Bikepackapiles

Title says it all, bikepacking to Arapiles. This ride will go through the Grampians, stopping at Roses Gap and Horsham on the way to Australia's trad climbing Mecca. Plan is to climb for three days before riding home.

Participants must be checked off as at least a seconder in the MUMC climbing framework. If you have previous experience with lead or trad climbing please write a message to the ropes officer. Participants must also be able to pack all of their overnight and climbing gear. This will likely require tent groupings and communal dinners to make room for those sweet sweet trad racks.

Map

Day 1: Ararat to Laharum (87 km, 80m elevation gain)

Day 2: Laharum to Arapiles (74km, 30m elevation gain)

Notes for ride up: 

The journey there is mostly descending, with few very small climbs which makes it great for hauling ropes and trad racks. 

There will be food options in Halls Gap roughly halfway through day one, and we will shop in Horsham for food on day two.

Day 3-5: Climbing!!!

Day 6: Arapiles to Laharum (74km, 50m elevation gain)

Day 7: Laharum to Ararat (87km, 200m elevation gain)

Notes for returning ride:

Elevation gain is much more gradual on day 6. Instead of one 50m hill like on the way there, there are sustained, nearly flat 40km sections.

Day 7 has the steepest elevation into Ararat that will remind you why the journey to Arapiles was as easy as Tiptoe Ridge.