Australia Ride Stage 1 - Cairns to Mt Isa 2012

Day 1: Arrive in Cairns and prepare for the trip ahead. Today is the day for ride registration, checking over your bike, to meet and greet the group and have your pre-departure briefing. In the evening enjoy a group 'welcome' dinner which is included in your tour cost.

Day 2: .......and they're off! Fourteen years in the making and the 1st Stage of Australia Ride begins. What a place to start, on the beautiful sunny north-east coast and what an exciting route ahead. For some this may be the first of many stages and for others it is one of many, and another eagerly anticipated AllTrails ride. It's great to have you here!

We depart Cairns and say goodbye to the beaches and head into the Atherton Tablelands to ride amongst tropical rainforests, crater lakes, waterfalls and gigantic fig trees. We are heading to Ravenshoe, Queensland's highest town at 920m so don't be surprised if you come across a few hills on today's ride.

Day 3: This morning you are rewarded for your climbing efforts with a wonderful 22km steady descent to Wild River! We stop to have a look at Millstream Falls, Australia's widest waterfall. In the wet season a curtain of water 88 metres wides passes over the top. If you have sharp eyes keep a look out for platypus in the top pool.

We continue west passing through Innot Hot Springs where you are likely to see a strange sight, people sitting in a steaming creek bed. An undulating uphill climb leads to the small town of Mt Garnet. The country begins to appear much drier from here on in as we enter the grass lands of the outback. Fifty kilometres westward we come across 40 Mile Scrub National Park which features a short walk through a rare patch of dry rainforest.

Tonight we stay within Undara National Park where rooms and a restaurant in old renovated railway carriages are a drawcard.

Day 4: With only a 53 km ride to Mt Surprise we have the morning free to explore the National Park. Take a walk up to the look out or join a 2 hour tour (at own expense) to explore massive rock tunnels 10 metres high and 15 metres wide and known as the best and largest lava tube systems on earth.

The surprise at Mt Surprise is there is no mountain! Whist affectionately called 'Mount', MT actually stands for 'Mining Town' This region is famous for mineral prospecting including topaz and garnet and there is a gem display at the B roadhouse.

Day 5: Heading off on the long road west you enter the central Queensland mineral fields that extend most of the way to the Gulf. The undulating road brings views of the Redcap Mountains to the SW. Continuing along the highway you cross the beautiful Einasleigh River that should still have some water if you need a spot to cool off. Not long after we begin a short steep climb into the scenic Newcastle Ranges. There are some great views before descending to the open plains and Georgetown.

Georgetown is at the centre of the Etheridge River district, once known as 'the poor man's goldfield' due to the gold nuggets that could be surface collected. The information centre houses Ted Elliot's mineral collection with over 4,500 mineral specimens displayed over 9 themed rooms. Anyone that has ever collected rocks, even as a kid will be amazed by the beauty and sheer size of the collection.

Day 6: The next 2 days are long, but the terrain is generally fairly flat and takes us through some of the driest parts of Queensland's outback.

Closer to Croydon the scenery becomes more abundant with termite mounds, Maitland Creek Wetlands (100 metres from the road), interesting rock formations and the views on a descent from a small mountain range. You will also encounter your first 'Clayton's cattle grids'! Station owners have noticed that their cattle aren't the most intelligent creatures and have simply painted grids on the road to stop the cattle passing from one property to the next.

Croydon is the small remaining town of the once a large centre in the gold rush of the late 1800's. Known as the gold capital of the country it had over 7,000 residents and 37 hotels until.....the gold ran out. Now with less than 5% of its heyday population it still has interesting historic buildings and including the pub and some self guided walks/rides.

Day 7: Along this stretch we will pass excavated muddy pools on the roadside known as borrow pits, dirt used in building and raising the road was 'borrowed' from these spots. They fill with water through the wet season then become popular drinking holes for birds.

The road passes the historic Blackbull Rail Siding where the celebrated Gulflander train occasionally pulls in for a morning tea break. The diversity of birds provides a good distraction with black cockatoos, noisy Apostle birds, circling Brown falcons and flocks of Cockatiels. Try and spot a croc while crossing the large and shady Norman River.

Reaching Normanton you've arrived at a historic river port and completed your first week riding across the state, Congratulations!

Day 8: Rest Day: Normanton was established as a port for the Gulf's cattle industry in 1868 and grew in importance with the discovery of gold in Croydon in 1885. Spend the day learning more of Normanton's history and the characters that have and still live in it by visiting the old railway station, information centre and other historic sites about town. Walking down the main street you can't miss Krys, the 'Jaws' of the crocodile world. A replica of the world's biggest croc, shot in the Norman River and needs to be seen to be believed.

