5 Day 440 KM Ride - Crazy?
- biker_4_fun
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:02 pm
- Location: Canberra
5 Day 440 KM Ride - Crazy?
Postby biker_4_fun » Mon Oct 23, 2006 8:24 pm
***Here is the best part. Its a fundraiser for charity. All Will go towards makePOVERTYhistory***
I will be going door knocking and ask how much people would like to bet that i can do it...if any complaints please dont be afraid to tell me.
Cheers, Mark.
- europa
- Posts: 7334
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:51 am
- Location: southern end of Adelaide - home of hills, fixies and drop bears
Postby europa » Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:28 pm
Wait for the tourers to chime in. Personally, I think you'll be amazed what you can achieve. The only thing you need to seriously think about is your safety net ... and a mobile phone and someone able to pick you up from the side of the road is all you need, that and plenty of water (never underestimate the aussie countryside when it comes to water).
Go for it. Make us proud. Then come back here and brag about it.
Richard
- sogood
- Posts: 17168
- Joined: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:31 am
- Location: Sydney AU
Postby sogood » Tue Oct 24, 2006 1:14 am
Good luck!
RK wrote:And that is Wikipedia - I can write my own definition.
- AUbicycles
- Site Admin
- Posts: 15592
- Joined: Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:14 am
- Location: Sydney & Frankfurt
- Contact:
Postby AUbicycles » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:44 am
Cheers
Christopher
-
- Super Mod
- Posts: 1381
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2005 5:32 pm
Postby heavymetal » Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:47 am
Do not let anyone dissuade you, this is easy.
There is no way to train for a tour. The only way to train for a tour is on tour. So in the lead up to the point before the tour, train with the bike fully loaded. This will highlight any problems with the bike, and get you used to the bike in it's loaded state.
You will need to have low granny gearing with a load, but if most of the route is bitumen, you can get away with using a road tourer bike. The main thing to watch will be rear wheel strength. They will pop spokes under extreme loads.
What sort of bike do you plan to ride on?
- Hotdog
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 11:00 am
- Location: North Strathfield, Sydney
- Contact:
- europa
- Posts: 7334
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:51 am
- Location: southern end of Adelaide - home of hills, fixies and drop bears
- sogood
- Posts: 17168
- Joined: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:31 am
- Location: Sydney AU
Postby sogood » Tue Oct 24, 2006 11:00 am
I say go and tell the potential sponsors that this is an almost impossible task!
RK wrote:And that is Wikipedia - I can write my own definition.
- LuckyPierre
- Posts: 1432
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 4:37 pm
- Location: Canberra, ACT
Postby LuckyPierre » Tue Oct 24, 2006 11:38 am
First, the route. There is substantial climbing on all four days that you are going to ride. Plot your route out on bikely.com and you will see that it is continuously up and down. You might find the days a bit long, but there are reasonably well spaced rest points and places where you could stop if it gets too tough. Is it possible to fit in an extra rest day at Bega? Or you could do Bega to Tathra on day three, overnight at Tathra, then back to Bega the next day. They'll still seem like rest days after the first two!
Second, your bike. You're into downhill aren't you? I think that a downhill / dual suspension mtb would be too heavy and you'll be on bitumen all the way, so you won't miss suspension. So, unless you're made of money, check out Revolve for a reasonable steel frame and refurbish it. Talk with Paul and the guys at Smith Cycles in Fyshwick about second hand parts - they'll probably think that you're mad, but they'll work with you anyway.
Third, the weather. It's going to be hot and sunny. So, lot's of water and electrolytes and lot's of sunscreen, because it will sweat off. Are you going to cook when you camp? You'll have to check fire restrictions and what you can and can't do. I could go on and on - it's the Scout leader in me.
Finally - I wish I could come with you! I think that it will be a great trip, but it would be sensible to find some-one to do it with, as it is a pretty big thing to tackle on your own (or are you hiding the fact that you're into bushwalking and are used to multi-night hikes).
If there are any bike bits I can help with, just let me know.
-
- Super Mod
- Posts: 1381
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2005 5:32 pm
Postby heavymetal » Tue Oct 24, 2006 12:45 pm
Typo, Sorry, mean't to read 440 kmsbicyclewa wrote:but 440 km/h is easy.
The WA desert is not flat, and 180 kms a day is the average. I lived in Tassie and 100 - 140 kms is easily obtainable and thats at my age.sogood wrote:bicyclewa, you can't be serious right? Going from Canberra to Cooma and Bega to Cooma both involve a significant amount of climb. It's not flat riding in the WA desert for 100km/d. And for a 15 years old who obviously haven't done much longer distance endurance rides, I predict it'll be a challenge but a great experience. Making it sound too easy won't help attract much sympathy sponsorship money either.
The secret for hill climbs is granny gears. As low as possible. 17 inch gearing is the best. You don't need to have high gears for high speed as the law of gravity will take care of downhills.
I used to ride those distances alone as a 14 year old in eastern victoria in the strezlecki ranges. Many negative people said it was impossible.
biker_4_fun has obviously heard and felt the call that only us long distance heavily loaded crazy cycle tourists understand. I can't understand why people race, but each to their own I suppose.
The fact that he is doing it for charity is also a good thing.
Recommendations for a bike, steel frame, 17 inch gearing, (ie 22 Tooth small front chainring, 34 T rear large), rear wheel strength will depend on whether a trailer is being pulled along. If using front and rear panniers, the rear wheel will need some strength.
Try and use a bike with wheels that have at least 36 spokes. By training on the bike with it loaded it will show up any issues before leaving.
