Bikepacking with a Retro MTB - Namadgi National Park ACT

In this video Josh and I travel down to Namadgi National Park to explore the southern end over 2 nights. We saw some nice huts and beautiful trails but also came across some very overgrown tracks and nasty hill climbs.
I rode the 30 year old Mongoose for its first bikepacking trip and it performed awesome.
This route on ride with GPS is very similar to what we did. We parked very close to the start of Old Boboyan Road and also went a slight different way after westermans hut. hope it helps. (note different Tim, I should probably start adding my loops though)
ridewithgps.co...
Instagram
Tim - / timmeh500
Advanturest - / advanture.st

[@robsmith2294]

Hands down the best bikepacking films on youtube!

[@advanturest]

Cheers mate. Very kind words.

[@bigmikeshooter]

Personally believe you are close to the real meaning of the MTB adventure bikepacking. Bravo from Greece... One MTB, nice companion and your great mood it's enough for a great result. Looking forward for the continue...

[@advanturest]

Thanks mate! What a lovely comment 😀 But really I’m the pest who ask’s my friends to stop all the time so I can setup a camera. 😂 Luckily Josh in the video likes cameras too so we’re both happy to stop often 👍 Thanks for watching all the way from Greece.

[@JonMcLeodMelbourne]

Quality of these videos gets better with each new one. Proof you can do everything you need without having to spend big on equipment. Brilliant. Keep doing these videos. Inspiring.

[@advanturest]

Cheers Mate, 100% agree. I'm having a great time on these trips and it has nothing to do with the bike I'm riding. Looking forward to the next one! 👍

[@curzonjp]

Welcome from the other side of the pond , What a stunningly beautiful place to spend a few days riding .

[@advanturest]

It certainly was! Thanks for watching! Where about’s are you from? It’s so interesting that I make these little videos of my adventures and the reach can cover the globe. It’s pretty crazy 😀

[@razorramon4493]

I am into bikepacking in AUS and this channel is very inspiring.

[@advanturest]

Cheers mate. That’s cool to hear, it brings a smile to my face 😀

[@kerry-annlee8756]

What a wonderful find! I have been giggling away as everything is so honest and real and happy! The quality of the video and music choice is spot on. Plus it t looks really professional and is a joy to watch. You have inspired me to get on my bike!! Please keep them coming :-)

[@advanturest]

Every now and then I need to screen shot a comment because I like what was said so much! Your comment is one of them. Thanks for the kind words. I’m loving getting out on these bikepacking trips and playing with the camera so there will definitely be more. ✌️ See you on the trails 😀

[@alexanderlawson1649]

Top tip for handling hot billy cans and hot stuff at the fire: a pair of leather work gloves. I always pack them in my camp kit.

[@advanturest]

Josh’s lid always gets stuck so I think I’ll gift him a pair of leather gloves on our next trip 😀

[@stuartpotter4923]

Loving your approach to both packing and pace - making sure the focus is on enjoying the journey with no pressure. My kinda riding. And the mongoose? .... get's my #steelofapproval (oldsteelguy)

[@advanturest]

Steelofapproval! Love it haha. I'm not sure if I like riding or playing with cameras more. Easy option is to spread my time evenly and just enjoy being out in nature!

[@stuartpotter4923]

@@advanturest totally agree. I find taking the camera and taking pictures encourages me to slow down and be more aware and more observant…. Riding at photo pace.

[@glennpettersson9002]

Cheap bike, free bag, fantastic adventure with beers. It's the dream

[@advanturest]

Couldn't agree more, Thanks for watching. I feel like a beer now 😂

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

Just getting better and better! Loving it. The old mongoose is a sweet rig. 👍

[@advanturest]

Cheers mate, it’s a great place to explore. Only problem with the Mongoose is now I have to make a decision each time I ride. Mongoose or Raleigh 😂

[@nedt]

Great video mate, well put together excellent to watch while spinning on the trainer.

[@alrendado]

Such a great video we are riding in this place next month i know now what to expect.

[@advanturest]

It’s pretty awesome down there. I actually just did some riding there over the weekend. We rode in from Callwell up to Brandy Flat Hut for a Winter Solstice bikepacking Campout. Reminded me how much I liked it. I’m sure you will have a great time. 👍

[@CruiserBrah]

I did this ride sans stopping at all of the huts except for Horse Gully in one day in the middle of winter back in 2013. You are right, that climb out of Caloola Farm is brutal. We started and finished there, at the time the landholder was more than accommodating for us to leave the car to start and finish. Naas Valley FT (the trail of many rivers) used to be a beautifully tree lined track that was like old growth Victorian rainforest, but the fires of 2020 ruined that. I should get up there again, it is on my doorstep!

