The Bike 'n Wheels Expedition

We made it to the Gulf!

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Wed, 30 May 2007 10:54:00 +0000

The beginning of the ride got off with a bang, and you'll find a brief snippet and some pics from the beginning of the ride at http://outbike.blogspot.com/

It's such an epic ride, and to reach the end, there are a lot of mixed emotions. Relief to have made it that far, yet sadness to be parting from your 'family' of 30 days; exhaustion from long, hot days in the saddle, but with a new found energy to pedal the last kilometres in elation; eagerness to get back home to loved ones and familiar places, but not so excited to be going back to work.

It was with all these feelings that we reached the Gulf of Carperntaria as a collective group, and each person had their own personal reflections and reaching the Gulf had a unique significance for each one.

We've jumped straight to the end of the story, however, without filling you in on some of the bits leading up to this point! Here are a few highlights...

Warren Vale Station
A long, hot day, and our camp for the night was in some disused cattle yards just off the side of the road between the Burke & Wills Roadhouse and Normanton. The cattle yards were on Warren Vale Station, which like the other properties in the region ran brahman cattle (although we didn't have any close by to where we were camped). We rigged up a cool shower down the back of the yards behind a giant old tree, and set up camp around the fences. We knew that Graham from the station was going to drop round, so when a 4WD pulled up and a couple of blokes neatly dressed, in their hats, jumped out, we weren't sure if this was him or not. Looked more like the shire council than a cocky.

"So who's the boss round here?" The driver asked.
"Yeah that's me," I replied, still not quite sure what we were in for. I'm pretty sure we hadn't been breaking any laws in camping where we were, particularly as we had the station's permission, and I couldn't think of anything else for us to get in trouble for!
"I'm Stan, and this is Daniel, and we're Jehovah's Witnesses just out visiting all the people in the Carpentaria Shire," he explained cheerily.
My jaw almost hit the ground. Here we were, camped in a cattle yard in amongst long grasses, not another human around for miles, and we'd been door-knocked by JWs!
Well, you've got to admire their perserverance, as there would have been a disproportionate amount of driving along compared to knocking on doors!

Graham and his wife from the station did in fact drop by, and not only did they drop by, but they were kind enough to bring with them delicious rump steaks and ribs to chuck onto the BBQ. You could tell he had done this a hundred times before, but feeding station workers and not hungry bike riders, the way he rolled out his canvas on the tray of the truck, cracked open a beer and got his implements out.

The sky put on a fantastic show with a sunset that seemed to go on forever, and it turned into one of those magical nights that you can only really have when you're somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

Rain in Bedourie
Of all places for it to pour with rain at 2:30 in the morning, you would never have picked Bedourie to be the one. It doesn't rain much in Bedourie, any local will tell you that. It's a little tiny town that lies on the edge of the Simpson Desert, and borders on the Channel Country. We'd seen sand dunes riding in that day, and while there was a bit more green around than usual, it didn't look the slightest like it was going to rain.

It became a bit of a cooler night, which was a relief after such warm evenings we'd had so far. There was a bit of a breeze even. I half woke up in my swag a while later, however, and it had become completely still. Not a breath of air moving around whatsoever. I drifted back into sleep, only to be woken by fat raindrops landing straight onto my face. Out of bed in a flash, moving things under shelter, and Angus was up doing the same.

"Frenchy, where's he?" We wondered, as he also was in a swag and we hadn't seen him move it under cover. He was just waking up, and fumbling around, drenched in the pouring rain.

"My glasses!" he cried, and we searched around on the muddying dirt, trying in vain but finding nothing. "We'll have a better look in the morning," we told him, carrying his sodden swag under the shed. Rolling out a dry swag, Frenchy crashed out, still wet, under the cover of the roof.

It kept raining heavily during the night, and when we woke it was still drizzling. Poor old Frenchy had put his swag out under a downpipe, which sent torrents of water into his dry swag for the second time around. And his glasses were found in the bottom of his first swag...

Needless to say, it doesn't rain in Bedourie very often.

More stories to come...

WE ARE OFF!

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 02:37:00 +0000

The truck is packed the bikes are serviced and we are on our way!!

Over 20 riders will have the time of their life over the next 30 days crossing Australia...

