The Tasmanian Trail - the only multi-use trial (apparently horse too!) down the center of Tassie. Of course we rode bikes. The trail weaves it's way down the center of the island starting in Devonport and ending in the small town of Dover.
Although mostly gravel roads, there are many flavors to spicy things up. On Day 2 we came across a section approximentally 2km of very rocky trail taking around 2 hours to ascent- be ready to push your bike uphill! Day 3 featured a bit of sandy up and downhill to test your skills and a random grass field crossing without much trail... Day 4, Jeffery's track (backside of Wellington) was slick muddy mayhem followed with a long, speedy and rocky - yet rideable - downhill. There were also a few creek crossing tossed in the mix.
Towns and water were not too far apart ensuring daily hot food; of course, relative to how fast your travelling.
Although mostly gravel roads, there are many flavors to spicy things up. On Day 2 we came across a section approximentally 2km of very rocky trail taking around 2 hours to ascent- be ready to push your bike uphill! Day 3 featured a bit of sandy up and downhill to test your skills and a random grass field crossing without much trail... Day 4, Jeffery's track (backside of Wellington) was slick muddy mayhem followed with a long, speedy and rocky - yet rideable - downhill. There were also a few creek crossing tossed in the mix.
Towns and water were not too far apart ensuring daily hot food; of course, relative to how fast your travelling.
We ventured the trail in it's entirery in 3 big days and a smidge... Day 1 was a shorty considering our bus arrival at 3:30 in the afternoon and post covid legs + lungs were just starting to come right. We dodged most the rain, rode just into the night and enjoyed hot food + coffee and good laughs everyday.
What an epic adventure! I am very grateful to have shared this venture with a ol mate - Eric Bergemann (the legend!) - not only to help guide us along but also because I am a bit chicken to bikepack solo... still new to this bike-packing business as this ticks bike-pack ride Numero Cinco (5)! After chatting with ol mate, I have a few quite a few more on the bucketlist!
The Tasmanian Trail can be found at The Tasmania Trail or at Bikepacking.com :D The gpx from Tasmania trail site and Bikepacking.com has a few minor differences. And... if you want to follow a mate ride all over the planet... Eric Bergemann I had 50c tyres - a knobby in front and fast roller in back - and found this to be just right if anyone is interested! Thanks for the read if ya read and hope you get out on your bike! |