The Tasmanian Trail RAID

A 588 km Audax Australia RAID. The world-renowned 482 km Tasmanian Trail is a mainly off-road touring route that was originally designed as a horse riding route, but has become a very popular challenge for walkers and MTB cycle-tourers. The standard route of 482 km from Devonport to Dover has 195 km and 287 km of unsealed roads. The Tasmanian Trail has been incorporated in a 588 km Audax Australia Permanent RAID from Devonport to Dover, and returning to Hobart. The RAID is made up of 292 km of sealed public roads, to be ridden at an average speed of between 100 and 200 km a day, and 296 km of unsealed public roads, to be ridden at an average of between 50 and 100 km a day. The minimum time to complete this RAID successfully is 4 days, and maximum is 8 days. The route is available at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45263073  . The ride is a serious undertaking. All but Superheroes will be walking their bikes up some steeper sections. Riders should be equipped for all weather conditions. The ride should not be attempted in the colder, wetter months, or when there is risk of bushfires in summer. There are a good number of escape routes on the ride should they be needed. Riders can tent it, or bike-pack it along the route, or by making some small deviations, find accommodation in towns along the way. The standard Tasmanian Trail route starts in Devonport on the north coast of Tasmania, and ends in Dover on the south-east coast. The route does change in small ways constantly in response to altered road and access conditions. It is highly recommended to prospective riders that they join the Tasmanian Trail Association to keep abreast of latest trail conditions and route variations. The official Tasmanian Trail website  https://www.tasmaniantrail.com.au/ is a good place to start There is an active Facebook group with lots of good information about all aspects of the trail, https://www.facebook.com/rovingtas  . Checkpoints are : Devonport, 0 km - Deloraine, 87 km – Poatina, 180 km – Miena – 240 km – Ouse, 318 km – New Norfolk, 382 km – Geeveson 448 km – Dover 482 km – Hobart 588 km.  The route can be ridden in reverse. Please note that the full 588 km can count towards annual and cumulative Audax Australia distance awards, but no other Audax awards, such as the YRR or SS awards. Ride organiser: Chris Rogers, Email ritchierogers01@gmail.com, ph 0428269412