The Cowichan Valley 8 follows several popular, multi-use trails along the way, including the Galloping Goose Trail, Sooke Wilderness Trail, Cowichan Valley Trail, and Lochside Trail. Terrain:very hilly until the Warby Rail Trail. The route, roughly following the shape of a figure-eight, starts and ends in British Columbias capital, the city of Victoria. Youll also find more water bottle mounts and rooms for fenders and frame bags. Share your submission. ACV acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and play. If you wish to view these as a list, you can sort by location or route length. Enter the bike bag that, in its various designs, can attach to your bike via the main frame, handlebars, top tube and seat-post, plus there are smaller ones for the forks. Even in summer, nights may be cool and these pack down super-compact. If selected, well need a detailed guide of the route, including highlights, details, logistical info, high quality photos, and a GPX track. There's more than 132,000 km of dirt roads and tracks in Victoria. This ride takes you one some of Victoria's most scenic roads, including the Acheron Way and Mount Donna Buang Road. The Arcteryx Konseal Short 11" is touted as the ultimate pair of outdoor shorts. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. In this video, we take a look at the top 12 most popular bikepacking routes in our network for 2021. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Rough and steep sections. Lake Mountain . What:challenging climbs, fast descents, temperate rainforest, farmland, Yarra River, small towns, gourmet food & wine, Where:the Otway Rangessouth-west Victoria. For tyre widths, wed recommend between 2.25- and 2.6-inch. The Victoria Divide is a 570km off-road bikepacking route, traversing the Great Dividing Range across the state of Victoria, from Melbourne to Albury/Wodonga When Date: February 26, 2022 Time: 11:00 am Details Event Website Organizer: Lewis Ciddor Email: lewisciddor@gmail.com Where Wurundjeri Spur Lookout Yarra Boulevard Click through to rides on the maps below, Where: Grampians/GariwerdWestern Victoria, Surface: sealed, some chunky gravel and some smooth gravel, Where: Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges, Lake Eildon, Goulburn Valley, Ruffy HighlandsCentral Victoria. For the well-off, there are titanium-frame options. Long enough for a great day on the bike. They've also added new gloves, a long sleeve jersey . The BC Trail is a 1,200 km bikepacking route across southern British Columbia, starting in the Fraser Valley and ending in Fernie, on the Alberta border. Mechanical discs offer the appeal of simplicity. From the shores of the Arctic Ocean in Norway to the wild Atlantic coastline of southwestern Portugal, the European Divide Trail is a 100-day bikepacking route that's incredibly diverse and always full of surprises. Miles completed the BC Epic 1000 portion of the route in 5 days, 10 hours during the 2017 Grand Depart and invites any questions to be posted below. Australian Geographic acknowledges the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians, and pay our respects to Elders past and present, and their stories and journeys that have lead us to where we are today. Route Development: The Cowichan Valley 8 was inspired first and foremost by the good folks of the B.C Bikepacking Facebook Group, who assisted with the initial concept of a route starting and ending in downtown Victoria. Its an epic ride with superb gravel roads, tough climbs, fast descents and incredible scenery. Some short gravel sections which can be a bit rough. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Terrain: undulating, with one big descent and one big climb. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. A short bikepacking overnighter can be just as rewarding and restorative as a big trip. Learn more here. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Neil digs into each route sharing what you can expect, w. Surface: well made gravel, some rougher tracks. Right away, youll link up with the Vancouver Island portion of The Great Trail, also part of Vancouver Islands Galloping Goose Trail. Youve researched your route, most likely via maps originally and then one of the excellent trail apps, such as TrailForks, and youre all set to go. These, along with gravel bikes, offer the most frame real estate for your bike-bags (more on these later) thanks to having no space taken up on the frame by a rear shock. The ranges are home to the world's tallest flowering plant, the mountain ash, and swathes of rainforest typified by cool gullies and stands of tree ferns. Youll receive route updates and information about our new route initiatives and opportunities as they arise. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. Reach out to the Cowichan Valley Regional District for current conditions before heading out. Some rough parts. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Give us a call if you want information about the route. Bikes, camping gear, food and a cracking campsite. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. For 2021 the Great Victorian Bike Ride is going through the Grampians in western Victoria. Luckily, most gravel bike manufacturers build their frames to also fit the smaller 27.5 size, thus opening up the choice of wider, high-volume tyres (over 40mm wide even up to 50mm), ideal for your gravel bike on a particularly rough route. Have a route to contribute? So youve sorted your bike its drivetrain, brakes and the wheel size. Surface: mostly well made gravel, some chunky gravel, some sealed roads. Surface: sealed roads, gravel roads, rail trail. Some steep hills. Terrain: some flat riding, some quite hilly riding. Have any questions about the route? The booths are crawling, the bikes are shiny, and the kids are . But getting out on your bike doesnt have to bankrupt you. What:state forest, rolling pastures, pretty rural areas, local produce, quiet roads, small towns, Where:the high country, eastern Victoria. The BC Trail is a 1,200 kilometer traverse of southern British Columbia, starting in the Fraser Valley and ending in Fernie, on the Alberta border. So now its time to head out. These little known roads will have you grinning. 