FAQ

If you have any questions about Blue Derby Pods Ride, you may find the answers here! If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • How often does an experience depart?

    We have four departures a week; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

  • What fitness level is required?

    To maximise the enjoyment of your Blue Derby Pods Ride experience, we recommend a moderate level of bike fitness.

    If you can ride between 5-10KM off road, then you can be assured your level of bike fitness will be just fine.

    Please see more information on this topic in our blog here.

    If you have any concerns or questions about your level of fitness please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

  • What mountain biking skill level is required?

    So you can enjoy your Blue Derby Pods Ride experience to the greatest extent possible, we recommend having a moderate level of skill or above in regard to riding a mountain bike off road.

    If you feel your mountain biking skill level could be improved, we highly recommend joining us for our pre-experience training session in Launceston. We are confident that our experience leaders can bring most low skill level or minimal experience level riders to a point where they can comfortably enjoy the Blue Derby Pods Ride Experience. You can find out more about our mountain biking skill session here.

    Please also see more information on this topic in our blog here.

  • I’m an experienced mountain biker, will I be challenged/able to have fun?

    Yes. Our Experience Leaders are trained and skilled mountain bikers, and our experience has been developed to be able to manage a group with varying levels of skill. You will have the opportunity to fulfil any desires to ride the plethora of features and A-lines that these amazing trails have to offer.

    You may also find reading our blog about managing different riding abilities in one group helpful here.

  • Can I join the experience as a non-rider?

    Yes! Being located within the Blue Derby Mountain Biking trails network, we're lucky to have plentiful alternative options to riding. The mountain bike trails themselves can be walked, and we have a map for best options for trail walks. We find that many guests will take time off the bike during their stay to take some time for alternative activities, ranging from trail running to laying back in our library with a book in hand. The rivers close by are also known for hiding precious stones such as stunning blue sapphires if anyone fancies fossicking. We'll work with you to create a ‘non-riding’ itinerary that suits your needs.

    Please see more information on this topic in our blog here.

  • How many guests per experience?

    Blue Derby Pods Ride has been designed to intimate experience, and as such each experience has a maximum of 8 guests.

  • How many guides per experience?

    There are two qualified experience leaders for each Blue Derby Pods Ride experience.

  • What type of mountain bike do I need?

    You may bring your own bike, or hire a complimentary bike directly from us to complete your Blue Derby Pods Ride experience.

    If you are bringing your own mountain bike, please ensure it is fewer than 10 years old, has hydraulic disc brakes, and a minimum 120mm of working front suspension, as well as a recent service history. The bike must be in good, safe working order. We'll do a bike check as a group on the first morning before we set off.

    To find out more about our hire mountain bikes, please click here.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    We strongly encourage guests to have travel insurance in place. Please read our cancellation policy and booking terms and conditions.

  • What time does the experience start and finish?

    Your experience starts and finishes from your accommodation in Launceston, with a pickup service at between 8:45am- 9:30am on the first morning, and a drop off between 4:30pm-5:00pm on the final afternoon. 

    If you require vehicle or luggage storage while you spend your time with us, we can assist arrange this for you.

  • What accommodation options are there pre and post the experience?

    There are plentiful accommodation options in Launceston before and after completing your Blue Derby Pods Ride Experience.

    Please read our full blog of recommendations here.

    For more information about accommodation options before and after your Blue Derby Pods Ride Experience, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

  • Do you have age restrictions?

    We have no specific minimum and maximum age.

    For guests over the age of 69, we do require your General Practitioner to sign a letter (provided by us) outlining the physical demands of the experience. We will make contact with you after the booking process to discuss the details of these arrangements.

  • What is the food like?

    The food on your Blue Derby Pods Ride Experience is local, nutritious and scrumptious. To find out more about the food, please click here.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    The accommodation on your Blue Derby Pods Ride Experience is private, unique and exclusive. To find out more about the accommodation, please click here.

  • What is the phone reception like at the accommodation?

    If your mobile carrier is Telstra, you will have reception at our accommodation. Other carriers do not have any reception in Derby and surrounds.

  • Is there wifi at the accommodation?

    No, there is not wifi at the Pods/Hub. We welcome to opportunity to connect with others in the room over technology.

  • Is there an option to charge mobile phones of an evening?

    Yes. We do have a power-points available to charge mobile phones in our main dining hub building which you are welcome to use.

  • Do you hire out your accommodation for self-guided groups?

    We are open to having a discussion with you about using our accommodation for self-guided groups. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements further.

  • Do you hire out your accommodation for corporate retreats and board meetings?

    We are open to having a discussion with you about using our accommodation for corporate retreats and board meetings. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements further.

  • Is the accommodation wheel chair accessible?

    Yes! We worked hard in the design and build process to ensure that we can provide accessible access for our accommodation.

  • Do you offer a discount for group bookings?

    Yes, we offer a 10% discount for group bookings of 8 people. Please contact us directly to ensure you receive this discount.

  • Do you offer childcare services?

    We don't offer childcare services directly.

  • Can I hire an e-bike?

    Yes, of course! If you'd like to use an e-bike during your Blue Derby Pods Ride Experience, you can choose this as an extra when you book directly online here.

  • Can I bring my own e-bike?

    Yes, of course! We regularly have guests bring their own e-bikes and this works very well. We have 240v power in our workshop to charge your bikes overnight. Please get in touch with us if you would like us to help with battery exchange for your bikes to make travel easier.

  • What should I be wearing for the Day One accommodation pickup?

    We’ll be travelling 1.5 hrs from Launceston to Derby. If comfortable, please be dressed ready to ride, however we do stop at public facilities 15 minutes prior to our first trail, where you’ll be able to change. In this case, please have gear ready to go in your Day One bag.

  • We're self-driving in Tasmania, can we meet the group in Derby?

    Absolutely! We can provide secure parking for your vehicle for your stay with us. As a general rule, the group will meet you at 11am on day 1 in the Derby main-trail carpark.

  • How do you manage different riding abilities in one group?

    A great question! This is something we work really hard on and ensure everyone has their needs met. You can read a detailed response on a blog we have written here on this exact topic.