On your bike: cycling trails around the world
Do you like travel? What about cycling? Why not combine the two on a riding holiday.
Here are few places around the world you should consider visiting on two wheels.
Close to home
What better way to explore your own backyard than on your bike. These two locations offer picturesque views along with good-quality cycling trails.
The Coast to Vines Trail – Adelaide and McLaren Vale
Stretching 37km from Marino to Willunga, this family-friendly trail follows an old railway line. After a small climb up the hill from Marino and through Hallett Cove, the trail will take you south to the world-renowned McLaren Vale wine region.
Taste your way around the region and take the Shiraz Trail between McLaren and Willunga. If you’re in the region on a Saturday morning, be sure to stop in at the Willunga Farmers’ Market.
Barossa Trail – Barossa Valley
The 27km sealed Barossa Trail is part of a 40km sealed path linking Gawler to Tanunda. Weaving its way through the historic Barossa Valley and following sections of an old rail easement, this trail offers picturesque views.
Take a leisurely ride while enjoying sweeping scenery, natural bushland, and the opportunity to stop at wineries, restaurants and other attractions. With varying levels of difficulty, the path passes through the region’s three main townships – Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch.
Domestic detour
Want to explore further afield? These interstate bike rides might quench your thirst for cycling.
The Tasmania Trail – Tasmania
Ride coast to coast, from Dover in the south to the northern town of Devenport, along the Tasmanian Trail. This 10-day ride links small villages with trails, forestry roads and gravel country roads and offers cyclists scenic vistas, from the fertile Huon Valley to the dense Forested Range.
The 480km trail can be ridden in its entirety or broken up into shorter sections. Parts of the tail are for more experienced riders, and you’ll need to cross two rivers which may be impassible after rain. Preparation is important, with cyclists needing to book a key to access gates and toilets online.
Red Centre mountain biking – Northern Territory
When you think about the Red Centre, Uluru or Tjorita/West MacDonnell Ranges might come to mind. You probably don’t associate riding with the Red Centre, but with hundreds of kilometres of hand-built singletrack mountain bike trails near Alice Springs, you’ll be in two-wheel heaven.
Make your way through rocky outcrops or snake through the rolling hills that surround Alice Springs. The terrain is rugged, but the trails are masterfully built into the landscape leaving nature as untouched as possible.
An overseas adventure
If you’ve done a few local bike rides and want to spread your wings a little and head overseas, these trails are worth a look.
Shimanami Kaido Trail – Japan
The Shimanami Kaido Trail is Japan’s most famous cycling route, with more the 280km of asphalt track crossing several bridges over the Setouchi Inland Sea connecting multiple islands.
The most popular section is the 70km trail between Imabari City and Onomichi City, which passes over six small islands. The route, along a well-marked cycling path closed to cars, provides riders spectacular sea views and plenty of stops.
There are three big highlights along this route: Senkoji Temple, Kosanji Temple Complex and the Kurushima Kaikyo bridge. Each destination offers observation decks that provide sweeping views of the Onomichi Strait and the many islands spotted across the landscape.
Adige Cycle Path (Trento to Bolzano) – Italy
Cycle along the Adige River – one of Italy’s longest waterways – past fruit orchards, vineyards and mountains. This 62km section of the Adige Cycle Path is perfect for beginner cyclists and experienced riders alike.
Cycle through the Rotaliana Plain, known for its wine growing, and through the village of Zambana which is famous for its asparagus cultivation. Follow the course along the Adige and you’ll arrive at Bolazao. From here, you can make your way to Lake Caldaro – the warmest bathing lake in the Alps.
On your bike
Book your next cycling holiday online.
Or speak to our travel agents on 8202 4589.