7. Scouting missions often include one or more of the following tasks: Some routes require more attention and input than others. With the complexity of an additional shock, plus the associated links and bushes and the fact that the rear shock robs the frame of bag-space, youd think itd be too much trouble. For a car-free bikepacking experience take the train to Wangaratta, Chiltern or Albury station and hop on your bike for the last leg. What:attractive pastoral areas, fresh produce, wineries, Yarra River, tall mountain ash forest, rainforest, challenging climbs, fast descents, historical mining settlement, Victoria's tallest tree! The story of Climate Cycle 2018, a non-charity bike ride between Melbourne and Canberra in aid of climate action. Firstly, all road cyclists need to forget the big gears. Run wot ya brung is the pared-down explanation as to which bike is best for bikepacking. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added. Youll also find a few towns along the way offering up freshly brewed beer and hot chips to keep ya stoked! Although each route is different, these are the general roles that may be expected of Route Stewards: BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Learn all the features, pros and cons of different brands to help you buy the right bike. Having said that, opting for compact, lightweight gear and clothing and there is some incredibly light and compact gear on the market these days will see that stress a distant memory. Ive been bikepacking and touring for over a decade. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to map and gather overnighters all over the worldby locals who know their own backyards best. There are a number of brands that offer lightweight and compact inflatable mats, including Therm-a-Rest and Sea To Summit, that can weigh from 300g to 750g. Day 1 35km | Day 2 35km | Total 1,100 vm | 90% gravel. Recommended gravel-type bike with 35mm or wider tyres. 721 Carlsborg Rd. Published in Wild Magazine Issue 164 March/April 2018 (Please note that this is an affiliate link, meaning that if you buy a subscription to Wildor any other magazinethrough this link, you will be supporting ACV, plus getting a great mag!). We started the Route Scouts program back in 2017 to foster community involvement and harness on-the-ground and local expertise for route documentation and planning. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Camping spots abound, so you can ride till you drop, and if you're lucky, you'll see elk and moose, and maybe even the sockeye salmon that used to swarm to Redfish Lake. There are more than 50 different First Nations on Vancouver Island, located in three distinct tribal regions: Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakwaka'wakw. Can be done on a 32mm tyre, What:some of the best road, gravel and rail trail riding between Melbourne and Canberra, Where:central VictoriaBendigo, Heathcote, Redesdale, Axedale, Harcourt, Metcalfe, Terrain:flat/undulating, with a couple of moderate climbs. Thankfully, its not that painful; bike bags are, truly, a godsend for the two-wheeled off-road explorer, and heres why. It covers a tad over 550km, gains over 8,000vm, and has been devised so that you can choose to end each day at one of the High Countrys independent craft breweries. If you download and use one of these self-guided routes you acknowledge and accept that you are riding totally at your own risk. Before these arrived on the scene, cycle tourers had no choice but to use panniers. Brands such as MSR and JetBoil offer these types of stoves. Oh, and for those caffeine freaks out there, there are some magic mini coffee presses. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. Become a Bikepacking Collective member to help support this effort. As such, our editorial team, route creators, and Route Stewards serve as mediators for route improvements and opportunities for connectivity, conservation, and community growth around these routes. I would like to go for 4-6 weeks, but I am having a hard time finding any information on gravel routes in this region. Cheap (OR FREE) gear substitutes for bikepacking and touringa somewhat comprehensive guide, Five of the best bits of camping equipment for bikepacking and touring, The best touring bikes for sale in Australia in 2023, Why the Victorian train network is great for cyclists, A ride of loss, love and longing among the mountain ash, Cold and Alone: the beauty of winter bikepacking. Yeah, its awesome fun. Its never a race when bikepacking, but reliable brakes are still a must. You need to be logged in to use these features. The MTBs more upright riding position and wide tyres aid comfort over longer distances, and you can add bar-ends to your handlebars for more hand-position options. These were very effective if touring on road, but as soon as you veered onto narrow bush tracks, the additional width created by the panniers meant you had to be very careful you didnt hook your bike (and yourself) on a surrounding tree or similar. Next up is the gear, and selecting this correctly whether it is the right combo of bike bags and/or the camping kit youll go with is a key point to an enjoyable bikepacking experience. 