Category: Cycling

Hunt1000 2019 Equipment – On-going

OutdoorAdventure-UrbanSurvival

Adventure Rig

In August 2018, I invested in a long distance gravel touring bike. Aftera lot of research and current stock availability at the time I went from ordering a Wayward Cape York touring bike to instead getting a more hardy gravel bike on the lead up to my first Gears and Beers event.

In recent posts (the Gears and Beers event, followed by the Canberra to Goulburn return trip) I used my new gravel bike,  Bombtrack Beyond 1. This beast is built for bikepacking with a flared drop down bar to allow easier handling for technical terrain, the many mounting points on the front fork, top tube, and down tube. The tyres are even tubeless ready something I am very keen to change to, after the Canberra to Goulburn ride where we experienced a few puncture situations from wood staples and nails. We were able to patch up with the holes but it would have saved time if we already had the tubeless in place.

There are a few things that I would want to change about this bike.

Bike Frame Storage

Rear Rack

Currently, I run the Tauber Rear rack for daily commuting with my Ortlieb Classic Pro panniers for clothes, shopping and gym gear. This allows for storage while commuting and is an alternative solution for bikepacking saddle bag for the moment.

I have a preference for a more solid saddle bag rack system; so far I am interested in the Mr. Fusion XL from American Cottage Company Porcelain Rocket and Blackburn Design Outpost seat pack.

Frame bag

I do want to get a frame bag, I like the idea of a roll top frame bag from Porcelain rockets as its less hardware to worry about breaking. I’ve seen frame bags with multiple zips which people overpack and break the zips. This bag will be used for main food storage.

Bottle Mounts

The Bombtrack Beyond has many mounting options which means I will be looking towards two fork bottle mounts and a bottle at the bottom of the frame.

Top Tube bags

I’m looking at top tube bars near the handlebar and the top tube bag closer to the seat post. The plan for these pieces:

  • Top tube handlebar mount – To be used for electronics; gopro, battery bank, camera.
  • Top tube seat post mount – To store tools, and equipment for bike repairs, spare tyres, etc…

Handlebar bags

These will be used for carrying my snacks in bulk in two handlebar bags.

Additional bar mounting system

I’m also looking at additional bar mounting system for my handle bars for mounting my GPS Garmin Inreach Explorer Plus, bike bell, bike torch and phone mount.

Equipment (subject to change)

  • Shelter – Oztrail starlight dome 2p [strapped via voile straps to the front bars]
  • Sleeping pad – double
  • Sleeping bag – Enlightened Equipment Sleeping quilt -11 degree
  • cook system – BRS 1000 stove, GSI aluminum 500ml cup, mini gas canister
  • Water bottles – 3 x 1 litre camelbak bottle

Clothes

  • Windproof arm and leg warmers
  • Cycling jersey
  • MTB padded shorts
  • Macpac Puffy jacket
  • Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket and pants
  • Cycling hat

Cycling gear

  • Helmet
  • MTB shoes
  • Windproof gloves

 

Author: Jay
Editor: Alex

 

 

Advertisement

Un-racing the Hunt1000 Itinerary 2019

OutdoorAdventure-UrbanSurvival

The Alternative 11 Day Plan

Day 1: Canberra to Cooinbill Hut (119km)
Day 2: Cooinbill Hut to Derschko’s Hut (82km)
Day 3: Derschko’s Hut to Dogman Hut (93km)
Day 4: Dogman Hut to Omeo (99km)
Day 5: Omeo to JB Plain Hut (46km)
Day 6: JB Plain Hut to Dargo (98km)
Day 7: Dargo to Horseyard Flat Camping Area via Billy Goat Bluff (52km)
Day 8: Horseyard Flat to Licola (80km)
Day 9: Licola to Woods Point (58km)
Day 10: Woods Point to Warburton (103km)
Day 11: Warburton to Melbourne (95km)

Day 12: Train from Melbourne CDB to Canberra

Map Reference: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/1394336800/

ReSupply Points

  1. Cabramurra General Store (1.5 Days)
  2. Omeo General Store (2 Days)
  3. Licola General Store (4 days)
  4. Warburton General Store (2 days)
  5. Melbourne (Final Destination) (1 Day)

Food and Water

  1. Food – food resupply points are far between, up to 225km (140miles), so plan accordingly. Refer to the notes on the map for resupply options
  2. Water – treat all water before drinking. Reliable water can be up to 100km (62miles) apart, refer to notes on the map for water sources.
  3. Pub Meals – treat yourself to a pub meal when you get to Omeo, Dargo and/or Warburton.
  4. General Stores – the general stores along the route only stock basic supplies but enough to get you by. Note general stores generally close early, 5-6pm.

 

 

Un-racing the Hunt1000 2019

OutdoorAdventure-UrbanSurvival

Hunt1000, Canberra to Melbourne 20th – 30th of November

What is Hunt1000?

