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. Sea Otter is packed. ACV thanks its current patrons: Antonio Lima, Saul Culican, Adrian Muller, Tanya Bosch, Jeremy, Kim Delbridge, Phil Yardy, Leigh Esposito, Margery Smith, Stephanie Quinceton, Ivor Guest, Robert Potocnik and Liz Mitchell. What:quiet back roads, rural scenery, native bushland, rail trail, brewery, winery, historical buildings, waterfall, Where:Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges, east of Melbourne, Surface:about 50/50 sealed/unsealed. We now have over 130,000 km (82,000 miles) worth of routes in nearly 50 countries. Since 2014, weve been building, establishing, sharing, and maintaining high qulity bikepacking routes around the world. While the KVR segment from Princeton to . And to get there by train allows you to relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of bike travel without the hassle of a car. We now have over 130,000 km (82,000 miles) worth of routes in nearly 50 countries. Surface:95% sealed (though a bit choppy). This multi-use trail is 60km long, providing a safe bicycle route from Victoria to Sooke. Youll also find more water bottle mounts and rooms for fenders and frame bags. It covers a tad over 550km, gains over 8,000vm, and has been devised so that you can choose to end each day at one of the High Countrys independent craft breweries. For MTB-based riders, the two most popular wheel options today are 27.5-inch (also known as 650B) and 29-inch. For the well-off, there are titanium-frame options. 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. You need to be logged in to use these features. The Victorian High country huts association. The Ultimate Guide To Bikepacking Find details about all three models at Saracen.co.uk. Surface: sealed roads, gravel roads, rail trail. If selected, well need a detailed guide of the route, including highlights, details, logistical info, high quality photos, and a GPX track. After passing by Bamberton Provincial Park, a potential camping spot along the route, the Mill Bay Ferry provides safe crossing to Brentwood Bay. You will, however, need to bring a tubeless puncture repair kit (and know how to use it) as some holes may be too big and youll need to repair the tyre with a tyre plug or a patch, if the sidewall has been torn. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Getting stuck in a flood was the last thing I expected when I cycled outback South Australia. What:pastoral land, bushland, rural idyll, local produce, wineries, small towns, moderate climbing/descending. Since then, jumping on your bike and heading into the great unknown has been popular, world-wide. Can be done on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. Trying to squeeze, shove and cajole your gear into your bike bags is probably the most stressful part of what is a relaxing activity. 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. A route plotted by gravel rider Erwin Sikkens in 2021, the Green Divide bikepacking route runs 585km through the Netherlands, making it the country's longest nature traverse. Wide tyres will help. This route travels in both the Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka'wakw regions, passing through several First Nation communities along the way. If you have a vital issue or opportunity regarding this route that pertains to one of the subjects below, please let us know: **Advocacy opportunities may include bringing awareness to a new trail project, conservation initiative, access potential, or local effort that we might help with or bring awareness to via our broad-reaching platform. More here. Surface: mostly well-groomed gravel. Links and resources. They've also added new gloves, a long sleeve jersey . Become a member to support this and learn more about the initiative here. 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. These vary in size according to the bike style they are designed for and can range from a half-frame volume of between 3L to 6L, through to a full-frame sizing of between 5L and 10L. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. How to Plan a Bikepacking Route | REI Co-op Bikepacking doesn't have to be a slog. Its strongly recommended that you have your own personal accident and liability insurance whenever you hop on your bike. The route mixes a healthy dose of frontcountry amenities with remote sections that require a bit more skill and planning. Wheels and tyres on your bikepacking rig are governed, in the main, by what type of bike you opt to use. Unsealed surfaces are well made and can be ridden on a road bike. 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 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. 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. For that around Australia (or the world) expedition wed go mechanical disc brakes. Neil digs into each route sharing what you can expect, w. Includes some creek crossings. 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 Ben grew up on a family farm on Girai Wurrung country in the south west of Victoria, Australia. Pack the bags and give it a crack. A handlebar bag attaches (obviously!) As an added bonus, a self-supported bikepacking race, known as the BC Epic 1000, follows the BC Trail from Merritt to Fernie every June in true grand depart format. What: picturesque rainforest, fun tracks and descents, cafes and eateries. Traversing the highest continuous stretch of road in Australia and exploring Ned Kelly country, this trail gives incredible extended views over the Victorian countryside and mountains. And before you ask: as much as we do love the efficiency and accuracy of electronic drivetrains, that added complexity makes it a little less appealing for more remote and long-distance bikepacking. But before you pack up and roll away, it can be well worth the effort to put a solid plan in place. Although the majority of the route is not technically difficult, there are some loose, sandy, and sections with repetitive washboard that can be hard on riders. They are equally at ease on sealed and unsealed surfaces. 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. Yeah, its awesome fun. 