(Past Ride) Perth to Adelaide

What’s the weather likely to be?

August is supposedly the friendliest month of the year for cyclists.  Each day should be 20C – 25C but of course rain is always a possibility.  Chilly nights and early mornings, with winds behind you more than any other time of the year.  Yes, tailwinds.

What’s the road like?

Flat bitumen road all the way.  A wide two way road, with wide gravel and sometime bitumen shoulder.  It is the main road between the two states WA & SA regarded as a good surface for cyclists.

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 Nulla route.  Some truckies will pass you four times over the three 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, however cyclists have to play their part in keeping well over to the left.

What sort of people ride?

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 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 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?

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

Each night we stay in a small town with accommodation and camping facilities.  There will be at least a roadhouse to buy any extra food, drinks and other necessary items if you wish.

Rest days?

Two rest days to explore the surroundings.
Kalgoorlie mining town is big and interesting and well worth a fossick.  Eucla is outback, near coastal sand dunes and underground limestone caves, sometimes where you can explore Central Australia’s phenomenon of where excess water drains into sink holes on the Nullarbor Plain.

Is there much to see?

The Nullarbor as the name implies “no trees” is very interesting for its vast distances.  Lots of red sand, healthy bush, Great Australian Bight cliffs and coastline, caves, wildlife like dingos, kangaroos, emu, whales and their calves, snakes & lizards, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, interesting little towns and characters in Australia’s unique outback.  Eucla Telegraph Station is a highlight.

Is there much to do?

Cycling will be the passion of people on this trip, however a walk to the beach, a swim, a walk in the bush, whale watching, scenic flights, lookouts and Aboriginal artefacts all have their own appeal.

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.