 | Frequently Asked Questions |  | We've noted down some of the frequently asked question about the Outback Odyssey below. If you any other questions, please call us at +61 8 8168 9999 or email rides@bikesa.asn.au Updated information for 2013 Outback Odyssey will be available soon. Where does the ride start from?
Our start will be from the Bicycle SA office, 111 Franklin St, Adelaide. What time does the ride leave Adelaide on the first day?
Official start time is 9am, so please be early to register and load your luggage. Parking plus coffee and croissants will be available from 7am. There will be a briefing at 8.40am before we head off along the banks of the Torrens and wave goodbye to the city. How much luggage can I take?
The total Luggage allowance is 28kg, but individual luggage items MUST NOT exceed 14kg (it's easier and safer to pack two lighter bags than one big bag). I am flying in to Adelaide on Friday - can I drop my gear off straight from the airport?
Yes, you can to come straight to BikeSA & leave your bike/bags with us. Take a small overnight bag for your night in Adelaide to save the hassle of getting back to us on Saturday morning - office hours are 9-5pm.
How do I get my bike from the Airport to the Adelaide CBD?
Skylink Airport Shuttle offers transfers from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide CBD. With pick-ups and drop-offs at most of the City Hotels. The shuttle operates on a set timetable which can be viewed on their website www.skylinkadelaide.com
Bookings can be made via email sales@skylinkadelaide.com or by calling 1 300 383 783 between 7am to 8pm 7 days a week. For pickups from Adelaide city to the airport a booking is essential. From the airport to the city bookings are not essential, however they are appreciated especially if they are travelling with bikes. The cost is Adults $10.00 pp one way and can be paid to the driver on the day. Bikes travel free of charge & are preferred boxed.
Where can I stay in the Adelaide CBD?
One of the closest accommodation options to the ride start is the
Franklin Street Apartments 36 Franklin Street, Adelaide (at the corner of Bentham Street) See their website for more details or phone 1300 66 22 88 to make a reservation.
Approx 200m further away you will find the modern Rendezvous Allegra Hotel 55 Waymouth St Adelaide (at the corner of Bentham Street) website or telephone (08) 8115 8888
If Backpacker accommodation is more your style then the closest is Cannon Street Backpackers (across road from BikeSA) website or phone (08) 8410 1218. or YHA Adelaide (approx 300m from BikeSA) 135 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000 (08) 8414 3010 www.yha.com.au
Otherwise a few streets away you can find the Breakfree Directors Studios on Gouger St website
If you'd like to go a little more upmarket you can try the Hilton Hotel (500m from BikeSA) 233 Victoria Square Adelaide SA 5000 (08) 8217 2000 www.hilton.com Otherwise you can contact the South Australian Tourist Commission for more information. www.southaustralia.com or telephone the SA Visitor & Travel Centre on 1300 764 227 or for international callers +61 8 84634547 Email: InformationAndBookings@SouthAustralia.com
What is the cost of the secure parking?
Adelaide - Bicycle SA has parking available for up to 25 vehicles, conveniently located in a compound at the rear of the office. Cost is $11 per day per standard vehicle space. Bookings confirmed with payment and are essential as places will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Contact (08) 8168 9999 or office@bikesa.asn.au. This compound is uncovered, but behind a locked gate. Access will be between 7am and 8.15am on the Saturday of departure from Adelaide and between 5pm and 7pm on the Sunday of return to Adelaide. Access outside these times including during business hours on Friday 10 May may be arranged.
If there is no space left at Bicycle SA office, alternative Adelaide parking is available at U-Parks Grote Street car parking above Adelaide Central Bus Station. This can be arranged through Bicycle SA and must be booked in advance.
When can I pick up my trail map set?
Once you have registered you will be able to pick up your set of the 9 Mawson Trail maps anytime from our BikeSA office (we are open 7 days 9am-5pm). If you live interstate then we will post your map out to you closer to the event.
