Mind Matters Athlete Coaching Tasmania training camp will take riders on a 3.5 day journey traversing the mountains and coastline of southern Tasmania.
Mind Matters will be providing riders with a fully customised guided weekend to experience some of the best roads (sealed and unsealed) the region has to offer. Taking in some rarely ridden dirt roads, local favourite loops and challenging climbs, riders will find themselves tested to their limits whilst soaking up the stunning vista’s of the Apple Isle.
But more than just a tour, Mind Matters training camps offer a learning experience for your cycling. With tips and tricks of the trade shared along the way to not just challenge you but also inspire you to get as much out of these rides and your sport as possible. Head Coach Justin ‘Maddog’ Morris and Associate Coach Fiona Morris will be there to help riders develop such skills whilst we ride.
The small group format allows riders to have one on one time with the coaches and encourages camaraderie & friendship within the group.
FIND OUR FULL CAMP INFO BROCHURE HERE.
Thursday January 13: A suburban introduction: 31km, 556m elevation gain.
Local climb loop with post ride wine, cheese, beers!
An easy afternoon cruise over a local famous climb. A good way to spin the legs post flight or drive and to get to know the crew for the weekend ahead.
See Hobart from a different perspective as we get straight off the regular tourist trail.
Post ride function at local heritage town hall close to Hobart centre with presentation from Mind Matters head coach Justin Morris about the story and theory behind Mind Matters Athlete Coaching and a briefing on the rides to come.
Introduction to all the camp staff and fellow riders.
A sampling of local cheeses, beers, produce and wines also provided.
If logistically not possible to attend, you will be filled in with all info afterward.
Departs 3pm from Hobart.
Friday January 14: Majestic Huon Valley tour: 120km, 2275m elevation gain.
Heading to the green, fertile and incredibly scenic Huon Valley. See the images that make Tasmania famous for being ‘the Apple Isle’.
Departs 6.30am from Hobart.Straight out of Hobart town and up the range dwarfed by the ominous kunanyi/ Mt Wellington. Breathe a sigh of relief as we continue past the turn off to the summit.
We continue south as suburbia disappears after only 2 or 3km after the start, straight into the rolling green farming landscape that dominates this part of Tasmania.
Back onto dirt climbing away from anything resembling traffic up to the saddle overlooking the majestic Huon Valley.
Enjoy an exhilarating descent then back onto the dirt as we continue to the farming village of Ranelagh where coffee, snacks, hydration and nutrition awaits.
Continue through the farming landscape beside the mighty Huon river on a mix of tar and dirt. On this sector we will split into groups and practice some of the skills that cycling as a team sport is built upon.
Short nutrition stop in the town of Huonville where we prepare the climbing legs again for the return route.
Onto the dirt again as we climb through and out of the valley to the hamlet of Kaoota where our final feed zone will be set up, time to refuel before our return to Hobart on sealed roads from here.
Group lunch and stories on return to Salamanca in central Hobart.
49km of dirt sectors.
Departs 6.30am from Hobart.
Later this evening a meal & drinks with fellow Mind Matters Athletes will be provided at an iconic Hobart eating and drinking establishment. We will have a private function room with a special guest speaker and briefing for the following days ride.
Saturday January 15: Derwent Valley Climbing Day: 123km, 2600m elevation gain.
Into the foothills of Tasmania’a wild west.
See some parts of the state rarely seen by vehicle or bike. Take in the remarkable scenery as we escape the urban sprawl of Hobart and over a range and down the other side to the historic town of New Norfolk.
Morning coffee and snack stop in New Norfolk (snacks included). Refuel well here as we continue into the wilderness.
Up the quiet and remote dirt roads overlooking the Derwent River, after a solid 12km of climbing we traverse across the top of the range before descending back through the hop fields of the Derwent Valley where much of Australia’s beer production begins!
By the river a refuel stop with nutrition, water and snacks will be set up.
A 10km dirt climb follows, but don’t forget to look behind you at some of the most majestic views in the state over to the often snowy Mt Field national park.
What goes up must come down, an adrenaline fuelled descent back to the town of New Norfolk before we begin our final climb over to the old timber industry hamlet of Collinsvale. We will have 2 route options for the final climb one for the more weary legged and one for those with still more fuel to burn!
36km of dirt sectors.
Complimentary bike wash and tune on this afternoon.
Camp recovery specialist Chris Price of Hobart Performance will be on hand to provide massage and other treatments to assist in repairing those worn out bodies.
Sunday January 16: The channel and THE mountain! 86km, 2181m elevation gain.
A coastal exploration before conquering the peak that has been overlooking you!
Sticking by the coastline heading south out of Hobart we see some of the beaches and sea cliffs that typify the Tasmanian coast.
Consistent rolling terrain on the early part of this ride offers good opportunity to practice pacing strategies and discovering how best to discover your cycling rhythm.
Coffee and nutrition stop at the locally famous Margate Train.
