🚵‍♂️ Don’t Forget These Mountain Biking Essentials! 🌊

🔥 G’day mate! After 5+ years of shredding tracks around Oz, especially along the bloody brilliant Great Ocean Road, I’ve learnt the hard way what you ACTUALLY need to pack. Trust me, this list will save your arvo!

🚵‍♂️ The Ride Kit

✅ Your Mountain Bike – OBVIOUSLY, but give it a once-over before you leave!

✅ Helmet – Non-negotiable, mate. Your brain’s the only one you’ve got.

✅ Hydration Pack or Bottles – You’ll be sweating heaps out there.

✅ Multi-tool – For those annoying on-trail adjustments.

✅ Spare Tube & Pump – Getting a flat is basically a rite of passage.

✅ Chain Lube – Squeaky chains are the worst!

👕 What to Wear

✅ Moisture-wicking Jersey – Cotton gets heavy and gross.

✅ Padded Liner Shorts – Your bum will thank you after 3 hours.

✅ Gloves – Saves your hands from blisters and trail rash.

✅ Sturdy Shoes – Flat pedals or clipless, just make sure they grip.

✅ Sunglasses – For sun, dust, and looking like a pro.

✅ Light Rain Jacket – The weather down the coast can change in a flash!

🎒 Day Pack Must-Haves

✅ First-Aid Kit – Bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and pain killers.

✅ Snacks, Snacks, Snacks – Muesli bars, bananas, whatever fuels you.

✅ Phone & Portable Charger – For maps and emergencies.

✅ Sunscreen – The Aussie sun is no joke, even when it’s cloudy.

✅ Insect Repellent – Especially in the warmer months.

✅ Small Towel – Perfect for wiping down sweat or a surprise swim!

🚗 Car & Post-Ride Gear

✅ Bike Rack – Unless you’re a magician and can fit it inside.

✅ Change of Clothes – Including undies! Nothing better after a sweaty ride.

✅ Thongs (Flip-Flops) – Let those feet breathe!

✅ Esky (Cooler) – Pack it with cold drinks for when you finish.

✅ Foam Roller – Your legs will be screaming at you tomorrow.

✅ Camera/GoPro – The views on the Great Ocean Road are absolutely unreal!

⭐ Nice to Have (But Not Essential)

✅ Knee/Elbow Pads – Great for beginners or techy trails.

✅ Heart Rate Monitor – If you’re into tracking your stats.

✅ Buff or Bandana – Super versatile for sweat, sun, or dust.

✅ Bike Lock – If you plan on stopping for a pub meal mid-ride.

✅ Portable Coffee Maker – Because a good coffee is a ripper way to start the day!

❌ Leave These Behind!

❌ Jeans – Heavy, restrictive, and terrible if they get wet.

❌ Your Good Sneakers – They’ll get absolutely destroyed.

❌ A Big Heavy Backpack – You only need the essentials.

❌ Too Much Food – Pack smart, not like you’re crossing the Simpson Desert.

❌ Anything Valuable You Don’t Want Lost or Broken – Leave the fancy watch at home, mate.

📋 Practical Info

📍 Great Ocean Road, Victoria 3233 (Start point: Torquay VIC 3228)
🚗 From Melbourne, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Torquay, the start of the Great Ocean Road and home to some epic trails.
💰 Varies heaps! Most trailheads are free. Bike hire can be $80-150/day. Food and fuel are your main expenses.
🕐 Best ridden from sunrise to sunset. Check local park websites for specific trail closures or alerts.
⏱️ You could spend a full weekend or just a few hours on one of the many fantastic trails.

💡 Tips & Warnings

✅ Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before you head out. Parks Victoria website is your best mate here.
❌ Don’t skimp on water. I learnt that the hard way once and nearly bonked 10km from the car!
⚠️ Watch out for walkers and wildlife, especially around dusk. Kangaroos can pop out of nowhere!
✅ Support the local bakeries and cafes in the little towns along the way. Their post-ride pies are legendary!

🚀 So that’s my tried-and-tested list! What else is on your packing list? Let me know what I’ve missed! 🚀

#MountainBikingAustralia #GreatOceanRoad #MTBlife #AustraliaAdventure #BikePacking #VisitVictoria #AusBike #CyclingAustralia #TrailRiding #OutdoorOz