-- Zac Murphy, NSW Oct 2004

We’ve enjoyed a couple of camps at and day rides from Whittaker’s Mill without incident but this long weekend were disappointed to return to our camp site at the Mill after a long slog to Oakley Dam and back again to find our swag had been stolen from the camp. I guess the helpful and friendly spirit that we’d become used to had taken a holiday! Just a word of warning to others – really make sure you secure everything before heading out on your rides. I guess you just can’t be as trusting these days. 

-- Kate, Oct 2004

Wit and Wisdom from the Comment Books at Carinyah, Wungong, Dandalup and Bidjar Ngoulin Campsites

Excerpts from the Carinyah Comments Book 

April 2004

I have carefully read the log book and believe we can safely claim to be the first Touring Tandem + Bob trailer on the track! …Little bit of walking through the soft gravel and up steep bits between Mundaring and Dell. Fantastic track. Can't wait til we can cycle to Albany.

-- J & K

Left the Weir hotel at 8:30 this morning with clean bikes, bodies and bags. Arrived here at 2pm with dust from go to whoa. Awesome! We had lunch and a walk and now I feel great. How's the serenity: birds calling, trees rustling, insects clicking, motor bikes growling!

-- T

As my first off-road riding experience, it has so far been lots of fun but definitely a challenge. I was glad to make it to Carinyah this afternoon and am very impressed with the facilities. Looking forward to good sleep tonight and back in the saddle tomorrow to Wungong.

-- A

March 2004

Well, here I am again, for the third time. Great relief to arrive here and slack off for the afternoon. I love/hate this Munda Biddi Trail! Hope to make it all the way to Bunbury. I know, I know, the track's not open. Betcha I do!

-- GB (slightly insane)

February 2004

Left Sculpture Park at 11:00 and rode a sweet downhill into its evil alter-ego uphill. Nearly died! My wife assures me that at this weight, seeing black spots before your eyes whilst stumbling blindly upward is normal. I think she wants the insurance. What a great trail, only matched by these facilities. Love them and care for them, do not let the hoons win!

--JB

…Very impressed with this set up. Congrats to government involved and especially the guys who built it (from the local low security prison?) Well done all. Also impressed on how clean and organised it is. Even people have left food, bike pumps, etc and nothing seems to be abused. Doesn't that show that mountain bikers (bikees?!) are a sensible, charming sorta crowd that you'd invite around to your Mum's for Sunday roast? Good be on you all.

-- BW

January 2004

We are new to mountain bike riding and are cutting our teeth on the 16km Carinyah Trail. Just happened to spot this place and rode over for a nosey. Exceptionally impressive. Very clean and tidy and the construction is excellent. We have made a mental note for when we conquer the Munda Biddi Trail. The pit stop is now over as we mount our steeds we wish all to follow - Happy Riding!

 - M & D

The ride from Mundaring outstripped expectations. The trail was well protected from the sun but not the march flies who were keen to chomp while we waited for K to catch up. We'd planned the 180km based on 10km/hour average but in reality only managed 7km/hr. The hut was well thought out and comfortably accommodated three for the night. We drank water from the well at Pickering Brook and all are fine. Water was also drunk from the rainwater tanks at Carinyah - all are fighting fit and well this morning. Expect temperatures this week all 30 - 32° so we are setting off early (6:30am) today compared to 11am yesterday!

- M, K & A

Camped at Marrinup Camp 5km out of Dwellingup. First "hill" of the next morning was the absolute monster of the whole ride (see mile 31 on profile). Good swimming at Oakley Dam (back of picnic area). Dandelup Campsite is *5-Star*. Jarrahdale Store's Jarrahburgers are great carnivore food. The ride from Jarrahdale to here seemed the best yet early this morning, though probably as much due to increasing fitness as terrain. Good luck on your ride and thanks to all for keeping this great track going
 

Well, Bill Bryson eat your heart out! I am just waiting for a grizzly bear to jump out of the bush! After spending 3 months travelling on our bikes around South East Asia it's nice to discover a lovely shelter at the end of the day's travel. The trail was good but hard going around The Dell due to the gravel, especially with panniers. Now heading south to Dwellingup, and onto Albany. Hope everyone passes through safely

- KB & CC, United Kingdom

First aid kit highly recommended. I needed 5 bandaids to patch up cuts and scrapes
 

…Shed is great, water tank full, bike racks actually hold your bike (!) well designed. Bike repair arm near door - TWO THUMBS UP! Shed could use some doors at either end to stop the cross draughts. Very clean… please keep it that way! 
All is good…Happy cruising.

