Real Trail Talk

10/05/2024

In this episode we discuss what makes a good trail, ranging design, experience, scenery, facilities and everything in-between. On top of that we talk about why we like trails so much, and what goes into a great trail experience in our opinion.

What makes a good trail in your experience?

In this episode we discuss what makes a good trail, ranging design, experience, scenery, facilities and everything in-between. On top of that we talk about why we like trails so much, and what goes into a great trail experience in our opinion.

09/02/2024

An episode we look forward to recording every year, we break down our 2023 adventures, discussing what we did, where we went and what we thought of the year in general.

Add in some listener questions and our regular discussion points, and you have close to two hours of Real Trail Talk to enjoy.

Thank you everyone who has listened in 2023 and we hope you have plenty of adventures in 2024!!!

One of our favourite episodes of the year, we discuss our 2023 Adventures by going through what we enjoyed, what we didn't, and then some answer some listener questions. Thank you everyone who has tuned in during 2023, we really appreciate it.

11/08/2023

Between the both of us (and some help from Bonny), we have the South Coast Track in Tasmania covered from a YouTube, Photo Essay/Blog Post and Podcast perspective.

Check out the below links to access all three mediums and some quality South Coast Track content.

YouTube Series on The Long Ways Better (subscribe to catch the latest episodes)

Days 1 & 2 - https://youtu.be/p99fch0_kes
Days 3 & 4 - https://youtu.be/h7Mgb_DtzF4

South Coast Track Guide on The Life of Py

https://www.thelifeofpy.com/south-coast-track-tasmania

Real Trail Talk Podcast Episodes on the South Coast Track

Part 1 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hvFSAbsKNmrahXvsYP6wd?si=c7f67a35b0404516
Part 2 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0AdZEJpUdDKYwsDpPu0Frk?si=dd25c72e1b0540c3

If you're planning a trip to the wilderness of southern Tasmania then let us know in the comments and be sure to check out all the content above.

21/07/2023

As we've mentioned a couple of times in previous episodes, Mark was in the process of writing a new guidebook to Best Walks of South West WA and it has finally been released!!!

We have a bit of a chat about the process of writing the guidebook, what you can expect and what's coming in the future.

Order your copy by visiting the link in the comments and use the code RTT10 to get a further 10% off the already great price on The Life of Py.

Best Walks of South West WA is a new guidebook written by Mark, showcasing 40 great walks from the South West and exploring the beautiful forests, coastline and rivers of this unique region. In this episode we have a bit of a chat about the process of writing the guidebook, what you can expect and w...

20/06/2023

The conclusion to our two part discussion of the South Coast Track in Tasmania, we are once again joined by Bonny to chat about days 4-7 of this epic weeklong adventure.

Continuing on with our discussion about the South Coast Track, this episode sees Bronwyn return as we chat about the final three days on this stunning week long hike in the Tasmanian Wilderness.

11/05/2023

We are joined by Bonny to discuss the first four days of the South Coast Track, a week long trek in the wilderness of Southern Tasmania.

With stunning coastal scenery, plenty of mountain ranges and lots of creek crossings, this was a fun adventure that we completed in January 2023.

In January 2023, Donovan, Mark and Bonny completed the South Coast Track in Tasmania and we sit down to discuss the first four days on this rugged adventure in the remote wilderness of Southwest National Park.

22/03/2023

We are back!!!

With a lot going on over the past year, we sat down to discuss what happened in 2022, our adventures, the changes to our lives and why the podcast has been a bit quiet.

Going forward we'll be aiming to avoid the lengthy breaks but as you'll find out if you listen to the episode, content won't be as frequent as it was in the past.

Hope you enjoy and thank you for listening.

We are back!!! While we have taken a break from podcasting for the latter half of 2022, we were still out exploring. As we discuss, there have been some big changes to our lives in 2022 (Donovan especially) and so we've sat down to have a chat about everything that happened.

06/05/2022

We have arrived at the final section of the Munda Biddi and joining us for the discussion is Mark's long time adventure buddy Aron, the Samwise to Mark's Frodo.

At 76km in length, it's the longest day on the trail but one of the more gentle rides thanks to a relaxed elevation profile.

After chatting about the Denmark to Albany section, Donovan asks Aron and Mark a few questions about their September 2021 E2E.

We are joined by Aron aka 1A1R to discuss the final section of the Munda Biddi Trail between Denmark and Albany before chatting about Mark and Aron's E2E back in September 2021....

25/02/2022

The penultimate section of the 1065km Munda Biddi Trail, this is the last of the wilderness as you head into the Tingle Forest leaving Walpole and then explore the national parks to the north of the coastline. We had wildly different opinions about this section from our different experiences of riding the trail.

There are also a couple of announcements regarding the future of the podcast so if you're a long time listener then stay until the end.

