What: pretty rural areas, temperate rainforest, rail trail riding, quiet back roads, lakeside riding, eucalyptus woodland. From a glance at the map above, you'd think you could travel almost anywhere without hitting the pavement. Victorian High country Huts tour | Cycling Wild The route passes through several smaller parcels of First Nation land, including Songhees, Esquimalt, Malahat (MLEXE), and Cowichan, the largest single First Nations Band in British Columbia. The tubeless tyre works with the use of a liquid sealant that you put inside your tyre. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Over nighters. Beechworth is 30 minutes from the Hume Freeway. As the leading creator and publisher of bikepacking routes, BIKEPACKING.com endeavors to maintain, improve, and advocate for our growing network of bikepacking routes all over the world. Become a member to support this and learn more about the initiative here. Its an epic ride with superb gravel roads, tough climbs, fast descents and incredible scenery. Bikepacking routes - 10 of the best USA bikepacking routes Gravel bikes still may feature a 2x crankset, with a corresponding 10- or 11-speed cassette at the rear, for that optimal ratio spread. The Cowichan Valley lies within the Coast Salish First Nations territory, extending throughout British Columbia and northern Washington State. Weve designed this as an ideal first bikepacking experience from Beechworth. If you download and use one of these self-guided routes you acknowledge and accept that you are riding totally at your own risk. Scotland has a vast network of so-called Great Trails, originally mapped as long-distance walking routes. The Cowichan Valley Trail turns back eastward, passing by Cowichan River Provincial Park and great camping opportunities at Stoltz Pool Campground, passing through the town of Duncan before joining the top loop of the routes figure-eight shape. Day 1 of this ride departs from Gravelmob HQ at The Old Beechworth Gaol and sends you on scenic backroads through farming country before arriving for lunch in the King Valley village of Moyhu. Length: 418 miles Climbing: 35,700ft Time to complete: 4+ nights Three words: Physical, stunning, accessible What bike: MTB The routes are just suggested loops on publicly-accessible roads and tracks, and the day-to-day quality, safety, difficulty and open/closed status of any part of the routes is totally outside of Gravelmobs control. It features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more Issue 09 takes readers on trips through timeone to the early days of bicyclesand offers several reminders to be grateful for supportive friends and family, and strangers we meet along the way For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives weve long been eager to share May 2022: There are closures along the KVR due to washouts and landslides. Gravel-type bike recommended. This trail continues north to Cowichan River, following its banks to the town of Lake Cowichan. Sequim, WA 98324 United States. Cateran Trail. These were very effective if touring on road, but as soon as you veered onto narrow bush tracks, the additional width created by the panniers meant you had to be very careful you didnt hook your bike (and yourself) on a surrounding tree or similar. It attaches to a number of frame points via Velcro straps or buckle systems. The Cowichan Valley 8 is a 190km figure-eight bikepacking route that starts and ends at the parliament buildings in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Backcountry has expanded their mountain bike gear and apparel for 2023, including new styles, sizes, and color options for lots of their women's gear. The seat bag attaches via a strap system to your bikes seat-post and seat rails, ensuring it doesnt wobble while riding and affect your balance. Hughes Creek Road. Surface:mostly gravel/dirt. It snakes its way down the. Six of the best steel gravel bikes for sale in Australia in 2023, Five of the best victorian cycling roads you probably haven't heard of. With the chance of fast descents, long flat fast sections of trails and roads, plus the always-dreaded climbs, the correct gearing is key to a successful bikepacking adventure. Spring 2023 Collective Reward Winners - BIKEPACKING.com Moderate gradients. Thankfully, its not that painful; bike bags are, truly, a godsend for the two-wheeled off-road explorer, and heres why. If the majority of your bikepacking is fire trails and singletrack, they offer a more comfortable and safer ride, due to their construction, than, say, a gravel bike. Can be done on a road bike. The Cowichan Valley 8 is a 190km figure-eight bikepacking route that starts and ends at the parliament buildings in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Nearly all of todays MTBs and gravel bikes run through-axles, rather than the old quick-release systems, as this increases strength and stability of the wheel. This multi-use trail is 60km long, providing a safe bicycle route from Victoria to Sooke. Mountain bike or big-tyred gravel-type bike recommended. We are depending on individuals from the bikepacking community within these corridors for help. And to get there by train allows you to relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of bike travel without the hassle of a car. Youve researched your route, most likely via maps originally and then one of the excellent trail apps, such as