Each year, the Hunt 1000 stands out among the growing number of bikepacking events not because of the route, the terrain, or the challenges the riders face, but because 99 percent of participants are from Australia, where the event takes place. Perhaps it’s simply because the country is more difficult to reach than other destinations, but there aren’t many bikepacking events that can claim these stats.

The 2025 Hunt 1000 travels south, starting in Australia’s capital, Canberra, and ending in Melbourne for a grand finish, rather than a grand depart. Participants select their preferred start date, aiming to finish their 1,000-kilometer journey on November 29th, 2025. The route incorporates amazing campsites and historic alpine huts, has limited resupply points, and mixes challenging hike-a-bike sections and river/creek crossings. The fastest riders will finish in under five days, and others will take several weeks to enjoy Australia’s beautiful high country.

Over 120 riders are registered for the 2025 event, with the vast majority tackling the full 1,000-kilometer route and a handful taking on the shorter 500-kilometer option. With their help, we collected bike and gear details for well over half the field. As always, we’ve included details on their bike setup, bags, any gear highlights, and the navigation device they’re using. Scroll through and get a good look at everyone’s rig, and then head over to the 2025 Hunt 1000 event page to follow along live.

Marty Adamaitys

Age 47 / Canberra (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Back for another crack is my porta potty blue Surly Karate Monkey, largely unchanged from last year it’s running Hope 29″ wheels with a SON dyno powering a kLite setup, up front is a 130mm Rock Shox Pike, XT brakes with 203mm and 180mm Icetec rotors. Drivetrain is SRAM 11-51T cassette with 30T chainring. The cranks are the only original part of the bike, which I’ve had from 2018, apparel from the frame. The only changes from last year are a Brooks Cambium saddle and twin bottle mount on the down tube.
BAGS: Bags are a mix off the shelf and custom Aussie made stuff. Apidura seat and bar roll, Hungry frame bag, Terra Rosa made the top tube and fork bags and Yeah Nah is responsible for the feed bags. I even got in front of the sewing machine and made the orange bag on the downtube for the tent poles and a little mesh and X-Pac pouch to hold the tracker on the bar roll.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2.

Zachary Allen

Age 49 / Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (USA)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’m riding a 2023 Esker Hayduke, all original components except a Son dynamo hub powering a Sinewave Beacon 2 to keep me electrified and illuminated. For the slow times, I’ll have a Knog light. The rear rack is from Old Man Mountain.
BAGS: I have a mix of bags, the frame bag is by Rogue Panda. From Rockgeist, I’ll have Microwave panniers, a top tube pouch, BarJam Harness 2.0, and a Big Dumpling on my hip. And finally, Bartenders and Big Mutt fork bags from the talented Randi Jo Fabrications. I have a lot of storage space!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gear I’m psyched about are the new upgrades such as the Son dyno hub and Beacon 2 and the Nemo Dragonfly bikepacking tent. The majority of my clothes are from Ibex and Stio, with rain gear by Gorewear.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll use a Garmin 1040 Solar and InReach for tech.

Julian Anderson

Age 26 / Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Ever wondered what the love child of an elephant and a bicycle would look like? Well, I present the Marin Mothership! This is my 2022 Marin Four Corners 1, fully decked out with a state-of-the-art Milk Crate™ and some questionable home-made aluminium fork bag holders and rack bracing. As a skint Gen Z delinquent, this bucket of rusty yet hopefully trusty nuts and bolts is the best I could cobble together. It’s low tech with cable disc brakes but I’ve managed to squeeze a 22T front, 42T rear gear ratio in there with the original Sora shifters. Weighing in at 47kg (that’s half a Julian), its probably fair to conclude this is a bad idea. I can’t wait!
BAGS: My rear bag is an insulated shopping bag with a $10 rain cover, the frame bag I made myself with no sewing experience so hopefully it lasts the trip. Up front is a Decathlon kayaking backpack and two surprisingly nice Decathlon fork bags that are 4L each.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I highly rate my pea-shooter top mount water bottle, it’s really good for stabbing myself in the eye when I go max-aero-tuck on a descent.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840.

Natalie Anderson

Age 42 / Long Beach, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Hunt1000 on a Superior XP 969 29er carbon hardtail that goes by the name Charlie. The bike has a 100mm travel fork and the drivetrain is 1×12 with a 32T chainring and a 10-51T cassette. I’m running a SON Dynamo hub with kLite lights and a charging system.
BAGS: There is a mix of bags and racks, including a Tailfin AeroPack Cargo and Tailfin fork packs attached with the suspension fork mounts. Topeak cradle and Exped drybag for a handlebar roll. Apidura toptube bag, Revelate Designs feedbags, and a homemade frame bag (Thanks, Dane), housing an Apidura water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Nemo Hornet 2P for plenty of space as my shelter, along with a Mountain Designs sleeping bag and Sea To Summit mat and pillow. My feedbags will be constantly filled with snacks to keep me going.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Garmin Edge 530 for navigation.

Fabio Andolfi

Age 34 / Melbourne (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: A Marin Gestalt 2 set up with a mullet drivetrain and mixed tires, a Vittoria Mezcal 2.1” front for traction and a 44mm rear for speed and clearance, aiming for versatility across the Hunt’s varied terrain.
BAGS: A full Topeak bikepacking setup, including frame, saddle, and handlebar bags, with an internal hydration bladder and two bottle mounts for extended water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A minimal and reliable setup focused on comfort and simplicity, featuring a lightweight sleep system and essentials only, keeping the rig streamlined for long days between resupplies.

Pete Armstrong

Age 56 / Perth, Western Australia (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Touring, not racing. Curve GMX+ Titanium, SRAM Force AXS, 1×12, 30T chainring, 10-52T cassette, Sector 9i carbon rims, Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.6″ tyres, SON 28 Dynamo hub, kLite front and rear lights, Tailfin rear rack, Curve Ti fork cradle, Brooks B17 saddle, 6x Magnum 1L drink bottles, and Arundle Stainless bottle cages.
BAGS: 18L bag, BikeBagDude frame bag and top tube bag, Revelate Designs SaltyRoll Handlebar bag, Curve Rocket Pooch Fork bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The GMX+ big is so fun to ride, MSR Freelite 1 tent, Yeah Nah Threadworks Bumbag (fanny pack).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 Solar, InReach Mini 2.

Tim Attwood

Age 40 / Sydney, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding a 1995 Mongoose IBOC Zero G frame running 650b wheels. The fork is an old 26” Diamondback fork, which I’ve swapped the dropouts for more length to fit the bigger wheel. I’ve also welded on a disc brake tab. These forks are a little sketchy, but they have done heaps of bikepacking trips and are still going strong. Wheels, Stem, Bars, etc. are all carbon fiber Bontrager parts, borrowed from an old Trek XC bike I own. I’m running a Microshift Advent X drivetrain, 11-48T on the rear and 30T chainring up front. Tyres are a Maxxis Ikon 2.2″ on the front and a Maxxis Crossmark II 2.1″ on the rear.
BAGS: I have a bit of a mix here, Frame bag is home-made by a mate, Front roll is Blackburn Outpost Elite. The top tube bag is the 1.5L Tailfin Flip. I then have a couple of Sea to Summit Big River dry bags, 20L and 5L. Lastly, I have a homemade feed bag and what was meant to be a small snake bite kit bag on my rear rack. That one turned out bigger than planned, so I’ve stashed a heap of dehydrated meals in there.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m definitely not riding light, I have a super cosy -11 comfort sleeping bag (S2S Ascent III), two-person tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack), Jetboil for some cookups, I plan to take it easy, be warm and comfortable, and just enjoy the scenery, I’m also wearing an EVOC hip pack with full frame mirrorless camera. I plan to take lots of photos of this journey.
GPS DEVICE: I have a Garmin touch 25, which will most likely be more of a backup. My iPhone with MAPOUT is so user-friendly, and what I’ll be navigating with 99% of the time.

Shane Blacket

Age 51 / Barwon Heads, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ve opted for my Giant XTC carbon hardtail for a bit more comfort. I’ll have new Mezcals, 2.35″ front and 2.25″ rear on carbon rims, 12-speed 28T chainring and 11-50T cassette for the hills. I’ll be running aero bars for an alternate position, albeit likely to be brief on the Hunt. Ergon GS3 grips also provide great hand options.
BAGS: I’m running nearly a full range of Revelate Designs bags with a Bike Bag Dude top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The new Ti Dragonfly double bottle cage adaptor from Botched Bikes was released recently which provides greater clearance on the wider carbon downtube is proving to be a winner.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530 and eTrex.

