The Mawson Trail is
an epic 900 kilometre off road trail stretching from Adelaide to Blinman - a
small one pub town in the Flinders
Ranges. David Robinson has ridden the
entire trail – FIVE TIMES as part of Bicycle SA’s Outback Odyssey. Here are his top tips
for those thinking of taking up the adventure.
Get the right bike
People have been known to do the Mawson Trail on steel road bikes and even single speeds. But with modern technology Dave thinks you can’t go wrong with a Mountain Bike.
“A hard tail with front suspension should do the trick in the Outback. You want a bike that’s robust – and you don’t want something that’s too finicky on the back wheel,” says Dave.
“Thorn resistant tubes and puncture proofing might also be worth it.”
It’s equally important to get to know your bike.
“Take it out beforehand as many times as you can – even if it’s on bitumen.”
“There are plenty of opportunities to go downhill very, very fast in the Outback. And you don’t want to come unstuck and break any bones,” says Dave, who himself has managed to break a few ribs while on the trail.
“A hard tail with front suspension should do the trick in the Outback. You want a bike that’s robust – and you don’t want something that’s too finicky on the back wheel,” says Dave.
“Thorn resistant tubes and puncture proofing might also be worth it.”
It’s equally important to get to know your bike.
“Take it out beforehand as many times as you can – even if it’s on bitumen.”
“There are plenty of opportunities to go downhill very, very fast in the Outback. And you don’t want to come unstuck and break any bones,” says Dave, who himself has managed to break a few ribs while on the trail.
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| If you can get to the top of this hill and scream - you're pretty fit |
Get Fit
Riding the Mawson Trail is not about being a hardcore
mountain biker – it’s about fitness.
“There are some
spectacular ups and downs through creek beds – and some beautiful single track
at the end of the trail near Wilpena Pound. Despite some ducking and weaving,
as long as you build up the bike fitness beforehand you’ll be fine.”
Put in the kilometres before your trip - you won’t regret
it.
“If you’re in bad
shape, you’ll forget to enjoy the scenery and all you’ll care about is turning
the cranks.”
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| The ol' back pack under the jacket trick |
Pack Light and Pack Well
Over packing is a classic mistake amongst even the most experienced
cycle adventurers.
“If you’re doing this as a supported ride, you should be well looked after –a basic tool kit should do the job. Don’t take spare sets of tyres and masses of bike gear if you don’t need it.”
“If you are packing big - personally – I don’t like seeing
weight on the front of my bike – psychologically it makes you think you’re ten
pounds heavier. Putting it behind you is better.”
For David, the rule of thumb - pack as little as possible
and take as much as you need. There are some towns along the way if you’re
missing something.
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| There's a whole lot of open space along the Mawson Trail - plan carefully! |
Do your research (or get someone to do it for you)
The Mawson trail is big and if you’re going to go it alone
then you need to do some serious planning.
“Doing it unsupported – logistically speaking - is complicated. Everything has to be on your
bike. It makes for a more difficult ride but I can see why for some people it
would be satisfying,” explains Dave.
Food, camping, and gear need to be carefully planned as well
as timing and duration of your trip. Going in the height of summer is not
advised.
“Your number one concern is going to be access to water –
especially as towns get few and far between as you head further north,” says
Dave.
If you want to go it alone – Dave recommends planning your
route and make sure any facilities on a map that suggest water available are verified.
If you’re not one for planning and want to go with a group– Dave highly
recommends doing the Outback Odyssey – Bicycle SA’s fully supported trip along
the trail.
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| Expect mud - lots of it. |
Expect extreme weather
Weather can be as cool or as kind as it wants along the
Mawson Trail even in the winter months (June/July/August).
“The first time I did it I had sweat pouring out of my
helmet… it really was stinking hot.”
“When I rode it last year it was cool wet and muddy meaning
hard work and long grinding days as we pedalled through mud.”
Dave says people don’t often pack for cooler climates – and
warm sleeping gear as well as thermals are a must.
“I’ve had mild nights , but there’s been other nights when
it’ s been close to freezing. “
People who want to cycle the Mawson Trail in May 2015 can do it fully supported with Bike SA's Outback
Odyssey. 5, 6, 7 and 16 days options avaialble. More info at bikesa.asn.au/outbackodyssey
Thanks. Very helpful. I am going to do OBO next year. Wondering if my 15 y.o. Norco which I love and has served me well could be tuned up for it, or if I should get a new bike
ReplyDeleteHi Trevor - doing it on the Norco would be no problem at all. As long as it's in sound working order and has recently been serviced by a qualified bike mechanic. It might be worth replacing some parts if they're worn down as they can get quite a thrashing on the trail.
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