What to bring
The Handbook we send to you when you enter the ride contains a good list of what you'll need to bring on the ride. Here we give you a quick overview so you can decide what you need to get repaired, what you need to buy, beg, borrow or steal (just don't tell us).
Unfortunately our buses and trucks can't be stretched when you have too much luggage and our volunteers are only human, so we have limits. Please note that each rider must load their own luggage and it's all hands on deck to help unload it.
Each rider must pack their luggage into two bags weighing not more than 22kg in total, with no more than 14kg in any one bag. However, for the musically talented, we'll carry your guitar (or other small instrument) in addition to your normal luggage for no extra charge and in a separate more carefully packed vehicle, of course.
All luggage will be weighed at registration. Excess luggage will be charged at $50 and the bag will be tagged and never touched by our volunteers.
Please remember that you have to be able to carry your bag from your tent to the luggage truck everyday. (And don't forget to leave some room for any souvenirs you might pick up along the way.)
Bags should be no bigger than 1m x 0.5 x.05. We suggest you put all your camping gear such as your tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, plates, stool etc in one bag and then put your clothes and personal items in the other smaller bag.
Please don't tie anything (like your tent poles or stool) to the outside of your bag as this creates a hazard for our volunteers and your fellow riders when they are packing and unpacking the luggage trucks.
What to bring
- Human being (1)
- Sense of fun and adventure (plenty)
- Bike and accessories
- Bicycle (essential) ... if you are packing your bike into a box, don't forget the pedals, seat and the wheels!
- Two Waterbottles (at least 750mL bottles)
- Pump, spare tube, patch kit (never know when that might happen)
- Lock (a stolen bike will ruin your holiday for sure)
Gear for riding
- Up to three sets of whatever clothing you are comfortable riding in
- Comfortable shoes for cycling
- Sunscreen
- Helmet, gloves, sunnies etc.
- Cash for morning and afternoon teas supplied by community groups
- A rain jacket just in case it's a bit cool one morning or the sprinklers in the sky get turned on.
- Front and rear lights if you plan on riding around town at night.
Off the Bike
- Casual clothing (Two sets is usually plenty but do plan for hot and cold weather)
- PJs (essential if you are planning a late night dash to the loo)
- Togs (Queensland speak for bathers, swimmers, budgie smugglers etc)
- Hat
- Towel and toiletries kit
Gear for Camping
- Plate, bowl, mug, cutlery and tea towel
- Small folding stool for dinner time (see note below)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Torch
Other
- Camera
- Personal effects
A note about stools
We recommend you bring a small folding stool to perch on while you eat dinner. Tripod stools are the best as they are small and light. While a large fold up chair with armrests and a drink holder may be a little more comfortable to recline in after a long day on the bike you should only bring one IF you can fit this chair in your bag AND stay within your luggage limits.
On past rides people have also bought along a small picnic rug, ground sheet or even a sheet of bubble wrap in lieu of a stool.