FAQs - The Ride
Frequently asked questions have been categorised into the topics located in the FAQs menu:
If the answer is insufficient for your enquiry please Contact BQ.
- It seems like a really long way...
If you are moderately fit and can ride a bike then you can do Cycle Queensland.
The ride, while it may be a bit of a challenge for some riders, is not impossible. And think about how good it will feel when you pedal into Port Douglas and look back at what you have achieved. With a bit of planning and preparation you’ll be fine. Regular riding is the best thing you can do – its much better to ride a bit regularly than to go on long irregular rides.
On the ride, you don’t need to wear yourself out each day by rushing from one town to the next – just take your time and ride at your own pace. You literally have all day! You’ll also get loads of encouragement along the way from our volunteers and have the company of other riders to keep you chugging along. And, if your legs give up and you can’t pedal any further...you can always jump on our SAG wagon for a lift to the campsite.
- Are there any hills?
Yep - there are a few hills we would rate as moderate and one difficult hill climb on Day 3:
Day 1 – nice gentle start to CQ13 with mostly flat terrain.
Day 2 – another flat day to get your legs and bottom into the groove before the climb up to the Tablelands.
Day 3 – we’ve hit the hill! A challenging day with a gentle climb to rest stop 1 followed by a long steep climb to reach the summit. There are several opportunities to rest and recover along the way including the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway, Henrietta Creek (lunch stop), Mungalli Wilderness Retreat (rest stop 2) and the Mungalli Creek Dairy. If it is too much we will have an express SAG bus waiting for you at the rest stops!
Day 4 – undulating terrain through some spectacular FNQ scenery.
Day 5 – R & R
Day 6 – pretty flat day with a nice long downhill into Mareeba. Great long option to Dumbula Dam available for those who are keen for maximum km’s.
Day 7 – pancake flat day with an exhilarating downhill into Mossman. Long option available.
Day 8 – is easy-peasy with your last day highs powering you through. “Home, James.”
- What will the weather be like?
Do big blue skies, warm sunny days and crisp clear nights sound okay by you? Well, that’s what spring in the region usually delivers. Expect day time temps around the mid to high 20s. Overnight it could get a little chilly (in the Tablelands) – so pack a few warm woollies but the good news is that it warms up pretty quickly once the sun starts to rise. (Best to also be prepared for a bit of the wet stuff - just in case things don’t go to plan.)
- Only serious cyclists with expensive bikes go on the ride, right?
WRONG! Previous riders have included young families, school students and an 84 year old lady. In 2012, 34.5% of Cycle Queensland riders were on their first ever cycling tour!
- Can kids come on CQ?
Cycle Queensland is suitable for riders of all ages. However, children under 12 are not allowed to pilot their own bike (they need to be in a trailer, child seat, or on a tag-a-long or tandem) and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- What sort of bike should I bring?
You don’t need to have an expensive bike to complete the ride; however your bike should be in good mechanical order. Any geared bike is suitable (BMX bikes are not recommended).
- Are the roads closed? What about trucks, cars and motorbikes roaring past?
The roads used on Cycle Queensland are NOT closed to other traffic but with 1000 riders there is a critical mass that has a strong presence on the road. Police are also on hand to ensure good behaviour and road sharing by motorists and riders. We select quieter roads whenever possible. To increase the safety of riders, Bicycle Queensland vehicles and trucks supporting the ride generally travel along a different route to the riders.
- Can I bring a support vehicle?
No way! Private support vehicles are not permitted on Cycle Queensland. Ride officials will deny entry or remove from the Ride any rider or support crew member who chooses to ignore this important safety policy.
- What if I or my bike develop Mondayitis?
Medical assistance, police, bike mechanics, route marshals and masseurs travel with the ride and can help solve almost any problem. Don’t forget to bring your own puncture kit and any other gear you need to perform simple repairs on your bike.
If your bike breaks down along the route and it can’t be fixed by the roadside – you won’t have to walk the rest of the way home because you always get a lift with the SAG wagon.
- I don't ride a bike, can I still come?
By all means. We need lots of happy and helpful volunteers to join the support crew. Check out About Volunteering for more information.
- What time will I get into the campsite each day?
That is the million dollar question. It all depends on what speed you ride at and how many rest stops you enjoy. It doesn’t really matter what time you get to the campsite - the route closes at 4.30pm each day at the latest – so you just need to be in by then (earlier closing times on shorter days)! Cycle Queensland is not a race. The idea of the ride is to relax; to enjoy the scenery; and to meet new mates. Ride at your own pace and linger for as long as you need at the rest stops.
The bike route will have progressive closing times. These times are generous for the riders but focused on ensuring that on the shorter days our crews are not kept out too long.