Note - This episode was recorded before the devastating bushfires that came through the Denmark Area. Both of us were deeply saddened to see the destruction caused by the fires and would like to thank the firefighters that battled the blaze for all their hard work.

The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre Denmark Visitor Centre

The penultimate section of the 1065km Munda Biddi Trail, this is the last of the wilderness as you head into the Tingle Forest leaving Walpole and then explore the national parks to the north of the coastline. We had wildly different opinions about this se...

14/01/2022

With the world having gone mad, we sit down and discuss our last 12 months on the trail, our general thoughts and then answer some of your questions.

A big heartfelt thank you to everyone who has listened in 2021, commented and recommended us to friends. Happy trails for 2022!!!

It's been a weird and disrupted year so we sit down to discuss the past 12 months, our adventures, our thoughts and then answer your questions. ...

22/12/2021

The results are in from all the voting and the winner of the WA Hiking Draft is......Mark

Thank you to everyone who listened, voted and provided their own picks, we really enjoyed doing this one.

If you haven't listened then click the link below to join in the fun (although voting has now closed).

https://realtrailtalk.podbean.com/e/episode-84-wa-hiking-draft/

15/12/2021

It's time to vote!!!

If you've had a listen to the latest episode (link below if you haven't) and want to cast your vote for who you think ended up with the best suite of trails from the draft then comment below. We'd love to hear from you.

https://realtrailtalk.podbean.com/e/episode-84-wa-hiking-draft/

10/12/2021

Time for some fun!!! Joining us in the studio are podcast regulars Steve Sertis and Bonny Wells for the WA Hiking Draft, a concept we've stolen from The Big Picture Podcast where we select what we think is the best suite of trails in Western Australia from the various categories listed below.

We hope you enjoy and comment below with who you thought was the "winner".

Rules

Each person must pick one trail from each category
A trail can only be selected once

Categories

Perth Day Hikes
South West
Golden Outback
Coral Coast
North West
Cape to Cape Day
Bibbulmun Track Section
Stirling Range Day Hike
Wildcard (any day hike not already selected from any category)

Joining us in the studio are podcast regulars Steve Sertis and Bonny Wells for the WA Hiking Draft, a concept we've stolen from The Big Picture where we select what we think is the best suite of trails from the various categories listed below. We hope you enjoy and check out the various Real Trail T...

19/11/2021

We are joined by special guest Brad Serls from Cycles Bespoke to talk about the Northcliffe to Walpole section of the Munda Biddi Trail. A stunning and varied section of the trail with some really unique terrain and big hills including a little side quest up to Mount Frankland.

If you're looking to get into bikepacking or thinking about riding the Munda Biddi then go see the team at Cycles Beskpoke in Bayswater.

The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Northcliffe Visitor Centre & Public Library

We are joined by special guest Brad Serls from Cycles Bespoke to talk about the Northcliffe to Walpole section of the Munda Biddi Trail. A stunning and varied section of the trail with some really unique terrain and big hills including a little side quest ...

05/11/2021

It's not everyday we get a new hiking trail in WA, let alone an overnight trail so with the opening of the 28km Yonga Trail in Lesueur National Park, we had a discussion on what it was like from two different perspectives.

Donovan and Alissa did this as a long day walk while Mark and Caris completed it as a leisurely overnighter.

Yes, we have our first couples podcast!!!

Explore Parks WA Trails WA Australia's Coral Coast

It's not everyday we get a new hiking trail in WA, let alone an overnight trail so with the opening of the 28km Yonga Trail in Lesueur National Park, we had a discussion on what it was like from two different perspectives. Donovan and Alissa did this as a ...

22/10/2021

Donovan has a new love with the discovery of e-bikes and he has introduced his other love (his wife Alissa) to the joy of electrically assisted cycling.

In this episode we discuss their adventures on the Munda Biddi and what benefits an e-bike can deliver.

The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trails WA CUBE Bikes

Donovan has a new love with the discovery of e-bikes and he has introduced his other love (his wife Alissa) to the joy of electrically assisted cycling. In this episode we discuss their adventures on the Munda Biddi and what benefits an e-bike can deliver....

08/10/2021

We are back!!!

Continuing on with our series on the 1050km Munda Biddi Trail, we are joined by Michelle from Feed the Hike to discuss the Manjimup to Northcliffe section of the ride. Filled with lovely forests, farmland and some enjoyable towns along the way, this section has some of the best riding of the whole trail.

As a special discount for Real Trail Talk listeners, Michelle has kindly offered a 10% discount on all Feed the Hike orders for the month of October. Use the code REALTRAILTALK10 at the checkout to apply the discount.