Stu Bland

Age 61 / Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be tackling the Hunt 1000 on a 2025 Curve Titanium GMX+ with carbon dirt hoops and a Shutter Precision dynamo. The bike set up includes Rival Eagle AXS 1 x 12 (10-52t out back with 30T up front), kLite Ultra Adventure lights with a Qube rear flasher and USB charger, a pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.6” tires, Redshift top grips on the bars, and Salsa Anything cages on the front forks.
BAGS: I have a mix of bags including a Revelate Designs Spinelock seat pack, Bike Bag Dude frame bag, Ortlieb handlebar pack and accessory pack, feedbags by Kassy Bags, Rogov fork bags and Apidura top tube pack. This eclectic mix of bags means I can carry so much food and gear that I’m ready for just about anything, except riding up steep hills without pushing.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The crown jewel of my kit, is the replacement plastic knuckle for my Nemo Kunai 2P tent after the amazing team at Paddy Pallin and Nemo performed magic to somehow find and ship direct to the start line a replacement part after I broke mine doing a final pack the day before departure.

Mike Blewitt

Age 44 / Highvale, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: For the Hunt 1000, I built up a Salsa Timberjack alloy from a frame set. The bike uses a mix of parts from my other XC bikes, including a Fox 34 SC and some EIE carbon rims I’ve recently had rebuilt with brass nipples and new spokes on the DT Swiss 350 hubs. I did focus on braking power given the bike will be loaded, so I bought new Shimano XT 4 piston brakes, and ended up popping the new Shimano XT Di2 on as well. I’m using a 30T ring on 170mm cranks. Tyres are trusty Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4” with EXO casing, MaxxSpeed rubber and a Tubolight EVO SL insert in the rear. I’ve got a Beast components carbon riser bar as well, which helps offer a bit more clearance for the bar roll to the front wheel. I’ll be highposting so I can use a saddle bag without killing a dropper post.
BAGS: Bike Bag Dude made some custom bags for this bike, after I created a template of the main frame. With the chaff bags, top tube bag and bar sling it’s a sweet setup. I’ve only had smaller items by BBD before and custom frame bag really shows the precision work. I use a Sea to Summit Ultrasil dry bag in the sling and I’ve borrowed a Revelate saddle bag from a mate. I’m also using Attaquer cargo bibs and the sweet Albion cargo vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Riding with Imo as a team, we’re using a two-person Sea to Summit Telos TR2 tent. I have their ultralight sleeping matt, along with their Spark -1 bag. I have bought some waterproof trousers for the event and have a new Ground Effect Rivet jacket, after discussing the ins and outs of having a hood with the Ground Effect crew.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2.

Joshua Botti-Anderson

Age 27 / Belt, Montana (USA)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: My bike for the Hunt 1000 is built around a Brother Cycles Big Bro frame. For contact points, it has the PNW The Coast handlebar (52cm), Profile Design alloy aero bars (+70mm spacers), Bontrager Aeolus Elite saddle, and Deore XT M8100 pedals. The drivetrain consists of a Deore XT crankset (30T chainring) and cassette (10-51T), and a GRX RX822-SGS derailleur paired to 12-speed 105 brifters. The left 2x shifter is linked to the remote lockout of the Rock Shox SID Ultimate forks (100mm travel). Tires will be Conti Dubnital Race Rapids 29 x 2.4″ (not pictured).
BAGS: The bag setup includes a Revelate Rifter frame bag, Joey down tube bag, and Pole Cat strapped to a Tubus Evo rack. Also attached to the rack are a pair of Arkel Dry Lite panniers. Finally, I have a Restrap Race top tube bag, two bottles offset on the downtube via a Cyclewerks Double Bottle Cage Adapter, and (not pictured) one bottle attached to the aero bars using a Profile Design HSF BTA.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m taking a USWE Race 2L hydration pack, as I find that having an easily-accessible tube helps me stay on top of hydration during big rides. The bottles on the frame are for extra water capacity and carb mixes (aka caster sugar + electrolytes).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Conrad Buffier

Age 41 / Canberra (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Trek Superfly with a 28T chainring and a 50T on the cassette.
BAGS: A mix of bags including Revelate Designs and Sea to Summit. I made a small bracket to fit 4.1L Ortlieb Fork Packs on the pannier rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Taking a -12°C (10°F) Zpacks sleeping bag, 4 season Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid pyramid tent with single carbon pole, and cook kit as a luxury item.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin GPSMAP 64S.

Pete Byron

Age 43 / North Coast, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Repurposed Giant XTC carbon hardtail. 2×11 XT full group set. SP Dynamo Hub, Custom Spank Wheels hand build by Rick at Ventoux Cycles. Sqlab inner bar ends, kLite dynamo light and USB charger. Ergo GP Grips and Specialized power saddle. Blackburn cargo cages and Old Man Mountain axle and Fork mounts.
BAGS: A collection… Bike Bag dude, Oveja Negra Frame Bag, Apidura Feed Bags, Tailfin Cargo pack and 10L Panniers, and Bedrock Downtube Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Canon EOS Rp with a 50mm and 16mm lens. Sea To Summit Ascent -5 sleeping bag for the snow.
GPS DEVICE: Ride With GPS on my phone and Wahoo Bolt 2.

EvilC

Age 57 / Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2011 Giant Anthem X 29er, upgraded with a Hunt XC Wide wheelset and 12-speed XT, with 30T x 11-51T gearing. I’m running tubeless Mezcal XC Trail tyres, 2.6” front and 2.1” rear, Easton carbon bars, Specialized Phenom saddle, Ergon GS2 grips and TOGS thumb rests. Everything else is original. Nitecore power banks for phone charging and an Exposure Diablo helmet light, just in case. No dynamo.
BAGS: Aeroe Spider Cradle on the bars, with Tailfin SFMs and a combination of cargo cages on the forks. A Tailfin top tube bag, a Revelate Designs 8L Terapin seat pack and 1L Joey downtube bag, an 8L Sea to Summit Big River dry bag on the bars and 5L bags on the forks. Zefal magnum bottles in the stem bags and 1L Nalgene bottles on the forks for hot days and long haul.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A custom framebag from Bike Bag Dude in Newcastle, Australia, and 7Roads stem bags from Kovel, Ukraine. Durston X-Mid 1 tent, Nemo Tensor All-Season sleep mat and Sea to Summit Aeros pillow paired with my trusty Kathmandu sleeping bag for a good night’s rest.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with its amazing battery life has been excellent. I’ll be carrying a Spot Gen3 for event tracking and emergencies.

Pele Cannon

Age 37 / Canberra, ACT (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: My steed is a custom built Hunt Bikes 29er. Fox 34 130mm fork to rip the downhills, SRAM GX gearing (11-52T 12-speed, 30T chainring) to chug the ups. Hope rims and Teravail 2.5″ tyres to handle the rough stuff.
BAGS: the life support paraphernalia will be carted in a custom Hungry frame bag and Munchers, Revelate seat bag, top tube bag, and handlebar roll, and Tailfin SFMs with 3L bags and 1L bottles on each side.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Cozy Mont Moondance 1FN to endure the expected snow.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Matt Chan

Age 53 / Sydney/Gerroa, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: 1993 Specialized s-works steel – I’m running full rigid 26er with v-brakes for purely nostalgic reasons, but have built it as a neo-retro with more reliable drivetrain bits to (hopefully) get me over the mountains. Sitting pretty around 9.4kg. Sim Works Super Yummy 2.22″ tubeless.
BAGS: DIY handlebar harness, Ortlieb drybag, Porcelain Rocket seat pack, Topeak top tube pack, Ruff Gear feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My old steel frame has been a constant companion for 30 years and has done everything from north shore Vancouver singletrack, to SS 100k races, to touring, commuting and everything else. My original frame was damaged and broke a few years back, but I managed to find an identical replacement in LA and had it shipped over. Also very excited to be trying out my new Durston X-Mid 1!
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2.

Jeff Collier

Age 63 / Murwillumbah, Northern NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I will be riding my Wondercross Wanderer V4 gravel bike that has Enve adventure forks. My Craftworx Backroads 36 carbon wheelset are set up as tubeless with Maxxis Ikon 2.2″ tyres with the drivetrain being 1×12 SRAM 32T coupled with a 10-52T cassette. My saddle of choice is an S-Works Romin Evo Mirror. A couple of Exposure lights to help me find my way.
BAGS: I have a bit of a mix of bags and carrying the bulk of my load on the back will be the Aeroe Spider Rack with a 12L and 8L bags. A large Revelate Ranger bag for the middle, Tailfin top tube bag, Route Werx original handlebar bag and a Revelate food pouch. On the forks I will also have two 1.3L Apidura bags. Most of my water will be on my bak in a 2L Runly Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Looking forward to rolling out my QR Helium Bivvy, Sea to Summit Insulated mat and Mont sleeping bag. It should also be interesting to see how the Aeroe Spider Rack goes.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin eTrex Mini 2, Garmin 840, iPhone16 Pro and goPro to hopefully capture the adventure. Total loaded bike weight is 23kg.