From here we leave the coast and head more or less continuously UP as we aim for the top of one of Australia’s most iconic road climbs.
Vehicles awaiting at the top with extra clothing for the chilly descent back to town.
Final lunch together in Salamanca, Hobart.
18km of dirt sectors.
Departs 6am from Hobart.
Note routes and start times are subject to change according to conditions.
Cost and what is included:
4 fully guided days on your bike over some of the most amazing scenery in Australia, experienced in a small group setting (maximum 12 people).
This camp includes tips, tricks, tidbits and individual coaching attention along the way. With 2 professional coaches escorting the group you can be assured to take away more than just the experience of the rides. Take home some advice on improving your technique, training, diet and set up whilst on tour.
Support vehicle will be close to riders at all times. Need some spares? No problem. Need some more food/ water? No problem. Exhausted and need to hop in a vehicle? We’re here for you.
ALL ride nutrition and hydration will be catered for, with feed zones at the beginning of each ride and 3 points during each ride. Bars, gels, electrolyte tabs, snacks, water, soft drink, lollies and more will be available.
Thursday afternoon welcome nibbles and drinks.
Dinner with your camp mates featuring local guest speaker and seminar on riding/ training essentials.
Recovery yoga class on Saturday evening.
Professional photography from Beardy McBeard (www.beardymcbeard.com) with a selection of high res photo files available. Further images available upon request at extra cost.
Bike wash, tune and lube service Saturday afternoon.
Massage/ Recovery therapy from Hobart Performance on Friday and Saturday afternoons available at subsidised cost.
Mechanic on hand for any quick repairs.
Mind Matters training camp show bag!
$875 per person OR $775 for current Mind Matters Athletes. $100 deposit upon booking confirms your spot. Balance payable 30days after receipt deposit. Scroll down for cancellation policy.
What is NOT included?
Transport to Hobart.
Accommodation (Suggestions provided for all budget levels in suitable locations).
Off bike meals apart from Friday evening function (breakfasts and dinners).
Airport transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS WILL BE REQUIRED TO DO THE RIDES?
The Friday, Saturday and Sunday loops are demanding rides. But rest assured we have your back! We can provide you with a training plan to ensure you are in tip top condition (extra cost) if you are unsure. Generally, if you have completed a 100+km ride at a pace above 25kph at least once in the preceding 3months, we have full faith you will make it through with ease. There are also early turn around points and car support should you decide you have had enough for the day.
WHAT WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT?
November average temperatures in Hobart are a high of 19 C and a low of 10 C. Saying that at our previous Tasmania edition we had snow on every ride. So be prepared for any conditions. Our rides also do go above 700m above sea level, where it can be considerably cooler.
In short, Tasmania is likely to be warm but conditions can be extremely temperamental so be sure to bring gloves, leg and arm coverings. We do have sufficient stock of extreme weather gear if you are not equipped and need to borrow gear.
IT SAYS DIRT SECTORS!!! WHAT KIND OF BIKE WILL I NEED?
A standard road bike will suffice. Most of Tasmania’s roads are dirt and are well groomed, meaning many dirt roads are actually smoother than the sealed ones. If you have a CX or gravel bike this would be the most comfortable bike to bring but not essential.
THERE IS A LOT OF CLIMBING ON THESE RIDES! WHAT GEARING WILL I NEED?
You will be making your way up some long climbs with some steep pinches. A strong rider who regularly competes in local races will survive with a 39-28 as easiest gear. However, if climbing is not your forte, then a compact crankset or 30/32T cassette will make the climbs more manageable.
CAN I HIRE A BIKE?
YES! If you prefer to not travel with a bike, we can organise a hire bike of decent quality. Just get in touch.
CAN SOMEONE HELP ME ASSEMBLE/ DISASSEMBLE MY BIKE AFTER/ BEFORE TRAVEL?
Yes, this can be arranged at extra cost. Just get in touch during the week prior.
ACCOMMODATION IS NOT INCLUDED. WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
To cater for a range of budgets, we choose to let attendee’s select their own accommodation options. Upon booking, we will provide you with a list of suggested options at different price points within a convenient distance of the ride’s start/ finish location.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Attendee’s will be provided with a packing list upon booking.
ARE THERE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE?
Yes, if you are subscribed for a Mind Matters Athlete Coaching program you receive a $100 discount off the full price. Full price= $875, Mind Matters Athlete price= $775.
Payment terms are available with full payment due by September 10.
WHAT IF THERE IS A COVID OUTBREAK AND I CAN’T TRAVEL?
We will of course provide a full refund for any cancellation caused by an impact of Covid-19 on travel or ability to run the camp safely.
WHERE DO I SIGN UP?
Email info@mindmatterscoach.com OR sign up here.
WHAT’S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
CANCEL PRIOR TO JUNE 30: Full refund
CANCEL PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 4: 50% refund
CANCEL AFTER SEPTEMBER 4 : No refunds