9 Days - 8 nights

The annual RECC mountain bike tour is a nine day point to point ride through the Margaret River, Cape to Cape region. Keeping off the main roads the route has been planned to take in the most of this extremely diverse region.

The tour starts and ends at Glenbrook Farm Stay about 4km south of Margaret River, just off the southern ‘Rails to Trails track. Utilising local tracks and little used roads we will travel from Margaret River to Cape Leeuwin and return via the Willyabrup Wine Region, Margaret River and Blackwood River catchments, Augusta, Hamelin Bay, Boranup Forest and Contos Beach.

The RECC is not a race. Its a tour in the true sense. Some hard and some not-so-hard days, with the emphasis on smelling the roses, not on clocking up the kilometers.

All riding will be fully supported with most meals prepared at Glenbrook and delivered hot and delicious to riders on route, campfires at night and a touch of the gourmet at wineries and cafes whenever possible.

Riders bring their own camping gear and this will be transported from one campsite to another.

The cost is all inclusive except for alcohol, cappuccinos and meals on our rest day.

The tour is limited to maximum of thirty riders.

THIS EVENT IS ORGANISED AND RUN BY VOLUNTEERS. ALL PROCEEDS OF THIS RIDE WILL GO TO THE MARGARET RIVER REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT CENTRE AND MARGARET RIVER BICYCLE USERS GROUP.

Start and Finish Point

The tour will start and finish at the Glenbrook Farm Stay 4km south of Margaret River. Glenbrook will be used as the volunteer base for the duration of the tour. Riders arriving by car are welcome to leave their vehicles at Glenbrook. For participants arriving in Margaret River by bus Glenbrook is only a short taxi ride from the bus stop.

The tour is limited to maximum of 30 adult riders.

Luggage Support

The tour will carry all luggage within the limitations set below: Each rider will be allowed two suitcases per person weighing no more than 25 kg per case. Also, riders are allowed one piece of hand luggage. No bulky items like the roll-up swags and mattresses, as they just take up too much room. We would appreciate it if you packed as light as you can.

Rider Support

Support vehicles will travel on direct roads between campsites and lunch stops, they will not follow the cyclists. Should riders require support due to mechanical failure, injury or illness a pick on route will be arranged.

The daily routes are easily achievable with a regular training routine prior to the tour and while offering full support whenever required the ride is not a min-van tour. Should riders choose stop riding early each day due to lack of training a carton of beer penalty may be applied.

Meals

Excluding our rest day in Augusta all meals and snacks from dinner on Sunday  to breakfast on Monday will be catered for, further details on menus to be posted. Please advise of vegetarian or special dietary requirements. (see also "sustenance" below)

Accommodation

For the first and last night of the tour there will be individual room and dormitory accommodation at Glenbrook Farm Stay. On other nights the group will pitch camp in National Parks and Caravan Parks. The facilities will vary from excellent to basic. There will be toilets and showers at every stop. At camp sites Where running hot showers are not available each rider will be provided with an individual 20 litre solar shower.

Luxury Accommodation

For those not in love with camping there are more luxurious options available at the following camp sites. Taunton Farm Caravan Park, Hamelin Bay and all of Augusta. Please contact business direct should you want a little Luxury.

Short Tour Options

Only one tour option will be available. Half tours, self catering options etc will not be available. Cyclists riding in the ‘Cape to Cape MTB Challenge are welcome to join us on Monday.

Friends and Family

Friends and family are welcome to join the tour along the way but will have to be independent and self-sufficient. All camp sites are open to the public.

Climate

Spring in Margaret River is a delightful time. After winter rains, rivers are flowing, the local bush comes to life and the bush tracks are firm and compact. The weather in October is generally sunny but cool with light winds and great day light hours. Having said this there is still the possibility of frontal rain. This is normally short and sharp and should not be a challenge to riders, but come prepared with some warm and waterproof clothing.

Day Length

October 20th Sunrise 5:30am, Sunset 6:30pm

Fitness Level

One cant just hop on a bike and do this ride without preparation. You will need at least one months solid training to gain some aerobic capacity. The biggest problem for those who dont do much cycling is that your body (especially backside) needs to be bike hardened - that is it needs to have the ability to stay in the saddle for up to six hours. Unfortunately, you only get bike hardened by riding bikes.

Do at least a month of constant preparation. Your training should include rides of varying distances which should build up to the longest ride closer to the event. Try to ride at least two to three times per week. Shorter rides through the working week, with a longer one over the weekend where you can push yourself a bit.