Adam Cominotto

Age 32 / Faulconbridge, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be taking on the Hunt on my Norco Search XR S2. She started life as a gravel bike but is now rolling round as a bit of Frankenstein bike with 27.5 x 2.1″/2.25″ Mezcals, an 11-40T rear cassette (Wolf Tooth Roadlink DM fitted), 30-46T up front, Ritchey Corralitos bars (ultra shallow drops are a game changer), 60mm stem and a 100mm travel dropper post (worth the weight penalty IMO).
BAGS: I’m running a custom frame bag, a large race top tube bag, front handlebar harness with an extra 3.5L storage bag on top, (all from Restrap) and a DIY saddle bag harness in the rear (sorry Wayward Riders, the Louise was sold out at the time so I had to get creative!).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Definitely the pair of thongs strapped to the back. Notable mention to my 3L frame bag hydration bladder from Apidura which fits snugly in the bottom compartment of the frame bag.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2.

Vince Cover

Age 45 / Beechworth, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: It’s a singlespeed 2013 BH Peak, gearing still undecided. I got the frame for free, and honestly, not much of the original bike is left. Over time, a bunch of friends have helped me piece it together, so it’s turned into a bit of a community bike. For rubber, I’m on brand-new 29 x 2.2″ Aspens with tubes. My riding style is fast yet smooth, I almost never flat, even on rougher trips, so it’s the right choice for me at the moment.
BAGS: Running a Radrack conjoined with a specialized rack, and a mix of Blackburn, Fjällräven/Specialized, Ortlieb, plus a few budget bits to fill the gaps.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The standout is that the whole rig comes in under $500. It’s a budget setup, especially by bikepacking standards, but it gets the job done. The main takeaway: a simple, cheap bike can go a long way if you’ve got the experience to keep it rolling. A small budget shouldn’t be seen as a barrier to getting out there.
GPS DEVICE: iPhone + Garmin InReach Mini.

Aaron Crowe

Age 44 / Elands, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Riding a friend’s Neds old bike ‘Swampy’ that was stolen and lived on the streets of Newcastle for six months before I spotted it and bought it from its captors for 100 bucks. It’s a 2020-ish Nordest Sardinia, Shimano mash up with 30T on the front and 11-51T out back. Specialized Fast Track 2.35″ on the front and Maxxis 2.4″ on the back, full rigid with a dropper seat post.
BAGS: I made a DIY cargo/areo bar out of a broken aluminium chair, it’s got some bungy cord on it so I can tuck bibs and bobs under it and it supports two 5L dry bags underneath. It works so great, it’s like a dashboard for a bicycle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I also love my Fenix head torch, Life Straw water filter, and my Helinox chair.
GPS DEVICE: Google Pixel 7 and Garmin forerunner 955.

Benjamin Damyon

Age 46 / Canberra (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: A Ti Curve GMX+ 29er, size Small, setup for flat bar. Shimano XT 1×12 with 30-51T gearing, Cane Creek eeSilk and a cut down Fox 32 ~65mm. Mezcal 2.25″ rear and 2.35″ front (thought about something else, but fast, durable, no flats in 5+years of riding them, hard not to!). Profile design aerobars, won’t get much use on the Hunt but on for tour Aotearoa early next year.
BAGS: Mix of Revelate Designs, Rockgeist ultra framebag, and Tailfin cargopack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dynamo and kLite lighting, Aeon Li tent, EE Revelation 30F quilt, Therm-a-Rest Xlite mat, Zpacks rain gear.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin with phone as backup.

Adam D.

Age 25 / Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be tackling the Hunt 1000 on my 2024 Kona Unit. Originally a singlespeed, I have converted it to Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, with a 28T front chainring for the colossal climbing. The tyres are 2.4” Vittoria Mezcals.
BAGS: Blackburn Outpost frame bag, Restrap 14L saddle bag, Decathlon top tube bag, 4L fork dry bags, and a Sea to Summit 13L dry bag up front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be taking my Helinox ultralight chair to try and save my bum when I’m off the bike. Also, a custom aluminium rear rack to hold two Nalgene water bottles, built by my
good friend Brady, who I will be riding the Hunt with.
GPS DEVICE: ZOLEO.

Louise “Lou” Durham

Age 60 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Hunt 1000 on my 2023 Specialized Epic Expert extra small XC MTB with full Rockshox SID Brain suspension setup front and rear and AXS GX shifter. The bike features a 29″ Roval carbon wheelset with DT Swiss 350 hubs and Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ Anthracite trail tyres. The bike has been modified this year to better meet the demands of off-road adventure cycling. Upgrades include SRAM XX1 rainbow cassette, hollow-pin chain, and XO1 cranks. Other modifications include Raceface Atlas head stem with Deity carbon handlebars, with slim fit lock on grips, SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth brakes, Selle Italia Women’s Superflow Gel saddle with dropper post.
BAGS: Custom Stealth frame bag, Tailfin top tube bag, Revellate Pronghorn handlebar bag for sleep system. Aeroe Spider rear pannier rack, 2x Ortleib gravel bags. Osprey 2.5L hydration backpack with an inline MSR filter, 4L water bag for backup supply.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nemo Osmo Elite 2P ultralight tent, Taiga down sleeping bag, Sea To Summit UL self-inflating sleep mat, Fenix light setup, GoPro Hero 13 with handlebar mount to capture the adventures. Tracker: Garmin Inreach Mini 2.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam.

Mark Durham

Age 65 / Brisbane (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Hunt 1000 on my 2015 Giant XTC carbon hardtail. The bike was fully refurbished at the beginning of 2025 in preparation for the Tour Divide. Machinery upgrades include SRAM 10-52T XX1 cassette and hollow pin chain, 32T X01 crank and matching AXS derailleur, We Are One 29″ carbon rims, DT Swiss 350 hubs, Mezcal trail tyres (tubeless of course). Fox 32 100mm step cast Kashima fork supports the front end, a silky smooth Cane Creek headset keeps it all together. I kept the original Giant carbon XC bar and stem as a nod to the original bike. SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth brakes help the bike to literally stop on a dime (which I love). An Ergon SMC saddle has been paired with a Fox Kashima dropper post and these provide maximum versatility and a supreme level of ride comfort.
BAGS: I’ll be using Ortlieb gravel bags on an Aeroe rack, Tailfin top tube bag, Revelate Proghorn bar bag and satchel.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix headlight, Taiga down bag from Canada.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin InReach Mini.

Matt Durkin

Age 44 / Lennox Head, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be on a Bombtrack Beyond ADV+, steel frame, Vittoria Mezcal tyres on RaceFace Arc30 rims. Build for the going and not the gram, and just like the name, hopefully those Mezcals go down smooth and keep the good times rolling.
BAGS: A bit of a rainbow of bags to make sure I’m never lost. Custom Hungary frame bag, Old Man Mountain panniers, Revolate Designs top tube bag and handlebar roll, Skin Goes Back under-seat bag, BBB feeder bags and a Sea to Summit dry bag on the back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m stoked with my comfortable sleep set up. Durston tent, Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bag with liner, Nemo Tensor mat that’s long and wide!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and Garmin InReach Mini 2.

Julie De Ernsted

Age 50 / Batemans Bay, South Coast, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Specialized Chisel hardtail, small frame, 11 gears, Vittoria Mezcal tyres, and Brooks Cambium C17.
BAGS: Bike Bag Dude 6L on the fork, Revelate Joey and Jerrycan, frame bag, feed bag, and bento box for the quick grabs. Ortlieb handlebar bag up front, front roll for extra gear, and a 20L heavy-duty dry bag on the back rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My go-to gear for comfort and simplicity. Durston X-Mid 1 tent, RAB sleeping mat, 0° down quilt, and a TOAKS Titanium 750ml pot — light, reliable, and trail-proven. Small kit, big comfort.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 solar and Garmin Fenix 7 Solar watch.

Sherry Ey

Age 56 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding my custom built 2018 Scott Scale 27.5” with a Fox Factory 32 fork. Custom Nexus carbon wheels with 2.35” Mezcals will keep me rolling! I’ll be running a SRAM XO1 group set with a 10-52T cassette and a 32T chainring up front. A set of Shimano XTR 9000 brakes will do the stopping. The build is rounded out with a OneUp dropper post, a Brooks B17 saddle, and Ergon GP2 Grips.
BAGS: Aeroe spider rack with 3x 12L dry bags. Framebag is a Revelate Designs Rifter, teamed with 2x feed bags by Skin Grows Back, and Apidura Back Country top tube bag. Up front you will find an Apidura Expedition handle bar pack and accessory pocket. Lastly 2x Blackburn Outpost cages mounted to Tailfin suspension fork mounts will carry two 1.5L water bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Having enough space on the frame to carry my peanut butter and the dropper post which is less for going full send and more about making it easy to get on and off a fully loaded bike!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1030 Plus.

Francois Flocard

Age 47 / Sydney, NSW (AUSTRALIA)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding my Curve Kevin of Steel, 1x mullet 34T and 650 Curve Dirt Hoops with 2.1″ Mezcals.
BAGS: Apidura tail, frame and handlebar front bags. Curve Rocket Pooch Bags on the forks. I’ll have two bottles in the frame and a 2L Aldi water bladder in the handlebar bag to survive all the hike-a-bike sections. Still considering keeping the rack so I can lash my winter sleeping bag in case the amazing winter weather lasts longer.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gloworm X2 light, which has already been super handy to make it to my campsite in the dark…which I am expecting to happen quite often.
GPS DEVICE: A Wahoo Bolt and phone with RWGPS.

