Everybody loves Tasmania! The history of the early settlers, grand old buildings, beautifully painted weatherboard houses, picturesque stone cottages and of course the wonderful winding roads that pass through quaint townships and magnificent countryside. It's all here - all you have to do is bring your bike and ride.
In March 2012 we are riding both Tasmania East and West. On this East coast ride we have teamed up with Cycling Inform to create a package where you not only enjoy this beautiful cycling route from Launceston to Hobart, but also improve your cycling through tips and training from David Heatley, professional cycle coach. This ride caters for cyclists comfortable at 20-25km on the flat road, or we have a longer route for the faster riders. Make the most of this opportunity with David's cycle skills, get together and bring your friends, it's really good value and a beautiful place to ride your bike.
Get together with your cycling friends, group, club or BUG and ride daily with a great coach.
We pride ourselves on organising adventurous, action-packed cycling tours in interesting and scenic destinations. We organise everything that you will need for the duration of the tour (accommodation, meals, bike mechanic, professional cycle coach riding with you every day, support & safety vehicles) so you can pedal away each morning with the knowledge that your luggage will be taken care of and food will be provided at the next rest stop.
Riders that participate in these 'point to point' tours enjoy a great camaraderie, sharing laughs and a sense of achievement with their fellow cyclists, knowing that David Heatley's professional coaching and tips will help them improve their performance on the bike during the day and Phil and Susan McDonald’s expert preparation of the tour allows them to sit back and relax those weary cycle legs at the end of the ride.
"Tassie East Coast"
We organise it all including accommodation, support and safety vehicles, meals, bike mechanic, professional cycle coaching, safe riding conditions and much more. Tasmania is an amazing place to ride a bike; its beauty, heritage listed forests, wild rivers, wildlife, lovely homes and people. Immerse yourself amongst these idyllic places while being looked after by one of the most respected bicycle tour companies in the industry and sharing your experiences with those that also love to live life on two wheels.
On this Tassie East Coast Tour we are working in conjunction with David Heatley of Cycling Inform, a company that trains cyclists to improve their technique and performance on the bike. David will be riding with you every day and helping you push yourself further and faster if you wish, or just helping out with a few handy cycling tips. The AllTrails team of Phil, Susan and Ben will be making sure that you don't need to worry about anything else other than your cycling.
Meal and accommodation inclusions noted as B, L, D, A (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodation)
LAUNCESTON Monday, 19th March 2012
We recommend that you arrive in Launceston today, either by air or the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne. This will give you enough time to get settled in, meet the crew and a few of your fellow cyclists and get your bike set up and fitted. Dinner and accommodation tonight is an optional extra.
LAUNCESTON to SCOTTSDALE, 66km Tuesday, 20th March 2012
D A
Day 1: We will be assembling this morning and heading off on day one at 9:00am. We leave Launceston passing the beautiful, freshly painted timber homes alongside the Tamar River, before they thin out as you start climbing one of the many hills on this exciting tour of Tassie. As we leave the forest after 40km the vineyards stretch to the horizon, interspersed with cattle and sheep. You will experience some good climbs and exciting descents through eucalypt forests that extends to vineyards on your way to Scottsdale, or try the longer route along low lying areas on the northern coast to Bridport before heading south to Scottsdale. Bridport is a buzz place on the north coast, then we head down the open undulating road to Scottsdale for lunch, a popular timber town servicing tourism and forestry.
SCOTTSDALE to ST HELENS (BINALONG BAY), 99km Wednesday, 21st March 2012
B L A
Day 2: More great climbing, luscious meadows, magnificent views across cattle strewn countryside and lots of big trees and thick forest. A small diversion to Legerwood to see and experience the incredible workmanship of a wood sculptor with statues carved out of pine tree stumps. Historic towns like Branxholm and Derby allow you a glimpse of the early days, with the popular old pub snuck away in the Weldborough Pass before turning off to lunch at the Pyengana Cheese Factory for an assortment of culinary delights. Finish off with lovely downhill cycling to the east coast of St Helens. The longer route will take you to Binalong Bay and return to St Helens.
ST HELENS to BICHENO, 80km Thursday, 22nd March 2012
B L D A
Day 3: The mountain ranges have been crossed. The effervescent sea-views are your distraction as you weave your way along the coast through Scamander, then continue to hug the coast below to St Mary's, or for the long routers, take the solid 9 kilometres climb to St Mary's, then down Elephant Pass and rejoin the short routers along the coast. The road skirts Apsley National Park to stunning Bicheno, a marine reserve penguin rookery.
BICHENO to TRIABUNNA, 93km Friday, 23rd March 2012
B L A
Day 4: We head inland through vineyards with great views over Oyster Bay to Freycinet Peninsula and National Park, then after the lookout at Cranbrook the long route turns right to Campbell Town for 10km, then return to rejoin the others at Swansea morning tea. This lovely village is worth checking out, with lots of history, before crossing interesting convict-built stone bridges, spanning creeks at the mouth of the sea. This stretch of coastline is typical, beautiful Tasmania before the port of Triabunna, strategically placed and protected from the wild Tasman Sea.
