Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Phil Crick on May 11, 2012 at 15:39

Near the airport:

http://www.cairnsbicyclehire.com.au/a/Contact_us

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Permalink Reply by heather on May 11, 2012 at 16:53

The budget / student bike hire for 5-7 days is only $45. If you go through the hassle of packing your own bike, the airline might charge 2 x $18 for return trip. Some transport companies count long trips as 2 legs each way, i.e. 4 tickets for return.

There is the Cairns Central YHA at 20-26 McLeod Street, Cairns 4870. I have not stayed there but google Cairns YHA reviews. Some YHAs provide free bikes or hire out.

Years ago I met a person from Cairns Council who was the bicycle coordinator. Do not know if they have a bike hire scheme. Cairns has some cycling infrastructure. There also appears to be a Cairns BUG. Much info on the web.

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Permalink Reply by Darren Bosanko on May 11, 2012 at 15:54

When are you there? I'm going up next week for an Ironman race (on June 3rd) and will have my bike. I'll be taking my TT bike though so might not be suitable for seeing the sights.

The Novatel in town was pretty cheap..In fact the whole region seems cheap. I think they are having issues getting tourists back there. Staying in Palm Cove for a week or so prior.

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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on May 11, 2012 at 17:07

I was over there over new years and stayed at Trinity Beach. Your going at a good time weather wise Michelle. 

I remember someone saying at the end of the last 'P' ride that you should be able to take your own bike over if it falls under a certain weight category. You just need to pack it well. I could be wrong.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on May 11, 2012 at 19:08

Thanks I am going to be there on the 22nd and 23rd May for a cycling coaching course. Don't think it's worth taking the bike though

Will look into the bike hire and YHA etc 

Got lots of organising to do :-)

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Permalink Reply by Jim K on June 18, 2012 at 19:51

How did you get on hiring a bike at Cairns on your trip?

I may be in Cairns in October for a conference and looking for a bike to hire.

Any info will be great. Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on June 18, 2012 at 20:25

Hi Jim

Got on really well but I did have a few problems with the place I did hire from nothing that a bit of thought from myself would have solved. 

You just have to be aware that the bike may not have been as well looked after than what your used to, always do a basic bike check. Tyres, brakes and check for defects and ensure road worthyness :-)

Check these places out

http://www.truelocal.com.au/search/Bicycle+Hire/Cairns+City%2C+QLD

The great thing was I managed to find my way around pretty well, the place I stayed gave me a great map and most of the roads had cycle lanes on them. The surprising thing was that in Queensland you are allowed to cycle on the pavement.

The weather was not as nice as I would have liked but then it is the tropics :-)

HTH

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Permalink Reply by Jim K on June 18, 2012 at 20:31

Thanks Michelle - Next step... see if work is going to pay for the trip!!

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Permalink Reply by durian rider on June 20, 2012 at 8:49

Im a frequent traveller to Cairns. I always bring the bike and go for a spin up to Cape Trib or Mareeba. No better way to get around Cairns IMHO.

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Permalink Reply by Jim K on June 20, 2012 at 10:10

How safe is the ride to Cape Trib? (heavy transport, verge etc) I will likely use a MTB with panniers, so a rough verge is better that being a target for trucks.

I also checked out http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Cairns-inland-circuit-300km. I would probably take 4 days, allowing time for diversions (and the strain of the climb!). I could cheat and take the train to Mareeba (does the train still run?)

The good news is my work is paying for the travel to get there. 

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