Bike tours showcase regional Victoria and WA

The Great Vic Bike Ride has introduced tens of thousands of cyclists to the Victorian countryside since it was first held in 1984 — and in a nod to history, this year’s ride will return to Wodonga where it began 40 years ago.

The ride has become a must-do experience for recreational cyclists. This year, around 3000 riders are expected to take part in the event, which includes some of north-east Victoria’s must-see places like Yackandandah, Milawa, Lake Eildon and Marysville.

Alison McCormack, CEO of Bicycle Networks, says it’s no surprise that the rolling hills and hidden valleys of Victoria’s north-east has become Australia’s most popular biking destination in recent years.

“The Great Vic Bike Ride is an amazing event, ask someone who has taken part. It’s an unforgettable holiday, suitable for all ages. It’s social, inspiring and a challenge,” she added.

“Great Vic riders love becoming a local for a night, sampling produce and dropping into the restaurants, pubs, shops and cafes. They fall in love with the places they visit, often returning to explore more after the ride”.

The Great Vic Bike Ride starts in Wodonga on November 23. There are nine, five, and three-day ride options, giving riders the choice to cycle the whole route or sections.

After starting in Wodonga there are overnight stops are in Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Alexandra and Marysville.

The final day, December 1, ends with a rare opportunity to ride the picturesque Black Spur car-free. Cyclists will travel along its twists and turns among the iconic tall mountain ash trees and ferns ahead of the finish line at Healesville, which is the perfect place to celebrate the end of a week’s ride, enjoying the regional food and wine with family, friends and nature.

See bicyclenetwork.com.au.

WA’s 2024 On Your Bike – Sculptures to the Sea Tour

Wheat silo artwork, wildflowers and the amusing sculptures along the Tin Horse Highway are just some of the sights that will keep riders in the 2024 On Your Bike – Sculptures to the Sea Tour entertained as they roll through the West Australian countryside.

The fully supported tour, which is organised by the Cycle Touring Association of Western Australia (CTAWA), starts in Corrigin on September 21 and finishes at Hopetoun on September 29.

A CTAWA spokesperson says the eight-day 442km tour aims to encourage West Australians and visitors to tour our regional countryside and promote cycling as a healthy, non-polluting and enjoyable form of exercise.

The daily distances range from 49km to 81km and there’s a rest day at Newdegate on day five, so there is plenty of time to take in the surroundings and engage with the local communities along the way.

After finishing in Hopetoun participants can book an optional bus tour to the Fitzgerald River National Park to see the spectacular WA wildflowers at their peak.

The tour is open for enrolments now and you can find more information about it at ctawa.asn.au.