-- G & AH, NSW

It's great to be able to ride through the bush like this. Pity about those uphills! Our behinds are paying for it.

- M

December 2003

Set off 9ish, found the going very hard with very loose gravel on the hills from Mundaring Weir to The Dell. The ride from the Dell to this gorgeous camp was delightful. Fantastic bush. Well done to the Munda Biddi Foundation.

-- R & M

How NOT to ride the Munda Biddi Trail: 
1) Don't start at 1pm on a 35° day 
2) Don't ride from Mundaring Weir to the Dell with fully laden touring bike 
3) Don't ride with a broken back pannier rack, and then have to bodge it up with wire 
4) Don't ride it wen you are 6 weeks pregnant and suffering with all day morning sickness 
5) Don't ride at the height of march fly season!! 
We are riding to Jarrahdale today to get an icy cold can of Coke! Am I having fun?

-- C & J

November 2003

Found the trail while surfing the web and have a sister in Perth so just had to arrange a visit. Rode to Youth Hostel (Mundaring Weir) from Midland Railway Station yesterday up the Railway Reserve Trail. Arrived here early afternoon today

- A & S (10)

We are rapt to be able to cycle out like this! The bush rocks. Bikes rock. Munda Biddi rocks!

- U & K

I'm a "bike pants" convert. Oh the comfort of a padded arse! No more boardies for me! In to do the Carinyah loop and thought I'd drop in to check out the famous shelters… they're fantastic!!!

- MM

What a start! How many lessons can one person have to learn in one day? 
1) Start earlier than 1400 hours in Midland! 
2) A distance measurer on bike would help 
3) Don't forget the candles 
4) Matches? Yep, they're in my first aid box. Oh, who's got my matches? Check before you leave! 
There will probably be a few more lessons to learn, but for now it is nuts, salami, dried banana unless someone else arrives… Great place and was fantastic to spot it. A little heaven

- W, United Kingdom

October 2003

Maybe we are the first foreigners (definitely first Czechs and Hungarians!) who've made this trip. Started in Mundaring and had to fix one bike as it was broken from cycling from Midland. Got here at 7pm, lost an hour in the dark so we were REALLY EXCITED TO SEE THE ROOF OF THE SHELTER. We met one really lovely big spider so we didn't sleep too good, but all the rest was just fantastic and we really enjoyed it.

We set out from Mundaring at 11am and arrived at Carinyah about 7ish. All 14-year-old boys typified a wildman attitude by making this gruelling trek. A few thrills and spills along the way have created some outstanding scars that those offenders can share with their grandchildren. The story will be hugely exaggerated, of course. We had a great night with the boys talking, sharing, reflecting on the day's adventure. The brews we created left a lot to be desired but anything eaten outside in the bush after a hard day always tastes good.

- The Morley SHS Boys (5) and Adults (2)

I made it. It was great. The luggage was a bit heavy but we survived. We built a bike trailer and it worked like a beauty. The hills were annoying and we walked up most of them. I can't wait til the Albany trail opens. I'll be back for more fun soon.

- CP

Left Mundaring, bike and trailer. Hard slog but well worth it. Stay tonight and ride to Jarrahdale tomorrow. Then on to Dwellingup. The beer at the pub better be cold! "Don't sit at home thinking about it, get off your butt and do it."
 

No Fire Site: If you can't follow the rules, stay home!
 

Left from the Dell and made our way to this hut. We're lucky, it's wildflower season and the weather is absolutely perfect for cycling. Our bums are not that great though; but the half-walking, half-cycling that the track forced us to do will make sure they are not that badly damaged and can make the trip tomorrow to Jarrahdale. We were wondering if all our predecessors were able to bike the whole track. We might be wimps, cut our tyres were submerged in loose gravel every once in a while, making it impossible to stay on the bike. No traction. Perhaps we're spoiled; we're Dutch and Holland is pretty flat… Had this five-star accommodation to ourselves. Pretty luxurious. After 5 hours of cycling/walking this is heaven.

- Z & M

September 2003

Great accommodation. 
Fabulous day. 
A great idea, 
And right here in WA!

