Katherine to Broome (The Kimberley Tour).
Ride Details & Info
Dates
29th July – 10th July 2009
Duration: 14 days – 12 cycling , 2 rest days
Distance: 1650 kms total
Average: 137 km approx per day
Accommodation: best available, usually 3 star motels or cabins
Group size: 30 (4 staff)
Deposit: $200
Total Cost: To be advised upon completion of reconnaissance (register your interest now)
Monday 29th June to Friday 10th July 2009
The Katherine Gorge is a beautiful spot for an open boat, or a swim in the crystal clear water from Arnhem Land, before heading west on your bike through the Kimberleys.
Passing through Aboriginal land and National Parks, we cross massive Victoria River to Timber Creek, a cute little town steeped in history, like the carving in a baobab tree dated July 1856 by explorer A.C. Gregory.
Then it’s Lake Argyle, many times bigger than Sydney Harbour, supplying water for the Ord irrigation system. Nearby is Argyle Diamond Mine, the largest diamond producing mine in the world.
Turkey Creek is another fascinating town, the base for tours and flights to the Bungle Bungles on our rest day.
Formed over 350 million years ago, this sandstone massif is world heritage listed. Gigantic bell shaped rock towers, banded horizontally with layers of black lichen and orange silica. Explore these and Piccaninny Gorge cave, one of many caves in the area, used as shelters by Aborigines long ago.
Cycling through the Kimberleys is a real experience, with the red sand and mountain ranges as a constant reminder of this beautiful part of Australia.
The lively town of Fitzroy Crossing was settled because of the difficulty fording the river for the early settlers heading north. The Geikie Gorge is nearby, ancient rock formations with inviting water holes.
Nearing the west coast, we leave the main road and finish in Broome, proud producer of the world’s finest pearls.
You’ve done it. Congratulations. Strip off - the Indian Ocean is ready to invigorate your body and prepare you for another bike ride somewhere in the near future.
Ride Inclusions:
• Bike mechanic
• Good, healthy meals
• Breakfast, lunch and some dinners
• Morning and afternoon tea
• Detailed ride maps
• Support vehicles en route all day
Need tour updates?
We are doing the complete reconnaissance of this ride in July August 2008. Finer details will be displayed on the web early September.
Can't wait for the exciting news?
Register your interest now and we will fill you in first.
What’s Included
Accommodation
The best available and the most suitable. Usually in 3 or 4 star, but sometimes 5 star and in tiny towns maybe 2 star cabins or motels.
All Meals
The most delicious breakfasts and dinners in restaurants. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea usually under shelters in parking bays along the road with seats, sun and salubrious snacks.
Bike Mechanic
Friendly, competent, driving a 12 seater bus with tools and parts for most makes of bike. Always on the look out to help a bike in distress.
Advise us if you have a rare or unconventional bike.
Masseur/First Aider
Relax and unwind at the day’s end, with a short gentle massage from our wonderful resident masseur.
Fantastic People
You and your fellow cyclists who support us time and time again.
Profile Maps
Showing elevations, times allotted for distances between snack stops, lunch and finish times and lots of other particular details.
Support Vehicles
AllTrails Landcruiser troop carrier with luggage trailer, especially set up for Susan & Phil to serve lunch, morning and afternoon tea.
12 seater bus with mechanic at hand for tired bikes and may be riders!
Station wagon with masseur for that extra pick up.
National Parks
Permits and entry forms.
The above notes apply to all tours, however they might change slightly due to unforseen circumstances. More detailed data will accompany trip notes of each particular tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the weather likely to be? |
July is supposedly the friendliest month of the year for cyclists. Each day should be 20C – 25C. Chilly nights and early mornings, with winds behind you more than any other time of the year. Yes, tailwinds. |
What’s the road like? |
Relatively flat bitumen road all the way. A wide two way road, with wide gravel and sometime bitumen shoulder. |
What’s the traffic like? |
There are not a lot of vehicles and the vision is excellent. 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 Kimberley route. Some truckies will pass you four times over the two week period. |
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 other highways. |
What sort of people ride? |
Characters from all parts of Australia and overseas. Ages will probably range form 30 – 65 with the average about 45 years old. Usually about 35% women & 65% 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 115 km a day for 2 days straight. |
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? |
No, you just ride. However you have to carry your own personal goods, like camera, 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 food, drinks and other necessary items if you wish. |
Rest days? |
One rest day to explore the surroundings. |
Is there much to do? |
Cycling will be the passion of people on this trip, however a walk in the bush, scenic flights, underground mine tours, lookouts and Aboriginal artefacts all have their unique appeal. |
What about the food? |
We provide the highest quality breakfast, morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea and dinners. |
We would love to share this very special experience with you. |
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Quotes
“We truly enjoyed every moment and can’t thank you enough for what you did for us. The weather, company, food, organisation and care for us all throughout was simply superb. We can’t fault a moment of our time spent on an All Trails ride”. S. & S.L. New Zealand
“You do a great job and I didn’t hear a negative word the whole time” S.R. NSW
“Thought it was brilliant with every last detail in place, a credit to you both and your team which I found enormously supportive.” L.L. VIC
“Thanks once again for another great ride – well up to your usual high standard.” S.W. VIC
“A bunch of great people, well planned routes, good food, positive attitudes and attention to safety combined to make the ride a truly memorable occasion.” P.M. VIC
“Official Operator of Tour de France” 
Multiple Sclerosis Australia - AllTrails Charity Partner