Proposed calendar for 2026 for comment and feedback. Be as harsh on this correspondent as you like.
(https://i.imgur.com/IkjNHtk.jpeg)
Would welcome any input from warmer climates as well and would be happy to assist with logistics. Same for Tassie.
Cheers
Taff
So just to aid the reading. The rides proposed are:
NSW - 20 June
SA - 25 July
Come and Try a SaddleSore - 22 August (I have secured a IB Rally finisher to provide some wisdoms to buddy Saddlesorers)
SA - 12 September
Vic - 31 October
Vic/SA (Race the Overland - PS we beat it - ride report coming) - November 2
The others listed are there to show how I have tried not to interfere or otherwise cross over other rides, that is I took others into consideration.
Cheers
Taff
G'day Taffey. WRT the Arkaroola ride you mention a dirt option 800k in 24 hours with an asterix. I'm wondering what the asterix refers to and more generally are there any particular rules ie there must be a minimum of 800k on dirt to qualify. I guess one could achieve both goals of 1000km in 24 hours and 800km dirt in the same time if so inclined. Mind you, 800km on dirt in a wet July - could be interesting.
Cheers ... Mark
Hi Mark, The roads to Arkaroola are all dirt. It just depends which route you take to minimise the distance you ride on dirt. I think Taffey's thinking is there is dirt on any route to Arkaroola but if you want a challenge you could do 800kms on dirt in 24 hours as a completed Far Road ride.
July is nice and cool up there and could be wet or dry. In the last week or so they have had some torrential rain in the Flinders causing creeks to flood. Who knows what you could get.
Dom
Thanks Dom. Interestingly July is the driest month for Arkaroola and the average daily low is 3.3C (suggesting often below 0 - which is cold in my book - thank goodness for merino thermals and heated grips ;D )
Taffey and I did the Blinman Farroad ride in June. We woke up to frost on the bikes. I was glad we were staying in a motel room behind the bakery.
I second the merino thermals.