- This topic has 3,824 voices and 3 replies.
- Posts
Rob, I will paste answers to your questions directly below:
Hi!
My name is Rob Lilwall – I am an English guy currently on a bit of mammoth bicycle ride from Siberia to Tasmania (then back to UK) – see http://www.cyclinghomefromsiberia.comI now got to Shanghai, and I am in the process of researching a possible route (by bike and boat) through Philippines, Indonesia and PNG to Australia (i know for some bits of this I am going to have to rely on hitching rides with cargo ships)
Anyway, on PNG, I am thinking of trying to enter from Jayapura to Vanimo, then bike and boat my way along to Popondetta… and then I am intrigued by the idea of trying to get to Port Moresby via the Kokoda trail. I have been studying this website (very helpful) and thought i would throw out some general questions.
My whole expedition is self funded (I am on a reasonably tight budget as must last 2 years on the road) and I am raising money for a street kids/orphans charity as I ride. I have already cycled about 11,000 km, including camping at -40 in Siberia (so I am quite fit, and used to a bit of hardship)… that said, I appreciate that this is a tough hike, even when not carrying a bicycle!! I am keen to do the trail as independently as possible ? i.e. I would prefer not to use porters (kind of against the philosophy of the trip). I would of course cut my baggage down to the absolute minimum.
I was wondering if anybody could offer me any advice on the feasibility of this idea, especially with regards to the following questions:
a) are there road connections between Popondetta and Lae?
Answer – No, only access is by boat or aircraft” border=”0″ alt=”cool.gif”/> how far is the road from Popondetta to Kokoda?<br/>Answer: By motor vehicle it takes anywhere from 3 – 5 hours depending on road conditions. At the moment it is quite bad with lots of potholes but the road is flat no hills.</p><p>c) is it possible to get a trail permit at Kokoda? and as I would be moving slower than most normal trekkers, would I need a special permit?<br/>Answer: No, you would need a permit from Port Moresby but I could help there by purchasing on your behalf and sending it down to my JV Business Partner Russell Eroro (Rusty's Place) where you could overnight and pick up your permit.</p><p>d) are there other permits I need<br/>Answer: No</p><p>e) do you know of any other cyclists who have done this route (I have heard rumours of some, but have not been able to track them down)<br/>Answer: No, have not heard of any, to the best of my ability you would be a first. Russell has always talked about want to ride a motor bike on the kokoda trail but I think he is crazy to even think about it.</p><p>f) food and accommodation ? do I have to carry all the food I need for the trail ? or can some been bought in villages; can I arrange to stay in villages when I get there (I am happy to sleep in my tent if not!). What about water?<br/>Answer: You have to carry food definitely and yes you can get some from villages such as bananas/passionfruit/sweet potato if they have some to spare and in season.</p><p>g) the trail itself ? would it be possible to ride some (any!) of it, and are there some parts too precarious to even carry the bike<br/>Answer: There are places that are wide enough but its all mainly up up up and then down down down and quiet steep</p><p>h) is the road from Owers corner to Port Moresby ok?<br/>Answer: Yes, providing it is dry you could ride this quiet easily. Is red clay type mud and when wet is very slippery and sticks to you like glue.</p><p>i) is it compulsory to have a guide? Do I need one (ie would I get lost without one!)<br/>Answer: Yes, definitely recommended but I could help there as well. Rusty's place in Kokoda is full of guides who would be only too helpful to accompany you on the trail. You would however have to be required to pay him and also supply him with money for food and an airfare back home.</p><p>j) any other comments (i.e. is this whole idea just silly!??)<br/>Answer: If you dont mind carrying a pack and carrying a bike then go for it. Personally I found it hard enough to just walk let alone carry a bike but hey if there is a will there is a way. There is no climbing as such only leg work so it is definitely achievable and if you are into creating records, go for it!</p><p>I look forward to hearing any advice/comments about the above you might be able to offer,</p><p>Many, many thanks!</p><p>Rob <br/><a
href=http://www.cyclinghomefromsiberia.com rel=nofollow>http://www.cyclinghomefromsiberia.com</a><br/><a
href=mailto:roblilwall@hotmail.com rel=nofollow>roblilwall@hotmail.com</a></p></div></div><div
id=post-95261 class=bbp-reply-header><div
class=bbp-meta>
<span
class=bbp-reply-post-date>28/05/2005 at 9:24 am</span>
<a
href=https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/cycling-kokoda-trail-carrying-bike/#post-95261 class=bbp-reply-permalink>#95261</a>
<span
class=bbp-admin-links></span></div></div><div
class=)
Hi Rob, check above for answers to your questions.
Hi Aussie
Thanks so much for all those answers you put up before – i am still keen to give take my bike over the trail on my way to australia (i have now got to hong kong, where i am waiting til 1st september for a yacht ride to the philippines – then island hopping to png via sulawesi – hope to get to popondetta/kokoda around early november)
can i follow up your very helpful answers with a couple more questions please:
1. I would be very grateful if you were able to help me get the permit at the kokoda end (through Russel Eroro)… could you please let me know how much this would cost and how we would organise this (do i need to specify dates for when i will be doing the trail?)
2. it sounds like in many villages it is possible to stay with locals… if that is the case i am very tempted to ditch my tent to cut down on weight… what do you think?
3. It does sound like a guide is a good idea… is it posible to just get locals in each village to take you to the next village (thereby avoiding the need to fly them all the way back at the other end… i am a bit concerned about the trail emptying my budget! – but sounds like it is worth it). Advice/your opinion would be appreciated
4. in return for me giving you PR on my website and in slideshows / media stuff in nz /oz (and as this is self financed expedition raising money for street kids), would you be interested in giving me special rates!!! (hope it is not too cheeky of me to ask!)
many, many thanks Aussie
best wishes
Dear friends in Papua New Guinea,
This is just to let you know that I have now (after various
boat-related delays) just arrived by cargo ship from the Southern
Philippines, to Sulawesi, Indonesia. I will take a ferry to Jayapura
(West Papua) tomorrow, so hope to bicycle into Vanimo around Christmas
day, about a month later Port Moresby.I will keep you posted of my progress.
Best wishes and I hope you have a Happy Christmas!
Rob Lilwall
(Bitung, Indonesia, 15th December)
http://www.cyclinghomefromsiberia.comViewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
