Sydney to Brisbane

[Tony89]

Hi All,

I am looking at completing a Sydney to Brisbane ride at the end of the year and would like some advice from people that have done this ride or similar before, such as training, additional equipment, and additional information?

Thanks in adavnce.

[RonK]

Come on! Help others help you!

What is your fitness level? What gear do you have? What kind of information do you seek?

[Warin]

For example;

Are you a desk bound person with little physical activity? Or a triathlete?

You have an old MTB. Or you have a fully equipped world tour bicycle?

From what you have not said, you have no tour experience? Any other form of bicycle experience? Or solo tours?

-------------------
What kind of tour?

A well funded credit card? Or student budget - camping as much as possible, supermarket food .. as cheap as possible?

Time frame? 2 weeks max .. OR 6 months?

[Tony89]

I have a military background with a good fitness/endurance level, I ride a cell Akuna road bike which i cycle three times a week around western Sydney/Blue mountains and have no touring experience. I wish to complete the tour at the end of the year all on road in a two week period as cheaply as possible, although money is not a worry.

I would like to know what kind of training is ideal for something like this?
For a first tour, is it better to have a companion?
If an inland route is better than a coast route and if there are any recconmended websites or apps for planing routes?
If there are modifications i need to make to my bike and as i have no touring equipment, what equipment is best and what nessesary things i need to have?

As you can tell i have not competed any research on this until today so any other general information about touring, such as websites or other forums would be grateful?

[RonK]

I have a military background with a good fitness/endurance level, I ride a cell Akuna road bike which i cycle three times a week around western Sydney/Blue mountains and have no touring experience. I wish to complete the tour at the end of the year all on road in a two week period as cheaply as possible, although money is not a worry.

I would like to know what kind of training is ideal for something like this?
You don't need to train - you will be plenty fit enough at your current level of activity to ride at touring pace.

For a first tour, is it better to have a companion?
Perhaps, if you're the lonesome type.

If an inland route is better than a coast route and if there are any recconmended websites or apps for planing routes?
It's difficult to avoid the Pacific Highway riding the coastal route. But the inland route is a fair way inland and involves plently of up and down. There are many route planning websites but I find Google Maps just as convenient. Here is a link to a thread where I posted an inland route. If you pm me with your email address I'll share a coastal route.

If there are modifications i need to make to my bike and as i have no touring equipment, what equipment is best and what nessesary things i need to have?
You still haven't told us how you intend to travel. Touring for most people usually involves camping, and that means carrying camping gear. Is that what you want to do? Alternatively you could do a credit card tour - carry only minimal gear and a change of clothes, stay overnight in accommodation and buy all meals. A Cell Akuna is not a touring bike and is not particularly well geared for pushing a touring load. I doubt it can be fitted with racks. So how much gear will you carry and how will you carry it?

As you can tell i have not competed any research on this until today so any other general information about touring, such as websites or other forums would be grateful?
Have you taken the time to read through the touring bikes and equipment forum? There is plenty of information to be gleaned there with a bit of research. The definitive touring web site is crazyguyonabike.com

[Warin]

Take yourself and the bike on at least an overnight 'tour' before you set out - this finds out any major problems before you get too far.

Most people would tour with a rear pannier (or bag) or two. There are 'bikebackpacking bags' that mount to the seat - avoiding the weight of a rear rack to carry the pannier/s. It really depends on how much gear your going to carry. Figure out the volume - bags are rated by volume, not weight.

Once you decide on;
how much gear
what kind of bags

then people can advise on 'what is best' ... though this is usually biased

I'd think over two weeks ...
credit card tour would be bikebackpacking bags - low volume - clothings only.
camping - at least rear panniers with a rear rack.

Do you have light weight camping gear?
If not then your going to be buying (to get the best won't be cheap) lots of gear...
Velogear has a sale on .. get the sleeping bag
https://www.velogear.com.au/oland-down- ... g-bag.html

[johnfordau]

Tony89, you probably have the fitness level needed for the tour. Remember, the day to day riding will give you more than enough fitness.

My biggest question to you .. is this a race or a tour .. is it some sort of competition or did you wish to enjoy the view?

I have, over the years, done any number of tours and the psychology involved is more important than anything else. Are you a loner or do you crave company? Can you be flexible in your plans? Do you enjoy camping or is the credit card option more your call?

I opt to go it alone. I carry enough gear to secure me overnight and live basically on honey and peanut butter sandwiches .. cheap and big bang for the bucks. I generally spent every second night at a caravan park where I abuse the shower enjoying a long hot soak. I have also utilised swimming pools when the day has been hot.

The bike, whatever you choose, must fit you for the simple fact that you will be meshed with it for long periods over different terrain. Despite the !! BAN ME NOW FOR SWEARING !!, I use ordinary tyres and used thorn proof tubes in the old days. Now you can get the blue glue which will save you any punctures. The rims are good for bitumen and dirt roads and you will be amazed at the weight they can support .. just keep everything in a straight line. There are bikes shops in nearly ever town over 200 people and if not you will find someone to help out if needed.

