Wild Horizons

30/08/2023

Article on this year's Biking the Boot tour now up on the blog of our good friends at Ground Effect Cycle Clothing

Details on the 2024 version here https://www.huwkingston.com/biking-the-boot

https://www.groundeffect.co.nz/blogs/news/fango-frane-fine-ales

Huw Kingston leads a tour through Italy, weaving a winding line through the Apennines on singletrack, dirt tracks, gravel roads and a bit of asphalt, with an unexpected dose of fango, before heading north to the Dolomites for a big mountain finisher.

17/07/2023

Biking the Boot - 4-24 May 2024
The best mountain bike holiday you will ever take.
It was SO good to be back riding in Italy in May with my Biking the Boot tour. Details are now up for the 2024 version. Places limited to 8 riders.
https://www.huwkingston.com/biking-the-boot

22/06/2023

Tour de France Tipping Comp for Save the Children Australia

Many of you will know my good mate, Liam Doherty, seen here after a little tumble in Italy last month on the Biking the Boot tour.

For many years Liam has run a very unique Tour de France tipping competition raising many $000's for Save the Children and for the Prince of Wales Hospital in Perth.

After a couple of years break over Covid, it's back with a vengeance in 2023.

Here's how to get involved:

- $10 per team entry. You can have as many teams as you like. Go here for an example of some team names https://cccoglioniblog.wordpress.com/table/
- You are randomly allocated 8 riders per team
- Depending on where your riders finish each day you get points
- The person with the most points at the end of the tour wins
- There are prizes at the end and along the way as well. You can choose to take the prize money or throw part or all of it back into the charity pool
- You can read the rules here https://cccoglioniblog.wordpress.com/rules-and-prizes/
- You can pay Liam using payid 0409 646302. Please remember to include your name or your team name. Get in touch if you prefer another way.

- If you are in, send [email protected] a reply with your name, your team name and your preferred email address.

After each TDF stage Liam sends out the most perceptive and funniest report you'll read.

30/05/2023

Biking the Boot 2023 done.....

Another great 3 week BTB tour complete, finishing, as always, in the MTB town of Riva del Garda.

Will be a reboot in May 2024. Get in touch if you're keen for the mountain biking experience of a lifetime!

22/05/2023

Biking the Boot, Day 15

So good to be back up in the Dolomiti. Plenty late snow around. Rode the Sellaronda today including the highest point of this Biking the Boot tour, 2244m Sella Pass.

12/05/2023

11/05/2023

Biking the Boot - Day 4

10/05/2023

Biking the Beer.....

Our pilgrimage continues, as we endeavour to find a local craft brewery or beer each day.

Today from Spoleto to Assisi and another successful quest and quench.

09/05/2023

Biking the Boot - Day 1 from Lazio into Umbria. 850km to go.

So good to be back running the tour for the first time since Covid.

17/04/2023

Back to Wingello and MTB Trails opening very soon....

Went for a ride on firetrails in Wingello State Forest for the first time since that that awful night of 4 January 2020 in that blackest of summers.

So much has changed, so much destroyed, but also much life.
The forest only reopened a couple of weeks ago after being closed for more than 3 years.

And, with thanks to a small band of volunteers from Highlands Trails, some of the MTB singletrack should reopen on 30 APRIL. YAY!!

There are a couple of working bees coming up to get the trails ready for the reopening. This Sunday morning, 23rd April, and a second on Anzac Day morning (Tuesday 25th April). Details at https://www.highlandstrails.com.au/events

04/04/2023

Take Heart - Huw Kingston is trekking 3,000 kilometres from Uluru to Canberra in support of the Voice Referendum.

More details and see how you can get involved https://www.huwkingston.com/take-heart


Yes23

21/02/2023

Heads up the Boot is up......
So looking forward to getting back to Italy in May for my Biking the Boot mountain bike tour. Through Umbria, Tuscany & Romagna along the Apennines then up to the mighty Dolomites.
Winding through spectacular country, staying in little villages, well deserved fine food and drink, catching up with old friends along the way. 6-26 May
https://www.huwkingston.com/biking-the-boot-2023

03/01/2023

The Sweet Life in 2023.........

Treat yourself this year to a tasty mountain biking holiday and join me either in New Zealand in March for the Sweet South Island Singletrack tour or enjoy 3 weeks of La Dolce Vita in Italy for 3 weeks in May on Biking the Boot.

19/12/2022

Was so good to be back riding in NZ last month on my Sweet South Island Singletrack tour.

The 2023 version, happening 11-17 March, will take in the Craigieburn trails, riding Reefton, the stunning St James Trail and of course 2 days on the Old Ghost Road, the jewel of mountain biking.