Day 9: The next four days should give you plenty of time to contemplate life with only a roadhouse and a small town to break up the long open road. We head south along the Matilda Highway to Bang Bang station where we will all be camping tonight - even those on the accommodated package. It will be a great night under the star filled skies of the outback.

Day 10: Leaving the Gulf country behind we continue our route inland to the Burke & Wills Roadhouse. Placed at the intersection with the Wills Development Rd and on the route of the explorers Burke and Wills who crossed the continent on their infamous journey in 1861.

This section of Queensland is famous for its great pastoral country, which means lots and lots and lots of grass as far as you can see and can sometimes appear unchanging. However what it lacks in diversity it makes up for in the colourful characters that one meets along the way.

Day 11: An early rise to kick of today's big day. A flat road takes us to 'Curry' as it is affectionately known by the locals. Cloncurry was founded with the discovery of copper in 1867 and together with grazing still has mining at its core. Over the years it has also been the focal point of many of Australia's greatest innovations. Involved in the beginnings of Qantas, the original hanger still in use where 'Queensland and Northern Territory Arial Service' is displayed above the hanger door. The Royal Flying Doctor Service was founded here in 1928 thanks to the visionary bush clergyman, John Flynn. The airport was also a stopping point for contestants in the great air races in the early 1900 hundreds and later became a major United States air base during WWII.

Day 12: Our final day! Mount Isa with a population of 22,000 is a thriving city tucked amidst the Selwyn Ranges and the ride provides a nice change in landscape with great views as the undulating road leads us to this 'Oasis in the Desert'.

You made it! What an amazing 11 days riding the green hills of the Atherton Tablelands to outback. Those continuing onto Stage 2 will receive a complimentary breakfast and one night either accommodation or camping. Those leaving us after Stage 1 are free to organise their departure as it suits. We can book accommodation in Mt Isa for you if you would like to stay with the group before your departure.

This is your day to explore Mt Isa

Accommodation tonight is an optional extra or included as part of the next stage. For those that are connecting this stage with Stage 2 this is your rest day, which includes breakfast. Enjoy the day, have a look around town, tune your bike or simply relax.

Here is an extract from an email blog received from Ben - tour guide currently on Stage 1 of Australia Ride from Cairns to Mt Isa.

Day 1 was tough, for all but Ross.

Day 2 while longer was significantly easier with plenty of downhill, which had Boris, Phil and Barry in a tight group barreling along. Again Ross ahead on his own.

Undara is a great spot. The Accom while simple had plenty of character with the rooms inside old train train carriages. The three campers had themselves a lovely group site looking out towards granite hills. With plenty of wildlife about, Kookaburras, cheeky Coorarongs and Wallabies the guys decided they had to try some for dinner. Dinner was served in a large open air restaurant surrounded by train carriages that have been converted for dining and a bar. With the sound of the Coorarongs singing in the tree next to us we enjoyed our dinner, which included kangaroo and more meat than you would find in a town butcher. The dining area was relatively quiet and empty, but the group made up for that! Plenty of laughter and loud chat. When the rest of us turned to our rooms Boris and Phill who have a constant Aussie - Kiwi rivalry going but are rarely seen apart headed to the bar. Boris was last seen heading to his room with a bottle of red in his hand and proceeded to play quite lovely music is his room.

Day 3 - A cooked breakfast enjoyed with freshly baked bread got the group ready for their Active Lava Tunnel Tour. They returned at 10am on the dot for Susan's amazing Anzac biscuits which were sent from Melbourne especially fro ANZAC day. We held a minute silence before we headed to Mount Surprise, which isn't a mountain at all as it is a beautiful downhill run into town. The original MT - meaning Mining Town has been replaced with Mt then Mount. Anyway, the cyclists flew in and were glad to have it so easy after the last two days. Lunch at the Gem Den was served by Pam, who looked familiar. When we heard that she was running for the electorate I realised I'd seen her face on roadside signs. We agreed she was worth our vote after enjoying the lunch she put on for us before heading across the road to Bedrock Caravan Park. This is where Rob gave up his well travelled and once much loved piece of foam he called bed and tentatively asked if he could get his hands on one of those mats that Wayne had, as while everyone else was on their morning tour Rob had tried his matt out for a post breakfast kip and now couldn't face going back.