Trip type: Bikepacking
Difficulty: Arduous
Start date: Wednesday, 20th November – Saturday, 30th November  2019
Season: Summer
Months: November
Sights: Arid mountains, gorges, dry creek beds, waterholes
Hazards: Dehydration, Snakes, Hyperthermia, Hypothermia
Activity Leader: Dan Hunt – Founder of the Hunt1000
Group: Jay, Eddy, Jaeryl as well as like minded (or disturbed) individuals willing to take on the hazards of the Hunt1000 trail.

A 1,000 km journey through the rooftop of Australia along backcountry trails, across exposed high plains, through snow gum woodlands and among tall native forests. The trail links two of major cities with limited resupply points and some of Australia’s best high country campsites.

The Hunt1000 was founded by Dan Hunt in 2016. It is a long-distance (1000km) endurance bikepacking event from Canberra to Melbourne through the Snowy Mountains. It will be tough with the occasional ‘hike – a bike’ trails but it’s easily forgiven by the amazing views the Australia Alpines has to offer. The main race itself will take 7 days, however those that want to enjoy the wonder of the Australian Alpines, like myself, prefer to take the journey a bit slower.

This trip will take an estimated 11 days plus another 1 day to recoup before catching a train back home (12 days in total).

Reference:

https://hunt1000.huntbikes.com/planning/

https://omafiets.com.au/blogs/news/un-racing-the-hunt-1000

http://www.bikepacking.com/routes/hunt-1000/

Great Cycle Challenge 2018  – 200km Cycle 

OutdoorAdventure-UrbanSurvival

Canberra -> Goulburn -> Canberra, OCT 13-14, 2018

During October, Ben,  Jaeryl, Jay and I participated in the Great Cycle Challenge to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Kids’ Cancer.

This involved a two-day cycling trip pushing 200km through country roads and along highways, riding from Canberra to Goulburn and back again. This was my first time riding such a long distance in a short period of time and it was not an easy journey.

Day 1:

On the way to Goulburn, we had a headwind pushing us back to Canberra, which made pedaling just that little bit harder and took its toll on the body throughout the day.

Jay and I got flat tyres, mine along the Hume Highway and her’s just before turning into Goulburn.

It was a real challenge but worthwhile. We saw some pretty beautiful sights and took some great photos riding along the back roads near Breadlebane. Even so, I was pretty happy to see the Big Merino coming up along the turn off of the highway.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Day 2:

On the way back we had the rain chasing us and the road was full of many ups and down, literally.

After the previous day of long treks riding along highways, we decided to take more of the backroads and gravel tracks past Collector. These roads proved to be some of the most mentally challenging but also exciting rides of the day.

Just after Collector, we hit the hill from hell. The three of us pushed our bikes up a hill as cars struggled to climb past us. The hill drained us and we were only at the beginning of our ride home.  Exhausted, we pushed on. Every time we would stop to catch our breath at the top of another hill the rain would come to tell us we’d better continue.

One good thing about hills though is that eventually you’ll get to ride down them and that was the highlight of the trip for me. Although the rain had caught up to us by then, I thoroughly enjoyed racing downhill with the rain hitting my face as I could hear the squealing of Ben’s brakes slowly disappearing behind me.

Just before Gundaroo the rain dispersed and we hit tarmac. After that, slightly damp, we rode all the way down Sutton Road from Gundaroo being driven by the prospects of pies at the Bakery in Sutton. When we got there, boy were those good pies.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Article by Eddy L
Photos by Eddy, Gears and Beers Photographers, OAUS

Editing by Alex

 

Gears and Beers 2018

OutdoorAdventure-UrbanSurvival

WAGGA WAGGA, NSW – SEPT 29 – OCT 1, 2018

This year Ben, Jaeryl, Binglin, Jay, and I took part in Gears and Beers, Wagga Wagga’s annual cycling and craft beer festival. The event itself consists of 5 road races and 2 gravel races all of varying distances. We took part in the “Filthy 50” which is the shorter of the gravel races at 50km.

Day 1:

After a quick meet up early lunch at the Old Canberra Inn and picking up some quality snags from Lyneham butcher, we prepared for the trip up to Wagga Wagga. The cars were packed to the bim, the bikes where strapped to the back and were on our way. The drive was pretty uneventful, Jay, Binglin, and Ben in one car Jaeryl and I in another.

After a few stuff-arounds with forgetting things and needing to buy ice for the esky, Jaeryl and I met the others at our campsite. We all set up our tents before unloading the bikes and hitting up the Thirsty Crow Brewery for a beer and to check out the bicycle showcases on display. Once we got back to camp we set up the BBQ for a smorgasbord of award-winning sausages and an early night to prep for the next morning of cycling fun.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Day 2:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The day of the event I whipped up some bacon and egg rolls on the BBQ and the five of us head down to the starting line for the launch of the Filthy 50.

The weather was amazing that day, not a single cloud in the sky. There was a nice cool breeze pumping that fresh air into the lungs and the scenery along the dirt roads was stunning.

