Following the rail trail Northam to Mundaring of the original track that supported the building of the Golden pipeline 1898 by Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. The engineer in chief CY O’Connor had such public backlash on the pipeline viability that in the day of the test pumping to Northam tanks, he rode his horse to Fremantle beach and topped himself! (Pipeline was a success). This equal part ascending 927m and decending 955m makes for this to be a grinding and awesome bikepacking experience and rewarded with great scenery, wild camping. Took the Transwa MerridinLink train to Northam to start the track. Had an pie at Bakers Hill which hit the spot at the 25 km mark, camped, and next day at Mt Helena grabbed lunch and final trails home.
by digidave73
7 Comments
Looks very peaceful! As someone from the east coast, I love the WA red dirt
Day one was Friday – Not a soul. Day 2 Saturday saw gravel cyclists racing down hills to Northam while i grinding my bike pack up those hills. Yeah so they can race if they want. I would rather take it easier enjoy the Aussie bush, scenery and plackards at old town rail stations. Great stories of yesteryear.
Any maggies? I’m on the east coast and copped 3 swoops in 5kms on a rail trail the other day 🤦♂️
Yeah only one maggie swooping out at Wooraloo, luckily i was moving along reasonably fast so shoed it away. The morning sun showed it’s shadow as it was coming in to snap at the helmet.
Oh for setup i also had a backpack that held sleeping bag, camp clothes, beer and water. I would like to get rid of the tent in backloader but those mozies made the tent a must have. I think a couple of fork bags are my next purchase. And that is a hikers chair up on top of the front bag, as being able to sit comfortably after the day on trails is a must for me.
Love seeing some fellow sandgropers in this sub
Are you also using 4 legged transport?