6-Day Pre-ADV FEST 2026 Ride with John Hudson

LESS THAN 10 SPOTS REMAIN - BOOK NOW

PRE-ADV FEST 2026 – 6 DAY RIDE

Join John Hudson for a one-of-a-kind adventure the week before ADV FEST 2026.
We’re taking 40 riders on an incredible six-day loop through remote country west of Dorrigo — epic tracks, outback pubs, and full support along the way.

Start: 16 August 2026 – 9 AM | Dorrigo Royal Hotel
Finish: 21 August 2026 – 3 PM | Dorrigo Royal Hotel

   Terms and conditions 

Join John Hudson, founder of the APC Rally and one of Australia’s most experienced adventure riders, for an unforgettable 6-day adventure through the wild country west of Dorrigo.

This is your chance to ride legendary outback tracks with a support vehicle, sweep riders, and full mechanical backup — finishing right where ADV FEST 2026 kicks off in Dorrigo.

🏜️ The Route

We’re heading into desert country west of Dorrigo, exploring open Western NSW landscapes, rugged outback tracks, and remote pub towns.
Expect long horizons, changing terrain, and pure Australian adventure.

• Total distance: ~3,800 km

• Only 80 km of past APC Rally routes used — 100% fresh tracks

• Start/Finish: Heritage Hotel Dorrigo — 19 Cudgery St, Dorrigo NSW 2453
  📞 (02) 6657 2016

• Accommodation: Pub & motel options at every stop (camping welcome)

• Support: Vehicle + sweep riders with mechanical skills

• Evenings: Tailgate drinks and maintenance sessions at the support truck

🏍️ Type of Riding

This ride suits all adventure-capable bikes.
You’ll ride open Western country with easy go-arounds for any technical sections.
Days are designed to finish around 4 PM, with plenty of interesting stops along the way.
Many of these tracks are rarely found — a unique opportunity to ride them safely with backup and mates.

🗓️ Daily Itinerary

Day 1 – 16 Aug 2026: Dorrigo → Coonabarabran (512 km)
Highlights: Ebor Falls, Wollombi Falls, lunch in Armidale
🏨 Imperial Hotel (02) 6842 1023 | Acacia Motor Lodge (02) 6842 1922
🍽 Dinner: Golden Sea Dragon Chinese Restaurant @ 7 PM

Day 2 – 17 Aug 2026: Coonabarabran → Bourke (517 km)
Via: Warrumbungles, Macquarie Marshes, Quambone, Brewarrina
🏨 Darling River Motel (02) 6872 2288 | Bourke Riverside Motel (02) 6872 2530
🍽 Dinner: Port of Bourke Hotel – 32 Mitchell St Bourke (02) 6872 2544

Day 3 – 18 Aug 2026: Bourke → Tibooburra (520 km)
Via: Wanaring & “The Cut Line” (280 km of desert)
🏨 Tibooburra Hotel (08) 8091 3310 | Family Hotel (08) 8091 3314

Day 4 – 19 Aug 2026: Tibooburra → Bourke (720 km)
Via: White Cliffs, Wilcannia, Tilpa — classic desert country
🏨 Darling River Motel / Bourke Riverside Motel
🍽 Dinner: Bourke Bowling Club @ 6:30 PM

Day 5 – 20 Aug 2026: Bourke → Narrabri (524 km)
Via: Brewarrina, Narran Lake Nature Reserve, Walgett, Wee Waa
🏨 Tourist Hotel (02) 6792 2312 | Crossroads Hotel (02) 6792 5592

Day 6 – 21 Aug 2026: Narrabri → Dorrigo (430 km)
Return ride through forests and country lanes — arrive back by 3 PM.

👉 Accommodation Tip:
Book the 14th, 20th & 21st August at the Heritage Hotel Dorrigo to cover the pre-ride night and festival dates.

🔧 Logistics & Support

To keep costs down and logistics simple:

• Start & finish at Dorrigo — no shuttles required

• Only 5 days’ leave from work needed

• All riders receive GPX maps & track notes

• GPS or GAIA App required (ensure loaded before departure)

• Support truck carries fuel, spares, and luggage

⛽ Fuel & Tyres

• Fuel range: Minimum 300 km

• Best practice: Refuel each evening & carry extra water

• Tyre setup: Course can be completed on one set of tyres

  • Recommended: Motoz Tractionator Adventure (Rear) + Pirelli Scorpion Rally (Front)

  • Tubes: 5 mm ultra-heavy duty at 28 PSI

🧰 What to Bring

A full packing list and rider prep guide is supplied after booking, but in short:

• Navigation: Garmin Zumo XT 2 (hard-wired) or GAIA App

• Riding gear: Good boots, helmet, gloves, CamelBak (2 L min)

• Tools: Tyre levers, spare tubes, spanners 6–17 mm, filter oil, zip ties, spare bolts

• Panniers: Soft bags only – Nomad Moto recommended

• Wet weather gear: Jacket 2 sizes up to fit over riding kit

• Bike prep: Check wheel bearings, chain, filters, Loctite bolts, fit fuel bladders

Remember: The lighter you travel, the less you break.

🛡️ Insurance & Safety

• Travel insurance: InsureAndGo Gold (~$60)

• Spinal Injury Insurance: pbf.asn.au (~$48 / yr for $250k cover)

• Roadside Assistance: RACQ Ultimate or equivalent (~$280)

In case of emergency, call 000 and provide your location from GPS coordinates.
Do not mention participation in an event to ensure coverage under personal insurance.

🏁 Join the Ride

Ride alongside John Hudson on an adventure few ever experience.
Six days, 3,800 km of fresh tracks, mateship, support, and the perfect lead-in to ADV FEST 2026.