588 miles / 947 kilometres 42,159 feet / 12,850 metres climbing total Get the Camino de Santiago. If you have a vital issue or opportunity regarding this route that pertains to one of the subjects below, please let us know: **Advocacy opportunities may include bringing awareness to a new trail project, conservation initiative, access potential, or local effort that we might help with or bring awareness to via our broad-reaching platform. Aluminium is light, and it is cheap, but you will cop a jarring ride and it is not as easy to repair as steel. Dried fruit is a great snack option, as are your regulation muesli bars. Learn why this is a unique opportunity to see an amazing part of the state, and be entertained by my barely-on-topic personal anecdotes. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! Surface: Sealed road, gravel, hard packed dirt, rail trail. The Cowichan Valley 8 is a 190km figure-eight bikepacking route that starts and ends at the parliament buildings in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Linking two of the High Countrys favourite towns, this route provides plenty of vertical gain over its journey through some epic mountain landscapes and challenging backroads. By Length (days) Overnighters & S24O; Weekend Routes (2-4) Week-long Routes (5-10) Odyssey Routes (11-30) "Freakouts" (31+) Local Overnighters. Surface:well-made crushed gravel. Some chunky gravel. In the early 90s the BC Trail began as part of the Trans Canada Trail project as an effort to expand the already-popular Kettle Valley Rail Trail across the province, from Victoria to the Alberta border. The story of a ride over the Victorian high country on back roads and trails, following ACVs Dargo High Plains route. Surface:everything from sealed road to rocky/muddy tracks. $99+ at Backcountry. Julian Brooks, a longtime Vancouver Island local, joined me to ride the route in its entirety, and was crucial to the development of the route and educating me on the history of the region. Easily accessible from the big smoke, it's a ripper way to spend a long summer weekend! Sea Otter is packed. After nine months of testing, we reveal if they stack up. Wide tyres will help. As such, our editorial team, route creators, and Route Stewards serve as mediators for route improvements and opportunities for connectivity, conservation, and community growth around these routes. Surface:single track, vehicle tracks, gravel road, some sealed road. More here. Wide tyres will help. Wheels and tyres on your bikepacking rig are governed, in the main, by what type of bike you opt to use. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Sarah Swallow's One-Hour-A-Day Challenge encourages participants to get out and move for at least 60 minutes daily through May 30th. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. But that doesnt mean you need to take the main road. However, for gnarlier adventures NZs Paparoa Track and Old Ghost Road are two examples where the terrain is uneven, loose, steep and rocky, the ability of the dual-suspension MTB to deliver a comfortable and safe ride is its main party trick. Plus, you reduce the chance of a puncture considerably with no tube in your tyre. Be sure, however, to check the length of the tents poles and if they will fit inside one of your bike bags length-wise. Lennard Pretorius of Kamloops, B.C first introduced the race in 2016 with only 7 of 14 riders finishing the route, and saw double the interest and a much higher completion rate in 2017. The return to Beechworth on day 2 sees you riding the spectacular Rose River Road to Lake Buffalo before lunch in Myrtleford and the final push up Flagstaff Road back into Stanley and Beechworth. New 2023 Backcountry Riding Gear. Too many p. - 160.7 km, +1345 m. Bike ride in Victoria, BC, British Columbia. Not only is Victoria easily accessible for visitors, this vibrant city makes an ideal place to spend time before or after the ride. Here are the best bits of camping equipment Ive used in that time. Best suited for CX/ gravel bikes or anything that will take at least a 32mm tyre. Become a member to support this and learn more about the initiative here. With rolling hills, limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, amazing beaches, and endless bush, theres something for everyone. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. This list of cheaper gear alternatives will get you rolling, without the eye-watering price tag. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be usedas a point of inspirationin conjunction with your own due-diligence. Its name changes along along the way, at different times being called Nolans Road, Tarcombe-Ruffy Road, Ponkeen Creek Road, and finally Hughes Creek Road. If the majority of your bikepacking is fire trails and singletrack, they offer a more comfortable and safer ride, due to their construction, than, say, a gravel bike. The Cowichan Valley Trail turns back eastward, passing by Cowichan River Provincial Park and great camping opportunities at Stoltz Pool Campground, passing through the town of Duncan before joining the top loop of the routes figure-eight shape. For anything from an overnighter to a two-week-long trip, hydraulic brakes would be our choice. By subscribing you become an AG Society member, helping us to raise funds for conservation and adventure projects. This gem follows several regional trails, including the Galloping Goose Trail, Sooke Wilderness Trail, and The Great Trail. Check out more of where Bens been riding on Instagram @bushdreamer. Hughes Creek Road. