Great Top End Escape
Wednesday 22 September
Info night
Missed our Great Top End Escape info night? Catch up on the full recording to find out everything you need to know about our unique adventure in 2022.
Our team gives a detailed run down of what’s happening, what’s included and what to expect on this unique adventure. There is a Q&A section at the end but if you still have questions, feel free to get in touch with our helpful Escape team here.
Watch on YouTubeCOVID safe events
At Bicycle Network, we see events as an important opportunity to bring the bike riding community together and share the joy of riding bikes. While 2020 saw dramatic changes to the event landscape, we’re busy planning our upcoming event program with the health and safety of riders, volunteers and spectators at the forefront.
Across all of our events, the below key operations will be in place to keep you safe and our events running smoothly. We ask everyone to familiarise themselves with these guidelines and keep up to date with information provided by relevant governments regarding COVID-19 regulations.
Our team want to make your riding experience as enjoyable as possible, so please follow their instructions as we tackle these challenges together.
Social distancing
Please remember to stand and ride at least 1.5 metres apart at all times. To avoid congestion, start line procedures will be spread out and in waves.
Hand sanitiser
All our events will have hand sanitising stations across the course and conduct regular cleaning of all surfaces.
Follow the signs
Event sites are designed to prioritise safety and keep everyone moving in the right direction. Please look out for directional signs and follow our team’s instructions.
Support staff
Our support crews will always have your back, but some things may look a little different or take a little longer than you’re used to. Thank you for your patience.
On route
All rest and lunch areas will have a new layout to assist with flow and social distancing, but we’ll still have all the essentials readily available.
Joining our COVID safe events
We love that we are able to hold events in 2021 and celebrate everything that is great about riding a bike. While you're riding with us, we'd like you to help reduce the risks of coronavirus by maintaining physical distancing, good hygiene and following COVID safe instructions.
Our rider promise
Along with these key changes to our events, we've created a COVID-19 refund policy so you can sign up with confidence.
Fully supported cycling tour
When you join the Great Top End Escape you can rest assured that every detail is taken care of from start to finish. While you’re out on your bike soaking up everything on offer, the dedicated Bicycle Network team will be working hard behind the scenes to make sure you have an unforgettable holiday.
What’s included?
- Three to five star accommodation each night
- Breakfast and dinner at our accommodation and an energy-packed lunch along the route in a unique location each day.
- Full on-route support including rest stops with snacks, water, shade and mechanical assistance as well as a 24-hour on call team if you need us.
- Coach transport, or our SAG (support and gear) bus for those who can’t go on, want a rest or aren’t up to the full distance for the day.
- Special cultural and natural experiences as outlined in our itinerary.
- Unique and scenic routes, marked with our directional signage to ensure that you won’t get lost and have the freedom to travel at your own pace.
- Luggage transfer for the duration of the event and coach transfer between locations when required.
- Daily event briefings giving you time to ask questions, find out about the riding conditions and prepare for the weather.
- A complimentary event jersey (see jersey size chart) and gift on arrival to commemorate your ride
- All the fun (and more) that you have come to expect from our cycling tours
Event Info
FAQs
Here are the answers to your most common questions. If your question isn’t in the list, please contact us on 1800 639 634 or via our contact page
What type of bike should I bring?
We recommend bringing any bike that you feel comfortable riding 80km on. If you have a road bike, we suggest using wider tyres of around 28mm-35mm.
Can I ride an e-bike?
Ebikes are welcome on the Great Top End Escape, subject to our event ebike policy.
We will be able to sag your e-bike if required, but because they are heavier than most bikes, our team may need your help to lift the bike.
You will be able recharge your battery in your hotel room each night.
Can I hire a bike?
We’ve partnered with Rent My Bike Australia to help take the hassle out of transporting your bike to and from the NT. For more information and to book your bike, please follow this link.
How can I get my bike to Darwin?
Fly with your bike
With a little bit of planning, flying with a bike doesn’t need to be an overwhelming, or expensive, option. Most airlines will allow you to travel with your bike for a handling fee. Each carrier has its own rules and pricing structure, which can change with little notice, so it’s best to confirm the latest charges directly with the airlines before purchasing a ticket.