[@advanturest]

Oh mate, I would have loved to see that Nass Valley fire trail before the fires. It was nice but you could tell the area got smashed. It must have been a super hot fire. I really hate it when this happens. It makes me think how cool it is to document my rides, when things change I can look back at what they were. I’ve been thinking about heading back myself, maybe a winter run. Such a awesome place to ride!

[@CruiserBrah]

@@advanturest it was stunning, if you have ridden Warks Road or in the upper parts of western Namadgi (Brindabella Ranges) with the tall gum trees you will get the picture. I have been thinking about getting back into that area for an overnighter. Would love to camp at the Cotter Hut and the headwaters of the Cotter River. Magical country. Happy to show you around one day, or even if you want to bounce something off me, flick me a message.

[@CruiserBrah]

@@advanturest there is actually a winter solstice camp planned for Brandy Flat this year. I don't know the route, but I think it would be up the tar to Fitz's Hill and the Glendale Depot. I have not done it, but I have heard the ride up from Glendale to Brandy Flat is much easier.

[@advanturest]

@@CruiserBrah yeah I heard about that. I’ve got it penciled in my diary just in case nothing else is happening that weekend. I’ve got some other trip ideas that I really want to do so we’ll see what happens.

[@tracknotes6562]

That was $200 worth of Canberra beer there! Nice touch - well done.

[@advanturest]

Haha, these crafty type beers are definitely not cheap but great to drink warm compared to a cheaper beer. I like to treat myself on these rides! What is really strange is I think I like these beers better warm, maybe that’s because I’m always buggered when drinking them warm!

[@Mantis858585]

Thanks for bringing us along.

[@murrayduffus5392]

Thanks for uploading this video. I was going to do a ride 2 weeks ago with a mate in Namadgi and rang the rangers at Tidbinbilla as a courtesy to say we would be there only to be told there was a blanket ban on mountain bikes in ALL of Namadgi. Still cannot find anything on their website except for a part of Bimberi which is legislated as a No Go zone. Please keep up the videos exploring the mountains.

[@advanturest]

No worries, Thanks for watching. I did a bit of research before I went and saw the same about places like the Bimberi wilderness area. Where we went I know of a few people that ride there often so I couldn't see an issue, I was more worried about places to camp. This didn't seem to be a problem either. I didn't see any signs about mountain bikes at all down there if that tells you anything. If they didn't want bikes in the area I'm sure they would have had signs.

[@stefanzohar637]

The blanket ban doesn’t seem like accurate advice from the ranger. Having been inspired by this video to try and get out there, The Parks ACT website advertises the biking opportunities throughout Namadgi and where they don’t want you to go. Can’t wait to try it! Check out this link: www.parks.act.gov.au/home/features/a-wheelie-good-time

[@CanadianSledDog]

I love the bike and the upgrades you put on it, mostly how little you paid for it in this age. I did similar in 2019, I found a refurbished Scott Peak at my local co op for $125 cad and just rode it around the West Coast for 60 days. It came with narrow bars, hilarious fun on singletrack. Cheers!

[@Dirkelle]

After watching so many of your awesome videos we are off to Namadgi this weekend - can’t wait. First bike packing adventure! Similar route to yours but will backtrack from horse gully hut after watching your video😁

[@advanturest]

Haha, Wise Decision. Enjoy the ride mate, it's beautiful down there and I'm sure you will love bikepacking. I'm off on a trip myself this weekend but I'll be up in the Barrington tops. Been stressfully parking all evening 😂 Cheers

[@jayjohnson007]

Great video.....pushing yourself through the hard parts of a trip make it worth while....

[@advanturest]

If it was too easy it would be boring right? 😂 got to have a few challenges! Cheers for the comment! 👍

[@TapioBlue]

Wow the color and quality is outstanding.

[@Yipmanhands]

Great video, looked a tough gig but viewer wise brilliant. Thanks for this.

[@advanturest]

Cheers mate, this was one of my favourite videos I’ve made. I’m just so relaxed and it shows. The last day was tough. Some massive hot hill climbs. All worth it in the end. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jimnapier6885]

Another great video mate, love seeing the old bikes come to life..

[@advanturest]

Thanks Mate!