Despite what you may, or may not have been told, the biggest problem you will face is dogs, mainly blue heelers who came charging out of properties when you least expect it. The other problem is people offering you a left.

Oh, and don't worry about getting wet. Keep moving and you will dry out. I keep all my gear wrapped in plastic bags which not only keeps everything dry but floats you bike across rivers if you have to wade.

Anyway .. enjoy the ride.

[oso viajando]

If an inland route is better than a coast route and if there are any recconmended websites or apps for planing routes?
It's difficult to avoid the Pacific Highway riding the coastal route. But the inland route is a fair way inland and involves plently of up and down. There are many route planning websites but I find Google Maps just as convenient. Here is a link to a thread where I posted an inland route. If you pm me with your email address I'll share a coastal route.

Hey mate, i can't PM on here, but i would like that route if you would email it to me. I'm leaving in two weeks to do a Coffs Harbour to Cairns going clockwise route. thanks

[Mod Says] I have sent a PM (Private Message) to RonK with your email address and have removed it from here for your privacy.[/Mod]

[RonK]

If an inland route is better than a coast route and if there are any recconmended websites or apps for planing routes?
It's difficult to avoid the Pacific Highway riding the coastal route. But the inland route is a fair way inland and involves plently of up and down. There are many route planning websites but I find Google Maps just as convenient. Here is a link to a thread where I posted an inland route. If you pm me with your email address I'll share a coastal route.

m

Hey mate, i can't PM on here, but i would like that route if you would email it to me. I'm leaving in two weeks to do a Coffs Harbour to Cairns going clockwise route. thanks

[Mod Says] I have sent a PM (Private Message) to RonK with your email address and have removed it from here for your privacy.[/Mod]

That would be pointless since it ends in Brisbane and is way out of date since the motorway was extended almost to Byron Bay. If you want a current route info from Coffs to Brisbane this site has a more up to date route.

https://www.nswcoastcycle.com/

The other option would be to take the Orara Way and the Summerland Way through Grafton, Casino and Kyogle to approach Brisbane via Rathdowney and Beaudesert.

Beyond Brisbane I have no suggestions. There is little choice other than to ride the notoriously cycle-unfriendly Bruce Highway or find a convoluted inland route.
Keep in mind also that the Bruce Highway is not near the coast except for a couple of short sections. Most of the popular tourist spots will require a side trip, some quite lengthy.

[brumby33]

When you have some time, there's many bicycle touring videos on youtube and theres a couple of my favourite I'd like to share with you for you to watch at your leisure.
First lot is from a young Australian chap from Melbourne called Codey Orgill, he is currently on a round Australian tour he kicked off from his home in Melbourne, he was up around Gladstone QLD last I heard so he is travelling in some of the areas that you will be.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0UOeck ... q03YvT9wTl

The Next is from an old favourite of mine, Bicycle Touring Pro, this young lucky American guy gets to travel all over the world on his bicycle while teaching people how to get into bicycle touring....he started this business about 10 years ago video-ing his trips and doing vlogs as well.....he has done over 250 videos on youtube but he's actually been bicycle touring for nearly 18yrs since he was 17 so he knows what he's on about...so if you can't get anything from those...there's something wrong....I must admit he does a lot of commentary in his videos and to some people it might be too much talking....i'll leave that up to you to decide....but his content is good and he does a lot of stealth camping.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCGE4M ... EdJb9Vsx-g

Hippyswift from England does videos about bicycle touring and bikepacking around Brittain
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dqqz ... U5vYpbpsNA

Chris Rishworth....another Aussie guy with a penchant for outback style bicycle touring...some of the gear he pulls is incredible....dunno how he does it. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... +rishworth

Anyway, these should keep you occupied for a while....it'll teach you what you might need and what to expect.

sit back grab a beer or three and enjoy the trip

cheers

brumby33

[RonK]

When somebody digs up a three year old thread its a good idea to read the new post before responding with irrelevant information.

[brumby33]

Hahahahaha....yeah Ron.....when I just read your post and then flicked back to see the dates of OP....had to laugh.....sheeesh!! we got done and it ain't even April 1 yet

[terryc]

That would be pointless since it ends in Brisbane and is way out of date since the motorway was extended almost to Byron Bay. If you want a current route info from Coffs to Brisbane this site has a more up to date route.

https://www.nswcoastcycle.com/

The other option would be to take the Orara Way and the Summerland Way through Grafton, Casino and Kyogle to approach Brisbane via Rathdowney and Beaudesert.

Try the Brisbane end of this; http://www.woa.com.au/ba/routes/pacific/
The route is in the first section. no details online.

Beyond Brisbane I have no suggestions. There is little choice other than to ride the notoriously cycle-unfriendly Bruce Highway or find a convoluted inland route.
Keep in mind also that the Bruce Highway is not near the coast except for a couple of short sections. Most of the popular tourist spots will require a side trip, some quite lengthy.

Try this for Brisbane to Rockhampton.http://www.woa.com.au/ba/routes/capricornia/ Again inland and 30 years old to boot.