Preparing for a Tour
Tour Difficulty Star Ratings
All participants are expected to have some level of off-road riding experience prior to joining us on our tours. We have graded each of our rides with a star-rating to give you an indication of what to expect.
Here is a guide of what experience is required based on each level of rating;
You'll need to be able to ride a motorcycle safely on sealed roads in regular traffic.
As above plus the ability to negotiate formed and maintained dirt roads.
As above plus the ability to negotiate unmaintained 4WD and single tracks which may include some soft sand, loose gravel and minor obstacles such as ruts, rocky surfaces and tight turns.
As above plus the ability to negotiate steep climbs and descents and higher speed sand whoops. A good level of bike fitness is required.
As above plus the ability to handle any off-road riding obstacle that may present itself. A high level of bike fitness is required.
What to Bring
You'll need to bring your own riding gear to take part in any of our tours or events. Your safety is our number one priority so we recommend that you wear the best quality protective equipment that you can afford;
Compulsory Equipment
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Helmet (as per AS1698 standards or equivalent).
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Goggles (or helmet with approved visor).
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Gloves.
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Motorcycle boots (MX or Adventure style).
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Long-sleeve jersey and full coverage pants.
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Hydration System (at least 1.5 litres).
Highly Recommended Equipment
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Body Armour.
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Knee guards or knee braces.
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Elbow guards.
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Weatherproof jacket (it can be quite chilly in Alice first thing in the morning!).
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Padded cycling shorts are a good idea to help combat monkey butt!
Optional Equipment
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Neck Brace
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Back Protector
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Ear Plugs
If you are taking part in a multi-day camping tour with us, please bring the following in a small bag;
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Shorts & T-Shirt.
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Long pants (i.e. track pants or jeans).
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Warm jumper or jacket.
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Enclosed footwear (i.e. sneakers or boots).
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Small towel and toiletries.
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Torch (a headtorch is recommended).
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Any medication you may require.
You may also like to carry a small backpack or bumbag whilst riding that contains items such as your wallet, camera, sunscreen, lip balm, trail snacks, hat, etc.
If you're riding your own bike, please make sure that it's ready to go for the tour;
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New or near new off-road orientated DOT approved tyres and H/D Tubes are a must.
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Check your chain and sprockets are in good condition and adjusted correctly.
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Air filters should be clean and serviced, you may even want to bring a pre-oiled spare to change half way through the tour.
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New oil and oil filter recommended.
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Check your brake pads have some meat left!
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Make sure your wheel bearings and steering head bearings are all OK.
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Check your spoke tensions, battery condition and fluid levels.
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Set up your suspension to your weight and expected conditions.
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Your bike needs to have current full road registration.
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It's also advisable to bring some spares that may be specific to your bike (i.e. levers, spark plug, etc.).
Please note - If you are booked on one of our tours, you will receive an email with comprehensive tour information approximately 21 days prior to your tour start date.
Ambulance Cover & Travel Insurance
Please remember that you are personally responsible for any ambulance recovery costs should the unthinkable happen. Please ensure that you have sufficient cover (i.e. remote area evacuation) as charges can be quite excessive when vast distances are involved. Should you need any cover, short-term ambulance 'holiday cover' memberships are available from St John Ambulance NT for a minimal fee.
We also highly recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation insurance. There are numerous providers and options available that will provide you with piece of mind should something unforeseen happen and ruin your best laid plans....
Getting to Alice Springs
Qantas, Virgin and Air North operate regular commercial flights to Alice Springs with services from most major Australian capital cities. We advise to book your flights well in advance as fares can be costly if you leave it to the last minute!
Another option might be to get some mates together, load up the trailer and do a road trip. Just make sure you plan your fuel stops and rest when needed - we want you to get here (and home again) safely.
If you'd like to freight your bike and fly yourself, we can offer competitive rates on freight from all capital cities. Just contact us and we'll be happy to offer any advice you need and provide you with a quote.
Where to stay
All of our tours offer all-inclusive options that include accommodation in Alice Springs the night before and after your chosen tour. However if you have chosen a package that doesn't include accommodation, there is an abundance of accommodation options available to suit any budget. Options range from an un-powered site in a caravan park, right through to 4 and 5 star resorts.
April to September is peak tourist season, so it can sometimes be difficult to secure your preferred accommodation if you leave it to the last minute.
Click on this link to search Tourism NT's website and see what's available to suit your budget.
Things to do in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is widely considered to be the spiritual heart of Australia. See stunning scenery, experience Aboriginal art, culture and heritage, or visit numerous sites of historical significance. If you are still in need an adventure fix after one of our tours, you could even take a hot air balloon flight, or hire a mountain bike and explore some of the many kilometres of handmade single-track that surround the town!
To take a look at all the things to see and do around Alice Springs, please take a look at Tourism NT's website by clicking on this link.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact us either by phone 0418 958 902, or via email here.