Tony Giblin

Age 57 / Brisbane (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: 2024 Cannondale Scalpel HT Leftie, Carbon 1, SRAM XO 30T 10-52T, XT Brakes. Redshift suspension seat post with Profile Designs aero bars for additional comfort not speed. Vittoria Mezcals Trail 2.25″.
BAGS: Tailfin carbon rack with cargo bag and 10L panniers. Custom Robo Kiwi frame bag, Aeroe front rack and drybag, Apidura top tube and tool bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Moved my suspension seat post from my gravel bike to the MTB for this event. Sleeping in my Durston X-Mid 1. Robo Kiwi frame bag drops towards the back to leave a gap so you can slip your hand in to carry the bike.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar.

Chris Gibson

Age 50ish / Melbourne (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Kona Sutra Ltd.
BAGS: Mix of Vintage Apidura, Dom, Sea to Summit, and recent additions of Ortlieb fork bags and Restrap Race top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Similar setup that got me through last year with a few refinements. Going with a lighter tent and shorter pole set for packability (Vaude Power Lizard). A double bottle setup. New Ortlieb fork bags (clip in to reduce the number of straps and buckles which gets pretty tiresome/time consuming). Packing on the warmer side as an early pre rider on the route has hit snow!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.

Tim Giles

Age 51 / Sydney (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’m riding my trusty Specialized Camber 2012 that has been re-purposed for bikepacking. Drivetrain is 22/32/44T up front and 11-34T at the back. Contact points have been improved with Jones H bars, Shimano EH500 SPD+flat pedals, and a new saddle. The Aeroe spider rack works great on this dually.
BAGS: Topeak Frontloader, Topeak 15L Backloader, Vaude Aqua Box Lite handlebar bag, one Aeroe 12L dry bag, and a Sea to Summit Big River 20L dry bag (for extra food capacity). Random feed bag for snacks. No frame bag, just a bidon in my little “triangle”. Camelbak Lobo 3L on my back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mont Moondance 2 tent in full nylon – roomy and ready for the alpine conditions. Sea to Summit Ether Lite XT mattress and matching Aeros Premium pillow for a good night’s rest.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.

Stephen Gow

Age 57 / Naarm/Melbourne (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: This is the same 2022 Ritchey Ascent bikepacking rig I rode last year with a few minor modifications. This year I’ve added a dropper post and the rear rack to reduce the number of endo’s on the knarly descents. I’m running tubeless 29 x 2.35″ Mezcals front and rear, Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain with 28 x 51T to tackle the hills.
BAGS: Topeak front bag, Dom fork bags and Ortlieb framebag and rack top dry bag. They are bomb proof and the orange trim matches the frame nicely. Stem food pouches courtesy of AliExpress.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Tumbleweed Persuader bars for maximum long day comfort and my merino riding t-shirt is from Aldi and I love it!
GPS DEVICE: Navigation with Garmin Inreach Mini 2 supported by iPhone and astronavigation.

Peter Gray

Age 52 / Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Full sus Rocky Mountain Element with Shimano SLX 12-speed mechanical updated with a 28T chainring for all the climbing. Maxis Recon and Recon Race tires. Old 90’s bar ends which have been re-purposed as inner bar ends for a bit more aero and extra hand positions.
BAGS: The hero is the custom frame bag from TreadLite, combined with an assorted collection of Ortlieb, Apidura, Tailfin, Wilderness Threadworks, Topeak, and Sea to Summit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Last six months hitting the gym with my teenage son so I can lug my hefty bike around.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1030+ with phone for backup.

Nick Grinpukel

Age 37 / Newcastle, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’m rolling on my Surly Ogre which I built up while dreaming of horizons during covid lockdown. He’s definitely not the lightest, but is an unbreakable Land Cruiser that has served me well over the years. Currently set up with 27.5 x 2.8″ Maxxis Rekon on the front and 2.6″ Vittoria Mezcal rear. Surprisingly, the Mezcal’s actually a hair wider on my 40mm IW rims. 1×12 drivetrain with 11-51T rear and a 32T chainring up front. Moloko bars and Brooks cambium saddle for all-day comfort.
BAGS: Love my custom frame bag from Bike Bag Dude. He’s been making bombproof kit for years and is great for a yarn (and he lives round the corner). Revelate Designs handlebar harness and a Topeak Backloader X that I had to modify to put better cynch buckles on. I’ll also be carrying a hip pack for my rain gear to make getting things on and off easier/quicker.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favourite piece of kit is my made-in-Tasmania Tier Gear quilt. A SMD Lunar Solo tent and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir xTherm pad rounds out the sleep system. Also carrying some ultralight favourites like an Alpha-Direct fleece, bodywrappers dance pants for wind, and a Montebel Stormcruiser rain jacket.
GPS DEVICE: I’m just using my phone for navigation, but carrying 2x 10,000mah Nitecore power banks to make sure I never run out of charge.

Dean Grounds

Age 26 / Manly, Sydney, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Hunt 1000 on my Curve Big Kev. The bike is paired with Curve carbon dirt hoop wheels with a SP dynamo in the front. Vittoria Mezcal tyre, 2.1″ on the rear and 2.35″ on the front. SRAM XO1 shifting with a 34T chainring and 10-52T on the rear. Profile Design Aero bars up top.
BAGS: On the fork legs, I have the Curve Rocket Pooch for bags. On the frame and bars, I have a range of Apidura bags with one Rapha handle bar bag. On the rear, I have the Mica Rat Tail Rack paired with Sea To Summit dry bags strapped down with Voile Straps.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: All of my kit really, since moving from the UK, I’ve had to start fresh so it’ll be nice to experience it all during the Hunt. I’m most looking forward to using the tent (3FU UL LanShan 1) and my navigation (Garmin GPS Maps 67 with InReach).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin GPS Map 67 with InReach.

Clayton Gumbrell

Age 59 / Canberra, ACT (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’m riding a new (to me) Avanti Montari ‘Frankenbike’.
It was time to move into the 21st century from my usual 1999 version of the Montari, and I’m especially pleased to step up to disc brakes. Assembled from new and not-so-new components, it features a dynamo front hub, Shimano Cues group-set (with the option of two chainrings 32T oval or 36T, manual change), Jones style handlebar, and a Brooks leather saddle.
BAGS: Most bags are MYOG. The sewing machine has been running hot. Food in the frame bag, day gear out front, and the camp gear out back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I like to see where I am, so a tarp/bivy setup works for me.
GPS DEVICE: Using Ride With GPS directly on my phone, with a backup phone stowed away should that fail.

Richard Haertel

Age 55 / Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Curve GMX+, 32-52/11T SRAM Eagle, Passchier bamboo bars (bit of spring), Vittoria Mezcals 29 x 2.35″, Son 28 hub running kLite light and kLite USB charger to keep my gear charged.
BAGS: Top tube and frame bag by our friends at Bike Bag Dude. Fork bags are Curve Rocket Pooches. Tent strapped to bars, sleeping gear strapped to a modified Tubus rear rack.
GPS DEVICE: Spot 3.

Brendan Hales

Age 32 / Castlemaine, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be heading down to Melbourne on a 2020 Curve Ti GMX+. I’ve opted for slightly thinner than my usual, 29 x 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcals tyres and a shorter 35mm boxcar Paul stem to keep me one happy climber. There’s a SP Dynamo hub powering the kLite lights and charger. The Ergon SMC saddle has finally concluded my journey to “the one”.
BAGS: I have a canvas custom frame bag and Smorgie handle bag from Hungry. These do the majority of the heavy lifting but to help out, there’s a saddle bag from Roadrunner and some Sea to Summit dry bags sitting on the forks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I recently wrapped the front of my Hungry Smorgie with some cargo net and I love it. It’ll hold anything from a packet of crisps to frozen deep pan apple crumble—the essentials.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Etrex 32x.

Brendan Hancox

Age 28 / Canberra, ACT (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Genesis Longitude 2016. Since my last Hunt 1000 in 2023, I’ve upgraded some of the components: wide carbon rims (NOBL TR41, laced to a SON dynamo and Hope Pro 2, and paired with 2.6″/2.4″ Maxxis Rekons), 2×11-speed SLX/XT and dual piston brakes.
BAGS: Alpkit and Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I toyed with the idea of riding the Hunt this year on a carbon hardtail which I’d trialled on a previous trip, but in the end went back to my trusty Longitude for it’s sturdiness, carrying capacity and grounded/solid ride feel. Some things that I’ve kept (and still loving) are my Cane Creek eeSilk squishy seatpost, Ergon grips and Confucius bars.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Fenix 6S Pro.