Dinner was cooked on the fire, a feast of veggies and lamb roast which had the group almost too full to fit in the camp oven apple crumble. The fire while lovely to look at was a bit hot at 25 degrees so we stayed in our camp area and Boris and Phill told us about the characters they had met down at the pub, which seems to be Boris's third port of call at the end of every ride. First shower, then laundry, then pub. He loves the chat.

Day 4 - Was a great day for riding. With lots of cloud about and rain forecast the temperature was a little lower and the wind while slight was in our favour. there is constant banter and much laughter on the road and at every stop. Arriving into Rough Creek rest area for lunch the guys were met with clear flowing water and a beautiful shaded bank. Within minutes we had two naked men jumping in, which frightened a water monitor which swam through the water and provided everyone with a bit of excitement, especially when they thought it still to be a snake. You can imagine the jokes which ensued. With Alan and Rob, fresher than the rest of us we enjoyed our salad lunch.

The rain started an hour after we arrived in Georgetown and stopped and started until 10 this morning. With town 1 km away most rode in while Boris walked. Looking perhaps a little weary, a lady picked him up and dropped him off at the pub where he and the others met Bertha, a South American girl who is cycling the same route as us just a little slower. There was admiration for her effort, but I don't think any jealousy as she pulled out a packet of 2 minute noodles for her first meal of the day.

Phill met a lady from his hometown Timaru, who told him things about friends he never knew. The things that is not the friends. Boris was left in the pub alone as the rest returned for dinner and faced with a 10 minute walk tried his luck by asking the local copper for a lift, who was happy to oblige.

Day 5 - A long day with 146km, but with the morning rain to keep it cool and a bit of a push from the back it wasn't as tough has some had feared it might be. A solid level of propriety in manners and conduct is being upheld by Peter and myself which has a flow on effect most of the time however everyone is enjoying themselves and each other's company. The meals, WWALs, profiles, distances, riders health (but for buts, which is discussed in length on a frequent basis) is all going along great.

Until next time...BEN

Feel free to contact us at any time through our website ‘Contact Us’ page, phone or email. We love what we do and want to get you on the best bike ride for you. Speak to us about what's on your mind and we'll help you make your decision.

Recommended arrival date and time: We suggest you arrive no later than midday on Sunday 22 April 2012, allowing you plenty of time to settle into your accommodation(included in tour price) and set up your bike for the next day’s ride departure. A suggestion, especially for those arriving from overseas is to allow at least one day prior to 22 April, which will provide you with a more relaxing time to enjoy Cairns before your cycling holiday and minimise the risk of flight or other delays.

Recommended departure date and time: We suggest you begin your onward travel the day after the tour finishes, allowing you sufficient time to pack up your bike and gear and get to your departure point whether it is the airport, train station or bus terminal

Registration time and location: 22 Apr 2012- 4pm Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Tour finishing time and location: 3 May 2012 - 4pm Mt Isa, Centrally located accommodation or camping site

Closest airport to the destination:

• Start: Cairns, Queensland

• Finish: Mt Isa, QLD or bus or rail to Cairns, QLD or Rockhampton, QLD

Key airlines servicing Cairns:

• Virgin Australia

• Qantas

• Jet Star

• Tiger Airways

Key airlines servicing Mt Isa:

• Brisbane 2.5 hrs - Qantas

• Townsville 1.75 hrs – Qantas, REX

• Cairns 2 hrs - Skytrans

• Darwin 2 hrs - Airnorth

• Gold Coast 2.25 hrs - Airnorth

Rail departing Mt Isa: 4 May 2012 – 1:30pm arriving Rockhampton 5 May 10:10 am

Check www.queenslandrail.com.au for more info

For bus transport or freight options check www.greyhound.com.au or call 1300 473 946

Post touring options: Australia Ride Stage 2 – Mt Isa to Tennant Creek

This depends on whether you plan to ride the entire stage or divide each days ride distance between a team. If you have a good level of general fitness, are in good health and are a reasonably keen cyclist that is prepared to do some additional training you shouldn’t have a problem with our tours. As a guideline you should work on being able to comfortably ride at 20 km/h on the flat with consistency more important than speed.

To get the most out of your ride leave plenty of time to build your kilometre total distance in training, to gradually attain about 110 km a day for 2 days straight or the distance agreed amongst your team members that you will ride each day. A training outline will be sent to you in your pre-tour info pack. In situations where you cannot complete a particular section of the ride for any reason we will always have support vehicles to transfer you and your bike or in the case where you have your own additional support vehicle you will provide that assistance to your team members.

We have a great safety record and do our best to inform motorists so that they can drive accordingly, however cyclists have to play their part in keeping well over to the left. We have support vehicles on the road showing 'Caution Cyclists' signs and a ‘tail end Charlie’ (vehicle following the last rider) with a flashing beacon to warn traffic about our cycling group. You will also be briefed before each day's ride pointing out parts of the road that may get narrow or have any known hazards.

