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.
What’s the weather likely to be? |
June July is the friendliest & driest month of the year for cyclists in the north west of Oz. Each day should be 20C-25C but of course rain is always a possibility. Chilly nights & early mornings becoming lovely sunny days & at this time of the year easterlies are certainly the direction of most winds. YES, TAILWINDS. |
What’s the road like? |
We cycle the Savannah Way most of the tour which is a good flat bitumen road with slight undulations when passing through small mountain ranges. A wide two way road, with wide gravel and sometimes bitumen shoulder. |
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 Kimberley route. This road is safe, if not safer than most other roads. |
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. Cyclists have to play their part in keeping well over to the left. |
What sort of people ride & how many? |
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. Maximum 30 cyclists. |
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 |
Most nights we stay in a small town with accommodation and camping facilities. Three nights will be camping in the real outback with cooking in the open fire. At the roadhouses there will be facilities to buy food, drinks and other necessary items if you wish. |
Rest day? |
Two rest days 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. |
Is there much to see? |
The colourful ochre reds and the numerous Boab trees of the Kimberley Ranges are constantly in your vision a truly beautiful sight. |
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. A highlight of the trip will be the 3 evening meals cooked over the open fire and under the stars. |
“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
Please note: Every effort has been made to ensure this information is completely up to date and accurate however sometimes conditions change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please ensure you clarfiy the details listed here when making a booking.
