Cairns 2 Karumba Bike Ride
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About
This 7 day bike across amazing Australian country is a perfect mix of fun and fitness. Way more than just a bike ride, the Cairns 2 Karumba Bike Ride raises money for awesome charities, and gives you an unforgettable experience as you ride.
Road Ride and Dirt Ride
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Sat, Jun 26, 2021
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Cairns, Australia
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Where and when
Location
Ports North, Cairns Seaport Operations, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Start times
Road Ride: 6:00 AMDirt Ride: 6:00 AM
Event summary
Here are the distances available for Cairns 2 Karumba Bike Ride
Road Ride
781km
free
Dirt Ride
375km
free
Road Ride
781km
free
Dirt Ride
375km
free
Route information
7 Day Road Ride
The road ride involves a total of 780km of riding. As this ride involves a number of packs, it caters for all levels of riding experience – you simply select a pack that is riding at a pace that suits you!
You will travel through beautiful remote Queensland and meet some of the local families that we are fundraising for. Their kindness, generosity and openness will make you understand why this ride is put on year on year.
It is encouraged that some of the children join in a few kilometers from the town and ride in with a pack. This is a huge event for them and something they train for and look forward to for months.
29th of June (94km)
Begin your adventure from the Cairns Lagoon Car Park opposite the Shangri-La Hotel. All ride together for the first 7km. Road riders stop at Smithfield and those that want to tackle the Kuranda Range (5km uphill ride with a 7% gradient) head off, others may choose to be driven up the range to Karunda Village. First Stop – Kuranda. Packs of riders are formed and proceed to Mareeba Aerodrome for lunch.
Lunch stop at Mareeba is provided by the Mareeba Lions Club. Entertainment by the Mareeba State School Orchestra.
After lunch, riders will proceed to Atherton for the night.
Lunch stop at Mareeba is provided by the Mareeba Lions Club. Entertainment by the Mareeba State School Orchestra.
After lunch, riders will proceed to Atherton for the night.
[Total ascent of 1215.96 m and has a maximum elevation of 780.94 m]
30th of June (105km)
The route from Atherton to Mt Garnet follows the Herberton Range. The range is a 5km (uphill section) ride, with the town of Herberton itself also offering some hills. The first 30-40 km are very challenging. The weather here may be cool and damp. Make sure to pack some warm cycling gear. From Herberton the riders then commence the leg to Ravenshoe – the highest town above sea level in Queensland. There are two routes that riders can take from Herberton to Ravenshoe – this will be indicated by the pack leaders on the day. We have lunch in Ravenshoe. Following lunch all packs reform and proceed to Mt Garnet.
[Total ascent of 1150.12 m and has a maximum elevation of 1,162.6 m]
1 July (113km)
At the 40 Mile Scrub we have a magnificent morning tea/lunch. Please bring a donation to thank the lovely families that produce this food for us. Narrow bitumen and rough edges, coupled with increasing contact with road trains and other large road vehicles keep the need for traffic awareness at a premium, following the 40 Mile Scrub turnoff onto the Gulf Development Road. The conditions then level out and the road makes a gradual descent with improved road surface.
The night time stop is within the township of Mt Surprise. Camping is available behind the pub and general store. If you want some sleep at night don’t go too close to the pub!
[Total ascent of 465.83 m and has a maximum elevation of 799.35 m]
2 July (94km)
Along this road care needs to be taken with narrow bitumen, rough edges, potholes, cattle grids and traffic with plenty of chances to meet a road train face to face. The countryside is now quite dry, however there is some spectacular scenery at the top of the range – this is Savannah country.
The Newcastle Range is a 15km uphill section, which has an initial steep climb and then a more gentle descent on the other side.
Don’t get complacent; through the Newcastle Range there are some lovely new sections of road, but there are still some sections where the bitumen is very rough and broken. There often are cattle on the road – BEWARE!
Don’t get complacent; through the Newcastle Range there are some lovely new sections of road, but there are still some sections where the bitumen is very rough and broken. There often are cattle on the road – BEWARE!
This day usually concludes with the Rider’s Calcutta at the Wenaru Pub.
[ Total ascent of 504.09 m and has a maximum elevation of 559.54 m]
3 July (146km)
Georgetown to Croydon has a lunch stop at the Gilbert River organised by families of the Cairns School of Distance Education. This is a hot, dry stop, so it is advisable to have a good shade hat or brolly organised.
