Beginner Bikepacking

Love a sore bum and tired legs? Time to try bike packing! (think hiking, but on a bicycle)

At dawn we ride! (alternatively 8 am at the gear shed...)

This entry level trip will take us from the uni to Munmorah, on the border of the Awabakal and Darkingjung Nations, and back again, with an overnight stay at Freemans Campground, BYO mountain bike. We had hoped to have bikepacking bags sorted by now but instead will have a driver chauffeur all our camping kit to the campsite and will just carry day packs with lunch, etc. If you have your own bags that fit your bike you're welcome to ride with them on!

This 50km trip (each way) follows the Fernleigh Track and quiet fire trails most of the way with only a few short sections on the road and a portion of mountain biking through Wallarah. 

A reasonable level of fitness is needed, probably about equivalent to being able to do a 4-5 hour hike, and of course you have to be comfy riding a bike as we'll be clocking up a few hours of saddle time (at a gentle pace and with lots of stops). The section through Wallarah is about a blue level so you don't need to be crushing double black diamond jump lines. If you can comfortably do the 10km MTB loop at Glenrock you should be fine.

You certainly don't need to be lycra clad but a few things you will need:

• Mountain bike (I would suggest you leave your huge DH rig at home, but anything with working brakes, gears and suspension will likely do. Remember you're the one who has to suffer on it!)
• Helmet 
• Comfy athletic wear to ride in (NO COTTON)
• Breakfast, snacks (we will stop for lunch at Swansea - supermarket and takeaway optons) and dinner with associated bowls, cutlery, etc to put it in (cook sets can be borrowed from the club)
• Something warm to wear at night
• Raincoat
• Water 
• Camping gear
• Optional - change of clothes, towel, swimming attire (there are showers at camp and a beach nearby)

Things the club can lend you (included in ticket price):

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Headtorch

Camp fees are included in your ticket price.
 

Any questions let me know!

- Captain Phil