Blue Derby, Tasmania, 1-6 December 2026

With the explosion of mountain bike destinations around Australia, it's a great time to be a rider. Yet one destination is still at the top of the list: the original and arguably still the best - Blue Derby, nestled in the stunning north-east of Tasmania.

Derby was a natural choice for our next Shredcation. Its combination of world-class trails, diverse terrain, exceptional trail quality, and natural progression makes it one of the best riding destinations in the country. Add spectacular scenery, great accommodation, quality food and coffee, and a welcoming mountain bike culture, and it's easy to see why riders keep returning year after year.

Once a thriving mining town with the richest tin mine in the world, Derby is now home to one of the world’s premier mountain bike networks encompassing over 125km of purpose-built mountain bike trails with options to suit all skill levels.

Off the bike, Derby has plenty to offer too. The town boasts great dining options, bike shops, lakeside walking trails, a floating sauna, and a lively local pub – everything you need to enjoy your time between rides.

Spend six days riding Derby with two experienced coaches who'll help you get more out of every trail, every run, and every day on the bike.

Your hosts for the week are Chocolate Foot founders and GSMBC Level 2 instructors, Joe Ward and Fiona Dick. As well as curating the entire experience, they'll be riding alongside you throughout the trip, providing support, ride guiding, and optional small-group coaching sessions designed to help you get even more from your riding.

For this Shredcation, we've partnered with Tailored Trails, Tasmania's premier mountain bike logistics and shuttle provider. Having trusted them on our own riding adventures over the years, we're excited to work together to deliver this experience. Operated by riders, for riders, their dedicated shuttle service and local knowledge allow us to maximise trail time and retain the flexibility to adapt our plans to suit the group and conditions.

From the moment you arrive in Launceston until we drop you back at the airport six days later, we've taken care of the logistics. With a dedicated shuttle bus and bike trailer available throughout the trip, all that's left for you to do is ride, relax, and enjoy everything Derby has to offer.

From iconic descents and epic wilderness rides to post-ride coffee and pub dinners, Derby delivers the complete mountain bike experience – and we can't wait to share it with you!

Book Now

Who's this for?

This Shredcation is designed for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers who are comfortable riding blue trails and gravity-focused terrain. While there will be opportunities to challenge yourself, you don't need to be an expert rider to enjoy the Shredcation. Riders often get the most out of the experience when they're keen to learn, try new terrain, and take advantage of the coaching and support available throughout the week.

We strongly recommend riding a dual-suspension bike to get the most out of the trails and maximise comfort over multiple days of riding.

With two experienced guides and coaches on the trip, we'll be able to split into smaller groups where appropriate. The itinerary is also designed to allow more experienced riders the freedom to ride independently at times if they prefer.

A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. While this is a shuttle-assisted trip, it's certainly not all downhill! The point-to-point rides will include climbing, and a full day of shuttles can add up to a solid day's riding. The good news is that on most days you'll have the flexibility to either maximise your trail time or take things at a more relaxed pace and enjoy everything Derby has to offer off the bike.

Inclusions

What's Included

Six days of riding on some of Australia's most iconic mountain bike trails.
Return transfers from Launceston Airport, plus all private shuttle transport throughout the trip.
Five nights' accommodation in a comfortable group house in Derby.
Daily breakfasts.
Six days of trail guiding, ride support, and access to GSMBC Level 2 accredited coaches Joe and Fi, including optional small-group coaching sessions and personalised riding feedback throughout the week.
Bike setup and mechanical support. We'll assist with bike assembly and pack-down if required, check your bike setup, and make adjustments to help you get the most from your ride. We'll also carry tools and a range of common spare parts and can assist with most minor mechanical issues.

What's Not Included

Bike hire (available as an optional extra).
Airfares to and from Launceston.
Riding snacks and sports nutrition.
Lunches, dinners, alcoholic beverages and other drinks.
Travel insurance, personal accident insurance, and ambulance cover.

A recommended packing list and additional trip information will be provided closer to departure.

Blue-Derby-MTB-transfer-shuttle-Creek - Copy.jpg

Itinerary

We've designed the schedule to maximise your riding time, but how much you ride is entirely up to you. If you'd rather take it easy, that's perfectly fine. The exception is any point-to-point rides – once you start, you'll need to complete the ride to the finish.

Please note that this itinerary may be adjusted based on group abilities, weather, trail conditions, and other factors.

Day 1: Tuesday 1 December

Pick up from Launceston Airport (or potentially your Launceston accommodation if arriving earlier) between 10:00am and 11:00am.
Travel to Derby (approximately 1.5 hours), stopping for lunch and any supplies you may need.
Arrive at accommodation and settle into your room.
Assemble your bike or collect your hire bike from the nearby provider.
Enjoy a shake-down ride to loosen up travel-weary bodies and make sure bikes are running smoothly. This may be a relaxed pedal or a few shuttle runs.
Dinner at a local restaurant to prepare you for a big day on the trails tomorrow!