Always a big part of any cycling holiday! Check tour details for meal inclusions on your ride. Our emphasis is on fresh food and balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, fruit and vegies catering for a cycling holiday. We successfully cater to most dietary requirements, however feel free to contact us with any questions. Most meals are included as part of our tours, however you may be required to purchase some meals as per the inclusions and daily itinerary.

We always try to obtain great accommodation in the best location for you to rest your weary head (and legs) in each town whether it be a motel, hotel, cabins or similar, usually 3, 3½, 4 star. We choose the best and most welcoming motel for cyclists and our tour group needs. On occasion we travel through some very small towns where accommodation is extremely limited. If for whatever reason, such as limited options, the accommodation one night is below normal standard, we strive to improve this with an extra good room the next night or nights following.

For some of our more remote trips around Australia the accommodation at times has more character than charm and when we are between towns for a day or two we may organise a bush camp. In which case we provide you with a single or twin share tent, depending on your choice. Instructions, assistance and an air mattress will also be provided. Check the tour details for more information.

On the online entry form you can nominate any travelling companions that you would like to share a room with and/or be accommodated close to so that couples or friends can be roomed together. This can be in a double bed or in twin beds. If you are travelling alone like many of our riders, you can choose to 'twin share' where single riders are paired with other riders of the same gender and sometimes changed at each accommodation to create interest in sharing rooms. Single Supplement is also available for those that would like their own room for the whole trip. If you are a chronic snorer or have other habits that may affect your fellow room-mates we suggest booking your own room.

Due to the long distance between accommodation in some of Australia’s more remote areas, camping may be necessary for the entire tour group. Check tour details for specific information. These nights out in the bush are often the highlight of the tour for many people. We will provide basic amenities with an emphasis on hygiene. We often have a fire which is used to cook delicious dinners on for an authentic outback experience.

Those that have chosen a full camping option will spend the nights in designated camping grounds and caravan parks and we do our best to keep the group together as much as possible. You will need to provide your own tent, air-mattress and sleeping bag unless a hire option is available on your tour from the ‘Optional Extras’ area on the booking form. Those booked on the accommodation option can choose to have their air-mattress and tent provided free of charge for any nights where camping is necessary. Packing a small comfortable pillow can add a lot of comfort to a night sleep.

• Airfare and transportation to and from the tour pick-up/drop-off locations

• Accommodation before and after the tour (check for pre & post accommodation in the ‘Optional Extras’ under the ‘Pricing’ tab)

• Personal accident or travel insurance

• Personal items purchased during the tour

• Some meals may not be included allowing you the opportunity to explore the regional cuisine and choose your own meal. Check tour details for more information.

• Optional activities and sightseeing

.

We suggest you carry a spare tube, tyre levels, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as camera, wallet and perhaps rain gear if it’s threatening. We transport your luggage*, day packs*, food & extra water. A detailed list of what is required and provided will be sent to you in your pre-tour info pack.

(*riders travelling with their own vehicle will be required to transport their luggage, day packs and bikes. We will provide mechanical and safety support and additional support if unforeseen circumstances arise)

People from all parts of Australia and overseas. Ages generally range from 25 - 70 with the average age about 50 years old. Adventurous cyclists usually about 40% women & 60% men with a mix of singles, friends and couples.

Our tours have been specifically scheduled to take into consideration the best time of year to travel to that destination. This takes into account the temperate range, possible rainfall and the prevailing winds. Of course, we can’t ever control the weather however this only adds to the adventure and excitement of your travel experience!

For more specific weather and climate information visit www.bom.gov.au or for our international tours visit www.worldweather.org

A comfortable racing bike, road bike or touring bike with a good seat and road tires with slick or near-slick tread. A hybrid or mountain bike is also possible if you are comfortable riding the daily distances of the tour at an average of 20 km/h on the flat.

A tour guide with bike mechanical knowledge will be part of our crew and will have most items that are required, including a good stand-pump for different valves. The bike parts used for replacement 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 at AllTrails as parts can often be very difficult to obtain.

We have a great safety record, but accidents can happen. We have comprehensive First-Aid Kits with trained 1st aiders as tour guides and drivers, mobiles and a satellite phone for emergency calls and the locality of hospitals in the areas that we travel through. We also have vehicles that can take anyone injured or sick for further treatment.

