(Past Ride) Brisbane to Cairns

What’s the weather likely to be?

May 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?

Bitumen road all the way.  Two way road, with gravel and sometime bitumen shoulder. 

What’s the traffic like?

There are some 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. 

Is it safe?

Vehicles including tail end Charlie will display signs “Caution Cyclists Ahead” with lights flashing.  Yes, it is as safe as riding on other highways and roads, 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 40% women & 60% men.

What sort of training?

You really need to be a reasonably keen cyclist, however not necessarily fast, but consistent.  Plenty of time to build your kilometre total distance in training, to gradually attain about 125 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 lovely Queensland town with accommodation.  There will be surrounding stores to buy any extra food, drinks and other necessary items if you wish.

Rest days?

Two rest days to explore the surroundings. Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island, beautiful beaches, fish or 4WD or see the local wildlife. Airlie Beach is the second rest day destination and there are limitless options to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Island hop, enjoy local cuisine or shop and relax.

Is there much to see?

Features include the Glasshouse Mountains, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, sugar cane fields, Australian wildlife, mining towns, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.

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, scenic flights, lookouts and other 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.