FAQs
My family and friends are worried, what should I tell them?
It is natural for people who care about you to worry when you do something exciting and challenging. Some people concentrate on risks instead of potential rewards. Certainly, you should be under no misapprehensions, there are risks involved with doing the Red Heart Ride, but they are well-managed. There is no doubt that we will see road trains, sometimes as long as 50m, but they very often move into the other lane and give cyclists plenty of space. They want to avoid you as much as you want them to avoid you. We have regular scheduled breaks to renew your strength with water and high-protein food and any medical conditions can be dealt with by our professional medical team.
What if I feel I cannot continue to ride?
You may be surprised how long you can continue with the support of your team and the mental fortitude you already have. With regular breaks, good quality food and plenty of sleep your body will continue to get power out of your legs long after you thought you could get no more. Of course, if because of a medical condition or extreme fatigue you cannot continue, you are able to ride in the bus until you can get back on the bike.
What is the average speed?
Each team sets their own speed, but the sun is also a limiting factor. There is an average of 11 to 12 hours of sunlight when we will be riding, plus a little bit of twilight on both sides. We recommend that riders ride only in daylight, because of visibility. To complete 200km in 12 hours, you need to average about 17kmh including breaks. With total breaks of two hours per day, this means an average speed of 20kmh.
Where will I sleep each night?
This is an outback adventure event, there will be no luxury! Each participant will have a place in a tent and we will mainly be camping in rest stops and bush sites. Of course, you also have the option of sleeping under the stars, more stars than you've ever seen. Often there are no toilet facilities, but we can show you how to build a bush dunny. There will be a warm fire in the morning and evening because deserts can be quite cold.
Why ride from the Rock to the Reef?
The course was designed to give participants a chance to experience the real Australia at ground level. The deserts, plains and towns of the outback are world-renowned for their pristine beauty, desolation and earthiness. The very best way to experience this is on a bike where you can appreciate the quiet and the emptiness in a new way. Of course, there is also the mighty Uluru and the vibrant Reef which need no introduction and are known and loved the world over.
Why do you limit the number of participants to ten in each stage?
We are a responsible adventure company and do not want to damage the natural beauty of the area by too many people. Limiting the number of participants also makes each participant's experience more special; they are one of very few who have had such an opportunity. Participants are able to feel the remoteness in a way they wouldn't be able to if there was a large crowd.
Can I ride for a charity?
We encourage riders to raise money for a cause. Red Heart Ride began as a charity bike ride raising money for Australian Rotary Health's mental health research programs and we think it is important to continue the Ride's community involvement. Participants may also find they are able to push harder during the tough patches if they are riding for charity because they can concentrate on something bigger than just their current pain.
What will I eat and drink?
Our meals are specially designed for extreme endurance exercise and will be high in protein, carbohydrates and electrolytes. They will also be delicious and something to look forward to at night. Vegetarian options are available on request. Snacks will be nutritious and satisfying and designed to keep you going through the toughest sections of the Ride. There will be snacks available from the truck regularly, generally every 30km. You will not be hungry. Plenty of water will also be available through the day and night. Because everybody has different preferences, you will need to bring your own protein powder and sports drink. Of course, when we pass through a town you are free to buy whatever you please, though outback towns have very limited stock.
Will I need to carry anything while riding?
All gear including sports drinks and food will be carried by the truck and available in the morning, at lunch and in the evening. The only things you will need to carry on the bike will be a couple of water bottles and some snacks if desired. We try to keep the load off the bikes as much as possible because the course is tough enough already.
Will I be able to blog or contact my family?
Yes, satellite connections will be available for laptops and phones. Most of the country will be too remote for Australian phone providers, even NextG, so satellites will be essential. Each night, a communications tent will be set up to help you do this.
What kind of person is Red Heart Ride designed for?
Red Heart Ride is for high-achievers. It is designed for people who don't have a lot of time and want to make the most of their holidays. It is for people who love a challenge and thrive on achieving big goals. It is especially good for team-building.
Can I ride in a team?
Yes, all riders will be in a team. Participants thus pick up wind advantages as well as a support structure. Your team will be invaluable as a source of encouragement and camaraderie. You can sign up with an existing team or you will be assigned to a diverse team of other participants. Team sizes should be between three and five riders. An especially good idea is to bring some members of your team along as volunteers so they can experience it too even if they cannot ride.