[@gsrossco]

Great vid. Nothing worse than riding through a spider web with a big critter in the center.

[@shaddonaghue]

Awesome video mate, thanks so much for putting this together it’s absolutely fantastic, we have been binge watching your videos 🤠👍👍

[@advanturest]

Cheers guys! I’ve just watched one of your videos and then the Turon River video popped up that I had already watched. Seems like you get around in the 4WD a lot. Great setup! It’s funny, when I started this channel it was going to be more trips in our 4wd and potentially getting a van and travelling around Aus in it. I think after my first video Sarah started studying to be a nurse and was busy every weekend. Because of this I started bikepacking and now the channel is pretty much all bike content 😂. I’ll have to get my 4WD fix from your videos 👍 Actually hoping to get Sarah out on more camp trips this year 🤞

[@shaddonaghue]

@@advanturest its funny you say that, my channel started as hiking and canyoning now it’s mainly 4wding and camping, funny how things change. Yeah we have a pretty good set up and get away a fair bit

[@alexanderlawson1649]

It must be quite scary in a country with so many poisonous spiders and snakes, everytime the bush gets thick. Thankfully we dont have that problem in Scotland, although the midge is bad enough and it rains all the time. Great vid, thanks .

[@mitchmackenzie3293]

fantastic video, loved every moment.

[@robertjackson2069]

Great video, very nice thanks for sharing this with your fellow riders

[@advanturest]

Cheers mate! Thanks for watching 👍

[@offthegriddownunderaustral8814]

Cool Bro!!!

[@livin4adventure_aus584]

showed my Mrs this she named every hut. as she was a national parkie at namadgi. also she's like at the end you took the hardest track there's a easier flatter track haha

[@advanturest]

Mickkkkk! I just randomly saw this comment and thought to myself, I don't remember being notified about this. Just scrolled down my comment notifications and yep, Nothing there. Anyway, I'm replying a month late 😆 So tell me, has the Mrs got any secret tips for a cool ride haha. As for the last hut, I've since heard there is a 3rd way in which is the easiest, That wasn't an option though from where we came from.

[@andrewrichardson73]

Love the retro bike and enjoyed the video.

[@advanturest]

Cheers mate, this video is one of my favourites so far. Thanks for watching. This old Mongoose is still going strong. I love it 👍

[@DougieL]

Great work again!!

[@galaxyontrail]

Great vid mate... Good old type 2 fun aye!

[@advanturest]

Day 3 certainly was 😂 I didn't show much of it because the video was getting long and then my Gopro died anyway. It was all worth it once I smashed a huge kebab back in town 🤣🤣

[@GPMcGee]

First two days looked nice 👍

[@advanturest]

First 2 were pretty good. The distance wasn’t huge if we didn’t go down to horse gully hut. Since we went there we continued on with the loop. It would have been a little longer to go back the way we came but maybe easier. Who knows. I’ll have to do some more research on the area! Now I have my bearings it should make more sense to me.

[@MrEvanDaniels]

Do the 27.5 conversion! I just did an old Univega and used Litepro long adjust linear brakes and it’s a blast to ride. Was able to clear a 2.1” wide tire too

[@advanturest]

When I got this bike I wasn't too concerned if I damaged it so I thought it would be cool to try convert it to fit my wheels from my Trek XC bike. These wheels are super light but run through axles. I did some research and I can buy new dropouts to suit. The plan was to heat up the old dropouts and hopefully remove them. They're just brazed in. Then I would braze in the new style of dropouts that suit through axles. I'm still keen to try this but now I have a custom frame bag and I kind of like this bike I don't want to ruin it. I'm going to try find an old crappy bike that I can experiment with. If my idea works it will be super cool.

[@before1984soul]

Great Vlog

[@topcat8891]

Hi from London England great film enjoyed that looks like a great spot to bikepack nice one 👍Im in the process of building up a retro mtb 😁 will take me back to the days of my youth when I go out on it 😁 subed your channel 😁

[@advanturest]

Cheers mate! Riding the old retro bikes are a heap of fun. What bike are you doing up?

[@topcat8891]

@@advanturest Its a trek 800 sport nearly there now its going to be a blast to ride 😁

[@advanturest]

@@topcat8891 Awesome. I’m a bit of a trek fan! I’ve been keeping my eye out for one at the right price but not really sure I need another bike 😂

[@topcat8891]

@@advanturest lol whats the formula N + 1 ? 😁

[@edzeppelin933]

Great video mate. Been looking at trying out some bikepacking myself. Namadgi looks nice!