What sort of bike should I take?
The Outback Odyssey is a ride for all mountain bikers with kilometres of trail perfect for uninterrupted touring. The Trail's unsealed roads are usually great to ride on. They're wide with a good camber. Of course, there will always be a few potholes and crumbling edges in places, so care is needed. And in the Flinders Ranges you may come across washed out creek beds. The surface aggregate can change in an instant from firm and rocky to loose and sandy. This is why knobbly mountain bikes tyres are essential. We recommend you bring a mountain bike with a minimum of front suspension to allow a more comfortable ride all round. Please check out the My Bike info sheet on our website for more details advice on choosing a bike
Can I hire a bike in Adelaide for the Tour?
If you don't have a suitable mountain bike, then you can hire an Avanti Atomic from Bicycle SA. We have a limited number to choose from in a range of sizes. Use the registration form booking or email rides@bikesa.asn.au for more details. Cost: TBA
What time do the Mini Mawsons 2 & 3 start?
You can check in anytime after lunch on the 15th and 20th of May respectively.... but don't be late for the 6pm dinner!
Will there be cabin accommodation available on-route?
There may be the option of extra cabin/pub/B&B/motel accommodation in some places on route for riders to organise for themselves. You are more than welcome to do a combination of tent/cabin accommodation for the trip if you wish to have a few nights of luxury! A list of accommodation options will be made available on the website soon.
Do I need to put my bike in a box for the coach transfer?
It is not necessary to pack your bike into a box for the coach transfer. We have plenty of cardboard/blankets to cushion the transported bikes. You may, however, have to turn the handlebars and / or remove the pedals, depending on the available space.
Can I be dropped from Blinman to Melrose on the coach transfer after the Outback Odyssey? Is there a set fee for this or do I have to pay the whole amount?
Yes, however the fee remains the same because your place on the bus still takes up a seat, which has to travel up from Adelaide.
What coach transfer services are available and what is the cost?
Adelaide to Burra (for Mini Mawson 2 riders) @ $60 Burra back to Adelaide (for Mini Mawson 1 riders) @ $60 Adelaide to Melrose (for Mini Mawson 3 riders) @ $70 Melrose back to Adelaide (for Mini Mawson 1 & 2 riders) @ $70 Melrose back to Burra (for Mini Mawson 2 riders) @ $70** Blinman back to Adelaide (for final stage Mawson riders) @ $95 Blinman back to Melrose (for Mini Mawson 3 riders) @ $95** Blinman back to Burra (for Mini Mawson 2 & 3 riders) @ $95**
**prices set as it takes up a seat from the Adelaide coach
What time do the coach transfers depart and arrive?
Adelaide to Burra, Wed 15 May Depart Adelaide @ 1pm from the Bicycle SA office: Arrive in Burra at approx 4pm. Burra to Adelaide, Wed 15 May Departs at 8.30am and arrives at approx 11.30am.
Adelaide to Melrose. Mon 20 May Depart Adelaide @ 1pm from the Bicycle SA office: Arrive in Melrose at approx 4pm. Melrose to Adelaide, Mon 20 May Departs at 8am and arrives at approx 12pm (depending if the bus needs to drop off at Burra). Blinman to Melrose then Burra then Adelaide coach departs on the 25 May at 8am. Buses will arrive back at Melrose at approx 12pm and at Burra at approximately 3pm. Buses will arrive back in Adelaide at Bicycle SA office at approximately 6pm.
Can my family join me in their private vehicle?
Private support vehicles are not permitted along the route (sections of the Mawson Trail can only be accessed by special permit). Depending on capacity, special arrangements may be made with non-riding partners, to be part of the event, camping with us and sharing meals. Contact Bicycle SA for costs. Non-riding partners may also consider volunteering for the event, helping with catering, logistics, transport or a range of other roles. Contact volunteer coordinator Maureen Merrick for details - maureen.merrick@bikesa.asn.au 
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