Twelve members from HMAS Stirling completed the Munda Biddi Trail recently, a 16-day, 1067-kilometre bike packing expedition from Albany to Mundaring.

Covering between 60 and 100 kilometres per day, the group of sailors and officers pushed their physical limits, mental resilience and saddle endurance through some of Western Australia’s most beautiful terrain.

Hosted by Stirling’s residential Adventure Training Unit, the ride is one of several activities designed to build communication, teamwork and resilience among personnel.

This year’s expedition marked several milestones, including the first woman from Stirling to complete the course and the oldest participant to finish at 55.

Physical Training Instructor Petty Officer Mathew Vaisey said the team had prepared well.

“They were awesome. They were all experienced riders anyway, and we did some training rides before the trip to make sure everyone could cope with the demands of the activity,” Petty Officer Vaisey said.

“There were definitely some brutal hills along the way, as well as sections of pea gravel and other challenging terrain.

“It certainly wasn’t easy, but everyone pushed themselves and got through it.”

The Adventure Training Unit supplies all equipment, training and medical support for the expeditions.

A bus follows riders from town to town, topping up supplies every four days.

Petty Officer Vaisey said members may bring their own equipment, but at their own risk.

'You come away with a belief and trust in yourself that you can do hard things.'

“One person brought their own stuff and his bike failed on day three, so he quickly changed to our stuff,” Petty Officer Vaisey said.

“Another guy brought his own gear, but he’s meticulous with it, so he was fine. Everyone else used the gear from the unit.”

Riders face multiple days of off-road cycling with luggage, cold nights in three-walled huts, limited showers and ration pack meals.

However, Leading Seaman Benjamin Williams said the personal transformation was clear.

“You come away with a belief and trust in yourself that you can do hard things,” Leading Seaman Williams said.

“When it ends, it feels like a great reset. My mind felt clearer when I came back, less on the phone, less earbuds when walking the dog. I just felt clearer.”

Stirling’s is the RAN’s only full-time adventure training unit, running multiple expeditions throughout the year, including the cape-to-cape six-day hike, as well as single-day activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, abseiling and climbing across Albany, Margaret River and Collie.

Petty Officer Vaisey said the changing landscape of Western Australia was a major highlight, especially for members new to the state.

“You start on the coastline, make your way through the karri forests, then up north you end up in red dirt and jarrah forests,” he said.

“Watching the landscape change, the amazing views, capturing photos along the way, and seeing some of the team experience WA for the first time really lets them romanticise the state.

“They all love WA now after being on that ride.”