[@advanturest]

I’d say definitely have a go! It’s the best! I can’t recommend it enough! Namadgi was beautiful apart from the death hill at the end which I unfortunately didn’t get much footage of. Take my word though, It was torture. Saying that I had no food the last day and if I was fresh I probably wouldn’t have cared to much about the hills. Cheers for the comment 👍

[@edzeppelin933]

​@AdVANture ST what's that pump you were using after the flat? Been looking for a little one with a pressure gauge on it. Cheers mate

[@maltioxtravels]

Hey bro great video! Could you do a tutorial on how to drill and tap cage mounts? That would be amazing

[@advanturest]

I could but I'm not sure what sort of thickness frames and forks come in. I'd hate to lead anyone in the wrong direction. My forks have about a 2mm thick wall which is enough to tap but the thread would be easily stripped if the screws were done up too tight. To drill and tap is pretty simple. I used a 4mm drill bit to drill my holes, I then used a intermediate M5 tap to cut the threads in the holes. It worked pretty well on my first trip but time will tell. Another option is to use rivnuts (nutserts) This is a good option if the frame is too thin. Here is a link to RJ the bike guy doing it without the special tool. I'm going to give this a try underneath my frame to add a bottle cage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3-voGWoftxog5o Bikepacking.com also just uploaded a video with some DIY ideas. This may help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6WZmXStZcebgJY

[@bradcook7716]

Dude. Top video, I really enjoyed it. I have to ask. I noticed a hammer being used at the first campsite to drive in tent pegs, you didn't carry that with you on the trip did you?

[@advanturest]

Haha, My first ever bike packing trip I carried a little axe to use to cut wood and hammer in pegs. It was unnecessary weight and never again. 😀 If that doesn't answer your question then no we didn't. A lot of these huts have a few tools in them and the hammer was one of them. I think every hut I've been to has a bush saw as well which is handy. Kind of funny though because the national parks say wood collection is not allowed. Cheers for watching 👍

[@sartspinks9900]

Awesome!

[@shaunphillips6468]

Great Video - what brand of mug was you boiling the water in please?

[@advanturest]

I’ve just got this kit. 360 degrees. Nothing special but does the job just fine. At home I filled up cup measurements, poured them in and marked the water line. It helps me when making up those dehydrated meals. www.snowys.com.au/furno-stove-and-pot-set

[@pedalpacking]

Enjoyed that! I see the gopro, but which camera gave you those nice varied depth of field shots of your mate with Skip posing on his tail?

[@advanturest]

I take a Canon Mirrorless with me as well. Cheers mate. It’s a Canon R6 using an older 24-70mm lens. That shit you’re talking about I was probably zoomed in as far as I could. It’s a great camera but not ideal for bikepacking because it’s pretty big. I love it though so I’m happy to lug it around. I also like making videos and taking good photos so yeah. It comes everywhere with me. You will see I have a backpack on with a smaller front bag connected to the straps. This is where the camera lives. Definitely too big and annoying for riding all day but it gives me super quick access to my big camera so I put up with it. It’s actually not that annoying but it would be heaps nicer riding without it. Also there is a shot leaving the waterhole hut and I have the camera out in front. You can kind of see how big it is.

[@manuellorenzosaez7697]

Could you leave a link where you got the rear rack? thanks

[@advanturest]

Sorry mate, it was a home made job. I do have a random video on it but the idea came from the Tailfin rack kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4Wtgn2ah5tlb6Msi=kBs9zvIwFB8_rna6 Here is the Tailfin version www.tailfin.cc/product/pannier-racks/alloy-racks/alloy-rack/?v=6cc98ba2045f

[@exposure_therapy]

Spot any dingoes on your adventures?

[@advanturest]

No not yet, I think I’d be happy if it stayed that way too. 😂

[@advanturest]

After I wrote my reply I just saw your dingo video. I don’t have any big zooms (yet) but maybe it would be cool to see them on a trip. I’d definitely want some telephoto action so I could keep my distance.

[@cappaculla]

Is this backpacking or Bikepacking ? :)

[@advanturest]

For me, Both 😂

[@warrenzausa3145]

Kamusta Kaibigan?! 😊

[@lucamagnanensi]

Great work mate, I love your videos. I'm trying to improve bikepacking community, If you like check my channel too. Keep going!

[@advanturest]

I’ll check it out 👍