Bikepacking the Grampians

Hi!

Need to burn all this sugar in your blood after eating too much chocolate during Easter? Join us on our next 2-wheels based adventure to the Grampians!

Here's a breakdown of the program:

Route here!

Friday 10/4 - 75km/1000m+

• Catch the 7:53AM train to Ararat from Southern Cross station. As bike spaces are limited, please be there by 7:30AM
• From Ararat, we will ride to Halls Gap for a bakery stop
• After this stop, expect a relentless 15km @ 4% avg. to Boroka Lookout, massive view as a reward!
• We will then have a well deserved descent to Smith Mill Campsite

Saturday 11/4 - ~50km/mostly flat

• Start the day by exploring Mackenzie Falls (small walk)
• We will then take Philip Island track before choosing between 2 options: Glenelg River Road for an easy rolling gravel road, or Henham Track (4WD) for a more engaging experience!
• We will camp at Jimmy Creek Campground

Sunday 12/4 - 60km/mostly flat

• Ride back to Ararat, to catch the 1:37PM train to Southern Cross

Participant requirements

Have a road-worthy bike with tires of at least 38mm

Be able to autonomously pack your overnight gear and setup camp

Be a competent bike rider on various surfaces and be able to safely interact with other vehicles

Be able to fix a tire puncture

What to bring?

• A road worthy bike: Gravel bike or MTB with tires of at least 38mm
• A helmet
• Overnight gear (can be hired from MUMC)
• Warm layers (cold nights to be expected)
• Sunscreen
• Wet weather gear
• Charged bike lights
• At the very least 2 dinner, 2 breakfast and 1 lunch (day 1 and day 2 lunches can be purchased at bakeries)
• Snacks: cereal bars, nuts, lollies... Anything sweet to fuel your ride.
• 2L of water + purification method (filter or tablets)
• Toolset and spares that fit your bike (a tubeless fixing kit and CO2 if you are riding tubeless)
• There is a big climb on the first day: pack efficiently!