Ryan Hardy

Age 40 / Sydney (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: 2018 Giant Anthem dual sus with a 120mm Rockshox SID fork and a 1° creaky angle headset. Hunt 29″ trailwide wheelset with Maxxis Rekon up front, Rekon Race rear. Surly Corner Bar knockoffs, GX AXS 1×12, SQ Labs seat with the worlds shortest (75mm) AXS dropper. I’ll be climbing/hiking with an oval 32T chainring (left it too late to get an oval 28T; love my ovals).
BAGS: Custom Treadlite frame bag, Bags by Bird bar bag, Tailfin speed rack and Tailfin fork clamps with Aero drybags. Apidura feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain Designs 1p tent, Sea to Summit mat and a -10° bag. Jetboil for warm stuff.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Enduro 3 watch for navigation and Garmin InReach Mini 2 for tracking.

Brady Hart

Age 23 / Melbourne (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Surly Karate Monkey, size small. Running 2.6″ Mezcals tubeless, Tubus Vega Evo rear rack with custom aluminium bag platform and Arundel looney bin bottle mounts tigged on. Unknown aluminium front rack slightly modded, Blackburn outpost fork bag cages on the side. Storage bottle for tools and spares under the downtube. Roughly 36kg all up with food and water.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Ranger frame bag. Sea to Summit Big River dry bags, 13L on the front rack with Helinox on top, 20L on the rear with shock cord web for the crocs. Decathlon 4L fork dry bag on each side of front rack. Decathlon long top tube bag. Temu spec feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dropper post, absolute essential on any bike ever.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 640.

Joe Hayden

Age 32 / Fremantle (Walyalup), Western Australia (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’m riding my 2024 Curve GMX+ Steel. This bike has been my all around bike for the last six months, commuter during the week and trail rig on the weekend. It’ll be running fresh 2.35″ Mezcals with the standard spec 1×12 32T front, 10-52T Apex-Eagle drivetrain. It has a SP Dynamo hub and a full kLite setup (such a great piece of kit!). I’ve got some Profile Designs tri bars and well worn in Brooks B17 saddle for comfort. There’s an assortment of cages for bottles, flat pedals, and a Tumbleweed T-Rack at the rear.
BAGS: I have a custom made Rogue Panda frame bag with a matching custom purple feed bags by Hungry. A Tailfin top tube bag will be keeping my electronics dry and I have a Bike Bag Dude handlebar sling to carry my tent. A pair of Sea to Summit drybags on the front fork hold my camping gear and there’s a heavy duty Sea to Summit drybag on the rear rack for my clothes and sleeping bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Nemo 1-person Bikepack tent, and Tensor sleeping pad with a Sea to Summit Accent 2 sleeping bag and pillow will be my cozy home away from home. I am carrying two luxury items, a JBL speaker (tunes are a strong motivator!) and my 35mm Nikon 28ti to capture the memories and beauty of the high country.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Richard Herrmann

Age 52 / Ferntree Gully, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I will be riding (not racing) on a Trek Superfly hardtail. It’s a bike I scored for $0 that was a friends sons ride to school bike (Thanks, Stu and Jack!). It’s running the standard Bontrager wheelset, not tubeless, a 1×11 Shimano drivetrain, 1″ riser bars with a short stem, Shimano disc brakes with 180mm rotors, and Specialized Fast Track 29 x 2.3″ tyres.
BAGS: Starting at the front, I have a Salsa Anything cradle and dry bag, two Revelate Designs feed bags and a handy front bag on top of the stem. On the top tube is a Revelate gas tank and USWE top tube bag. I am running a medium Revelate Ranger frame bag which happens to fit perfectly in the front triangle with a custom twin bottle holder. Under the downtube is a 1.5L Nalgene bottle, giving me a 3L water capacity. At the rear is a rack (came with the bike) and an Ortlieb dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: None specifically. Just interested to see how the whole setup goes over my timeline of 10 days camping the the Australian High Country!
GPS DEVICE: Old school paper maps backed up with GPX files loaded onto a phone.

Stu Holt

Age 38 / Lithgow, Wiradjuri Country, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1, medium size. The drivetrain has been upgraded for the Hunt with a Garbaruk Rear Derailleur Cage and fancy pulley wheels, letting me run a 11-51T Deore Cassette. The SRAM SX 170mm Crank turns an AbsoluteBLACK 28T Narrow Wide Chainring for a low gear ratio down to 0.55 (low enough to spin up Billy Goat Bluff?). Bumps are taken care of with a set of FOX 32 Performance SC 100mm forks. I’ll be running a new set of Hunt favourite Vittoria Mezcal 2.35s tubeless (double sealant). A Thompson stem and seatpost gets the fit dialed in on a frame that is probably a size too small. A new Selle Italia FLITE Boost Saddle rounds out the upgrades from stock. Shout out to Renshaws Lithgow for getting the bike rolling.
BAGS: Carrying as little gear as my anxiety allows is a custom Liteskin Framebag and Top Tube Garage by Bike Bag Dude, with Ortlieb saddle, handlebar and fork packs. Forkpacks are firmly held onto the shocks with a pair of Old Man Mountain Axle Packs. Water bottles are held on a Cyclewerks Bottle Cage Double Adaptor mounted on the underside of the downtube by a Wolf Tooth B-RAD 4 Mounting Base.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit is minimal, a Sea to Summit Spark Pro Down Sleeping Bag -9C/15F should keep me warm inside a SOL Escape 1-Person XL Emergency Bivvy for the couple of nights I plan to camp out. An Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket will keep the rain (and snow?) off when riding.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Kephren Izzard

Age 45 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’m riding my 2024 Salsa Timberjack. Pretty much off the shelf expect for Fox 34 Performance Fork, OneUp carbon bars, Hunt x Mason Dynamo Hub, 2.35″ Vitorria Mezcals and Brooks Saddle. Running gear is Shimano SLX with a 10-51T cassette paired with a 30T chainring up front. Stopping is taken care of with SLX brakes as well.
BAGS: Aeroe Spider rack and dry bags, Rogue Panda custom frame bag and a Restrap front roll are taking care of carrying the essentials, along with an Apidura Backcountry long top tube bag. Two Skin Grows Back feed bags along with two fork mounted Blackburn Outpost cages and generic 1.5L water bottles will give us 5L of water carry capacity with the ability to carry two more litres if needed in a Cnoc bladder attached to a Sayer Squeeze Filter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Highlights would have to be the collection of merino socks, shorts, shirts, underwear and beanie from Mons Royale along with my Florence Marine X Pertex Climashield Puffer.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1030 Plus.

Brian John

Age 59 / Melbourne (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Clyde is a Curve GMX with Curve Carbon Dirt Hoop wheels with SP dynamo hub. Groupset is Shimano XT 1×12. Tires are 2.6″ Vittoria Mezcals for their tough construction and go anywhere nature with just enough cushion to smooth things out.
BAGS: My bags are mostly Tailfin, but I have a Bike Bag Dude custom frame bag that swallows whatever the rest of the bags can’t. I run an Apidura 3L bladder in the frame bag to give me flexibility and volume for those big stretches between water sources.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The GMX was absolutely made for events like the Hunt 1000. It’s a go anywhere beast that take everything that I throw at it. I can’t wait to try out my new bits and pieces that I keep refining to get a better experience from the riding and camping pleasures that go with bikepacking. I don’t think I have ever gone out with the same set of gear twice.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 does all the navigation that I need.

Donald Kirk

Age 30 / Ferntree Gully, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Merida Big Nine 9000 (known to me as Big Mac) converted to a gravel monster with rigid fork and drop bars (frame sized down to accommodate). 105 shifters, Wolf Tooth Tanpan converter and Deore derailleur, 10-51T SLX cassette. Brakes are Deore XT 4 pots paired with a 200mm and 180mm rotor. Front and rear racks courtesy of Tubus.
BAGS: 2x 20L Ortlieb back roller bags, an AliExpress feed bag and Rockbros frame bag. Also carrying a 3L CamelBak with Sawyer filter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: MSR Hubba Bubba tent, Exped mat and a Neve gear down quilt round out the sleeping system. MSR XGK liquid fuel stove.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 800.

Simon Kleyn

Age 58 / Barmedman, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding my Focus Raven 8.9 hardtail at a leisurely “party pace,” savouring the sights and the journey. The bike features a carbon frame, suspension fork, and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed mechanical group set. It rolls on DT Swiss X1900 wheels shod with Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ tyres (tubeless setup), and its bare weight, including pedals, is 12kg.
BAGS: I’ve chosen budget-friendly options: a Newboler frame bag, Rhinowalk top tube bag, 13L saddlebag, and water bottle pouches that each fit a 1L bottle. I’ve also crafted homemade mounts for the handlebar roll and an additional 2L water bottle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleeping setup includes a Naturehike bivy, complemented by a down sleeping bag and liner. For added comfort, I have a Sea to Summit Ether Light XT mattress paired with an insulated ground mat, which I consider my luxury item. Additionally, I’ll also carry an insect head cover if needed.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 plus my Samsung S23 loaded with RWGPS mapping.