TrailForks, and youre all set to go. Luckily, most gravel bike manufacturers build their frames to also fit the smaller 27.5 size, thus opening up the choice of wider, high-volume tyres (over 40mm wide even up to 50mm), ideal for your gravel bike on a particularly rough route. Bikepackings exploratory (and fun) ethos, and its focus on going lightweight where possible, saw a resultant need in a new, effective way of lugging gear, where those narrow trails wouldnt cause any grief, and you could still ride your bike as it was meant to be ridden, i.e., you didnt have to make allowances for wonky weight distribution and that wide rear end. This route travels in both the Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka'wakw regions, passing through several First Nation communities along the way. Published in Ride On magazine sping 2016. Nothing beats getting out of your bike shoes after a day in the saddle. Terrain:very hilly until the Warby Rail Trail. Learn more here. 1. With rolling hills, limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, amazing beaches, and endless bush, theres something for everyone. What:temperate rainforest, eucalypt forests, rivers, good free camping, lots of climbing, a couple of breweries, rural areas, Lake Eildon. British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. One steep rocky downhill which can be easily avoided. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. The Cowichan Valley 8 makes for a perfect weekend escape for locals and visitors alike, and its diverse terrain and lush rainforests will have you wishing for more by the time youre done. Be sure, however, to check the length of the tents poles and if they will fit inside one of your bike bags length-wise. The Best Bikepacking Trails in Victoria (Australia) | Wikiloc From the shores of the Arctic Ocean in Norway to the wild Atlantic coastline of southwestern Portugal, the European Divide Trail is a 100-day bikepacking route that's incredibly diverse and always full of surprises. A massive thanks to Pepper for putting her faith in my route planning skills and blindly riding out into the wilderness on what is a very challenging part of Victoria for bikepacking. Each have some element of off-road, but aren't always exclusively off-road. Explore the map below or click here for more information about the project, or to submit your own Local Overnighter. A mountain bike would be easier. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. 721 Carlsborg Rd. Surface:sealed roads, gravel roads, rail trails, some rougher sections. We have a number of large-scale projects in the works, in addition to modifications and action needed on existing routes, so be sure to get on the mailing list to stay up to date. The size of your handlebar bag will, to an extent, be governed by what type of handlebars you run; MTB bars allow the bag to be wider, gravel/road drop bars are narrower so you have less width to utilise. Make sure to set your shared image folder to public! What: plenty of beautiful, tall mountain ash forest with many ferns. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. All the camping gear, all the shiny bikepacking bags, and the strong desire to strike out on a trip you charte The Victoria Divide is a 570km off-road bikepacking route, traversing the Great Dividing Range across the state of Victoria, from Melbourne to Albury/Wodonga When Date: February 26, 2022 Time: 11:00 am Details Event Website Organizer: Lewis Ciddor Email: lewisciddor@gmail.com Where Wurundjeri Spur Lookout Yarra Boulevard Find the best Bikepacking trails in Victoria (Australia). While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. Along the way youll also see evidence of settler history, in the form of old railway, logging, and mining infrastructure. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. After passing by Bamberton Provincial Park, a potential camping spot along the route, the Mill Bay Ferry provides safe crossing to Brentwood Bay. Terrain: some flat riding, some quite hilly riding. In addition, were currently implementing a deeper Route Stewards program for several of our more significant routes. Can be done on a 32mm tyre, What:some of the best road, gravel and rail trail riding between Melbourne and Canberra, Where:central VictoriaBendigo, Heathcote, Redesdale, Axedale, Harcourt, Metcalfe, Terrain:flat/undulating, with a couple of moderate climbs. Youll also find more water bottle mounts and rooms for fenders and frame bags. Difficulty Rating: The BC Trail was assigned a 5 out of 10 based on the distance covered and the surprisingly harsh terrain the trails follow. You need to be logged in to use these features. Some chunky gravel. Surface:95% sealed (though a bit choppy). We have several in the works already, with many more to come. The other option is a methylated spirits stove (metho can be found in most places) that also offers a wider, more stable base and is still light in weight. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. The booths are crawling, the bikes are shiny, and the kids are . With crucial information like maps, gradients, distances, terrain, where to stay, where to get water, etc. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to map and gather overnighters all over the worldby locals who know their own backyards best. The Great Bike Rides of Victoria Adventure Cycling Victoria Surface:about 50/50 sealed/unsealed. Just short enough to enjoy a few stops along the way. This list of cheaper gear alternatives will get you rolling, without the eye-watering price tag. Published in Ride On magazine, Autumn 2016. Recommended XC mountain bike or gravel bike with wide tyres. The historic town of Beechworth is the perfect start/finish point for your High Country bikepacking or flashpacking adventure. Dont forget to stop at the Shawnigan House caf for a warm drink and baked goods. It is used to pack lightweight, bulky items, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and spare clothing. The story of riding the Old Beechy Rail Trail in the Otways, and the desperate search for a chicken parma. A guide to the best bikepacking and bicycle-touring routes in Victoria. In fact, we reckon with honesty borne from our own (and others) experiences that its close to the most fun you can have on a bicycle or, indeed, in the outdoors, full-stop. While decommissioned rail trails still make up the majority of the terrain, dont be fooled, many of these sections are rough and are hard on gear and riders alike. The Bikepacking Collective Routes Fund is a member- and sponsor-funded initiative to develop high-quality, signature bikepacking routes. Services are aplenty, and although there are a few sections of loose gravel you wont have to navigate any technical singletrack. What:cool temperate rainforest, tall mountain ash forest, rolling pastoral land, shady pine plantations, small towns, an award-winning brewery, interesting natural and human history, Where:Ruffy Highlands, Strathbogie Tablelands, EuroaCentral Victoria. Dried fruit is a great snack option, as are your regulation muesli bars. It has the same frame as the other two models but gets the mountain bike Shimano DEORE 1X10 drivetrain, Shimano MT-200, and a 710mm Race Face Ride flat bar. The Cowichan Valley Trail, which is primarily a wide gravel path, passes on the west side of Shawnigan Lake, crossing several smaller bridges and the popular Kinsol Trestle along the way. You really dont want to have too much weight on your back, though, as you want to keep all the weight low down on the bike for better handling. Its easily accessed from Wangaratta or Albury train stations, less than 30 minutes drive from the Hume Highway and is home to some of Australias best gravel riding. Trying to squeeze, shove and cajole your gear into your bike bags is probably the most stressful part of what is a relaxing activity. Bike stopping power today is very much the realm of the disc brake, with the main decision whether to opt for mechanical (cable-operated) or hydraulic. You'll even go past Victoria's tallest tree, at around 90 metres high. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. Its name changes along along the way, at different times being called Nolans Road, Tarcombe-Ruffy Road, Ponkeen Creek Road, and finally Hughes Creek Road. Were expecting this will become an iconic High Country bikepacking loop. More here. A mix of gravel, doubletrack, and paved paths create a scenic and rewarding route that can be easily ridden in a weekend or under to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. There's more than 132,000 km of dirt roads and tracks in Victoria. The Arcteryx Konseal Short 11" is touted as the ultimate pair of outdoor shorts. The ride is relatively short out and back, but includes climbs and descents on both days perfect to help you get used to how a loaded bike handles. Each is experienced in bikepacking route design, active in community advocacy, and proficient in route documentation. Bikepacking and cycle touring routes in Victoria, Australia rides Click through to rides on the maps below or scroll through the list below Featured Gals Gone Gramps iconic, moderate-hard, gravel, mountain bike Where: Grampians/GariwerdWestern Victoria Length: 155km Difficulty: moderate/hard Terrain: mixture of hills and flat You can store a spare brake cable in one of your bags and the pads used are pretty common. We are looking for the best quality bikepacking routes to inspire and enable people to get out and explore the world in a sustainable way, on two wheels. We now have over 130,000 km (82,000 miles) worth of routes in nearly 50 countries. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. 4 days of relaxed bikepacking through central and northern Victoria Great pubs and extremely quiet roads Close proximity to Melbourne Accessible from suburban Melbourne Caravan parks or bush camps to stay at Beginning Our Bikepacking Adventure It's 6.10am on a chilly autumn morning in Melbourne. Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Canada Trail project as an effort to expand the already-popular Kettle Valley Rail Trail across the province, from Victoria to the Alberta border. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. For anything from an overnighter to a two-week-long trip, hydraulic brakes would be our choice. We now have over 130,000 km (82,000 miles) worth of routes in nearly 50 countries. There are so many gravel bikes available today that its easy to get overwhelmed. While a gravel bike might cut a similar silhouette to a road bike, the presence of drop bars is just about where the parallels end. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. More here. