"Hunt 1000" by Alec Armstrong
Canberra to Melbourne
Wangaratta High School
During the Easter holidays, I completed a bikepacking expedition from Canberra to Melbourne via the mountains with a mate. The route is 1000 kms and ascent adds up to 18,575m over the 11 days, it's known as the ‘Hunt 1000’.
We traversed some of Australia’s most stunning high country, navigating a network of fire roads, alpine tracks, gravel paths, country roads, and numerous river crossings. All equipment was carried on our mountain bikes, which weighed in at approximately 30 kilograms.
The experience paired back life to its most fundamental aspects, with daily rides exceeding twelve hours, followed by setting camp, cooking, resting, and repeating the process over a period of eleven days. Each day involved an ascent of a minimum of 1500 metres or more.
The route is internationally recognised for its notably low completion rate (less than 50%), owing to the challenging and remote riding conditions. During the expedition, we encountered snow at Mount Hotham and persistent rain throughout the journey. It was an extraordinary experience that tested my endurance and resilience, as I endured successive days of demanding riding and adverse weather conditions.
Currently, I am returning to my Year 12 studies and fulfilling my duties as Head Prefect; however, I look forward to undertaking further adventures in the future.
Alec Armstrong
Head Prefect
