Amongst the outdoors community the Viking Circuit has a larger-than-life reputation.

The 40km multi-day hike covers some of the greatest alpine scenery that Australia has to offer, including magnificent features such as The Crosscut Saw, Mt. Buggary, Horrible gap, Mount Despair and The Viking it is an extremely challenging hike, requiring a strong level of cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.

Those who train hard, dedicate themselves fully to this challenge and overcome the 40km, 2 ½ days, 2671m total climbing and Victorian backcountry weather will be well rewarded with views that few ever see.

BUILD-UP TRAINING

• ’10 weeks build-up training from 26 August – 1 November 2019’
• 1on1 fitness assessment
• Custom training and nutrition program
• Unlimited group training classes/wk
• 4 x half-day training hikes
• Nutrition, first aid and hiking skills training
• ‘Iceman’ cold climate conditioning and immune support program

VIKING CIRCUIT HIKE 25-28 JAN 2019

- 3-night guided hike

- Transportation from/to Port Melbourne

- 1-night accommodation in Licola

- Full catered organic healthy and delicious meals

- Experienced guides and health & movement coaches

AGE: min 18 – max. 60

GROUP SIZE: min. 8 – max. 12

Would you like to set an exciting and challenging fitness goal to help motivate you to train hard and achieve more?

Past participants have told us that one of the key benefits of training for an adventure challenge is the intention and purpose that you bring to your training. It’s the difference between doing reps because that’s what your program says, and doing reps because it’ll make the climb easier.

Imagine spending a long weekend in the Victorian alpine backcountry pushing your body, overcoming physical challenge, taking in the spectacular sights and breathing in the fresh air.

The drive home with new friends and a mind bursting with out-of-the-ordinary experiences is, for many, one of the highlights of these adventures. Seldom do you get to feel so accomplished and rewarded with scenery that will (literally) take your breath away.

• Set an exciting fitness goal – 3-day hike of the Viking Circuit
• Receive 1on1 health and fitness assessment and custom training & nutrition program
• Be supported over a 10-week build-up training period, including training hikes and group classes
• Improve your health & fitness while working towards a meaningful goal
• Complete one of Australia’s most challenging and spectacular hikes
• Make friends, learn a new skill and power up your health and fitness to the next level

Over the Melbourne Cup long weekend in November (2^nd – 5^th) a well-trained and mentally prepared group of fit people will take off on a three-day hiking/camping trip along the impressive Viking Circuit.

The Viking Circuit gains its name due to the circuit passing both the Viking and South Viking peaks. However, the circuit actually includes many incredible features of the Victorian Alpine backcountry – Crosscut Saw, Mount Buggery, Mount Speculation, Mount Despair, The Viking and South Viking…I know, right! That’s an impressive list of peaks you’re going to cross. It sounds like whoever came up with the names may have had a tough time, but we embrace the challenge! The terrain varies along the route, including narrow exposed ridge lines, dense bush, woods and river crossings. This trek really does offer so much to those who dare to tackle it.

Completing the circuit requires a strong and competent hiker and we have rated it as a ‘difficult’ climb– so we’ll help you build the necessary level of fitness and skills to get the task done. Carrying approx. 20kg on your back – including tent, food, water, clothing and equipment – you will be supported by a team you trained with and experienced guides you will trust and learn from.

After 3 days and 2 nights along the circuit, you’ve beaten out a solid sweat, covered seemingly impassable terrain and seen unforgettable views. Now for a rewarding recovery. We make out way to Licola for a shower, cooked meal and bed…yep, a real bed to sleep in. It’s going to feel amazing. Tuesday morning sleep in, nutritious delicious organic breakfast, enjoy the activities on offer at the Licola Wilderness Village (if you’ve got the energy), then we board the transport back to Melbourne, returning no later than 4.30pm.