If you have missed out why not check us out for next year or you could hope on for the second half if you are quick.

visit our website and see how!

www.outbike.com.au

Well off to see the country come back and hear what is happening along the way over the next 30 days!

Peter

Truck Home Safely and gear is being sericed.

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:07:00 +0000

Well Ben has arrived back from the Alice with our truck and we have been servicing all of the gear over this weekend!

Big job the yard always looks like a demolition site for a few days as we sort out the gear! We have had some great reports as to how green it is out there, those of you going on this trip are in for a real treat you will get to see the country in a way few get to see it...

Well back to the gear! Looking forward to catching up with those of you coming on the trip!!

Almost there!!

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:58:00 +0000

Today we have been finalising the menus over the next week we will service the bikes, tents and other equipment.

Ben is off tomorrow to pick up our truck from Alice Springs, how time flies it seems like yesterday that we were getting ready to go on our last B n' W. We have 23 Adventurers setting off on this great trip in 2 weeks... its not to late to book on but you must be quick we do the final order for the food at the end of the week and that will pretty much be the cut off!

For those of you reading this who are coming on the trip I am looking forward to meeting you all...

See you soon!

Brochures are Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Ben) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 01:33:00 +0000

Want to get a touch for Outbike. Then have a look in your town's/city's major bike stores to find our brand new brochure. With information about the soon to ride off 'Bike 'n Wheels Expedition', 'The Great Outback Trains, Pubs and Bones Bike Ride', you want to be quick for this one, 'Outbike the Original' and the even more luxurious 'Alluring Adelaide'.

Can't find the brochure or want a booking form, then check out the website, www.outbike.com.au or navigate through the other blogs or contact us on info@outbike.com.au

Hope to hear from you soon

Not long now...

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:41:00 +0000

Well time is racing now it will not be long and we will be out on the road / track. I hope you are all looking forward to a great adventure, we are!

If you have been looking and thinking about coming don't leave it to long or you may well miss out...

The team has been working hard to ensure you have a great time again this year, Ben and Emma are chafing at the bit to get out on their bikes, trucks and buses for another great adventure. This year we will be joined by a new crew-member Sam, he has had years of cycling experience and he can’t wait to experience this great out back experience.

As for me well I will be along for parts of the trip, a few days in the beginning and then joining up in Birdsville… Someone has to stay back and do the office stuff!

Why always me?

So looking forward to seeing you all soon, again if you have been thinking about booking on do it soon we would hate for you to miss out!!

Joining us on the Bike 'n Wheels Expedition...

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Em) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 03:01:00 +0000

G'day riders!

Just wanted to let you all know that we will be joined on the expedition by a multimedia producer from France! Anthony Humeau has been in Australia since September 2006, working on a project titled 'Dreams to Share'. This project, which has received sponsorship from various companies in France, is titled 'Des reves a partager', which translates as 'Sharing the dreams', and in this project he is creating soundsscapes throughout his travels in Australia, which are then being broadcast on radio back in France.

He hopes to discover the dreams of ordinary Australians - people like you - who have different reasons and motivations for taking up a challenge, such as the Bike 'n Wheels Expedition.

Anthony came into the office for a chat a number of weeks ago and he is very excited to be able to join us, and discover Australia in such an original way!

Check out his website (it's all in French though!) at www.desrevesapartager.com

That's all from me for now!

Cheers,
Emma

A reason why...

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Ben) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:11:00 +0000

It’s not too late to book if you are quick. Has that booking form been collecting dusk on your desk as you ‘um’ and ‘aar’ about it? Just waiting for that someone to say ‘Do it!’ instead of ‘Your crazy!’ Then perhaps have a read of the Outbike manager’s journal, just click Emma
Or perhaps a poem to give you a ‘taste’ of what to expect, just click
‘A Gastronomic Adventure’
Then when the next person says ‘Are you crazy’ you can reply ‘ Perhaps I am, but damm its going to be fun!’

Transfers

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Ben) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:09:00 +0000

The first transfer will leave the day before, on the 9th of April at around 10am from Adelaide. Taking in a few wineries along the way, through the glorious Clare Valley, home to wineries like Sevenhill, Annies Lane, Knappstein Taylors and Skillogalee. We will have lunch and arrive in Port Augusta in the afternoon. Staying at the Big Four Caravan Park.
Click here to learn more about Clare Valley.
The transfer from Karumba to Cairns leaves the day after the finish and takes two days spending the night at Undara, famous for its lava tubes. Click here to have a look. Arriving in Cairns on the 11th of May, in the mid-afternoon.