Along the section of the ride between the Gilbert and Croydon,
there are some stretches of newer bitumen, which are wider and in reasonable condition, but only in reasonably short stretches.
there are some stretches of newer bitumen, which are wider and in reasonable condition, but only in reasonably short stretches.
The afternoon ride is long and hot through dry Savannah land. Plenty of water and electrolytes are essential to prevent dehydration.
[Total ascent of 333.82 m and has a maximum elevation of 316.22 m]
4th of July (151km)
This is the day that Pack 1 & 2 race the Gulflander train to Normanton. A fun filled race. This is another long day travelling from Croydon to Normanton, with a lunch stop at approximately the 110km mark. Sun hats and sunscreen are essential as there is negligible shade available. If you have a tarp, pop
up shade or even an umbrella, bring it along for this day.
up shade or even an umbrella, bring it along for this day.
Shades from our sponsors are provided, please be prepared to help putting them up and taking them down. The after lunch leg is somewhat deceiving with a subtle and relatively negligible climb to Normanton.
[Total ascent of 97.78 m and has a maximum elevation of 131.71 m]
5th of July (78km)
This leg of the ride is bitumen all the way, with the road travelling across the Norman River and through open downs country. Don’t be deceived – this can be a very trying ride and as it is the seventh day, riders are tired.
This effects concentration and highlights the possibility of an accident – not wanting to be overly dramatic but it happens. Don’t be complacent; as it is usually hot with a strong dry head wind once we reach the open downs. We finish the ride at Karumba Point, for some toe dipping in FNQ’s western waters… or not, CROCODILE beware!!
[Total ascent of 81.07 m and has a maximum elevation of 15.0]
3 Day Road Ride (Cairns to Mt Surprise)
If you want to be part of this awesome adventure but are unable to commit to a full 7 day experience, then the three day option may be the perfect alternative!
You will join the 7 day road riders at the start line in Cairns at approximately 6am for a 7am start. The first section of the ride is escorted by Police as riders head up the range in single file (not as packs).
As a three day rider you can either ride up the range or get a lift! The lift up is from Smithfield (opposite the shopping centre) to Speerwah Rd at the top of the range. After a drink and fruit stop at Speewah Rd, riders will form packs for the first time for the ride into Mareeba. Here you will enjoy a sumptuous BBQ lunch (choice of meat or vegetarian) provided by the Lions Club.
The final 30kms for the first day is from Mareeba to Atherton and is completed in packs with all riders being welcomed through the finishing arch upon their arrival at the Atherton Woodlands Caravan Park.
It generally doesn’t take our riders, supporters or volunteers very long to locate the bar each afternoon and you too are welcome to join with fellow cyclists for a few drinks as you remember the day’s riding.
Day 2 sees you take on the ride from Atherton to Mt Garnet and includes an early morning hill climb up the Herberton Range. Overnight we stay at the Mt Garnet Rodeo Grounds.
On your last day, day 3, enjoy some flatter roads from Mt Garnet to Mt Surprise. On the way we stop in at the 40 Mile Scrub for a lavish morning tea provided by Cairns School of Distance Education families. After a hearty feed it is on to Mt Surprise where most people enjoy a drink or two before the evening entertainment – the No talent Quest. If you can’t sing or dance we recommend putting your name down as you will be in good company as this event almost always lives up to it’s name with not a single talented person gracing the stage!
NB: Three day riders are responsible for making their own travel arrangements back to Cairns or elsewhere. Whether you choose to leave straight after arriving in town or the next morning is up to you. For those heading off the next morning, join us for breakfast before you go.
Go on – take the challenge of the three day ride and be a part of an exciting event that you’ll never forget.
1 Day Road Rider
If you want to be part of this awesome adventure but are unable to commit to a full 7 day experience, then the one day option may be the perfect alternative!
You will join the 7 day road riders at the start line in Cairns at approximately 6am for a 7am start. The first section of the ride is escorted by Police. and riders head up the range in single file (not as packs).
As a one day rider you must be an experienced cyclist who is capable of making it up the Kuranda Range (15kms at 7% gradient) unassisted or have your own transport arrangements in place (ie support crew) to drive you up the Range from Smithfield (opposite the shopping Centre) to Speewah Rd.