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. However, for gnarlier adventures NZs Paparoa Track and Old Ghost Road are two examples where the terrain is uneven, loose, steep and rocky, the ability of the dual-suspension MTB to deliver a comfortable and safe ride is its main party trick. Terrain: some flat riding, some quite hilly riding. Victorian High country Huts tour | Cycling Wild There are more than 50 different First Nations on Vancouver Island, located in three distinct tribal regions: Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakwaka'wakw. It's the least expensive in the range at 999. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Along the way, she's also seeking to raise $5,000 for the Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and . 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. Make sure to set your shared image folder to public! 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. The rides relatively short, but this overnighter is a ripper and we often ride it ourselves with our kids. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. https://ridewithgps.com/trips/5275401 - 357.9 km, +5019 m . What:stunning temperate rainforest, good climbs, fun descents, beaches, waterfalls,food, wine, beer, cider, raspberries. He fell in love with bike travel while touring the United States in 2014 and it has been a huge part of his life ever since. Starting in the heart of downtown Victoria, the route begins at the steps of British Columbias Parliament Buildings. Surface: well made gravel, some rougher tracks. 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. Reach out to the Cowichan Valley Regional District for current conditions before heading out. IMPORTANT: Please refer to the note at the end of the page about insurance, risks and backcountry communication. There are a number of brands that offer lightweight and compact inflatable mats, including Therm-a-Rest and Sea To Summit, that can weigh from 300g to 750g. Nearly all bike bags use oversized zips and clip systems that are super tough, minimising any chance of damage or need of repairs. This offers quick access to Lochside Regional Trail, a well-trafficked multi-use trail that eventually leads right back to the Galloping Goose Trail and downtown Victoria. The Bikepacking Collective Routes Fund is a member- and sponsor-funded initiative to develop high-quality, signature bikepacking routes. Most of the climbing is not terribly steep. 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. But that doesnt mean you need to take the main road. 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. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. In terms of shelter, a lightweight hiking tent is our preferred option and, if possible, wed look at a two-person version even if travelling solo. Sometimes it's just as nice to jump on a train and roll down to the beach for a swim. Nothing beats getting out of your bike shoes after a day in the saddle. Victorian Alps Cycle Trail, VIC. Well, thats actually pretty simple to answer: bikepacking borrows partly from the North American term backpacking, used to describe self-supported multi-day/long-distance hiking. Leila Husain First Woman Rockstar Trail 2023 - BIKEPACKING.com Each have some element of off-road, but aren't always exclusively off-road. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. Bicycle tourism now has its own national TV show. to your handlebars via buckles or Velcro strap set-ups. Its the ultimate just-in-case scenario. 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. Riding around an entire mountain range: how cool is that! 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 Surface: sealed and unsealed roads, rail trail. If you download and use one of these self-guided routes you acknowledge and accept that you are riding totally at your own risk. Surface:about 50/50 sealed/unsealed. Perhaps the best known bikepacking route of all, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route follows unpaved roads and trails for about 90 per cent of its 2,700 miles. These days, dehydrated meals are pretty damn good and easy to pack in your bike bags. Wed also probably add a top-tube bag, for items you want at-hand, such as snacks, phone, tools, camera, etc. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Steel is probably the most popular frame material for bikepacking-specific bikes. Explore the map below or click here for more information about the project, or to submit your own Local Overnighter. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route. 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. The Cowichan Valley lies within the Coast Salish First Nations territory, extending throughout British Columbia and northern Washington State. For tyre widths, wed recommend between 2.25- and 2.6-inch. How to get there gears ratios you want on the cheap. Easily accessible from the big smoke, its a ripper way to spend a long summer weekend! We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Here's why: Among the quiet tracks of the Dandenongs, I reflect on life, loss, and a world bumped off its axis. 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! Bikepacking the Catalunya Trail in the Pyrenees Bike Touring Collection by Katherine Moore Hebridean hopscotch cycling along Scotland's magical west coast Bike Touring Collection by komoot Bikepacking the roof of the world - Annapurna Circuit in Nepal Mountain Biking Collection by Robin Patijn - Farawayistan You need to be logged in to use these features. 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. Surface:single track, vehicle tracks, gravel road, some sealed road. Get the lowdown on the best touring bikes available in Australia in 2023. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Lennard Pretorius of Kamloops, B.C first introduced the race in 2016 with only 7 of 14 riders finishing the route, and saw double the interest and a much higher completion rate in 2017. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! The Great Victorian Bike Ride 2021, the Grampians, and other ramblings. There are so many gravel bikes available today that its easy to get overwhelmed. 