Thunderbolts Survive & Thrive Guide: the EPIRB

As you prepare for the Thunderbolts Adventure, it's vital to understand the risk associated with riding in a remote region with no mobile phone coverage. We have a number of provisions to ensure you can find your way and that in a worst-case scenario you can get the medical help you need.

Since we are riding on public roads and marking the course is unfeasible, every rider needs to be ready to navigate the course individually. You can either download the route for offline use in your mobile phone, download the route into your cycling computer or print out the Cue Sheet that is included in the Rider Guide. Note the Rider Guide is usually sent to all participants a couple of weeks prior to the event. We recommend combining at least two of the above options, so if one method fails, you have a backup.

In addition, to ensure safety, all riders are required to carry a satellite-based tracker. As a minimum, you must have one (1) tracker between a maximum of 3 riders. A simple and cheap option is to buy or rent an EPIRB. We recommend using either a SPOT tracker (Gen 3 or 4) or a Garmin InReach (preferably Mini 2) for the added features detailed below. You will need to present your Tracker device during registration.

What is an EPIRB?

It’s short for emergency position-indicating radio beacon. Think of it as your insurance policy in the wild. When the beacon is activated, the signal is detected by the global Cospas-Sarsat satellite system and relayed to the AMSA Rescue Coordination Centre in Australia, which then coordinates a rescue response. This is for emergencies if one of your buddies needs an urgent medical response say after a snake bite or a heavy crash.

What does it cost if I activate the EPIRB/SPOT/InReach?

It is hard to get accurate information on this and it varies state to state, but the big cost of say a helicopter rescue is usually covered by the government. For Thunderbolts Adventure, historically we have always had ambulances arrive for any serious injury (2 ambulances called in 7 years). Obviously we recommend you consider Private Health Insurance when participating events like this one.

Why is a SPOT or Garmin InReach better?

These two options are better because they show your location in real time on a web page you can share with your loved ones. You can also send a text message or email via satellite. The Garmin device has the added flexibility of pairing to your mobile phone, so you can easily text or email any contact from your phone, via the InReach. You can also use the InReach as a backup navigational device and it has a very good battery life which can be recharged via the USB-C port. The SPOT only has the capability to send a preset message to preset contacts and runs on replaceable Lithium AA batteries (expensive and hard to find in the bush!).

They cost a bit more, but if you are planning on doing more bike packing, these devices are well worth the investment and you can pause your subscription when you are not using them for a period.

Where can I get one for the weekend?

For those seeking to obtain an EPIRB device for the event weekend, several options are available, here are some that we recommend:

• National Parks NSW: Free

  • National Parks NSW offers complimentary Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) rentals at 13 locations, including Blackheath near Sydney. Springwood & Katoomba police stations in the Blue Mountains also offer free hire.

• EPIRB Hire: We have been using these guys for years and you can pick up your pre-ordered rental at Registration in Gloucester. Usually $88 for 7 days they do a special deal for Graveleur riders. Graveleur pricing deal TBC - watch this space.

• Bushwalking Blog: $45 for 3 days.

• Adventure Rentals: $55 for 3-7 days.

• Oz Satellite Rentals: $45 per week.

• SPOT Device: $249

  • SPOT devices enable one-way satellite messaging to designated contacts, along with tracking and SOS capabilities. Additionally, a subscription plan, costing approximately $23 per month, is required for satellite connectivity.

• Garmin InReach: from $499

  • Available in two sizes, Garmin InReach devices offer two-way messaging, location sharing, and SOS alerts. A subscription fee of $20 is necessary to access the satellite network.

If you're riding solo or you're not too experienced with this kind of terrain, we strongly recommend opting for the SPOT Tracker or Garmin InReach over an EPIRB. Furthermore, it's advisable to designate a contact outside of the event to monitor your progress and receive any messages sent via your satellite tracker.

Here’s a final tip: if you've got mates who are into overnight adventure races or multi-day hikes, hit them up - chances are, they've got their own EPIRB device collecting dust in the garage. Treat them to a coffee or a six-pack, and they might just lend it to you for the weekend.

Happy riding, and stay safe out there!