After a drink and fruit stop at Kuranda Village (top of the range), riders will form packs for the first time for the ride into Mareeba. Here you will enjoy a sumptuous BBQ lunch (choice of meat or vegetarian) provided by the Lions Club.
The final 30kms from Mareeba to Atherton is completed in packs with all riders being welcomed through the finishing arch upon their arrival at the Atherton Woodlands Caravan Park.
It generally doesn’t take our riders, supporters or volunteers very long to locate the bar each afternoon and you too are welcome to join with fellow cyclists for a few drinks as you remember the day’s riding.
Go on – take the challenge and be a part of an exciting ride that you’ll never forget.
7 Day Dirt Ride
The dirt option is for experienced mountain bike riders with high quality, well serviced bikes, and will challenge the most hardy of skilled riders with long, corrugated and sometimes sandy and dusty terrain. It is impossible to ride dirt the entire way, and we do our best to maximise dirt time.
The premise upheld by the dirt riders is enjoyment, and the shared passion of seeing remote, untouched places. On any day, our permits run from 7am to 5pm, and we are not allowed to ride outside these hours.
Some of the dirt sections are upwards of 140 km, which is a massive distance to cover cross-country. On occasions the ride must traverse bitumen sections between dirt roads. Often, riders have to transport between the overnight camp and the start of the day’s ride, and similarly, at times during the day. The Dirt Riders will present as a united voice, and at any stage during the day, if the consensus amongst the group is to opt to transport, then this is what will happen. The riders do not ride in packs, however, they will all stop together at designated places en-route (usually every 30-40 minutes or as required).
The support vehicles carry the navigation gear, spares, food and drink, and ultimately make the final decisions on the group’s movements.
Expression of Interest
This popular ride fills up quickly each year. To ensure that all riders have the experience and equipment necessary to complete this ride, all persons interested in being a part of the Dirt Ride must complete an Expression of Interest Form.
Once you have completed your expression of interest please email it to Ride Coordinator, Helena McInnes at helena@c2kbikeride.com.au. The Dirty Boys Committee will review all Expressions of Interest and allocate ride positions accordingly. Positions will be allocated on a first in, first served basis…our tip –get in early to avoid disappointment! Once you have the ‘thumbs ups’ you are free to enter online. (NB: online entries open on 1st February 2019).
C2K Dirty Boys Day 1 | Cairns to Atherton (54km)
All riders depart together from the Lagoon Carpark, opposite Shangri-La Hotel, at day break (about 6.30am). Dirt Riders 7km, then are transported to Davies Ck MTB Trails. Ride single trail to Adler Hill. Continue on to Emerald Ck falls Carpark where the Mareeba netball Club provide a scrumptious morning tea. Please give a gold coin donation.
Riders continue on a very rough track to Tinaroo Ck crossing and to Camp Barabadeen via Tinaroo township. At Camp Barabadeen a BBQ lunch awaits you. If time permits, we will continue on to the Tablelands Regional Council Trails from Barabadeen to Tolga and on to Atherton where we join camp with the rest of the C2K crew.
Highlights:
- Smoko by locals at Emerald Ck falls-walk/ride up to falls.
- Wind farm views from last stage of Tinaroo Ck Rd
C2K Dirty Boys Day 2 | Atherton to Mount Garnet (45km)
From the Atherton campsite we take the bus to Woodleigh Station, where we meet with Kate who will give a talk on Woodleigh Station – working cattle station & camping grounds.
Kieran Lucey, a local will escort us from Woodleigh to Nettle Ck tin dredge. We then ride from Nettle Ck to Mt Garnet Pub to join the C2K Crew. We will then ride from Mt Garnet pub to Mt DJ Lucey rodeo grounds via back roads & trails. Best to take a moment to clean & service bikes.
Highlights:
- Woodleigh Working Cattle Station
- Nettle Ck Tin Dredge
- Numerous creeks & river views
C2K Dirty Boys Day 3 | Mount Garnet to Mount Surprise (80km)
Depart Mount Garnet and head to Sundown where morning tea will be held at the iconic large rocks and lunch at Saltwater Creek.
This I snow Large Rock Country with Volcanic rock such as basalt and granite everywhere you look. Swimming hole that has been diverted by mining is a highlight for this day.
An additional option of 20 km is available on this day where the more confident riders can ride the railway line into town, unsupported from main road to Mt Surprise.
