October Update: From Manjimup to NZ TwoUp 2026
October Update
October has arrived, time for an update, as suddenly the next few weeks are looking very busy.
After our WA Outback adventure, September was a chance to settle back into everyday life, continue working through the Outback video series and start looking ahead to what comes next. Now those plans are starting to become real. There is plenty happening close to home in October, but by November we'll be back on the road — this time on the other side of the Tasman for NZ TwoUp 2026.
Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Officially Opens
One of the highlights of the past few weeks was being part of the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub grand opening. We've spent plenty of time riding the Hub routes this year and sharing some of them through our Manjimup Trail Country series, so it was good to see the project reach this milestone.
Setting up for the Grand Opening On display for the opening of the hub Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Opening Mid Week getaway for the opening Testing out the Manji Rider facilities
It was also another reminder of just how much great riding we have here in the South West.
From easy sealed-road explorers through to routes that take you deeper into the forests and surrounding country, the Hub is creating another reason for riders to make Manjimup part of their plans.
For us, being involved has also provided an opportunity to explore more of an area we've ridden in for years — sometimes discovering places and roads that were sitting almost on our doorstep. And we're not finished with Manjimup for the month just yet.
Next stop: the Manjimup Muster
At the end of October we'll be heading back for the Free Spirit Moto - Manjimup Muster.
It will make for a busy finish to the month, but we're looking forward to getting back down there before our attention turns completely to New Zealand.
We'll share more from the Muster once we've been, but it seems fitting that one of our last local events before NZ will have us back in Manjimup.
NZ TwoUp 2026 is getting close
Our NZ TwoUp 2026 tour T-shirts have arrived, which is always one of those small moments that makes an upcoming trip suddenly feel much closer.
The KTM is waiting for us and we're now into the final preparations for another South Island tour. This isn't new territory for us. We've spent plenty of time travelling in NZ and have a setup and rhythm that works well for us.
There are still final details to sort, gear to organise and plans to check before we fly, but we're almost there.
As usual, we have a route in mind. And, as usual, we'll see how closely we actually follow it.
Meanwhile, May keeps getting closer
Behind everything happening in October and November, there is another countdown quietly continuing - May 2027.
Our WA Outback trip gave us plenty to think about, and while NZ is the adventure directly in front of us, preparations for next year haven't stopped. There are some significant decisions being made behind the scenes, including changes to how we'll set the bike up for extended travel. We're not ready to share all of those just yet.
Over the summer, we'll start sharing as the planning becomes more detailed and the departure date gets closer. There will be plenty to organise, plenty to test and, undoubtedly, a few plans that change along the way.
In the meantime, we're just looking forward to the next ride, making the most of the time on the bike and enjoying each adventure as it comes.
Two Wheels. Two People. One Adventure.
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