Paul Lange

Age 63 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Hunt on a Curve GMX+ Steel. I’m running tubeless and I just swapped my old Mezcal’s for new Mezcal 27.5 x 2.1″ inch tyres. The drivetrain is SRAM 1×12 (10-52T) with a 32T chainring. Lighting and charging is supplied by a dynamo front hub combined with a kLite light setup.
BAGS: My bag setup is a compromise between what I have, what I needed to have and what would fit on an XS frame, hence the mix. On the back I’m using an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack with dry bags attached to the downstays and deck. I’ve used a 3/4 Blackburn frame bag, an Apidura top tube bag, feed bags on the bars, along with an Topeak handlebar roll and small Ortlieb fork bags. I’m carrying 3x 1L bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m using a Waratah Pro Quilt on a Nemo Tensor All Season UL air mat inside a Durston X-Mid 2.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Graeme Lay

Age 56 / Coogee, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be on a Canyon Exceed CF9 (Hardtail), SRAM XO Eagle AXS drivetrain, DT Swiss XRC 1501 rims, Mezcal III XC-Trail Tyres, a Tumbleweed Handlebar to fit aero bars, inner bar ends, and Fenix font light.
BAGS: I’ve gone with team Apidura for the bags, including, Frame bag (6l), Handlebar bag (11l), Saddle bag (7l) and Top Tube bag. I’m carrying 2L of water around the seat post and an extra litre on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Helium Bivy, Mont Zero sleeping Bag, and an Anchor 12,000Mah power bank with GAN wall charger.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040, iPhone, and Garmin Inreach Mini2

Tony Lopes

Age 37 / Sydney (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Metal one-gear.
BAGS: Framebag sewed up by good mate and all-round legend Paul Wyatt. The rest by Los Strempkes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fresh rubber and some Mone moto bars.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Graeme MacNair

Age 22 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Waltly custom titanium frame (based off of a curve).
BAGS: Restrap front and rear bags, Hungry custom frame bag (amazing), and Old Man Mountain mini panniers on the fork.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hungry custom frame bag is amazing with bottom compartment holding a 3L bladder. Bringing hiking poles for my Durston X-Mid 2.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050.

Alexander Migdalias

Age 25 / Canberra, ACT (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be ripping it on my Cannondale Scalpel HT with an ever reliable Shimano drivetrain. The Schwalbe tires will be replaced with Mezcal XC Race 2.4″ before departure. Thanks to Reddit I’ve managed to do an unholy pairing of Shimano Pro aero bars with a 70mm Profile Designs spacer kit. My fork bottle cages have zip ties on the sides and elastics on the top to keep bottles in, it’s proven a bomber setup.
BAGS: A Tailfin cargo pack out back, so that I can use my dropper post to get super rowdy. A very cool custom TreadLite frame bag and an Apidura Backcountry down tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favourite and trustiest piece of kit is my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket. It’s survived four hard years of trips across three continents and is still going super strong. Also my Mont sleeping bag because it’s super cosy.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with infinite battery.

Leo Molloy

Age 22 / Downer, ACT (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding a Santos frame that I spray painted. It’s fitted with a Gates belt drive and a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal geared hub. I’m quite proud the bike because it’s a parts bin special built from parts left behind by customers at the bike shop. Free bike YEW!
BAGS: The bags are Rhino walk from Aliexpress which cost about $150 for a set.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike has a SP dynamo hub and I got a 1-person Lanshan ultralight tent from Ali for $120 which I’m excited to test out!

Cameron Munro

Age 54 / Hawthorn East, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be tackling the 2025 Hunt 1000 on the same trusty 2022 Trek X-Caliber 9 that completed the 2024 Hunt 1000, now with a few minor upgrades. It sports a fresh pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires, Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain featuring a 10-51T cassette and 28T chainring, a Selle SMP Evo saddle, and up front, a set of Spirgrips+ paired with Ergon GP5 grips for enhanced comfort and control.
BAGS: I’ll be hauling my gear and provisions in a Revelate Rifter frame bag, a Revelate Designs Mag-Tank 2000, and three Tailfin 3L Cage Packs: two mounted on the forks with Tailfin cages and suspension fork mounts, and one secured to the down tube via custom rivnuts and a Tailfin cage. Up front, a 20L Sea to Summit dry bag is strapped to an Il Coso Miss Grape handlebar cradle, with an 8L Sea to Summit dry bag extending outward. At the rear, a Tumbleweed Mini Pannier titanium rack (powder-coated black) holds a 35L Sea to Summit dry bag, complete with a custom mount for my Garmin Varia. Hydration includes two 1L bottles mounted to the sides of the downtube, plus another 1L bottle in one of two Revelate feed bags attached to the bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My shelter setup features a Durston X-Dome +1 tent, paired with a Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9°C sleeping bag and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad for reliable warmth and rest.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation and communication, I’ll rely on my phone, Garmin Fenix 8 watch, and a Garmin inReach Mini 2.

Brendan Murray

Age 39 / Currumbin, Gold Coast (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Specialized Epic Hardtail. Rigid set up with ENVE Mountain Fork. Roval Control Carbon wheel with Specialized Fast Track Grid Lite 2.35″ tires. Wolf Tooth 36T Chainring. Exposure Mk 18 light with support cells.
BAGS: Maap Apidura Saddle, frame and front bag. Restrap top tube, Hyperlite bottle/feed bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system can cover varied conditions with the bonus of being light and packable. MLD bivy. Mont Zero bag 12° coupled with Mont down jacket and Zero gear fuzzy pants. Mont sit pad is my sleep pad.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Etrex 22.

Chris Neal

Age 56 / Perth, Western Australia (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Orbea Ois, 2023 model, a serious XC racer lightly converted to bikepacking duty with a stem change and 50mm upsweep on the handlebars, finished with SQ Lab 710 grips. Running Maxxis Forekaster EXO 29 x 2.4″ tyres for extra bite through the centre tread on loose, muddy climbs. Tailfin bags across the bike, with a RockBros frame bag as the lone exception.
BAGS: Front 10L Tailfin fork bags: one side with first aid kit, tools, and spares; the other with a water filter and two 1.5L bottles. Two Temu feed bags on the bars. A Tailfin top tube bag houses the power bank feeding the iPhone via Quad Lock. The RockBros frame bag is reserved for an epic stash of Clif Bars and Tailwind Endurance Fuel. A large Tailfin handlebar bag carries all clothing, with warm layers accessible from either end. The Tailfin Aeropack holds sleeping bag, rain jacket, waterproof trousers (likely to be worn), and gas canister. Tailfin 20L panniers complete the setup: one for food, the other for camping gear including tent, mattress, and pillow.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The standout is the bike itself. It’s light, efficient, and still fun to ride even when fully loaded.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 830, a few years old and still going strong after a DIY screen re-glue.

Nick Oakley

Age 67 / Geelong, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusty Giant Carbon XTC 29 which dates from 2008. The bike is basically standard, 2×10 speed SRAM gears with 40/28T Shimano XTR chainset and 45T rear cluster. I like my low gears! Maxxis Ikon 2.2” tyres, Shimano XT brakes, Thompson seatpost with a well broken in Concor saddle.
BAGS: A bit of a mix with a Blackburn frame bag for the heavy stuff, Ortlieb panniers and bar bag, some fork bags and other small bags. I am quite tall and a prefer to keep the weight low, so am not a fan of seat bags as I think they stress the saddle too much; a broken saddle ended one ride previously.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes tent, Sea to Summit pad. I am not a weight weenie and want comfortable, dependable gear. This ride is hard on equipment.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 520, with an old Garmin 800 as backup.

Daniel O’Hara

Age 44 / Frankston South, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’m cruising on a Surly Karate Monkey XL with Jones H-Bars, trusty 2.35” Mezcals on Race Face Aeffect 29” wheels and Marzocchi Bomber Z2 suspension forks with a Lekker saddle.
BAGS: One quality Exped Drybag and the rest are Temu specials or inherited.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit Spark 2 sleeping bag, more like a sheet but packs down tiny and a fragile Big Agnes Flycreek 2 UL tent. The Toyota badge was found and tied on to increase reliability, so far so good.
GPS DEVICE: Spot Gen 3. Wahoo Bolt V2 for navigation.

Beau Proctor

Age 31 / Wodonga, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: 2025 Cannondale Topstone, SRAM Mullet 36T chainring, a 10-52T cassette (not pictured), Mezcal 2.25″ front and a T50 Terreno rear on some Reserve carbon hoops, Exposure Toro Mk15 headlight, 1x 20k and 1x 10k power bank should see me through to a midway supply drop, 2x 800ml bottles (maybe one more on downtube).
BAGS: Tailfin rear rack system, BBD side bags, Apidura top tube bag, Restrap hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Keen to try my new tent, a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Ultralight.
GPS DEVICE: Spot Tracker Gen 3.