All airlines require your bike to be boxed or bagged which you can learn more about below. Most bike shops will assist with packing your bike, and Bicycle Network can help in Darwin.
Bicycle Network bike transport
Bicycle Network can transport your bike to Darwin and back in at no extra cost. Your bike must be in a bike bag, box or wrapped, and the Bicycle Network team will help you reassemble your bike in Darwin.
You will need to drop your bike with us at our workshop in Sunshine North. Please see bike transport details below for exact dates and times.
Bicycle Network Workshop: 11 Hawthorn Ave, Sunshine North VIC 3020
What should I pack?
The weather in the NT in June can be both cold and hot. We recommend being prepared for all weather conditions and using layers of clothing so you can easily dress up or down as the weather changes.
Here’s a list of the essentials:
- Riding gear (consider all conditions)
- Helmet
- Bike lights
- Water bottles x 2
- Bike lock
- Spare tubes, repair kit, bike tools
- Gloves
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Swimming towel
- Small day pack – for change of clothes on swimming days
- Neat casual clothing for evening meals and non-riding activities
What is the terrain and total distance of the ride?
Riding in the Top End is mostly flat and will be on the bitumen. However, do expect a bit of dirt when entering and exiting rest stops and going off the road to do some sight seeing at waterfalls and swimming holes.
Our riding times are based of an average of 15km per hour, and riders who have moderate fitness levels should find the riding enjoyable.
The total distance is 356km over eight days.
I'm keen to volunteer. How do I get involved?
We welcome expressions of interest from interested volunteers from the local community. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Please send your details through to volunteer@bicyclenetwork.com.au
How many tickets are available?
Bookings are capped at 100 guests.
When are balance payments due?
Deposits:
$1000 to secure your spot (available until 5pm Monday 10 January 2022)
Final payments:
Balance payments are due 5pm Friday 4 February 2022
As outlined in the Terms and Conditions, balance of payments not received by this date will be deemed incomplete and Bicycle Network reserves the right to cancel the event participant’s booking.
Is a COVID-19 vaccination required to partake in the event?
We’ll be adhering to government directions regarding the requirement for participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to partake in our events.
In some circumstances Bicycle Network may accept a medical exemption if it meets the state requirements, however we will consider the safety of yourself and other attendees of the event when making this determination.
Getting there
Guests should aim to arrive in Darwin before 2pm on Saturday 11 June. This will allow plenty of time for hotel transfer, check-in and bike set-up.
Darwin Transport
Airport shuttle
Bicycle Network will be providing a complimentary shuttle from Darwin Airport to H on Smith at set times on Friday 10 June and Saturday 11 June for riders who have informed us of their flights on those days.
Shuttle times
Friday 10 June: 1:50PM, 4:05PM, 5:00PM & 6:30PM
Saturday 11 June: 11:50AM, 12:40PM, 1:30PM, 2:00PM & 2:55PM
Please follow direction signage to bus parking when you arrive and keep an eye out for the Bicycle Network cyan shirts.
The shuttle times have been selected to collect as many of our riders as possible and allow time to gather luggage and bikes. Unfortunately, we are unable to pick up at all times and if your flight arrives outside of these times, please look into making your own way to the hotel. Additional airport shuttles and taxi services can be found here.
Getting home
Bicycle Network will be providing a complimentary shuttle from H on Smith to Darwin Airport at set times on Sunday 19th June.
Shuttle times
Saturday 19 June: 7:00AM, 11:15AM, 11:45AM & 12:55PM
The shuttle times have been selected to take as many of our riders as possible to make flights in good time. Unfortunately we are unable to take guests at all times and if your flight departs outside of these times, please look into making your own way to the airport. Additional airport shuttles and taxi services can be found here.
Bike transport
Bicycle Network can transport your bike to Darwin and back in at no extra cost. Your bike must be in a bike bag, box or wrapped, and the Bicycle Network team will help you reassemble your bike in Darwin.
Location: Bicycle Network Workshop – 11 Hawthorn Ave, Sunshine North VIC
Drop off dates: 9am-12pm, Wednesday 1 June or Saturday 4 June.
Pick up dates: 9am-12pm, Saturday 25 June and Wednesday 29 June.