The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trails WA Northcliffe Visitor Centre & Public Library

Continuing on with our series on the 1050km Munda Biddi Trail, we are joined by Michelle from Feed the Hike to discuss the Manjimup to Northcliffe section of the ride. Filled with lovely forests, farmland and some enjoyable towns along the way, this sectio...

28/07/2021

Hello Listeners,

Donovan and Mark here just to let you know that we are still alive and haven't forgotten about the podcast.

Due to certain circumstances including lockdowns, work commitments and holidays (past and in the future), we won't be recording the next episode until after Mark gets back from his Munda Biddi adventure in mid-September.

We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding. We'll be back in full force from September with the usual fortnightly release.

Yours in Trails,

Donovan and Mark

25/06/2021

In this episode we have a bit of a discussion about fitness, injuries and our experiences before Donovan has a chat with Rowan Smith from Summit Strength about helping hikers with their preparation, training, strength and injury prevention plus a whole lot more.

In this episode we have a bit of a discussion about fitness, injuries and our experiences before Donovan has a chat with Rowan Smith from Summit Strength about helping hikers with their preparation, training, strength and injury prevention plus a whole lot...

11/06/2021

We are joined by Alex Garner from Intents Offroad to discuss the famous Gibb River Road in the Kimberley.

Stretching 660km between Derby and Kununurra, this old stock route explores some beautiful country including Windjana Gorge, Mitchell Falls, El Questro and Purnululu National Park.

Australia's North West Trails WA Western Australia

We are joined by Alex Garner from Intents Offroad to discuss the famous Gibb River Road in the Kimberley. Stretching 660km between Derby and Kununurra, this old stock route explores some beautiful country including Windjana Gorge, Mitchell Falls, El Questr...

21/05/2021

We are joined by Rod Annear to discuss the next section of the Munda Biddi between Nala Mia Campsite at Jarrahwood to the track town of Manjimup.

Riding on old rail formations, roads, vehicle tracks and single track, you visit Nannup and Donnelly River along with being introduced to the Karri Forest for the first time.

We are joined by Rod Annear to discuss the next section of the Munda Biddi between Nala Mia Campsite at Jarrahwood to the track town of Manjimup.  Riding on old rail formations, roads, vehicle tracks and single track you visit Nannup, Donnelly River along ...

07/05/2021

With Easter providing a good opportunity to get some more bang for your buck with regards to holiday leave, we both set out on different adventures across the country.

Don headed north to swim with the whale sharks and check out Mount Augustus while Mark flew over to Tassie for a two and a half week road trip around the Apple Isle.

Have a listen to get a preview of the content coming to The Long Way's Better and The Life of Py in the coming weeks/months.

With Easter providing a good opportunity to get some more bang for your buck with regards to holiday leave, we both set out on different adventures across the country. Don headed north to swim with the whale sharks and check out Mount Augustus while Mark f...

02/04/2021

We are big fans of videographer extraordinaire Josh Carr so asked him to come on and explain what goes into producing one of films and talk about some of his favourite adventures.

Have a listen by clicking the below link. Happy Easter!!!

Josh Carr Hikes - Carr and Drone Trails WA Explore Parks WA Western Australia

We are joined in the studio by Josh Carr, videographer extraordinaire and hiking enthusiast about his adventures around WA and Tasmania. A talented filmmaker, Josh explains what goes into making one of his stunning videos and what drew him into making films about hiking.

19/03/2021

We are joined by the President of HikeWest, Dave Osborne, to talk about the upcoming WA Hiking Expo that is being held on Sunday the 2nd of May at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre in Mundaring.

A celebration of hiking, trail running and the community, we discuss what has gone in to organising the first event and all the challenges of postponing due to Covid.

https://www.wahikingexpo.com.au/

Thanks to our wine sponsor, Green Door Wines and as a special offer for Real Trail Talk listeners simply enter TRAILTALK at the checkout for a 10% discount on your first online order.

We are joined by the President of HikeWest, Dave Osborne, to talk about the upcoming WA Hiking Expo that is being held on Sunday the 2nd of May at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre in Mundaring. A celebration of hiking, trail running and the community, we d...

05/03/2021

In our latest episode we are joined by Michelle Ryan, creator of Feed the Hike to discuss her new business, what went into starting up a dehydrated meals company and what's in store for the future.

As a treat for Real Trail Talk listeners, Michelle has kindly given you all a 15% discount on your online orders if you use the code REALTRAILTALK15.

Thanks to Green Door Wines for sponsoring the podcast and as a special offer for Real Trail Talk listeners simply enter TRAILTALK at the checkout for a 10% discount on your first online order.

We are joined by Michelle Ryan to discuss her new dehydrated meal company, Feed the Hike. Providing tasty, fresh and smartly packaged options for the trail, we talk about why she created Feed the Hike, the journey to get to this point and what's in the fut...