Riders that choose not to ride the extra 20 km will be transported from Ootan Road to the Mount Surprise Pub.
Highlights:
- Sundown
- Swimming in pristine waterholes
C2K Dirty Boys Day 4 | Mount Surprise to Georgetown (66km)
In our Super Hero outfits, we ride from the campsite through the Brooklyn Yards – to Junction Creek where the owner will do a cattle demonstration for the riders. We will also get the chance to see the ruins of Staging Station out of Mount Surprise.
Lunch will be at Einasleigh River, right under the bridge. Swimming and lunch at waterhole.
We will ride into Georgetown, Wenru pub, ready to to take on the Rider’s Calcutta.
Highlights:
- Cattle Demonstration
- Swim at Einasleigh River
C2K Dirty Boys Day 5 | Georgetown to Croydon (70km)
We travel on the bus out of Georgetown to Gilbert River crossing where we then ride to Mt Carlo, Inorounie and Littleton. Morning tea will be at Stamper Mill – Mt Turner. Riders will bring their pre-packed lunch to have at be at Mt Turner Station.
We get picked up at the Littleton Yards and travel on to Alehvale Station turnoff and on to Croydon, but those riders going on the Gulflander Train Tour will need to get into town early, so the bus may be the way to go.
Highlights:
- Alehvale escarpments, springs
- Amazing Scenery
C2K Dirty Boys Day 6 | Croydon to Normanton (“wherever the kids take us”)
Today we have morning tea at Wallabadah. The real treat for the day is meeting Jane and Tom and their lovely family. Each year they welcome us on their station and into their home.
They put out a magnificent spread, including their famous home made sausages. Lunch at Tabletop Station Homestead is definitely a major highlight of the entire trip.
Please support this amazing family, by donating some dollars for their efforts.
We will try to be in Normanton by 3pm to see Pack 1 beat the Gulflander Train into town!
Highlights:
- Lake Belmore
- Chinese ruins
- Wallabadah Outstation
- Mining ruins on Tabletop Station
C2K Dirty Boys Day 7 | Normanton to Karumba (60km)
Our ride on the last day will take us through Delta Downs to the Normanton River. We will stop for morning tea at the iconic rusty Kombi (although last year we couldn’t see it as it had been covered over by silt)
Following the ferry crossing of the Normanton River, we ride to Karumba Gold Course, where we meet up with the rest of the C2K crew for our final leg as one bit rider’s group (Road & Dirt) into Karumba Point.
Our approximate time of arrival is 1300hrs when the ride official ends.
Organizer route images
What's included
- Campsites including ‘some’ hot showers
- Three great meals each day from our caterers plus snacks provided at water ‘pit’ stops
- Entertainment including theme & talent nights, campsite activities and live music
- Luggage transport (for those lone rangers)
- Bike route support including Police, escort drivers equipped with radios, medicos, bike mechanics, rest stops
- Ride Jersey and other merchandise
- An active holiday – friends, fresh air and fitness
- Your opportunity to pedal away the day giving bush kids a fair go
How to get there
Ports North, Cairns Seaport Operations, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Get full directionsCamping
Once the ride begins you have the opportunity to camp in some terrific locations across the Savannah Way. Generally we camp at the local rodeo grounds (or similar) for our overnight stays.
You will have access to showers (first in best dressed with the hot water!) and toilets. Most people do a little bit of basic hand washing each day and rig up their own clothes lines.
All forms of camping take place on the C2K Ride. Some like to keep it simple with not much more than a swag while others prefer to take a tent, camper trailer or even a motorhome.
If you prefer not to stay overnight at the rodeo grounds you have the option to stay at local motels/hotels etc. Please note that booking and paying for accommodation outside the rodeo grounds is the responsibility of individual participants who choose this option.
Transport
There will be a bus available to transport all riders from Karumba Point to the Sports Centre on Friday afternoon. This bus is also used to transport participants wishing to join other riders to the Sunset Tavern for dinner on Friday July 5th.
Hotels and Accommodation
Find some of the best hotel rates close to the startline.
Find your roomEvent day logistics
Itinerary
Day 1
6.00 – 6.30am, assemble at Shangri-La, Pier Car Park, Esplanade, Cairns. All riders leave at 6.45am The ride will commence once organisers are sure all riders, support crew and volunteers have correctly completed all required forms, been issued ID tags and all official vehicles/volunteers are in place.