Flying with a bike
With a little bit of planning, flying with a bike doesn’t need to be an overwhelming, or expensive, option.
Most airlines will allow you to travel with your bike for handling fee. Each carrier has its own rules and pricing structure, which can change with little notice, so it’s best to confirm the latest charges directly with the airlines before purchasing a ticket.
All airlines require your bike to be boxed or bagged – learn more below.
Packing your bike
You can normally scrounge a cardboard bike box from your bike shop, and for a fee, they may also pack it for you.
The standard way of packing for a bike box is to remove the front wheel and pedals, drop the seat post down (or remove it), loosen the handlebar and turn it parallel to the frame, and take some of the air pressure out of the tyres.
A spacer to go between the front forks is a good idea (ask your bike shop for one) and be sure to cover or pad the bottom of the forks. Also consider using bubble wrap or foam pipe on vulnerable parts of your frame, cable ties to secure detached items to the frame and plenty of packing tape to keep everything secure.
Remember to:
- Place any loose accessories into a bag then place in the box
- Seal the box and label with your name and phone number
- Ensure no part of the bike is protruding from the box
- Take photos of your bike in the box for records in case of damage
- Pack some tools for reassembly, but don’t worry too much as we’ll have a team members on hand to help.
Travel partner – Flight Centre
We’re thrilled to be partnering with Flight Centre to help make getting to and from the Great Top End Escape a breeze!
Flight Centre is confident in providing you with professional service and excellent value. Contact the team for all of your booking requirements including, airfares, transfers, travel insurance, pre/post travel extensions, car/bus hire, visas (if applicable) and booking additional luggage (including your bike!)
*A Domestic Booking fee of $25 per person will be applied for individual bookings. This fee will cover all components booked.
William Kennewell
Senior Consultant
Phone: 03 9032 2600
Email: william.kennewell@flightcentre.com.au
What to pack
The weather in the NT in June can be both cold and hot. We recommend being prepared for all weather conditions and using layers of clothing so you can easily dress up or down as the weather changes.
Here’s a list of the essentials:
- Riding gear (consider all conditions)
- Helmet
- Bike lights
- Water bottles x 2
- Bike lock
- Spare tubes, repair kit, bike tools
- Gloves
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Swimming towel
- Small day pack – for change of clothes on swimming days
- Neat casual clothing for evening meals and non-riding activities
- A torch (you will need this for the descent at Mount Ubirr).
- E-bike riders – please bring the key to remove your battery from the bike.
Riding on event
Road and route
We’ll be there to support you along every kilometre. On some days, guests will travel on buses from the hotel to a location to start riding. We’ll start together, with a big cheer!
Luggage will be transported on buses each day. We recommend guests carry a day pack with them when riding including; water, Bike pump, Spare tube(s), Warm/Rain layer, Sunscreen and any other essential items (e.g. medication, etc). There will be signage, rest areas, nutrition, water and mechanics along the route. And, if it all gets a bit too much, give us a call and we’ll come pick you up and bring you back to the accommodation.
Each day, the riding route will have an official close time. Times will be based on a slowest riding time of 15km/h, plus plenty of time to stop for photos and admire the scenery. The times will have you back at the accommodation ready for activities and evening meals. It also allows the Bicycle Network team to pack down and set up the following day, plus enjoy the evening with you.
Road conditions
The ride will mostly be on bitumen. There will be the odd bit of dirt as you enter/exit a rest areas or should you wish to venture off the route for some extra site seeing.
Keep in mind the surface is likely to be very course and the edges of the road can be a little uneven. We recommend bringing any bike that you feel comfortable on for riding 100km+. If you have a road bike, we suggest using wider tires of around 28mm for the best riding experience. It would be ideal to carry one or two spare tubes with you each day.
Our mechanics will be available at the rest sites to help you out as much as possible, however stock and resources will be limited.
On-event bike transport
Some days on event we will be transporting your bikes to the start location. All bikes will need to be packed onto the trucks between 5:00pm – 6:00pm the previous night as we head off early each morning and bike loading will not be possible. Your luggage will be packed on the buses each morning as you hop on the bus.
Bikes do not need to be packed away in boxes during the event. We will assist with packing the bikes each night.