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. These are the Great Rides of Victoria. These vary in size according to the bike style they are designed for and can range from a half-frame volume of between 3L to 6L, through to a full-frame sizing of between 5L and 10L. Where: Creswick, Ballarat, Skipton, BeaufortCentral Victoria, Terrain: Flat with a couple of short hills. Can be done on a gravel bike, but that 10km would be a bit rough. Image via bergersride Trail Length: 350 miles Days to complete: 4-10 days Riding: Dirt road and some singletrack The TNG is the East Coast answer to such epic western bikepacking routes as the Kokopelli or Colorado Trail. What:great mountain-biking, gold mining history, historic towns, mineral springs, bushland, forest, farming land, What:high mountains, high plains, pastoral regions, small towns, local produce, gourmet regions, Where:Strzelecki Ranges, South Gippsland. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Surface:about 50/50 sealed/unsealed. Generally, the bikepacking rig of choice is down to two or three types: the hardtail mountain bike, the gravel bike, or the dual-suspension MTB, and made from either steel, aluminium or carbon-fibre. One of the better free camping spots around. As long as your bike has been well serviced, theres no reason that a dual-suspension MTB of yours cant do double service Its all about compromise in bikepacking. After a short backtrack along the Cowichan Valley Trail, the route heads east along the Northern edge of Shawnigan Lake. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Negatives are that you have no floor, condensation can be an issue in more humid climes, and that creepy-crawlies have free reign. This trail continues north to Cowichan River, following its banks to the town of Lake Cowichan. One steep rocky downhill which can be easily avoided. How to get there gears ratios you want on the cheap. As with the hardtail MTB, the gravel bike frame can be made from steel, aluminium, or carbon-fibre. All the camping gear, all the shiny bikepacking bags, and the strong desire to strike out on a trip you charte The Kettle Korn booths are smoking and the lines are long this year. As the leading creator and publisher of bikepacking routes, BIKEPACKING.com endeavors to maintain, improve, and advocate for our growing network of bikepacking routes all over the world. Widely regarded as one of the more rugged and challenging bikepacking routes in existence, the 550-mile Highland Trail carry riders over a wide variety of surfaces from smooth tarmac to rocky, boggy terrain where there's hardly a path to be found. The dually may seem a surprise choice as a third rig option. After starting small at a local school, Dr Crankys is spreading its bike-fixing, community-building initiative around Australia. *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. Gathering points of interest or resupply data; Checking trail closures or land-use issues; Identifying workarounds due to such closures or prosperity issues; Providing feedback on the quality or flow of a particular route or segment. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. Over three foggy days and frigid nights, I experience the beauty of the Grampiansand ponder the direction of my life. From a glance at the map above, you'd think you could travel almost anywhere without hitting the pavement. Free-camping by Reedy Creek in Eldorado is magical, and once youve set up camp for the night youre not far from a slap-up dinner at Victorias smallest pub, The McEvoy Tavern. Where:Ruffy Highlands, Strathbogie Tablelands, Euroacentral Victoria. There are various cycling insurance providers available, Cycling Australia is the obvious one. And for those looking to have a red hot crack, you just might be able to knock it over in under 48 hours. Gravel-type bike recommended. Not only do they provide more warmth per gram than a synthetic bag, but they also pack down smaller always important when loading your bike bags! I'm planning a bikepacking trip this year to Southeastern Europe anywhere from the Balkans, down to Greece and/or Romania and Bulgaria. Were expecting this will become an iconic High Country bikepacking loop. It is used to pack lightweight, bulky items, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and spare clothing. Bikepacking - Gravelmob | Beechworth | Victoria's High Country Bikepacking Beechworth is the gateway to some incredible Victorian High Country bikepacking routes The historic town of Beechworth is the perfect start/finish point for your High Country bikepacking or flashpacking adventure. Another popular shelter option is a lightweight tarp. GCOR is a 440 mile unsupported ride around the rugged and remote Olympic Mountains in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. 4 days of relaxed bikepacking through central and northern Victoria Great pubs and extremely quiet roads Close proximity to Melbourne Accessible from suburban Melbourne Caravan parks or bush camps to stay at Beginning Our Bikepacking Adventure It's 6.10am on a chilly autumn morning in Melbourne. Route Development: This route was created to capture the best parts of the Shipwreck Coast and Otway Region, an area of South West Victoria that attracts millions visitors a year. Generally well made surfaces, occasional steep/rough sections. King Alfred's Way Day 1 of this ride departs from Gravelmob HQ at The Old Beechworth Gaol and sends you on scenic backroads through farming country before arriving for lunch in the King Valley village of Moyhu. We are looking for the best quality bikepacking routes to inspire and enable people to get out and explore the world in a sustainable way, on two wheels. Farmers dont have time for. During the summer, this is a popular spot to access river tubing, swim, and cool off. What: pretty rural areas, temperate rainforest, rail trail riding, quiet back roads, lakeside riding, eucalyptus woodland.