The JulyRetreat
Tent campground near Bago Forest, NSW — 14–25 July 2026. Twelve days of iron, intellect, and deep forest silence.
The Retreat
From July 14th to the 25th, we set up camp near Bago Forest for our most ambitious gathering yet. Tents on a campground — no fancy facilities, just trees, a camp kitchen, and an outdoor iron platform — played host to twelve Iron Library members.
The structure was simple but deliberate: dawn training followed by silent reading, afternoon workshops on everything from progressive overload to Stoic philosophy, and evening gatherings around the fire pit where books were recommended like secrets.
This was not a holiday. It was an immersion. And for those of us who made it — returning to Sydney only yesterday after a long drive into the bush — it was exactly what we needed.
Daily Schedule
A typical day at the retreat. The rhythm rarely changed — and that was intentional.
Key Moments
Day 1 — Arrival & Setting the Tone
Everyone arrived throughout the day. Ryan opened with a short talk about what this retreat means — less about lifting heavier, more about thinking deeper. Phones went into the box upon arrival.
Day 3 — The 5AM Deadlift PR Session
Six personal bests in one session. The atmosphere was electric even at dawn — people spotting each other with genuine care, cheering like family.
Day 5 — The Bago Bushwalk
A group hike through the forests near Bago. About six hours in total. We passed a copy of Marcus Aurelius around while we walked the trails, just took our time getting there.
Day 8 — The Great Debate
Night session turned into a three-hour discussion on whether discipline is inherited or forged. By the end, everyone had something to say — even the quietest members.
Day 12 — Departure
Packed up slowly. Nobody wanted to leave. Ryan gave everyone a copy of Meditations — annotated by him personally. Drove back to Sydney in whatever car had space. Phones unlocked, messages checked — and honestly, the real world felt a bit too loud for a while.
What You Pay Covers
The cost of the retreat is straight-up — it's just for supplies and organic food, nothing else. We're not a business, we're a community.
Every dollar goes into ingredients, fuel for the camp stove, protein at dawn sessions, tea, rice, eggs, whatever comes up on a Tuesday morning. Ryan isn't making a profit; Rachel's not skimming off the top.
That's how we do it. No markup, no hidden fees. You turn up, you contribute, you eat well and lift heavy and read a bit before bed. That's the whole thing.
Retreat Contact
If you need to verify anything about the retreat, or want to know more — Rachel is your person.
Rachel Thompson
Rachel was on-site throughout the entire retreat and is the best person to speak with regarding attendance, logistics, and member details.
"The iron does not lie. And neither does a well-read mind."— Bago Forest, July 2026