The Essentials. What to bring?

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Ben) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:03:00 +0000

Personal Items:
Torch, Head torch, Fly net, Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent, Personal medication, Sunscreen SPF 30+
2-3 water bottles, Vaseline, Swimming gear

Bicycle gear:
Allan keys to fit bike, Specialist tools for your bike, Mini-tool
Spare tube (x 2), Puncture repair kit, Spare spokes
Chain lube/wax based, Spares for warn parts, Mini-pump

Accessories: mirror, foam handlebar grips
Handlebar bag for camera, sunscreen, jacket, etc
Small saddle bag for tube, puncture repair kit, mini-tool etc
Hydration backpack (1.5-2L bladder capacity)

Lubricants: Oil or wax based, which is better?

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Ben) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:56:00 +0000

The Outbike team recommends wax-based lubricants for our rides due to the dry conditions. Wax-based lubricants, unlike most petroleum/oil based lubes, don’t attract dust and dirt. Water and mud is rarely a problem, but dust, dirt and sand does get lifted by wind and the tyres from the roads and tracks. It gets between your bikes moving parts and causes friction. You can already hear the squeaks I’m sure. Although wax based lubes do have to be applied more frequently as they brake down more easily (better for the environment) cost a little more, they will give you a quieter and smoother bike that will love you for longer. Need a brand name, ‘White Lighting’ is our recommendation.
To have a look at how to best lubricate your bike click here

A Great Week of Cycling in South Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 08:03:00 +0000

South Australia has just been treated to another great week of cycling... The Tour Down Under was a another great success!

It has inspired us at Outbike and we are all looking forward to the next crossing of Australia in April. The bookings keep rolling in - in fact we had another 2 today and are now well past being 1/2 booked up! Don't forget that late fees kick in in March, that is of course if we have any space left in March. If all those who have enquired get back to us over the next few weeks we will book out, and some people will miss out, so if you are thinking about it do not leave it too long.

I will post some photos of the Tour Down Under over the coming week so keep in touch...

Well I am out for a birthday ride - have a great day and see you out there!

Surprise visit

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Em) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 07:17:00 +0000

The great thing about rides like the Bike 'n Wheels Expedition is that you forge friendships with people from all across the country (even NZ and beyond!).

We had a lovely surprise visit last week from two of the riders from the 2006 event. Peter M and Peter H, a pair of Petes, dropped by to say g'day and catch up on the goings on in the Outbike HQ.

Over a coffee, we chatted about the year just passed and about the others from the ride who we had caught up with over the year. People have stayed in touch and over the course of the year exchanged photos, Christmas cards and even dropped in to visit if in another's part of the country!

The two Petes were in Adelaide for another rider's birthday, with Alison celebrating her 60th last week. (Happy birthday Ali!) Pete M is then off to Vietnam/China/Tibet, depending on where he decides to go at the last minute! He's a perpetual traveller. Pete H is looking forward to planning some new rides later in the year and 2008.

Look forward to making a new network of mates on the next ride!

Happy pedalling...
emma

The work continues!

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 01:00:00 +0000

Sitting at my desk preparing the dates for 2008 we are now putting the program into the international marketplace, which is exciting but the planning needs to be done so much further ahead!

Meanwhile this year's Bike n' Wheels program is booking strongly, we are well in advance of where we were this time last year!

If you are interested in this ride I would recommend that you book soon or you may miss out....

Outbike Ben is currently taking a group of happy punters around the Great Ocean Road he returns on Saturday to resume some work on this year's program, he was stir-crazy before he left - I am sure he will be back ready for the desk work that needs to be done...

If you want a booking form visit
http://www.outbike.com.au/Bookings.html

New Year and we are booking fast!

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:04:00 +0000

Hope you had a great start to the new year!

If you have been watching this blog and you are interested getting on this trip, the team recommends that you book soon as we have had a very strong response to this trip, it will book out and we do not want you to miss your opportunity!

The team are really excited about the trip this year and of course our new one coming south, The Great Outback Bike Ride...