It was a bit lonely though. Jaeryl and I lost the others at the starting line and then I lost Jaeryl up the first hill. So the following two hours it was me, myself and I pedaling along, enjoying the ride, talking to other riders and pushing my limits. Which was good, but next time I want to try and stick with the group a bit more.

After the ride, we all gathered together and went to enjoy the festivities. I didn’t get many photos of this, as I was too busy drinking beer and enjoying the festival food. That’s a sign of a good festival right?

Some beers of note were a lamington stout and vanilla milk stout from the local brewery, Thirsty Crow. Their summer ale was also pretty great and well welcomed after the bike ride.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Day 3:

Day 3 was a nice,  chill public holiday day. We took a beautiful, albeit slightly sketchy, early morning bike ride along the Murrumbidgee and a quick jaunt around town before having breakfast, packing up, and heading home to crash on the couch.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

We had a fantastic adventure riding around Wagga Wagga and taking in the sights. So much so, that we have already booked tickets for next years challenge, pushing ourselves to complete the Dirty 130, 130km in one day of sealed and unsealed roads.

Anyone wanting to hit us up and come join in the adventures is welcome.

Article by Eddy L
Photos by Eddy, Gears and Beers Photographers, OAUS

Editing Alex

 

New year, New goals

OutdoorAdventure-UrbanSurvival

Last year, I learnt a lot about activity moderation and self-care. Where by the end of last year I took on an overwhelming amount of activities, which I filled every second of my free time before, after work and on weekends. My mind and body suffered, and it took me months to recover from just how much strain I put on myself.

This year, the focus will be on activities that are relaxing, flexible and provide positive personal growth and mental health. The list below, highlights outdoor recreation activities and leadership skills I will be working towards. This provides both physical, mental and personal growth.

#1 – Taekwondo on hold

I am a red belt going into brown belt in WTF Taekwondo, but I have lost my motivation distracted by so many other activities I want to do this year. I would not be able to focus on the work required to perfecting forms and techniques. For now, I will be delaying my return.

#2 – Exploration hikes

Since completing the arduous Nattai River, Russells Needle exploration, I have been initiated into more arduous and technical hiking with the club. An exciting personal achievement, and a step towards mountaineering.

*Field Report to be provided for mentioned trip

#3 – Lead an overnight hike

My hiking mentors believe, I’m at a level where I can start leading my own hikes with the club. There are a few skills I need to practice, and courses I want to do that will help my confidence in leading.

My plan is to utilize this website as a lead hiker’s portfolio and field journal of my experiences. Which gives potential attendees of the future hikes a chance of getting to know me and my skillset before engaging in a trip with me.

#4 – Rock climbing and bouldering

I bought shoes, harness and helmet with full intentions in expanding my climbing experience from indoor to outdoor. This works out for both climbing and abseiling canyoning trips that I want to do in future.

The plan is to get to a medium to hard level of climbing/bouldering indoor so that my technique is refined before joining the Canberra Climbing association for outdoor climbing. I will be starting bouldering during January, whilst I wait to get my Belay pass for ANUMC climbing wall for orientation week in February.

#5 – Overnight bike packing and camping

I will need time to save money before I upgrade my current flat bar commuter. I’m looking at Fuji touring 2018 – Specialized Diverge for future road touring. Destination will be Launceston to Hobart 10-day trip for 2019.

#6 – 4 Day Survival Course by the Australian Survival Instructors (ASI)

I will hopefully be attending a comprehensive survival course that incorporates foraging, hunting and primitive shelter building into a four-day course. I love all things relating to outdoor recreation and bush craft is high on the list.

I have attended the Stay Alive – essential skills for survival, a basic hiking survival course by Brian Newton through Australian School of Mountaineering (ASM). He and his brother were the founders of Australian Survival Instructor (ASI).

Learning to survive and thrive in the woods with limited modern tools has been on my wishlist after rereading a childhood series of books called Hatchet by Gary Paulson recently. Over the years, I’ve been watching, reading books and articles by Ray Mears, Paul Kirtley, MCQbushcraft and the Queensland base youtube channel Primitive Technology.

#7 – Larapinta trail June/August 2018

I intend to hike the Larapinta trail this year, potentially with the She Devil crew whom I hiked with for the Overland track.

See Upcoming trips – for Larapinta trip

#8 – Certificate for Outdoor Recreation

I have considered getting certification, this is a future aspiration and I’m just looking at local and online courses right now. This may be something I take on this year or next.

#9 – Remote First Aid

I am currently certified in Basic First aid, I will be getting certified in Remote First aid this year specifically for hiking and Rural firefighting. Safety and Preparedness is my priority when out adventuring.

#10 – Village Firefighting certification RFS

This year, I will be completing my Village Firefighting course for RFS. This is to increase my skillset in the brigade, more experience and knowledge is number one in firefighting and preparedness.

This list will have items crossed off once completed and new items added one through the first half of the year. I love making lists and crossing them off. 😊