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. If coming from Albury the fastest way is to take the Wodonga exit and then the Wodonga- Beechworth Road. A road rider will feel most comfortable with a 2x setup, whereas a mountain biker might go with a 1x system. Some two-person hiking tents can be as light as 1kg. The reason being is that minimal increase in weight and packing size pays off with loads of interior space if one-up and, if it does rain, youll be able to bring all your gear inside the tent. The Otway Rip is a three-day gravel route designed to take in some of the best bits of beach and bush in South West Victoria. Where: Creswick, Ballarat, Skipton, BeaufortCentral Victoria, Terrain: Flat with a couple of short hills. In this video, we take a look at the top 12 most popular bikepacking routes in our network for 2021. Clas, South Coast NSW has provided some awesome mornings, Getting lost and unlost on the South Coast N, The eucalypt trees of Mogo forest are again a beau, The mornings have been epic in North East Vic late, New Year off to a magical start! To access and experience this area by bike is bloody amazing. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Recommended gravel-type bike with 35mm or wider tyres. As well as better braking power and modulation, they require less user input: well set-up hydraulic disc brakes will require only one finger to use. July 2022: There are additional closures between Hope and Chilliwack Lake due to washouts. However, the route veers north in Langford, continuing along The Great Trail and onto the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail. I have a few too many in Victoria's high countrythe story of a mountain biking and brewery road trip. Comix to Victoria Bikepacking - A bike ride in Area B (Lazo North Other cooking essentials include a water filter and spare matches/lighter. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. Some rough parts. The riding after lunch follows more excellent gravel roads to the southern end of the King Valley, where you can stay overnight in either Whitfield or Cheshunt. So, this is where the fun starts! Yeah, its awesome fun. Bikepacking gear is expensive. But getting out on your bike doesnt have to bankrupt you. Steel is probably the most popular frame material for bikepacking-specific bikes. Where: Strathbogie RangesCentral Victoria, What: rolling pastures, pretty rural areas, local produce, quiet roads, small towns, a great gravel descent, the Great Victorian Rail Trail. These days, dehydrated meals are pretty damn good and easy to pack in your bike bags. A donation to the land justice group Antar Victoria was made in honor of the routes publication. They are equally at ease on sealed and unsealed surfaces. I'm planning a bikepacking trip this year to Southeastern Europe anywhere from the Balkans, down to Greece and/or Romania and Bulgaria. Plus, they are a great double for a pillow. Were a fan of both brake types when applied to different scenarios. Your fitness, amount of remote experience, riding ability and bike suitability is also out of Gravelmobs control. New book reveals a host of top Scottish routes A new book by bikepacking enthusiast Markus Stitz launches next month and features 20 great multi-day off-the-beaten-track cycling adventures across Since then, both 29 and 27.5 have become the sizes of choice, with 29-inch wheels the preferred of the two, owing to the larger rolling diameter and thus efficiency, at the slight expense (compared to 27.5) of nimbleness. Rideable over 3 days (if youre fit), this route absolutely nails the High Country bikepacking adventure experience. Surface:everything from sealed road to rocky/muddy tracks. Published on Cycling Tips. Linking two of the High Countrys favourite towns, this route provides plenty of vertical gain over its journey through some epic mountain landscapes and challenging backroads. Unsealed surfaces are well made and can be ridden on a road bike. But its bloody expensive, and very difficult to repair. Weve curated a range of adventures to suit most riders.Bring your climbing legs and come and experience some true backroads riding in Victorias High Country. Victoria's train network is a great way to get around the state with your bike. So You Wanna Plan a Bikepacking RouteWe Have Advice The BC Trail is a 1,200 km bikepacking route across southern British Columbia, starting in the Fraser Valley and ending in Fernie, on the Alberta border. Generally, the bikepacking rig of choice is down to two or three types: the hardtail mountain bike, the gravel bike, or the dual-suspension MTB, and made from either steel, aluminium or carbon-fibre. A&M Cowichan Valley 8 Bikepacking Route - A bike ride in Victoria, British Columbia Mel note: added Lakeview and Island View campgrounds The Cowichan Valley 8 is a 190km figure-eight bikepacking route that starts and ends at the pa. - 123.8 mi, +6173 ft. Bike ride in Victoria, British Columbia Mel note: added Lakeview and Island View campgrounds The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. As long as your bike has been well serviced, theres no reason that a dual-suspension MTB of yours cant do double service Its all about compromise in bikepacking. The opening part of the route is called the Heuvelrug Divide. Aluminium is light, and it is cheap, but you will cop a jarring ride and it is not as easy to repair as steel. You will have spent a few weeks finessing your packing system and getting your bike serviced, and now its just a matter of turning that first pedal stroke.