Chris Pulkkinen

Age 49 / Arrawarra Headland, NSW (Australia)

BIKE: 1,000
BIKE: I found a second hand Scott Scale 930 carbon hardtail, which seemed like it would work. Shame about the lack bosses on it! It’s all stock standard except a riser stem and riser bars to get out of that aggressive XC position. I have 2.35″ Mezcal tyres, 30T x 51T drivetrain, and after much agonizing, fitted tubes instead of sealant.
BAGS: The bags are a mixed, err, bag. Bike Bag Dude’s standard perfection for the custom 2-pocket frame bag, the front roll, and the top tube bag. Tailfin Cargo Pack and rack, then four 3L Tailfin cage packs on front forks and rear rack. Water bottles on front forks and down tube, with a purifier bladder in the frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hopefully the Durston X-Mid 1 tent, Sea To Summit Ether Light XT mat, and my son’s sleeping bag (because it’s smaller and lighter) will keep me well rested. My custom tent pole bag, made from a multi coloured grocery bag will also keep me smiling!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Richard Quinlan

Age 58 / Perth, Western Australia (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Full suspension Scott Spark, 1×12 SRAM drivetrain, 10-52T with 34T chainring, Continental Tyres.
BAGS: Aeroe rear rack, Revelate Designs Pronghorn and Egress front handlebar bag (not pictured), Apidura seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nemo Hornet 2P tent. Sea to Summit Etherlight XR pro mat, Crocs with both 2WD and 4WD capability.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1030.

Howard Rogers

Age 58 / Tamborine Mountain, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Hunt 1000 on a 2019 Specialized Epic Eco. The bike features a new pair of Terevail Sparwood 2.2” tires and a new Brooks Cambium C17 Carved seat but is otherwise as standard with Specialized’s Brain suspension. For lighting, I have a Unite 1000 front light with a spare battery to be charged with a high speed 140W Anker 737, 24,000mAh Power Bank which is heavy but should last the trip.
BAGS: A mixed bag setup with a 9L Ortlieb handlebar Pack and Ortlieb Accessory Pack which is great for quick access for food and kit. A large Roswheel off road seat pack, two Topeak 4 litre drybags on the forks attached to Topeak Versacages and a 1.2L USWE top tube bag with magnetic closure. I’ll have two Blackburn Outpost CarryAll Handlebar Bags as feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Have been trialling SQ inner bar ends and they make a huge difference by providing an additional comfortable hand position. The best item is my 8 year old daughter’s head torch bought from the outdoor retailer Kathmandu. The rechargeable battery lasts for hours and has saved me when my main light battery runs flat. I will camp in a Durston X-Mid 1 with a Sea to Summit Spark -1C/30F Down Sleeping Bag.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I use a Garmin eTrex 32 and just bought a Wahoo Element Bolt 2 which is easy to read. The eTrex is handy if I get a mechanical and I have to walk out of remote terrain since it has detailed topographic maps.

Brian Schumacher

Age 60 / Adelaide, South Australia (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Hunt 1000 on a 2024 Specialised Chisel hardtail. The bike features a Curve Carbon Fork, Tumbleweed Persuader Bar, Deore XT Brakes, DT Swiss Wheels with Son Dynamo with a Pair of Maxxis Recons 29 x 2.4″, Hope F22 pedals, and a Cambrian C17 Saddle.
BAGS: Bags are a mixture of Tailfin aero pack and 5L cage packs mounted on front forks. An Apidura 4L frame bag was a perfect fit for this medium frame. Revelate harness with an Apidura bar roll (It’s what I had). Four 1L bottles are mounted fore and aft.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love the Klite and charging system. Looking forward to using the Durston X Dome 2 especially for setting up in the rain. Garmin messenger. The 1.3kg frame is light and I don’t worry when rocks bounce off it. I think the Wolf Tooth 28T chainring will likely be my favourite piece of kit given the amount of climbing.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Tim Shillington

Age 57 / Canberra (Australia)

BIKE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding a Niner Sir 9 2012, 2.25″ tyres, 11-speed, Berthoud seat, Ergon grips.
BAGS: Revelate Terrapin seatbag, Revelate Ranger frame bag, Revelate harness with drybag, assorted other ravelate bags, Mica Rat Tail rack with Gutter cargo cages.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Well-used Mont sleeping bag and down jacket, Nemo 2 man tent, and the nifty little MSR Pocket Rocket for cooking. Dehydrated all my main meals.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura (amazing battery life and easy to use). iPhone 16e as backup.

Andy Simpson

Age 62 / Sydney, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusted Tumbleweed Stargazer, pimped with Curve Carbon.Forks. Wheels are Curve Dirthoops Carbon, SON dynamo hub with Mezcal Trail 2.6″ tyres. Drivetrain is SRAM Eagle 32T, 10-50T cassette, Ratio Technology kit for Curve walmer drop bars. Brooks saddle, Profile Design aero bars and Tumbelweed rack. Hope flat pedals.
BAGS: Awesome Big Bag Dude’s custom framebag. Ortlieb handlebar bag and a gravel pannier, Revelate Designs fork bag on the rear and Restrap tube and chaf bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston Mid X1 tent has seen me through some wet nights, kept warm on a Nemo insulated mat with a Neve Gear quilt.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Neville Simpson

Age 54 / Canberra (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding a Scott Spark 910 equipped with a 30T chainring and 10–51T cassette. The bike is rolling on Schwalbe Wicked Will 2.4” tires.
BAGS: I’m running an Aeroe setup, including the Aeroe Spider Rack on the rear with Aeroe bags, as well as the Aeroe handlebar cradle up front.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Imogen Smith

Age 44 / Highvale, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: My bike is a brand new Salsa Timberjack, which is a fun alloy trail hardtail converted into a bikepacking workhorse. I’ve got a mostly new Shimano XT group set, with four-piston brakes, Di2 shifting, and some tiny 160mm cranks with a 30T chain ring. I want to minimise walking and maximise riding. Wheels are EIE carbon 30mm rims with Maxxis Rekon Race, 2.4” front and 2.35” rear – along with a Tubolight EVO SL tyre insert. I’ve got my Fox 34 SC 120mm fork on the front with a remote lockout. Total weight unloaded is a respectable but not racy 11.6kg.
BAGS: The centrepiece of our whole setup: Bike Bag Dude made us matching custom frame bags, top tube bags, and chaff bags to our exact colour and fabric specifications (blaze orange highlights to match the Albion cargo vest and Fox forks). These look amazing and are just immaculately made – I know I will never want nor need to replace them – ever. My other favourite is the Albion cargo vest, which I’m emotionally attached to. It has accompanied me on every bikepacking trip and is the most functional, simple piece of cycling kit I have ever owned. It carries litres of food and drink, spares and clothing securely, and is so comfortable that I forget I’m wearing it, even when loaded. In blaze orange, I’m also highly visible on the road – I notice that vehicles are just that little bit more aware of me when I’m in it.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nathan White, a genius cycling podiatrist in Brisbane (The Pedaler/Cobra 9) tooled me custom carbon innersoles for my Bont MTB shoes that have made long-distance riding possible again. I’ve had issues with bursal neuronal complexes in both feet from decades of pedalling, which are painful over big miles. The innersoles make long rides possible again. I’m pretty happy with my sleep system: Enlightened Equipment -6 quilt, Thermarest NeoAir mat, and a tiny pillowcase that I stuff with my Albion lightweight puffy for cosy nights. A final highlight is that Mike and I will 100% match – clothing, gear, bikes. Cause we’re a team. Also, he’s carrying the tent. Cause we’re a team.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2. Spot Gen4 tracker.

Dieter Stahmer

Age 53 / Brisbane (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Salsa Cuthroat, 32T 10-51T GRX mechanical, Ritchey Corralitos bars, We Are One hoops with a SON 28 front hub and DT350 rear, Maxxis Mezcal 2.25″ tires.
BAGS: Bike Bag Dude frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: kLite light and USB dynamo charger.

Oli Stanley

Age 21 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding my Black Mountain Cycles La Cabra, a steel drop bar mountain bike. Running Salsa Cowchippers with a mix of Shimano 12-speed. Tumbleweed rear rack to support my dry bag.
BAGS: A mix of bags from JPaks, Rockgeist, Rogue Panda, and Tailfin. I’ll also be wearing my Restrap hydration vest for extra food and water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Really happy with my Durston Tent, Exposure lights, Jpaks Top tube bag, cheapo Aliexpress titanium stove and clothing from Albion. My Therm-a-Rest seat pad is also a game changer!
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt V2.

Alberto Sunderland

Age 52 / Sydney, New South Wales (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Hunt 1000 on an Ibis Exie [for all] 2022. I’m running the bike with a SRAM GX Transmission. New Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4″ tires, Ibis 933 Aluminum Rims, and Shimano SLX brakes.
BAGS: I will be running with an almost full Tailfin setup, with their original Top Bag plus 2x 22L ultra durable pannier bags out back [not full] and 2x 5L Cage Packs. In the middle in bright orange you can see my custom Rockgeist frame bag and on the handlebars a Rockgeist harness. Two liter bottles will be mounted to the forks and I’m carrying capacity for an additional 3L in my bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Nemo Tensor insulated sleeping mat and a Nemo Dragonfly OSMO Ultralight will be my home for 10 days.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530 + Garmin Edge 705.