Come join the fun.

https://www.huwkingston.com/southislandsingletrack

28/11/2022

Biking the Boot is Back!
So looking forward to being back in Italy, 6-26 May 2023, to run my 3 week Biking the Boot mountain bike tour. This brilliant ride across Italy, which first took place in 2012, has had an enforced break these last few years.
Split into two stages, we ride through the Appenines via Umbria, Tuscany and into Romagna for the first 11 days, before a final week across the mighty Dolomites.
Fine riding, fine food, fine wines, it is a very special few weeks. All details https://www.huwkingston.com/biking-the-boot-2023

26/09/2022

Sweet South Island Singletrack - 2 places available!
Due to cancellation forced by illness, 2 spots have come up for my next MTB tour to New Zealand in November (11-19th).

Sweet South Island Singletrack will ride the Old Ghost Road, the Heaphy Track along with awesome trails around Nelson and Hanmer.

All details at https://www.adventuresouth.co.nz/private/VNKMYD

If you're interested, get in touch!

09/09/2022

Alpine Odyssey for Our Yarning - 1 Resort and 1 week to go!

40 days since the start of my 700km ski and trek the length of the Australian Alps, yesterday I reached Perisher, the 11th snow resort of 12 I have taken in along the way. It has been, as per the script, one hell of a journey with plenty of lows and highs geographically and more.

My journey set out to raise $50,000 for Save the Children Australia Our Yarning project, an indigenous literacy initiative. With just over a week to go until I hope to finish in the ACT, I am creeping toward the $40,000 mark.

Appreciate any contributions to the fundraising with all detail at https://our-yarning-save-the-children-huw-kingston-fundraiser.raisely.com/

You can follow the journey on my Facebook or Instagram pages

12/07/2022

Sweet South Island Singletrack - 2 places available!

My annual SSIS mountain bike tour to NZ lost it's 'annualness' due to Covid, but it's back and heading over in November (11-18th).

There are just 2 spots left if you want to ride the Old Ghost Road, the Heaphy Track, awesome trails around Nelson and Hanmer.

All details at https://www.adventuresouth.co.nz/private/VNKMYD

If you're interested, get in touch!

New Zealand Cycling & Walking Holiday Specialists

25/05/2022

Alpine Odyssey

I'm super excited to launch my Alpine Odyssey journey taking place this winter.
https://www.huwkingston.com/alpine-odyssey

Alpine Odyssey will see me skiing the length of the Australian Alps, a journey of over 600km and 50 days. But there's a twist as, along the way, I plan to ski at each of the 12 snow resorts in the alpine country. There is, of course, another purpose too - I'm aiming to raise $50,000 for Save the Children Australia Our Yarning project.

Starting in late July, I'll traverse some of the most rugged country in Australia, diverting to ski at Lake Mountain, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Stirling, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Mt Buffalo, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Perisher and Selwyn.

Storytelling and the passing down of knowledge is important in all cultures. In Australia our First Nations people have a complex and rich vein of stories linking them to the land, the oceans, the sky and to each other. Holding onto these stories, firstly passing them onto Aboriginal and Torres Strait children, but also to the wider population, is vitally important. The Our Yarning project produces books for Indigenous Australian children, written and illustrated by Indigenous authors and illustrators, telling their stories, their way.

How can you help? As well as making a general donation, I'm also 'selling' each of the resorts I ski at along with the highest peaks. Imagine being the new owner of Mt Buller or Thredbo perhaps? Or standing atop Mt Kosciuszko or Mt Bogong, master or mistress of all you survey! You'll even receive a Title Deed for a Good Deed done!

In 1997, 25 years ago this season, I completed a similar ski traverse, not skiing the resorts though. It was bloody tough with blizzards, rain, thick bush, navigational challenges, river crossings and distance all stymying progress. For over 2 weeks at the beginning, I didn't see another soul. But of course, blue-sky days, moonlit nights, snow covered ranges and old mountain huts easily balanced the ledger.

I'm obviously older but perhaps no wiser, but the fundraising will spur me on.

Full details on Alpine Odyssey at https://www.huwkingston.com/alpine-odyssey with the Fundraising page at https://our-yarning-save-the-children-huw-kingston-fundra...

I'm very happy to hear of other places, beyond the resorts or the highest mountains, that you might like me to sell for Our Yarning (those favourite spots in the Alps or other mountains you might like to buy!)

Fingers crossed for a big, cold winter!

The North Face - Australia & New Zealand Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Mt Stirling Mt Buller Hotham Alpine Resort Dinner Plain Alpine Village Falls Creek Thredbo Resort Charlotte Pass Snow Resort Perisher Selwyn Snow Resort

20/03/2022

Highlands to Snowies

A few pics from the MTB tour last week.

9 legends, 480 kilometres, 7000 metres climbing, 2 pub stays, 3 farm stays, 3 monkeys, 11 ducks, 2 singlespeeds, , 1 brewery finish, lotsa upsan downs......

