This is a 'privately' organised tandem cycling adventure being planned for the end of February 2009. Our plan is to ride from Launceston to Hobart - down the East Coast of Tasmania - and we are a group of Aussie tandem enthusiasts - families and couples. Most of us met through the NSW Big Rides. Since Bicycle NSW is no longer running Big Rides in NSW, and we tandem types seem to like hanging around together, the idea of organising our own tandem expedition was floated on Sydney Tandems Yahoo Groups.. [where Aussie tandem nuts from Sydney and beyond hang out online.]

And suddenly it's all happening; fares have been booked (by most?) - and now all we need to do is organise and finalise the details. (Like the exact route! And a luggage trailer! And booking camp grounds? And to come up with a method of organising group finances! And who wants to cook... etc.)

We started organising this on the forum (link above), but in the last weeks we've resorted to emails, and summarising decisions on this website as they are made. I suppose that afterwards we will turn it all into a record of our trip.

The plan is to more or less follow the route of a former Bicycle Victoria Great Escapade - but with some flexibility. Average distance will be around 60 -70km/day, aiming to get the riding done by early afternoon to allow time to explore etc. Accommodation is mainly camping (most seem to have opted for this) but pubs, B&Bs, motels are an option - and I think we all might want to head for cover if the weather isn't kind. Meals are to be a mix of group cooked meals and eating out. Chris will have a camp kitchen on his 4WD, and we hope to use camp kitchens at campgrounds where available.

Participants:
Chris + David + Caitlin (tandem + tagalong)
Marc, Ali + Zoe (triple), Tracey + Cait (tandem)
Malcom + Keira (tandem); Damon (half bike). Plus "St Sam" - as support driver.
Roger + Caroline (tandem); Richard (half bike)
Geoff + Marian (tandem)
Liz + Dave (tandem)
Martin + Di (tandem)

Peter from Pegasus Tandems (support vehicle)

Total riders: 20. Support drivers: 2.

Support vehicles:
Chris's Patrol, with camp kitchen (and ability to carry some tandems).
Peter's van as sweep - which can carry a tandem or two inside if needed, and some luggage.
* A luggage trailer (hired)- towed by either vehicle - to carry camping gear and personal bags.
We will need more camping gear than on the Big Rides. Eskies for one. Food boxes. (Lights?)

FINANCE:
Riders pay own way to Launceston, and out of Hobart.
Group to contribute (on a per rider basis) to:
* Fuel for both support vehicles between Launceston and Hobart
* Subsidy of Peter's travel costs from Melbourne return.
* Evening meals that are shared, some lunches, shared necessities like milk, butter... (still to be finalised, and flexible according to preferences as we ride.)
* luggage van trailer hire, divided as equitable.

PROPOSED ITINERARY:

as above

approx
110km

Advice from Giro Tasmania:

"Cycle very defensively in Tasmania - and don't expect the drivers to use their indicators! Tasmanian drivers are not as polite to cyclists as European drivers, and will try very hard to overtake you without having to cross lanes. Large trucks carrying logs are the major concern of cyclists touring in Tasmania. Log trucks can be expected on nearly any road in the state. "Use caution with log trucks, especially on narrow, high speed roads or gravel roads, or if a truck is about to pass with another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Always be ready to pull over and wait if you feel it's unsafe." - Bicycling Tasmania. Many of the roads in Tassie are so narrow and winding that it is wise to get off the road completely if you see or hear a log truck approaching either from in front or behind.

"Some bridges in Tasmania are built with wooden planks running parallel to the direction of travel. The gap between planks can trap a bicycle wheel resulting in nasty falls and extensive damage to the bike." - Bicycling Tasmania. Be prepared to stop and walk the bike across, if necessary."

Maps and elevation profiles are to be found via the ROUTE link.