Tents, air-mattresses and sleeping bags are often available for hire. Check ‘Optional Extras’ under the ‘Pricing’ tab to view exact hire costs. Tents are usually 2 or 3-man dome tents which are quickly and simply assembled. Staff can also assist you with setup and pack-down if required when they are available. If you wish to share a tent with a travelling partner, make this request when booking and we will try to provide you with a larger tent. Air-mattresses are comfortable inflatable air-pads and included with each tent hire.

Yes, you can rent a bike. We often have overseas riders coming to Australia, or interstate riders that would rather not take their bike around Australia on a plane, or road riders that want to come on a mountain bike ride with us (or vice versa).

We will be able to help you out with organising bike hire through our local contacts near our office in Melbourne, or closer to a ride departure location. When you make your booking just let us know that you would also like to hire a bike and we will get the ball rolling for you and put you in touch with the right people.

You can also bring your own seat and/or pedals to give you that little bit of 'home comfort'.

Yes. Either Bicycle Network Victoria membership insurance, Cycle Queensland membership insurance or similar, travel insurance, or another personal accident insurance is compulsory on our AllTrails rides. We also strongly suggest travel insurance to cover cancellation fees and lost/damaged luggage.

Bring your friends and save some money! For all groups of 5 or more entrants you will receive 5% discount off your respective entry fees. This excludes any optional extras such pre and post tour accom, cycling jersey, tent hire etc.

Contact our office for more details and information.

Contact us if you would like to find out about booking an info session for your group of friends, or if you would like to find out about a travel talk happening near you in the future.

Be inspired, hear from the experts, learn more about a destination and even book your tour on the night.

Not a problem! You’ll find other like-minded cycling companions taking part in our rides. If you’re a solo traveller we will pair you with other solo travellers of the same gender in twin share accommodation or you can opt for Single Supplement (additional cost) to receive a room of your own. If the tour has a camping component tents are single occupancy unless otherwise specified.

Each stage has been specifically scheduled to take place when as many factors important to a great cycling holiday are likely to, or will, occur. We have taken into consideration the prevailing winds, hence the anticlockwise direction of the circumnavigation of Australia as well as the south to north crossing for stages 17 & 18 from Adelaide to the Top End. We have also taken into account the temperature range, potential risks, possible rainfall and the best times to view the attractions on route. Of course, we can’t ever control the weather however this only adds to the adventure and excitement of your travel experience!

For more specific weather and climate information visit www.bom.gov.au

You can download an AllTrails brochure from our homepage, otherwise contact us with your postal address and we will mail you a copy.

Absolutely. We will be happy to give you the names and telephone numbers of people who have participated in the ride or a similar ride that you are considering. Where possible we will provide you with the details of someone within your city or state.

Another good place to look is our ‘Testimonials’ page.

Will my mobile phone work on tour? Part of the appeal of a holiday is to get away from the hassles of everyday life! If you can’t leave home without your mobile phone, check with your service provider to see where you will have coverage. Telstra Next G provides the greatest coverage for remote towns and areas in Australia. As you may not always have mobile phone coverage, particularly if you travel into remote locations, it's best to purchase a phonecard or calling card before you leave home, as most public telephones do not take coins. If travelling overseas check before you depart that global roaming has been activated with your service provider. Otherwise it may be cheaper to purchase a local SIM card on arrival at your destination.

Some towns may have an internet café or access to an internet terminal, so you may be able to check your emails from time to time while you’re away. If you don’t already have a web-based email account, it is a good idea to set one up before you leave, e.g. Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail.

Welcome! Traditionally most of the clientele on our rides have been from Australia or New Zealand, but we also have had many riders from USA and UK/Europe. You just need to make sure that your passport and visas are in order and check the cost of transferring your bike to Australia, or rent one here.

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for all our Australian rides at the time of deposit and ensure that it includes coverage for cancellation fees if for some reason you are not able to travel. For our international tours we require all participants to have Travel insurance to assist you in the event of a medical emergency, lost baggage, personal liability, cancelled tour or any other trip related issues.

Should you wish to change your booking with AllTrails to a different tour, there will be a very reasonable service charge. We try to keep this figure as low as possible to allow flexibility where we can as we want to make sure that you get on the right tour for you.

For cancellation and refund policies for your tour click the ‘Book Your Place Today’ button on the relevant tour page of our website and scroll down for Conditions of Contract.

We recommend you bring a soft bag or backpack. We advise against bringing a suitcase 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, e.g. into accommodation. Any excess luggage may need to be stored or forwarded on to your final destination at your own expense.

Information about what to pack is included as part of your Pre-Departure information. Generally we advise that you pack as light as possible.