Kip Tanner

Age 50 / Canberra, ACT (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: There is at least one faded orange Surly Karate Monkey in the Hunt each year. I’m rolling on composite 29″ rims that I’ve borrowed from my trance and the almost mandatory 2.35″ Mezcals. 30T chainring and 10T-51T gears at the back. Surly rigid fork. Bars, seat, and dropper all as supplied with the bike. Bar ends by Temu.
BAGS: Revelate frame, top tube and handlebar bags. 4x Gorilla dry bags strapped to Widefoot cages on the forks and my Old Man Mountain rack. The generic dry bag on the rack is full of food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My double drink bottle holder made from a bit of street sign is not the lightest thing in the world, but it’s proven functional and durable. I’ve upgraded from thongs to fake crocs for river crossings and campsite shoes. Love my dropper post, both for bouncing down hills and making it easier to get tired legs on and off the bike.
GPS DEVICE: Ride with GPS on my phone with a Garmin Etrex 32x as a backup plan.

Chris Thexton

Age 44 / Western Australia (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: 2016 Surly Ogre with Mavic Allroad alu rims, 2.6″ Schwalbe Nobby Nic up front soft compound and 2.25″ on the rear endurance compound. Deore XT 3×9 from two decades ago, you negotiate gears rather than select them.
BAGS: Rockgeist Dr. Jones Bag in flamingo pink for the Jones H bar. I also squeeze a Ride Farr handlebar bag on with toiletries. Front Surly touring rack with some Ortliebs and rear Tubus grand tour rack with some Ortliebs. Dropped the Oveja Negra frame back in favour of some larger water bottles this time and couldn’t resist some Ti King Cages.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: CaneCreek Thudbuster is heavy AF but that parallelogram and elastomer is like having three extra vertebral disks for suspension in the seatpost. My adjustable PRO stem will give me +\- 30° to play with which comes into its own if anything starts to ache up top. Looking forward to Flextail Zero tiny airpump for camping mat inflation.
GPS DEVICE: Edge 1050, but at 44 all screens are starting to look pokey. Failing that its the Southern Cross.

Nick Thompson

Age 70 / Port Macquarie, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: 2023 Curve GMX+, carbon Dirt Hoops, Mezcal 2.6″ tyres set up tubeless. SP dynamo hub powering a full kLite charging/lighting setup. 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain, White Industries cranks. Shimano 4 pot XT brakes. Specialized Power Pro saddle, Doom Ti bars, SQ Lab grips.
BAGS: New for this year is the Tailfin rack/pannier setup. Custom framebag from TRG, the rest are a combination from BBD and Rockgeist.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Slingfin Portal 2, TRG quilt, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, and 7Mesh rain gear.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 for navigation, inReach Mini2 for comms.

an Towers

Age 58 / Canberra, ACT (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: My ride is a Niner Air 9 2016. Drivetrain is 32T x 11-speed 11-51T cassette. Tyres are 29 x 2″ tubed Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M.
BAGS: Bags are self-sewn and are strapped to Topeak Versacages. The frame bag is also self-sewn and exploits the vast front triangle of the XL frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My home-prepped dehydrated meals and hot coffees.
GPS DEVICE: iPhone with Avenza Maps and Ride with GPS.

Chris Vincent

Age 36 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Let’s see if my legs survive on my Trek Checkpoint SL5 Gen 2 with Craftworx Gnarly 25 GR-X wheels and Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres (50mm front, 45mm rear). Profile Design Sonic Ergo 43A aerobars for long days. Shimano 2×11 drivetrain with 11-34T cassette.
BAGS: Tailfin AeroPack with 10L Mini Panniers and a long top tube bag—snacks for days and easy phone access for photos. Bontrager frame bag fits perfectly. A Sea to Summit dry bag on the bars carries the tent and spare layers securely.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Small Camelbak for extra water and quick access without opening bike bags. Thick merino socks are underrated at keeping feet comfortable all day. Shelter: Mont Moondance 1, Alton Regular Sleeping Mat and Ultralight Pillow, plus Sea to Summit Trek TKII (-8°C) for warmth. Spot Gen4 for tracking.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Jeremy Virag

Age 41 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ve landed on riding my Scott Spark 900 RC Team. Removed the dropper to simplify it a bit. The twin lock suspension lockout is really great. 10-50T SRAM Eagle. Changed stuff is Formula Cura brakes, 28T front ring and Ergon grips/Spirgrips. Vittoria Peyote 2.4″ tires, fresh bearings all round, a new back rim and chain.
BAGS: Went homespun custom frame and top tube bags to fit everything in the awkward frame triangle. A borrowed Oveja Negra seat pack. It’ll have a roll bag up front too and some extra bottle cages where they can fit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A new Big Agnes Rapide mat gives me a solid nights sleep. Moreno big thanks to Hunt 1000 disciples Peet And Rhys for all their misty eyed enthusiasm, advice, gear loans and encouragement!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Kipling Walker

Age 57 / Hobart, Tasmania (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Curve GMX+ with new Seek 430 fork, RatKing cradle, Passchier bamboo bars, CaneCreek eeSilk seatpost, Selle Anatomica saddle, Rohloff hub with Gates belt drive, Vittoria Mezcal III 2.35″ tyres, Tailfin rear rack and panniers.
BAGS: Hungry feedbags, Exped Endura for fork and front roll, BikeBagDude, and Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Passchier bamboo bars improve handling and comfort. Cane Creek eeSilk seatpost improves saddle comfort. RatKing cradle moves front roll from handlebars to the frame. KLite with SON hub always works.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 67i, Edge 1040 solar, Ride With GPS on phone.

Risdon Weatherall

Age 30 / Albury, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Kevin the golden goose will be running a SRAM Rival 11-speed with a 36T chainring. Son hub and kLite light/charging system. Tyres are 2.1″ Teravail rear and 2.25″ Schwalbe front.
BAGS: Kev is kitted with a Terra Rosa half frame bag and Monster nack bags, Oveja Negra fork bags (They’re too difficult to take on/off so will be on there for life), Aeroe harness and a Tubus vega rack/Sea to Summit dry bag combo. I have a 1.4L Nalgene and an average drink bottle, Life Straw 650ml bottle and a 1L fuel transporter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping quarters will include a Big Agnes tent (3-person but really only fits two people) a Neve blanket and an uber lite but uber loud mat.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 800.

Cam Wells

Age 62 / Brunswick, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2024 Fairlight Holt, with a 100mm travel Rockshox Sid. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires, a 1×12 Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain with a 28T chainring, and Hope Pro5/Mavic wheels with a Shutter Precision Dynamo hub with a kLIte Adventure light and charging system.
BAGS: I have a Revelate Designs Frame bag, with a Tailfin Aeropack and panniers. I also have a Tailfin Bar Bag, top tube bag, and fork packs, and a pair of Revelate designs Mountain feedbags on the bars. Three Nalgene bottles will be mounted to the fork and downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston X-Dome 1+ with Sea To Summit Sleeping bag and an Exped Dura Air Mat. I’ll be carrying a Spot Gen 2 for tracking.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Lucas White

Age 52 / Elands, NSW (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Ritchey P29er, XT/SLX 30 x 11-46T 10-speed, Fox Float 29 fork, Specialized Fasttrak 29 x 2.35″ (if you squint and tilt your head, they look like Mezcals).
BAGS: Blackburn frame bag, Topeak fuel tank, Birzman front roll, Aeroe rack with Sea to Summit 13L dry bag, Topeak and BBB cargo cages.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Helinox high back chair for mid-ride breaks and evening camp comfort. To keep me dry when the heavens open, a Fox Defend 3L rain jacket, waterproof socks and gloves. Undecided on which sized hip flask with a good single malt whiskey inside. Or do I bother at all?
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Etrex 30, Garmin Fenix 5x, and an iPhone 11.

Stephen White

Age 52 / Preston, Victoria (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Orbea Alma H series, Full Shimano XT8100, SP dynamo hub and Klite light and charger, Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.35″, Ergon touch points saddle and grips.
BAGS: Mix of Ortlieb and Apidura with Old Man Mountain rear rack and rack top bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Helinox Zero chair is my luxury item. Naturehike Cloudup tent with a Rab ultra sphere 4.5 mat and Sea to Summit Spark -1°C sleeping bag to help me sleep comfortably.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach Mini 2.

Paul Wyatt

Age 52 / Gold Coast, Queensland (Australia)

ROUTE: 1,000
BIKE: Surly Ogre 32:22T gearing, 2.6″ rubber upfront, 2.4″ out the back.
BAGS: Restrap Saddle Bag (Sleep Kit). A Monkey Puzzle Fabrics project consisting of a frame bag (Calories, Head Torch, Buff and Arm Warmers) Top Tube bag (snacks) and tool pouch. Two fork bags Sea to Summit (Clothes) and a MYOG bag (Calories, Minerals) Blackburn stem bag (water filter kit, zinc, poo trowel). Undecided on Cook pot.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rapha Bum Bag that will hold rain jacket for easy on/off plus the two pockets for choc milk and coke and probably a handful of Snickers and Summer Rolls plus a few baggies of “EPO powder” (Maltodextrin).
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, that battery life.

Further Reading

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