If you’re into cycling, autumn and early winter is a particularly good time to do some off-road riding along the Munda Biddi Trail. The surfaces aren’t as loose as they are in summer or as slippery as they are in the middle of winter, so grab some wheels and get peddling.
The Munda Biddi Trail is WA’s first long distance, off-road cycle trail, and will stretch 900km from Mundaring to Albany once completed. The first stage of the Munda Biddi runs from Mundaring to Dwellingup and has plenty of trails suitable for riders of all levels.
If you’re considering going on a family bike-ride, the Munda Biddi is more than suitable. Apart from a few steep descents and some hill climbs, the majority of the trail is on gently undulating ground and through some incredible unspoilt bushland and forest. While it’s best to head out with a mountain bike, a hybrid bike with wide tyres will do just as well.
There are several riding options along the Munda Biddi. The shortest leg is from Dwellingup to Marrinup. Just 5km long, this is a novice-level ride and a good one to start on if it’s been a while since you last donned a stack hat.
The longest leg is 35.8km, from Whittakers Mill to Marrinup, and is an advanced ride, which will keep even the most adventurous rider entertained. It includes two climbs out of Dandalup River Valley and a steep descent before Marrinup Falls - you’ll need to get off your bike just to get down.
Along the trail there are numerous campsites. Many are purpose built with sleeping shelters, tent sites, composting toilets, picnic tables and rainwater tanks, although there are some basic forest campsites that only have rough facilities.
If the idea of sleeping with mother nature has you reaching for the Baygon, the trail passes through a number of country towns with a range of accommodation. It’s best to arrange your trip around the towns or organise a vehicle support team that is sympathetic to your need for creature comforts.
Apart from your bike, the essentials for the trip are a map, a bike tool kit, suitable clothing, gloves, eye protection, first aid kit, adequate food and water, and of course a helmet. Maps of the Munda Biddi are available from CALM (08 9334 0333), outdoor stores, map shops, bike shops or over the internet at mundabiddi.org.au
Use your map to investigate trail options that are right for you before setting out. If you’re looking for more information on where to stay and how to get around the Peel Inland, log on to scooptraveller.com.au. For more information on the Munda Biddi Trail, check out mundabiddi.org.au.