Started this morning at Mundaring, at the strange (and slightly disturbing) "Sculpture Park" to arrive this afternoon to a FABULOUS HUT!! Saves on carrying a tent on the ol' bike. Hut is excellent, and good choice on being an appreciable distance off the main trail … can hear the horrible trail-bike motor-bike riders but they haven't found me here. Stopped off at Hainault Winery and grabbed a cab-sav - hope it's as good as the tastings. Well done all involved

- AW

August 2003

Doing the Carinyah Trail and discovered this hut by accident. Have heard about the Munda Biddi Trail and now have seen the facilities bikers get. Needless to say, can't wait to do it! Being a Bibbulmun Track end-to-ender this is definitely a challenge and journey would love to do. The silence is deafening, the peace and quiet is heaven to the mind and ears. Good luck and safe travels to all. - FH

July 2003

I love this site, having a toilet's great. At night we ate marshmallows, bananas and chocolate. I'm actually a kid (13 years old) on a camping trip overnight with my dad and sister. This morning I was frozen stiff, it was 3° C. This was a pleasant trip and I will come back and write in this book again. - K

June 2003

The Multi-Cultural Crew: 
Splendid, splendid! - CW, United Kingdom 
Choice trail aye! Sweet as. - MA, New Zealand 
Onya, Munda Biddi - A, Australia

Excerpts from the Wungong Comments Book 
 

October 2004

Two days to go
Back to Free-o
Cycling our load
Down ev’ry track ‘n’ road
Has been fun to say the least
Aboard the Munda Biddi beast
Camping out under moon
And stars that make ya swoon
Putting food into tha belly
Pedalling ‘til my legs R jelly
So JOY I’d do it again
But then again… but then again…

—Toni, Bloke and Gekko (20 months)

Tip for fellow travellers: Ear plugs are worth their weight in foam and can save your sanity. “Mega Hill of Death” (into Canning River valley) much more enjoyable when heading down it (southerly direction).

— Colin and Dave
 

June 2004

On break from our respective unis, we started at Jarrahdale 1pm and we’re going for Mundaring for Thursday arvo. We didn’t bring enough food. Ali and I don’t eat red meat so we’re wary of Cat who has that gleam of cannibalism in her eye. (She’s American and you know they have a history for that type of thing – have you seen “Alive”?) So if you find two abandoned striped jumpers then we’re toast (well, roasted on toast) and Cat will have a nice full belly.
A note about the trail: It is fantastic and situated in the most beautiful part of the world.
PS Our American friend thought the “long drop” was a hill, but now she knows better.

— Team Peri-Feral

There are varying reports on the size of the rat/mouse/bandicoot that hangs around at night ranging from 6 cm to 20cm

—The Born Again Boguns

April 2004

Having completed the Bib Track, we thought it time to experience the Munda Biddi. This is our second day cycle; been walking all our lives but our bums aren’t used to this yet!! Bikes are proving excellent, and gears make generally light work of the gradients. Absolutely excellent facilities, a credit to the “old bald and ugly” gent (his words) who does the maintenance and builds the tracks.

— Bob and Chris D.
 
 

Excerpts from the Dandalup Comments Book 

November 2004

This hut is breathtaking. A perfect evening, golden sunset, sublime view. It doesn’t get any better than this! (Unless perhaps if Ingrid and Bridget* were here)

—David and Mark

*Ingrid and Bridget are the elusive Swedish backpacking aerobics team/masseuses/lingerie models who have apparently lost their way on the Munda Biddi trail.

May 2004
Great ride. Just a few points:
1) I agree with no fires at these campsites. If you want fire bring a candle. It will allow you to enjoy the start if it’s not cloudy
2) Definitely no vehicle access otherwise you get inconsiderate campers with radios, generators and large amounts of alcohol
3) Pack light if you don’t like dragging it up hills
4) It’s a mountain bike trail! If it’s too rough for you stick to the city bike paths. This is the country; gravel is part of the experience (Now I’m really going to get wound up, ha ha). Let’s ask the question…how would the creators of this trail eliminate or reduce the gravel without blowing the budget of a small country?
5) You carry it in, why shouldn’t you carry it out? Come on, do your bit.
6) Trail builders cannot be held accountable for your fitness. Life is like a roller coaster, you have your ups and downs.
To all who have ridden and to all that will follow, you have done well! Congratulate yourself and the organisers; this trail is what off-road cycling is all about. To those cycling with young children…may they grow up to be as brave as you are!
Will be back for another ride when it’s all the way to Albany.