Day 2: Wednesday 2 December

Breakfast at the accommodation.
Spend the morning shuttling at Black Stump, getting acquainted with the trail system there. With trails ranging from green to double black and a mix of flow, technical riding, and jumps, there’s something for everyone. Try not to do too much grinning today, you need to keep those muscles fresh for what else is to come!
Small-group skills coaching with Joe and Fi will be available throughout the day.
Lunch in town.
Afternoon of Black Stump shuttles with an optional shuttle to the top of the Atlas trail.
Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Thursday 3 December

After breakfast at the accommodation, we’ll grab a take-away coffee and load up for the drive to the top of the Blue Tier trail. This is approximately an hour’s drive. Settle in and enjoy the scenery.
Ride the legendary Bay of Fires “Top 13” trail – dropping 600m of elevation over 13km, this is possibly the most fun you’ll ever have on a bike. If you’re not grinning by the end, we’ll need to have serious words!
Lunch to fuel up for a big arvo.
Back into the bus to head back up to the top of Blue Tier. This time we’ll complete the iconic Blue Tier trail. This is a 22km wilderness experience ride that starts in sub-alpine terrain before descending through ancient myrtle forest, crossing crystal-clear streams and delivering joy to all riders. Note there is some of climbing in this trail, just to keep you honest!
After completing Blue Tier, riders can choose between an optional Atlas shuttle and ride back to Derby, or a relaxing trip back on the bus for an earlier finish.
Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Friday 4 December

After yesterday’s epic adventure, we won’t be hustling too hard this morning!
Black Stump shuttles will be available all day, allowing you to revisit your favourite trails or tick off the ones still on your list.
Small-group coaching sessions with Joe and Fi will be available throughout the day.
Anyone looking for more pedalling can join a guided non-shuttle ride.
If you're keen for a break from the bike, Derby offers plenty of alternatives including:
- Floating Sauna sessions
- Massage
- Swimming in the lake or river
- A relaxed ride around Lake Derby or to Branxholm.
Breakfast is provided at the accommodation. Lunch and dinner will be in Derby, as we did on Day 2.

Day 5: Saturday 5 December

Breakfast at the accommodation.
Day trip to either George Town or St Helens.
Both have excellent trail networks, each offering a different flavour, and shuttles are included at both destinations.
The destination will be chose based on the group and conditions, but whichever option we choose we guarantee you’re in for a fantastic day of riding!
Lunch at local café.
Dinner in Derby.

Day 6: Sunday 6 December

Early breakfast, pack up and check out from the accommodation
Optional morning Black Stump shuttles for anyone wanting one final hit.
Pack down bikes or return hire bikes.
Lunch in town.
Load up the bus and head back to Launceston Airport for flights from 3.45pm, hopefully arriving with time to spare for a farewell drink at the airport!

Why travel with us?

Anyone can book accommodation and shuttle passes. What makes this trip different is the opportunity to spend six days riding alongside experienced coaches who are invested in helping you get more out of every ride.

Throughout the week, Joe and Fi will be riding with the group, helping you choose the right trails, offering line choice and technique advice, assisting with bike setup, and providing optional small-group coaching sessions. Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve specific skills, ride terrain you've never tackled before, or simply have more fun on the bike, we'll be there to support you.

We'll also take care of all the logistics, from airport transfers and accommodation to shuttle bookings and ride planning, allowing you to focus entirely on riding, progressing, and enjoying a great week away with like-minded mountain bikers.

Our goal is simple: help you ride more, ride better, and have an amazing week in Derby.

Bookings

Pricing for the Derby Shredcation is as follows, with 30% payable when booking to secure your spot:

$2350 (share accommodation)
$2750 (private room - subject to availability)

The booking form will collect your personal details, some info about your riding, objectives for the Shredcation, the bike you’re currently planning to bring (but as we all know, these things can change because … n+1), and you’ll also have the opportunity to request to hire a bike (analogue or e-bike) if packing your own isn’t an option.

Book Now

Terms & Conditions

Deposit

A 30% booking deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining balance is due by 2 October 2026. All cancellations are subject to the cancellation policy below.

Balance Payment
The remaining balance is due by 2 October 2026. If payment is not received by the due date and alternative arrangements have not been agreed upon, Chocolate Foot reserves the right to cancel the booking if payment is not received by the due date. Any refunds will be determined in accordance with the cancellation policy.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Participant
(Trip commencing 1 December 2026)

On or before 2 September 2026 (90+ days): Full refund less any payment processing fees incurred.
3 September - 1 November 2026 (30–89 days): 50% refund of monies paid, less any payment processing fees incurred.
From 2 November 2026 (within 30 days): No refund.

If we are able to fill your place from a waiting list, we will endeavour to provide a greater refund where possible, less any unrecoverable costs and payment processing fees.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to cover cancellation, medical expenses, lost or damaged equipment, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Cancellation by Chocolate Foot
In the unlikely event that Chocolate Foot cancels the trip due to insufficient numbers, severe weather, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond our control, participants will receive a full refund of all monies paid to Chocolate Foot.

Participants will be notified no later than 1 October 2026 if the trip is unable to proceed due to insufficient numbers.

Chocolate Foot is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred, including flights, accommodation, bike hire, travel insurance, or any other third-party bookings.

Additional Information

Chocolate Foot reserves the right to amend the itinerary, schedule, riding locations, or planned activities where necessary due to weather, trail conditions, safety considerations, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.
All participants will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and liability waiver prior to the commencement of the trip.
If bringing own bike, participants are responsible for ensuring their bike is in a safe and serviceable condition prior to the trip. Chocolate Foot can assist with basic mechanical repairs and adjustments; however, replacement parts and major repairs are the responsibility of the participant.
Chocolate Foot holds Public Liability Insurance; however, participants are responsible for arranging their own Personal Accident Insurance and Ambulance Cover. Any costs associated with injury, illness, medical treatment, or ambulance transport during the trip remain the responsibility of the participant.