Training Start Date: 26 August 2019

 Training Finish Date: 1 November 2019

 Viking Circuit Hike: Saturday 2 – Tuesday 5 November 2019 (departure from Port Melbourne Saturday morning 5.30am, return to Port Melbourne no later than 4.30pm Tuesday)

Training Program:

• Initial fitness, health & diet assessment & goal setting session (1on1 with a health & movement specialist)
• Custom training and nutrition program for you to follow for the 10 weeks
• Unlimited outdoor group training classes at Edwards Park, Port Melbourne
• 4 x half day hikes on 1 Sep, 15 Sep, 6 Oct & 27 Oct
• Nutrition and mountaineering training night on 30 Oct
• ‘Iceman’ cold climate conditioning and immune support program

“If people knew how hard I had to work, they wouldn’t think I was such a genius.” Michelangelo

Departing Port Melbourne on organised transport at 5.30am Saturday morning, we will arrive at our starting location – Mt Howitt Carpark – by 10.30am. It’s now time to gear-up, put your brave face on and tackle this exciting challenge. Today we head across Crosscut Saw, a narrow rocky ridge clearly representative of its name sake, followed by Mount Buggery, Mount Speculation and on to Mount Despair where we will set up camp for the night. On this first day we will have hiked for about 8.5 hours.

Sunday we wake up on top of the world, continuing our way along the ridge line towards The Viking. Then on to South Viking, following the ridge line as it descends into the Wonnangatta Valley below. This part of the track is quite overgrown, making for a fun challenge. We camp this night near the river.

Day three of the hike begins with a solid climb uphill out of the valley floor via the Zeka Spur. The route is unforgiving and requires digging deep - however, you’re trained, ready and able…and very excited about the shower waiting for you this afternoon. We push up Zeka and on to a connecting walking track that winds its way back to the car, arriving mid-late afternoon on Monday. We made it!

Into the transport we make our way to Licola Wilderness Village where we have lodge accommodation, showers and a healthy delicious organic meal waiting for us. We will feast and laugh like Vikings this night, and sleep like babies. Tuesday we wake (probably nice and late), feast once again, have a play on the bouldering wall, mini golf, low ropes course and table tennis…or relax by the pool. We head off around midday, stopping off for lunch outside of Licola, returning to Melbourne no later than 4.30pm Tuesday afternoon.

Training and preparations for this adventure challenge will prepare you for the 20kg pack you will be carrying over the 40km hike. You will be proficient in setting up your tent, preparing meals and managing the various tasks of a multi-day wilderness trek. You’re traveling with a team you’ve trained with and feel supported by, and you have experienced guides to back you up every step of the way.

A Physical and Mental Challenge - An Opportunity to Learn & Grow

This hike is designed to be a mental and physical challenge, testing your body and demanding proper training and preparation in order to make it through. To be selected to join the group of up to 12 people who will be trained and guided on this adventure you will need to show a willingness to work as a team player, help others and push your personal limits. We will support you throughout your build-up training and on the hike itself, however, ultimately it will be up to you to commit 100%, have a positive attitude, and challenge your own limits.

Hiking Equipment Required (a more detailed list will be provided to participants):

• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants
• Warm jumper, thermal underwear, t-shirts (merino or synthetic materials – cotton not recommended)
• 75lt trekking pack (FREE TO HIRE)
• Water-proof jacket (FREE TO HIRE)
• 3-season sleeping bag, inflatable ground mat and alpine 3-season tent (FREE TO HIRE)
• Leg gaiters (FREE TO HIRE)

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This program is for people who want to improve their health & fitness while working towards a fun and rewarding goal. It’s for those who want to work hard and see significant improvements in lean muscle, body fat, strength and endurance. It’s for those who enjoy being in nature, exploring and want to learn about hiking, camping and alpine expeditions. It’s for those who have some experience hiking and are up for a solid challenge. This isn’t a beginner hike!

AFTER THE HIKE

In the week after the hike you will receive another 1on1 consultation with a health and movement specialist to assess your progress over the 10 weeks and help you with goal setting and a strategy going forward to ensure you keep achieving your health and fitness aspirations.

We will also have a post-hike dinner to celebrate everything you have achieved in the

Premium Package $1,895.00

Suited for people who live or work close to Port Melbourne and require full support to prepare them physically & mentally and arm themselves with the necessary skills for the hike. This is a complete package that will support you through all aspects of your training, nutrition and preparation for the hike, as well as helping you achieve other personal health and fitness goals you may have.