$1000 raised from the sale of one rubber duck for the Children's Ukraine appeal!

https://www.savethechildren.org.au/donate/appeals/ukraine-crisis-response

10/02/2022

Looking to spend winter in the Snowies?

28/01/2022

Work continues to rebuild the Wingello trails after the fires 2 years ago. If you can spare a few hours on Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings, the job to reopen the trails will get done quicker. See below.

It has been a slow start to 2022, with inclement weather hampering work at Wingello. Despite dense fog last Sunday morning, three of us managed to find our way out to Flinging Scotsman, and as the sun burnt off the fog, we were able to cut a new alignment to avoid a large stag (dead) tree next to the original trail.

We've got plenty more work for you to help us with, and have working bees scheduled each Tue evening and Sun morning through Jan and Feb ... we need to get "Send in the Clowns" and "Dailemma" cleared and open for The Willo in early March.

It's so satisfying looking back at the work completed each day; so come and join us, and leave your mark on the trails soon. Register here now: https://www.highlandstrails.com.au/wingello -bee-dates

Reminder: Wingello State Forest is still closed to all, and we access the forest for working bees with special permission from Forestry Corporation of NSW.

24/01/2022

For all keen cyclists out there, just a reminder about a couple of important imminent dates.

1 NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) has their new Draft Cycling Strategy and Cycling Policy out for public comment until 30 January. The final form of these documents will inform development of cycling in National Parks for the next 10 years or more. Details at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/community-engagement/cycling-strategy-and-cycling-policy?fbclid=IwAR1PnfOETF8eyPsnlV-7Wx60uAwMlf-IR4KspfP9nClnaEz1Kg08_foNytI

2 The Monaro Rail Trail is to my mind a no brainer of a project - a 200km rail trail from near Canberra to Bombala that will have a massive positive impact on the communities through which it travels. Places such as Bredbo, Cooma, Nimmitabel and Bombala. Most of the trail runs through the Snowy Monaro Regional Council local government area. Council is currently developing its Regional Trails Masterplan and comments are open to this until 28 January on https://yoursaysnowymonaro.com.au/snowy-monaro-regional-trails-masterplan

Friends of Monaro Rail Trail

INTRODUCTION We are seeking your feedback on the draft Snowy Monaro Regional Trails Masterplan that is currently out on public exhibition. Please download and review the proposed concept plan from our document library. Feedback can be submitted by completing the below

19/12/2021

Excited to announce my new fundraiser.......

Our Yarning - Save the Children: Make a donation today to support Huw Kingston's Fundraiser

26/11/2021

The NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service have released their new Draft Cycling Strategy for comment, much of which pertains to mountain biking. It took us decades to get the first one up 10 years ago and riding in National Parks has come a long way.

https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/community-engagement/cycling-strategy-and-cycling-policy

There is an online information session from NPWS on Wednesday 1 December 1200-1300, if you're keen to hear more.

As well as dedicated track development I'd certainly like to see more management trails in Wilderness declared areas opened to cycling, particularly with the growth in bikepacking.

07/11/2021

Mountains To Beach 2021......

Many here will have fond memories of the Mountains to Beach stage race we ran from 2009 to 2012, from the top of Thredbo to the surf at Narooma.

Last week was Mountains to Beach tour time with a fine group of 10. Our route followed some of the old race route (geez we even came across an old race arrow!) but lots of new stuff too.

This time we finished in the surf at Tathra where, fittingly in the period of COP26, the good people have upped the ante on the trailhead watertank.

As the pics show, the weather changed as we headed toward the coast. But with hot shower, cold beer, warm red and a fine feed each night, there was no cause for complaint.

20/08/2021

Kosciuszko National Park - Draft Plan of Management + suggested Bike Trail proposal

Firstly I hope that you're doing OK in lockdown (where the majority now find ourselves).

Many of you who love the Snowy Mountains and enjoy biking, hiking, skiing and much more in Kosciuszko NP, will know there is a Draft Plan of Management for the park currently on exhibition.

This is the first substantive change to the POM since 2006 and has been driven by the wider Special Activation Precinct proposals for Jindabyne and area (which itself proposes a large new MTB park on the edge of town)

Many of the POM proposals relate to the Resort and Main Range sections of the huge park, including proposals for a 40% increase in resort bed numbers (from 10433 to 14567), helicopter flights between resorts and limited commercial vehicles allowed on the summit road between Charlotte Pass and Rawson Pass.

I for one have concerns with some of these proposals particularly in relation to sustainability, transport and the impacts of climate change. I encourage you to scan the POM (link below) and form your own judgement and make a submission to [email protected]. Submissions Close 23 August (Monday!)

