Luggage (unsupported road riders only) should bring their luggage to the luggage truck on Friday 27th of June. (Location to be advised). Keep a small overnight bag with you and pass to your escort driver on Saturday at the start line.

Normally, this time of year is cool and clear. But we do live in the Tropics and you know what they say, ‘only fools and tourists predict the weather’. Be prepared for cool nights, few misty mountain mornings, and a chance of rain. Usually the first two days are cold and generally wet, so make sure to pack warm cycling gear as well as warm sleeping gear. But mostly it will be sunshine and breathtaking sunsets, so bring hats and sun cream as well.

This is a family friendly event. Children and families are encouraged to come and join in the evening events.

C2K makes every attempt to accommodate all riders, within the limitations of the road, terrain and safety of all that participate.

E-Bikes:

• There will be some ‘charging congestion’ and while we will do all we can to make power points available, it remains the responsibility of the rider to charge their batteries
• Some of the locations we camp at have VERY limited power points and the priority for charging is the communications radios for the C2K safety crew
• We strongly recommend that each e-bike rider has capacity for two days riding by either:
o having multiple batteries/chargers
o deploying long range batteries
o managing power resource (through use of eco mode etc)

Taking into consideration that e-bikes’ power assistance is restricted by law to 25kmh, this becomes a challenge in the faster packs that ride above this average speed. If we have enough e-Bike riders, we would love to have a full e-Bike pack, otherwise riders will have to join a pack that remains under 25km/hr.

Yes, mobile phones will work in each town we pass through – at least, those on the Telstra network. Throughout the day, most areas do not have network reception.

This event is not a race. So, if you wake up one morning and decide to sit the morning out or just ride the morning and not the afternoon – that is no problem at all. Just let your pack leader know.

If your bike has a mechanical or a blowout occurs along the ride, you are welcome to jump on board your escort vehicle to repair the puncture. Due to safety and continuous rolling of the packs, we discourage riders from repairing punctures on the side of the road. Each pack has an escort vehicle / drivers with whom the pack leader is in radio contact with at all times and can get them to stop to pick you up. Remember to bring spares.

The first provided meal is lunch on departure day with the last catered meal being the final lunch at Karumba upon arrival. The catering crew do a magnificent job and from here on is their time to recuperate and celebrate. Hence you are on your own from Friday night.

If you become ill or injured and wish to stay on the ride, you may be able to help out as a volunteer along the way. However, if you want to return to Cairns (or home), you will need to arrange your own transportation.

Supporting Local Communities Along the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride

The Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K) proudly supports the communities we travel through. In each township along the route, local community groups run bars where riders can purchase beverages each evening.

All proceeds go directly to these groups, and in some towns, this event represents their largest fundraising opportunity of the year. By enjoying a drink and showing your appreciation, you help support local volunteers and community initiatives.

Fires are not permitted, unless indicated (or we light one). You really do not need a camp stove, but you can surely bring one if you wish. Coffee, tea and milo will be set up and provided at each camping location for you to help yourself any time.

Some locations offer laundromat facilities in the townships, which often are not located where we camp. Due to water restrictions in these communities, it is much more efficient to do your own washing whilst having a shower. BYO quick dry clothes, washing detergent and a few pegs.

Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride – Pack Riding Guidelines

During the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride, riders are grouped into packs to ensure safety, teamwork, and an enjoyable experience. Depending on registration numbers, there can be up to six packs, with a maximum of 25 riders per pack.

Choosing the Right Pack

Your ability, strength, experience, and riding goals will determine which pack is best for you. Consider others when making your choice — no one likes to wait or be waited for! Each pack is encouraged to ride together as a team, maintaining a pace that keeps everyone supported.

• If your pack is too slow, you may move up a pack.

• If you are struggling to keep up, move back to a slower pack.

• Gaps may occur, but riders and pack leaders work together to regroup the pack safely.

Our pack leaders provide guidance and advice to help you ride at your fullest ability. No rider is left behind, and everyone is supported throughout the ride.

Safety and Riding Protocols

• Always stay with your pack and ride between your designated escort vehicles.

• Never ride closer than 20 meters behind your lead vehicle. If at any time you pass the front escort vehicle, you will be asked to leave the event as this is unsafe for all.

• If you cannot maintain your pack’s pace, the following escort vehicle will pick you and your bike up and transport you to the next drink stop. From there, you may rejoin your pack or join the following pack.

Expected Average Speeds by Pack

• Pack 1: 30+ km/hr

• Pack 2: 25–29 km/hr

• Pack 3: 20–24 km/hr

• Pack 4: 18-20 km/hr

Note: The number of packs depends on total participants. Speeds are averages over 150+ km; actual speeds may vary by 5–10 km/h at any given time.

As we travel through National Parks, private property and working stations dogs / pets are not allowed on the ride.

There are so many amazing charities, so rather than align with any one charity, we are leaving the choice to you. You don’t have to fundraise to participate in the events, but if you choose to raise money for a charity you can make a selection from a huge range of charities listed on the Grassrotz plaform. You will be given the option to select your charity as you register or click HERE to start fundraising now.

C2K support the communities by paying them for their catering services for the event.