All build-up training services including assessments, fitness sessions and training hikes as well as the hike itself are included in the price of this package, with the exception of some hiking clothing and meals.

Package includes:

• 1on1 fitness assessment
• 10-week custom training and nutrition program
• Unlimited group training classes each week in Port Melbourne
• 3 x half-day training hikes
• Nutrition and mountaineering training night
• ‘Iceman’ cold climate conditioning and immune support program
• 1-night accommodation in Licola
• Transportation for the Viking Circuit hike (from/to Port Melbourne)
• Organic meals and snacks for the hike weekend (except lunch on Friday and Monday)
• Most hiking equipment – tent, trekking pack, sleeping bag, rain jacket, leg gaiters, hiking poles (boots, hiking clothing and other small hiking items aren’t included – eg. head torch, gloves, etc.)
• Post-hike celebration dinner

Warrior Package $1,295.00

This package is for those who are already at a good level of fitness, and therefore do not require a custom training program or the group training classes. Participants on this package are still required to take part in the compulsory training hikes and the nutrition and mountaineering training night. These activities will ensure you're physically ready and armed with the necessary skills required for the hike. Some hiking clothes and meals are not included in the package cost. Applicants wanting to purchase this package must be able to prove sufficient levels of fitness and experience.

Package includes:

• 4 x half-day training hikes
• Nutrition and mountaineering training night
• ‘Iceman’ cold climate conditioning and immune support program
• 1-night accommodation in Licola
• Transportation for the Viking Circuit hike (from/to Port Melbourne)
• Organic meals and snacks for the hike weekend (except lunch on Saturday and Tuesday)
• Most hiking equipment – tent, trekking pack, sleeping bag, rain jacket, leg gaiters, hiking poles (boots, hiking clothing and other small hiking items aren’t included – eg. head torch, gloves, etc.)
• Post-hike celebration meal

Remote Package $1,595.00

This package will suit those who require build-up training, skills development and support to prepare them for the hike, however, are unable to attend the group training classes each week in Port Melbourne. This package includes everything listed in the program structure, minus the group training classes at Edwards Park. You will still be supported through the program to help prepare you for the hike, as well as helping you achieve other personal health and fitness goals you may have. Some hiking clothes and meals are not included in the package cost.

Package includes:

• 1on1 fitness assessment
• 10-week custom training and nutrition program
• 3 x half-day training hikes
• Nutrition and mountaineering training night
• ‘Iceman’ cold climate conditioning and immune support program
• 1-night accommodation in Licola
• Transportation for the Viking Circuit hike (from/to Port Melbourne)
• Organic meals and snacks for the hike weekend (except lunch on Friday and Monday)
• Most hiking equipment – tent, trekking pack, sleeping bag, rain jacket, leg gaiters, hiking poles (boots, hiking clothing and other small hiking items aren’t included – eg. head torch, gloves, etc.)
• Post-hike celebration dinner

Ross De Vincentiis

Ross is the founder of Rossfit Personal Training. He loves the great outdoors and revels in challenging his body and mind in extreme conditions. As a soldier in the Australian Army for ten years, deploying to East Timor and the Middle East, Ross certainly got a good dose of adversity.

Returning to civilian life, Ross studied nutrition, holistic health and human movement and has been working as a health and movement coach for the last 10 years. When he’s not at work, he can be found on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mats or climbing a mountain. He has summited numerous mountains in South America, the Himalayas and Australia, including multiple 6000m+ peaks.

Ruby Fraser

Ruby is an experienced movement specialist with a Bachelor of Sports Science. She’s a keen hiker who has guided her clients up mountains in Australia and the Himalayas. Her knowledge in human movement is beyond most coaches, so not only will you be supported by her as a guide, you’ll be in safe hands through your build-up training too.

Fantastic! You’re thinking about joining the our team for the Viking Circuit Spring Hike 2019.

You’re about to complete the first step – the application form. Once submitted we will contact you and arrange a phone chat. In this chat we will give you more info on the Viking Circuit adventure, answer any questions you may have and determine if you’re suitable to come on board.

By completing the application form you DO NOT commit yourself to the hike. This is just the first step in determining if it’s right for you.