Hope to hear from you soon if you have not yet booked on...

Merry Christmas from the crew at the office!

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 06:14:00 +0000

Those of us at the office putting this great ride together wish you a great Christmas and a Great New Year!!

Again if you are not booked on don't leave it too late as you may well miss out! Go on buy yourself a Christmas gift you know you want to!

Peter

Photo Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Ben) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 05:42:00 +0000

Want to see more of this remarkable ride? Well go to our site and download yourself a booking form and jump on board!

Not just there yet...well have a look at some of the classic photos of 2006 on our flickr photos slideshow. Enjoy

If you want a Bike 'n Wheels only photo experience, click here to see the photos of Stage One, Spencer Gulf to Birdsville. The pictures are full of amazing landscapes, real outback riding country and obviously lots of happy riders.
Still want more, click here for photos of Stage 2. It gets wetter from here on, green grass, rivers, gum tree forests and the odd croc if you keep your eyes peeled.
Can you see yourself wetting your toes in the Gulf of Carpentaria with a group of great new friends? Well let us know.

Happy Pedaling

Ben W

Sitting in the office getting things done

noreply@blogger.com (Travel collective) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0000

The outbike team have been beavering away over the last week looking at the food options for this trip as well as a small portable kitchen trailer to prepare the meals, this will of course increase the quality of the meals yet again!

Of course we will have Ben W and I revved up to cook some of those very special outback dishes which will include some great Kangaroo.

The team are all looking forward to getting out amongst it again.

The trip is booking fast so don't miss out! If you have been on the trip before you know how good it is so pass this on to your mates. Oh and by the way if you have done the trip before and you want something different have a look at our other great rides for next year including what will become famous The Great Outback Trains, Pubs and Bones Bike Ride it WILL be a WINNER!!

Peter Solly

What to Bring List

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Ben) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 05:17:00 +0000

(Provisional List)

Personal Items:
Face towel for washing
Quick drying towel
Torch
Baby wipes
Dettol
Rain jacket
Fly net
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent (tropical strength)
Personal medications
Sunscreen 30+
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Vaseline / chamois cream / paw paw ointment

Appropriate riding attire:
3-4 pairs cycling knicks (lycra shorts with padded crotch) or ‘shy’ shorts
3 x Short sleeve cycling jersey / riding shirt
1 x Long sleeve cycling jersey / riding shirt (with sun protection)
Full length leggings
Arm/leg warmers
Warm gear for cold mornings (e.g. wind jacket/vest, long gloves, ear warmers/beanie)
Cycling gloves
Sunglasses
Cycling shoes
Socks
Helmet

Bicycle gear:
Allan keys to fit bike
Adjustable wrench
Spare tube (x2)
Puncture repair kit (incl. glue, patches, sandpaper)
Spare spokes
Chain lube (wax-based is highly recommended for dry conditions)

Spare nuts & bolts to fit parts
Mini-pump with correct (or multi-head) valve attachment
Screwdrivers to fit bike
Mini-tool
Tyre levers
Accessories: mirror, foam handlebar grips
Small saddle bag for tube, puncture repair kit, mini-tool etc
Handlebar/seatpost mounted pannier if desired

Camping gear:
Tent (small & lightweight is best)
Self-inflating mat
Sleeping bag & liner
(Please note that tents, sleeping bags, self-inflating mats and swags can be hired from us at a reasonable rate.)

Bike 'n Wheels 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Outbike_Em) — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:25:00 +0000

Hi!

Fast gaining a reputation for being THE cross-Australia cycling trip, the Bike 'n Wheels Expedition is coming back in 2007: 10 April - 9 May.

The bookings are coming in steadily and anyone interested in joining us will need to act pretty quickly! We're a almost half full already, five months out from the event. Better grap that place quickly.

The great thing is that you can book on for the whole 30 days, or choose to ride a stage: either from Port Augusta to Birdsville, or Birdsville to Karumba.

Want to know more, click the link at the bottom of the page....

Otherwise, book in your annual leave and come along for the ride of your life!

Click here to download the booking form...

We'll be posting updates on this blog regularly so make sure you stay tuned.

Don't forget a from March 1st 2007 ride fees will increase to $4200 which includes the late booking fee.

Happy riding!

The Outbike Crew