- sogood
- Posts: 17168
- Joined: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:31 am
- Location: Sydney AU
Postby sogood » Tue Oct 24, 2006 1:29 pm
Surely you didn't do a 440km multi-day tour on your first ride out.bicyclewa wrote:I used to ride those distances alone as a 14 year old in eastern victoria in the strezlecki ranges. Many negative people said it was impossible.
biker_4_fun has obviously heard and felt the call that only us long distance heavily loaded crazy cycle tourists understand. I can't understand why people race, but each to their own I suppose.
The fact that he is doing it for charity is also a good thing.
Recommendations for a bike, steel frame, 17 inch gearing, (ie 22 Tooth small front chainring, 34 T rear large), rear wheel strength will depend on whether a trailer is being pulled along. If using front and rear panniers, the rear wheel will need some strength.
Given that he is a 15 yo, I'd be surprised if there's a lot of budget for a major refit for that ideal tourer's bike. But we'll see.
RK wrote:And that is Wikipedia - I can write my own definition.
- europa
- Posts: 7334
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:51 am
- Location: southern end of Adelaide - home of hills, fixies and drop bears
- sogood
- Posts: 17168
- Joined: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:31 am
- Location: Sydney AU
Postby sogood » Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:42 pm
Please don't scare teenagers!europa wrote:And what's wrong with discovering mechanical issues by the side of the road, miles away from anywhere in country infested with serial killers? Oh, I see your point.
We are responsible adults and should try to portray the world we live in in a positive way. Damn those vicious dingos!
RK wrote:And that is Wikipedia - I can write my own definition.
-
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:29 pm
Postby Crank » Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:50 pm
Just a few things to remember WATER / food / spares / phone / WATER
Most of all have fun. If you want all real info on touring check out
www.bicyclewa.com.
- biker_4_fun
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:02 pm
- Location: Canberra
Postby biker_4_fun » Tue Oct 24, 2006 6:30 pm
By the way I am VERY excited.
Cheers, Mark.
- biker_4_fun
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:02 pm
- Location: Canberra
Postby biker_4_fun » Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:31 pm
*Avanti Blade: http://www.riders.com.au/product_info.p ... 70731ca020
*Giant CRX Four:
http://www.riders.com.au/product_info.p ... 70731ca020
*Apollo Allegro:
http://www.riders.com.au/product_info.p ... 70731ca020
*Apollo Fiamme:
http://www.riders.com.au/product_info.p ... 70731ca020
Please get bqack to me asap:
Cheers, Mark
- europa
- Posts: 7334
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:51 am
- Location: southern end of Adelaide - home of hills, fixies and drop bears
Postby europa » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:03 pm
Why the preference for the flat bar? You can tour on dropped bar bikes and the arguments about which is better have kept many a pub open late at night.
How accurate are the prices shown? ie, what do you pay for these in the shops? Also, check out clearances of last year's models (it's that time of year).
If you're in a hurry, how soon can one be delivered? Trek have been promising me a bike for a month now and it's only just turned up in the bikeshop. One couple on this forum have been given a two week delivery time on two Avanti bikes.
Budget? I know that's an issue but if you can finance it, you'd be better off with this:
http://www2.trekbikes.com.au/catalogue. ... gory_id=32
Purpose built, with good quality components (ie, they won't let you down in the middle of nowhere), front and rear racks, steel frame, great reputation as a tourer and a good reputation as an alround bike. However, at two grand, she's a wee bit more than expensive than what you're looking at (always look at what you NEED, regardless of budget, then look for ways to fit into your budget - this gives you a better feel for the compromises you have to make).
If that $600 price is your budget, I'd also be looking around for a second hand steel framed bike - you'd get a far better bike for your money (steel for strength and a better ride, better components though worn because they are second hand). You might even find one set up for travel already. Again, time becomes an issue.
Do a search of the not only the papers but the pawn shops (such as Crime Converters) - most pawn shops have a heap of bikes, usually rubbish and way overpriced, but I've also seen some beauties that have given me wallet itch.
Richard
- mikesbytes
- Super Mod
- Posts: 22183
- Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:42 pm
- Location: Tempe, Sydney
- Contact:
Postby mikesbytes » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:13 pm
- europa
- Posts: 7334
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:51 am
- Location: southern end of Adelaide - home of hills, fixies and drop bears
Postby europa » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:54 pm
Richard
- biker_4_fun
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:02 pm
- Location: Canberra
Postby biker_4_fun » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:24 pm
Any way again mike its upto you.
OR infact if any would like to lend me thier bike for 5 days i would kiss you shoes!! im nto kidding you can oput them in dog poo and id still kiss them!
Cheers, Mark
- biker_4_fun
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:02 pm
- Location: Canberra
Postby biker_4_fun » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:35 pm
Cheers, Mark
heres the link to trailer:
http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Bikecorp ... 21121.html
- mikesbytes
- Super Mod
- Posts: 22183
- Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:42 pm
- Location: Tempe, Sydney
- Contact:
Postby mikesbytes » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:47 pm
- mikesbytes
- Super Mod
- Posts: 22183
- Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:42 pm
- Location: Tempe, Sydney
- Contact:
Postby mikesbytes » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:49 pm
What I don't know is whether the backs of your feet would hit the panniers or not, as road bikes are generally shorter in the rear.
- biker_4_fun
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:02 pm
- Location: Canberra
Postby biker_4_fun » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:51 pm
Hey Mike what bike you got?
Cheers, Mark
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- MTB
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross and Gravel Grinding
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Cargo Bikes and Utility Cycling
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+10:00
- Top
- Delete cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The Australian Cycling Forums is a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.
Bicycles Network Australia
Forum Information
Connect with BNA
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.