(Past Ride) Alice Springs to Darwin

What’s the weather likely to be?

June is supposedly the friendliest and the driest month of the year for cyclists in the NT.  Each day should be 20C – 25C but of course rain is always a possibility.  Chilly nights and early mornings becoming lovely sunny days and at this time of the year southerlies can be expected..

What’s the road like?

Good flat bitumen road with slight undulations.  A wide two way road, with wide gravel and sometimes bitumen shoulder.  It is the main road between the two states SA & NT regarded as a good surface for cyclists.

What’s the traffic like?

There are not a lot of vehicles and the vision is excellent, however there are some hilly sections with double lines where extra caution is required.  Cars, trucks and caravans use the road and generally have plenty of time to see a cyclist, assess the situation and overtake accordingly.

Safety on the road

AllTrails have CB radios, talking to truck drivers, explaining that bikes are on the road.  Truckies then tell their mates, who tell their mates who tell anyone else who is listening.  They all love to have something to talk about on the long Territory route. 

Is it safe?

Vehicles including tail end Charlie will display signs “Caution Cyclists Ahead” with lights flashing.  Yes, it is as safe or safer than riding on some highways, because traffic is not bumper to bumper, allowing motorists to see cyclists from a fair distance away.  However cyclists have to play their part in keeping well over to the left.

What sort of people ride?

Characters from all parts of Australia and overseas.  Ages will probably range form 30 – 65 with the average about 50 years old.  Adventurous cyclists usually about 40% women & 60% men.

What sort of training?

You really need to be a keen cyclist, however not necessarily fast, but consistent.  Plenty of time to build your kilometre total distance in training, to gradually attain about 130 km a day for 2 days straight.  Refer to Phil McDonald’s training guide for this tour.

What sort of bike?

A comfortable racing bike, road bike or touring bike with a good seat.  Road tyres with slick or near slick tread.  Hybrid or mountain bike is possible however it would make the going very tough.

Do I need to carry anything?

Two water bottles on your bike. We suggest you carry your own personal goods, like camera, wallet, perhaps rain gear if it’s threatening.  We carry your luggage, food & extra water.

Overnight & food stops

Each night we stay in a small town with accommodation and camping facilities.  There will be at least a roadhouse to buy any extra food, drinks and other necessary items if you wish.

Rest day?

One rest day to explore the surroundings.  We are offering a complimentary bus tour to the spectacular Katherine Gorge where you can canoe all day or walk the beautiful gorge cliff tops.  All part of the AllTrails package.

Is there much to see?

The colourful ochre reds of the McDonnell Ranges, the outback scenes of salt bush in bright red sand and of course the extraordinary Devils Marbles.  The Mataranka oasis of hot springs in the middle of the outback as described beautifully in the Australian Classic by Mrs Aeneas Gunn in the book “We of the Never Never.”  The Katherine Gorge and other magnificent rock formations all the way to the top.

Is there much to do?

Cycling will be the passion of people on this trip, however a walk in the bush, a swim in the hot springs and gorges, scenic flights, lookouts and Aboriginal artefacts all have their own appeal.

What about the food?

We provide quality breakfasts, morning teas, lunches & afternoon tea and dinners.   A balanced diet with plenty of carbs, proteins, fruit and vegies.