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. What:great mountain-biking, gold mining history, historic towns, mineral springs, bushland, forest, farming land, What:high mountains, high plains, pastoral regions, small towns, local produce, gourmet regions, Where:Strzelecki Ranges, South Gippsland. King Alfred's Way It will guide you through the heartland areas of the . British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. I chat with Sam Mitchelladventurer and E-bike pioneerwho tackled Australia's toughest ride whilst towing an old trampoline. Giving you the DIRT on bikepacking routes. 2023 Saracen Levarg - BIKEPACKING.com 10 great long-distance cycle routes in Europe: readers' tips Widely regarded as one of the more rugged and challenging bikepacking routes in existence, the 550-mile Highland Trail carry riders over a wide variety of surfaces from smooth tarmac to rocky, boggy terrain where there's hardly a path to be found. The story of a ride over the Victorian high country on back roads and trails, following ACVs Dargo High Plains route. 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. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. For bedding, a down sleeping bag is the best option. 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. Lake Sirio on the Via Francigena, Piedmont, Italy, Photograph: Alamy. Find the full route network below (other than overnighters), including race routes, contributed routes, and our routes. But getting out on your bike doesnt have to bankrupt you. Heres why. Your fitness, amount of remote experience, riding ability and bike suitability is also out of Gravelmobs control. 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. A few pairs of knicks are obvious essentials, too, along with a lightweight rain jacket and (a bit of indulgence) a pair of sandals/thongs for around camp. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Bikepacking The Victorian Rail Trail Over 4 Days These are excellent if you camp where you can set them up, i.e., strung between trees (or carry a couple of tarp-specific poles), and are very light and compact. 10 of the best bikepacking routes - BikeRadar In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Sarah Swallow's One-Hour-A-Day Challenge encourages participants to get out and move for at least 60 minutes daily through May 30th. Plus, you reduce the chance of a puncture considerably with no tube in your tyre. Can be done on a standard gravel bike. While the KVR segment from Princeton to Midway remains among Canadas most popular off-pavement bike tours, this longer route, which showcases the bulk of BCs Trans Canada Trail, with the exclusion of the Vancouver Island section and the convoluted maze of suburban bike paths in the Fraser Valley, offers less-developed riding for the more adventurous rider. Bikepacking gear is expensive. The basics would include a handlebar bag, a frame bag and a saddle (seat-post) bag. The opening part of the route is called the Heuvelrug Divide. Scouting missions often include one or more of the following tasks: Some routes require more attention and input than others. 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. Published in Ride On magazine sping 2016. If coming from Albury the fastest way is to take the Wodonga exit and then the Wodonga- Beechworth Road. Regarding cookware, seek out lightweight titanium pots and pans if you can. The Otway Rip - BIKEPACKING.com Day 1 85km | Day 2 95km | Total 1,850 vm | 80% gravel. But its bloody expensive, and very difficult to repair. What:challenging climbs, fast descents, temperate rainforest, farmland, Yarra River, small towns, gourmet food & wine, Where:the Otway Rangessouth-west Victoria. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route. 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 GCOR 2023 - BIKEPACKING.com Whether you have a free weekend, month or more, a bikepacking journey along singletrack trails or remote forest roads might be just what you need to satisfy your cravings for adventure. Trangia is the most well-known brand of this type. These little known roads will have you grinning. 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. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. The route, roughly following the shape of a figure-eight, starts and ends in British Columbias capital, the city of Victoria. 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. Dried fruit is a great snack option, as are your regulation muesli bars. Surface:almost entirely unsealed. Explore the map below and scroll down for recently posted routes and information about other route building initiatives. Our core group of Route Architects is made up of passionate, skilled individuals who are largely responsible for the Bikepacking Collective Routes network or have larger routes in the works. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. In the early 90s the BC Trail began as part of the Trans Canada Trail project as an effort to expand the already-popular Kettle Valley Rail Trail across the province, from Victoria to the Alberta border. Published in Ride On magazine summer 2016/17. Hydraulic disc brakes operate exactly the same as motor vehicle brakes: the brake fluid is pushed (via your brake lever) through the hose and the resultant pressure activates small pistons in the calliper, which then squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. Surface:sealed roads, gravel roads, rail trails, some rougher sections. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. Just short enough to enjoy a few stops along the way. 6 of the Best Bikepacking Routes in the UK - Much Better Adventures The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. The BC Trail Bikepacking Route - BIKEPACKING.com 5 New Women's Off-road Cycling Apparel Lineups. 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. Victoria Divide 550 (2022) - BIKEPACKING.com Length: 418 miles Climbing: 35,700ft Time to complete: 4+ nights Three words: Physical, stunning, accessible What bike: MTB These bike bags will be probably the biggest investment in your bikepacking gear (provided you already have a bike), but they will return that investment ten-fold thanks to their longevity and simplicity of use. 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 Cowichan Valley Trail Closures: There have been reports that sections along the Cowichan Valley Trail are closed due to washouts caused by heavy rainfall.