5.30pm Meetings 1. Escort Drivers / Pack Leaders 2. Support Crew
6:00pm Dinner – meal wrist band must be worn
Overnight camping will be at the Atherton Woodlands Caravan Park, 141 Atherton / Herberton Rd.
Day 2
Breakfast – 6.30 am Departure time is dictated by visibility on the road. Approx departure will be at 8.00am, from front gates of the park.
5.30pm Meetings 1. Escort Drivers / Pack Leaders 2. Support Crew
6:00pm Dinner – meal wrist band must be worn
Camp for the night at Rodeo Grounds
Day 3
Breakfast – 6.30 am / Ride Briefing – 6.45 am Don’t pack lunch for road or dirt ride
5.30pm Meetings 1. Escort Drivers / Pack Leaders 2. Support Crew
6:00pm Dinner
Nightime stop within Mt. Surprise. Camping is available behind the pub general store.
Day 4
Breakfast – 6.30 am
4:00pm Rider activities at Wenaru Pub
5:00pm Street circuit race at Georgetown (2 heats plus a final)
5.30pm Meetings 1. Escort Drivers / Pack Leaders 2. Support Crew
6:30pm Dinner
Overnight camping at Georgetown Rodeo Grounds
Day 5
Breakfast – 6.00 am / Ride Briefing – 6.30 am Pack eating utensils only
6:30pm Dinner
Overnight camping at Croydon Rodeo Grounds
Day 6
Breakfast – 6.00 am / Ride Briefing 6.30 am
5:30pm Meetings 1. Escort Drivers / Pack Leaders 2. Support Crew
Overnight camping at Normanton Rodeo Grounds
Dinner at 6.30 pm
Day 7
Breakfast – 6.30 am
Ride Briefing 7.00 am
Pack Lunch
Overnight stay available at the Karumba Recreation Hall. Just roll out your swag if you don’t have paid accommodation. A bus will collect you for the night activities at 6.00 pm and deliver you to your abode of sweet dreams. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset. In the morning be prepared for a 6.00am departure for the bus ride homeward (Cairns) bound.
Day 8
For those people returning on the bus, pick up with be at the Karumba Rec Hall at 5.40am and Karumba Point at 6.00am (meet at the corner where the phone box is located opposite Ash’s Takeaway).
BREAKFAST – can be collected in Normanton at 7am. Remember to order and pay the day before, as this ensures a fast trip back for all. LUNCH – You will have an opportunity to purchase lunch on the return journey (location is at the bus driver’s discretion). ARRIVAL IN CAIRNS – In Cairns the bus will only stop in one location, the Cairns School of Distance Education (Clarke St entrance). It is each person’s responsibility to make their own travel arrangements to houses, hotels etc from here. All gear can be collected when stepping off the bus or on Sunday morning (July 2nd) from 7-11am. Please go to the Ride shed on Clarke Street, Manunda for all collections
Food and Drink
The Road Kill Catering Crew are an absolutely brilliant bunch of volunteers who ensure that no-one goes hungry on the way to Karumba. In fact, expect to put on a kg or two!
Breakfast – available from 6am. Pack 6 and the Dirty Boys eat first as they leave earlier than other riders.
Lunch – make your lunch each morning after breakfast. Riders can place their lunch in eskies provided by their escort drivers.
Dinner – available from 6pm each evening. We guarantee you will love the food!
(NB: you must supply your own plates, cups and cutlery)
Drinks
Water and Powerade is made available approximately every 20km during the course of the ride.
An on-site bar will be available each day of the ride from 3pm. In all locations the bar will be operated by local organisations with profits flowing directly back to support the initiatives of the local community.
(NB: When arriving in Georgetown, head straight to the Wenaru Pub. From 4pm we will be holding the ‘Calcutta Bike Race’ around the town. This mini-event includes a rider auction, the Calcutta Race (approx. 12 riders) and we finish off with the Georgetown Rodeo Association Street Parade.)
An on-site bar will be available each day of the ride from 3pm. In all locations the bar will be operated by local organisations with profits flowing directly back to support the initiatives of the local community.
(NB: When arriving in Georgetown, head straight to the Wenaru Pub. From 4pm we will be holding the ‘Calcutta Bike Race’ around the town. This mini-event includes a rider auction, the Calcutta Race (approx. 12 riders) and we finish off with the Georgetown Rodeo Association Street Parade.)
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