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/snowymountains-special-activation-precinct

Also, given this rare opportunity to change the POM, some may be interested in including in your submission, support for a proposal to increase the available bikepacking routes in Kosi. Currently, in the Jagungal Wilderness section of the park, bikes are allowed on just some existing management trails being Valentines, Grey Mare, Hell Hole and Round Mountain Trails.

However bikes are not currently allowed on the 6km section of Grey Mare Trail between Grey Mare Hut and Grey Mare Mountain (as shown on map). Opening this short section of existing fire trail would allow for additional bikepacking routes out to the west of the park - Geehi, Khancoban etc.

Feel free to contact me on any of this.

20/08/2021

08/07/2021

An overseas trip! Come mountain bike New Zealand.

Firsly thoughts with everyone in Greater Sydney and crossing fingers the lockdown will end soon there. Here's something to dream about.......

After postponing the Sweet South Island Singletrack tour to NZ three times, everyone on this fully booked tour is very much looking to finally getting across the ditch in November at the 4th attempt!

Meanwhile dates, details and bookings for the next SSIS from 6-13 March 2022 are now available https://www.adventuresouth.co.nz/private/ZVHXRM.

This version takes in some awesome riding in the Craigieburn ranges, west of Christchurch, before we head over the divide to Reefton and some more singletrack. The incomparable Old Ghost Road then occupies us for 3 days/2 nights before we move on to Hanmer Springs to enjoy the local tracks and take on the challenge of the St James Trail on our final day.

16/03/2021

Another fun 3 day bikepacking tour run last week, traversing the Snowies. The weather gods delivered again for us.

24/02/2021

Plenty up, plenty down, plenty sun, plenty river crossings....
3 perfect days and nights guiding a Snowy Mountains bikepacking tour.

Good preparation on the singlespeed for the Rocky Trail Entertainment 'Willo' event at Sparrow Hill this weekend. Been a long time since I've done a race 😋. Look forward to catching up with folks there.

07/01/2021

For anyone interested in the reconstruction of the MTB trails in Wingello Forest......

Wingello MTB Trails - Public Meeting

4pm, 16 January 2021 - Bundanoon Soldiers’ Memorial Hall

Highlands Trails will hold a public meeting to provide an update on the future of the Wingello Mountain Bike Trail network, as well as the potential for other trails in and around the Southern Villages.

All are welcome - whether you’re keen for singletrack close to home or you're just handy with a rake, we’d love to have you along for the ride.

Registration at the door to comply with Covid-19 requirements. BYO mask!

10/12/2020

A magic week of riding in Tassie on the established trails of Derby and the new trails of St Helens. Including the Blue Tier to Derby adventure and the Blue Tier to Bay of Fires, travelling from mountains to beach.

Looking forward to being back in March for the Dragon Trail race.

Discover Tasmania St Helens Mountain Bike Trails Gravity Isle Vertigo MTB Blue Derby Drive Ride Explore - Self Drive MTB Adventures Tasmania Tin Mountain Geocentric Outdoors

06/12/2020

Pretty bloody nice.......

04/12/2020

Looking forward to some fun in Derby and St Helens😃

30/11/2020

A reminder of earlier times yesterday - of trunk calls, branch lines and running out of coins 😊

15/11/2020

Trail Ales.......

Saturday, a catch up at Stromlo in Canberra with some of the Biking the Boot Italy tour regulars. Followed by an ale at The Handle Bar.

Sunday a ride at Welby in the Highlands with some of the folk booked on The Sweet South Island Singletrack NZ tour. Followed by an ale at Eden Brewery.

Plenty to keep us occupied in Oz but looking forward to international travel again.

10/11/2020

Sweet Snowy Mountains & Sweet South Island.......

Hope everyone is doing OK and props to all in Victoria after the rotten, long winter lockdown there.

Time for a bit of an update on some MTB tour and guiding things.

My 'Sweet South Island Singletrack' tour to NZ, originally scheduled for this month, had to be moved to early February and, with the tour fully booked, fingers crossed the Trans Tasman travel bubble will be in place by then. Once we know that bubble is in place then we'll launch a second SSIS tour for early May.

Closer to home, over summer I'll be offering some MTB guiding in the Snowy Mountains, which is home for 2020-21. So whether you want to explore some of the trails for a day or head into the backcountry for some overnight touring do get in touch [email protected]

Stay well and see you on the trails

cheers

Huw

08/11/2020

Only 3 riders in the 2020 Highland Fling 😊 on the traditional 2nd Sunday of November.

But possibly the best day of 2020, the best result of any race. Narcissists Corner rather apt......

27/06/2020

During the lockdown period I reduced the price of my Mediterranean book from $35 to $25. Only 3 days to go to the end of June before it goes back to full price.

You can order here https://www.huwkingston.com/product/mediterranean-a-year-around-a-charmed-and-troubled-sea/