-departure information. Generally, it is advised that you pack as light as possible.

A comfortable hybrid (with front suspension) is best. Wide semi-off-road tyres are recommended due to gravel surfaces (slick road tyres not suitable for some of the surfaces). Front mudguards are not compatible with the vehicle bike racks; please remove these prior to coming on tour. This tour does have some loose gravel and uneven surfaces so while there is no technical expertise required, riders will need to have competent offroad skills. Whatever bike you select, ensure you are comfortable negotiating the surfaces described and riding the daily distances and average speed of the tour. Ask us for the ‘Training Tips’ document for this ride to get an idea of distances and speeds you need to train for.

Ebikes
Ebikes are always welcome on tours and there are special Ebike carrying racks that can accommodate their unique size and weight, keeping your bike safe when we need to transport it. Our racks (and staff) can carry (lift) bikes weighing up to a maximum 25kg (battery removed). The racks carry the bike in a vertical position with the front wheel nestled in a cradle, meaning that any front wheel/fork accessories such as pack racks, panniers or mudguards must be removed prior to coming on tour.

Bike mechanical assistance provided
A staff member with good bike mechanical knowledge will be part of the crew and will have a stand pump for different valves. The mechanic will often be able to help you with a safety check, general tips and advice about your bike and its upkeep, as well as fixing mechanical problems. There will be limited parts available for replacement which will be charged at shop prices. Labour is free for the first fifteen minutes, there after costs may be incurred at the mechanic’s discretion. Cyclists with rare or different bikes are asked to contact us as parts can often be very difficult to obtain.