—Mossie Man
 

February 2004

Left Jarrahdale at 7:30, got here at 3:45. Have to admit I spent as much time pushing as walking; had delusions of pressing on to Whittaker’s but I’m stuffed. This the most attractive spot and camp of all – just beautiful. After meeting the Death Adder at Wungong yesterday I had a good look around before I got comfy. There’s a wedge tail living about ¾ of the way here; it was HUGE! Maybe 8 feet across. Noel, you and the team have created something precious, and occasionally painful, more power to your hand.

—Jeff and the GIANT (ride the best)

October 2003

We started at 9:00 am and got here at 6:00 pm and I have made it to the end for me and I am only 8 years old. I LOVED IT. I hope you have fun on your trip.

—Xochilt

July 2003

My arse hurts, my back hurts, but my spirit has never been better!
Well, it sounded like a good idea at the time. We’ll ride the 36kms from Jarrahdale to here with packs. I’m sure you all know that staying upright on a loose gravel trail carrying 30 kgs on your back is a challenge, not to mention that gentle rolling hills became Himalayan peaks. Should have trusted nature – or natural selection; I have never seen a turtle on a bike!
But enjoying the hearty meal with vodka, lime and sodas and dreaming of the Swedish aerobic team turning up makes my pain dissolve. I haven’t used the “magic dunny” yet but I’m sure it will be a highlight!
Good on you WA for getting going a track for mountain bikes. I get sick of hiding from the rangers in Victoria for daring to take on the trails by pedal power. We need trails too! Happy Trails

—King Neptune and the Sick Dog

There are ten Year 12 students, one teacher and myself from Newton Moore SH School. Last night we stayed in a camping area near Jarrahdale called Gooralong. It is off the trail and down a steep hill but soooo beautiful. It felt like we could have been in Canada sleeping under all the tall pine trees. Happy travels everyone; this one is good for the memory bank!

—K McKenna
 

February 2003

On holidays from Luton England and having a great time.

 —The Freeman Family

January 2003

The day before today we went to Dwellingup and we set up a camp and we are having the time of my life.

-- R Healy (Age 9 yrs old)

December 2002

Congratulations. Two of us had a great ride yesterday along sections of the Munda Biddi trail near Mt Dale as we followed the Carinmah track. It was well sign posted and easy to ride. Thanks for the hard work and planning that's gone into it.

-- E Hobbs 
 

I really enjoyed the 15km ride in Dwellingup on opening day.  My daughter piked out after a short distance, it was a bit too challenging for her limited bush cycling experience.  However my enjoyment of the ride more than made up for her distress, I sent her back to town with some riders who didn't quite make the distance attempting the longer ride. Many thanks to the sponsors for their donations of some great prizes, very generous and well received. 

-- L Robb

Excerpts from the Bidjar Ngoulin Comments Book 

September 2004
The first leg of this trail
Is certainly not for the frail
There are log after log
And I even saw a dog
We started the day with a spot of rain
To ride all this way sopping wet, must be insane
This hut is a great place to stop
And to flop
It’s got a funny name
But it’s a good hut all the same.

—Stu W, Rockingham

July 2004
Mundaring to Collie – Day 5
This is my first time out mountain bike touring, fully loaded with 20kg of gear and food, and I have to say I am having the BEST time. Mundaring to Dwellingup had some challenging moments, but overall I gotta say I’m lovin’ this track! I’ve stayed at a hut each night, except for last night when I stayed at the pub, and I’ve only seen two other cyclists in over 200kms. Am I weird, or is that strange – where is everyone? Last four days of school holidays and no one out enjoying this trail. Must be the best kept secret, or maybe someone said it was too hard. (No way! 28km today, so easy) I am so looking forward to the next three days through to Collie. I recommend anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and mountain biking experience to get out here and enjoy the Munda Biddi Trail, or just do a small section!
Have fun, love and respect our environment
PS It’s only three days to the next pub!

—Peter, Denmark WA

 

Comments from the Guestbook at Dwellingup Visitor Centre on December 1, 2002 (Opening Day Ride):

"Although I came off (lack of experience and slicks not such a good combination) I will come back and try again. It's very good for WA." -- F Crowe

"Fantastic ride! I totally underestimated the degree of difficulty over 30km. Look forward to trying again." -- D Lewis

"Hard yakka - but good fun." -- R O'Mara

"Great ride. Great concept. Can't wait to do the full distance." -- R Chamberlain

"Medium ride (15km) Good fun." -- R Savage Age 70

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Note: Until we research the best internet guestbook that you can sign yourself, please send your comments to the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation and we'll post them for you. Alternately, you can join the Munda Biddi newsgroup on Topica and post your comments there. 

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