TRIABUNNA to HOBART, 91km Saturday, 24th March 2012
B
Day 5: Passing the Seafarer Memorial and Prosser Bay, follow the coast for the long route, a 10km loop, then turn inland following the river to Buckland and Runnymede, where an interesting ridge will warm you up as you go over. Enjoy the beauty as you cycle into Richmond, a beautiful village retaining many of its original buildings. A snack while absorbing the beauty of this village before a quick zap through the English type backroads takes us over the Tasman Bridge to Hobart, proudly Australia's southern-most capital. Support vehicle available for those that decide not to ride the full distance.
You can head home today or we can organise some excellent accommodation in Hobart for you to enjoy the weekend (optional extra).
HOBART, MT WELLINGTON RIDE to HOBART (OPTIONAL 40KM), Sunday, 25th March 2012
POST-RIDE OPTIONAL EXTRA ($20): While enjoying your weekend in Hobart, join us on a ride up Mt Wellington a 1000 metre climb at 9am on your bike or 9.30am in the bus with morning tea at the top (bus ride or bike ride support - both $20). It's only 20km each way but a healthy climb with magnificent views and of course it's all downhill back to our hotel overlooking the harbour. Accommodation tonight is an optional extra.
Testimonials
TUESDAY, 3RD APRIL 2012
Written by Cyclist
Had a fantastic time, weather was great and Phil, Susan, Peter and Ben really looked after us - they are amazing. Accommodation....scenery.... everything was terrific. Steve F (TAS) - Tasmania East & West Tours 2012
MONDAY, 2ND APRIL 2012
Written by Cyclist
Dear Susan, Phil, Peter and Ben, Thank you for organising the Tassie East Ride, I enjoyed the challenge and was really impressed with your planning and service delivery, from the optimistic briefings to friendly road side pick ups and those scrummy food breaks; the Baden-Powells would be proud of you!!! Mary G (QLD), Tasmania East Coast Tour
Question not answered below?
Feel free to contact us at any time through our website ‘Contact Us’ page, phone or email. We love what we do and want to get you on the best bike ride for you. Speak to us about what's on your mind and we'll help you make your decision.
What sort of training do I need to do for this AllTrails Ride?
This Tassie East Coast ride caters for both faster cyclists that are comfortable cycling at 30-35kph on the flat, and also those that are more comfortable at 20-25kph. Get training with an aim to ride around 80km for 2 days in a row. We also have the expertise of cycle coach David Heatley, from Cycling Inform, along with us to help you improve your cycling while on tour. For tips, David can be contacted on 0410 331 793.
What is the Accommodation like?
We always try to obtain great accommodation for you to rest your weary head (and legs) in each town whether it be a motel, hotel, cabins or similar, usually 3 to 4.5 star. On occasion we travel through some very small towns and villages where accommodation is limited but we can almost always track down some nice clean accommodation with character and charm.
Sharing rooms – how does it work?
On the online entry form you can nominate any travelling companions that you would like to share a room with and/or be accommodated close to so that couples or friends can be roomed together. This can be in a double bed or in twin beds. If you are travelling alone like many of our riders, you can choose to 'twin share' where single riders are paired with other riders of the same gender and sometimes changed at each accommodation to create interest in sharing rooms. Single Supplement is also available for those that would like their own room for the whole trip. If you are a chronic snorer or have other habits that may affect your fellow room-mates we suggest booking your own room.
Meals and Food?
Always a big part of any cycling holiday! Check tour details for meal inclusions on your ride. Our emphasis is on fresh food and balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, fruit and vegies catering for a cycling holiday. We successfully cater to most dietary requirements, however feel free to contact us with any questions. Most meals are included as part of our tours, however you may be required to purchase some meals as per the inclusions and daily itinerary.
How do I get there?
By air you can fly directly into Launceston and directly out of Hobart. You can also go by ferry to Devonport, with or without a car, then get a connection to Launceston. For ferry information visit www.spiritoftasmania.com.au
I am coming from another country, what do I need to know?
Welcome! Traditionally most of the clientele on our rides have been from Australia or New Zealand, but we also have had many riders from USA and UK/Europe. You just need to make sure that your passport and visas are in order and check the cost of transferring your bike to Australia, or rent one here.
What does the bike mechanic provide? (AA)
A bike mechanic will be part of our crew and is there to help you with minor adjustments and servicing of your bike and will have a good stand pump for different valves. We will have limited parts available for replacement which will be charged at shop prices. Labour is free for the first fifteen minutes, there after costs may be incurred at the mechanic's discretion. Cyclists with rare or different bikes are asked to contact us at AllTrails and advise our mechanic.
What sort of bike is best for an AllTrails Road Ride?
A comfortable racing bike, road bike or touring bike, preferably with a triple chain-ring, excellent brakes and well maintained. Road tyres with slick or near slick tread.
Do I need to carry anything on my bike?
We suggest you carry a spare tube, tyre levers, two full water bottles and your own personal goods such as camera, wallet and perhaps rain gear if it’s threatening. We transport your luggage, day packs, food & extra water. A detailed list of what is required and provided will be sent to you in your pre-tour info pack.
What sort of people ride?
Characters form all parts of Australia and overseas. Ages will probably range from 25-60, with the average aged about 45 years old. Adventurous cyclists usually made up of about 30% females & 70% males.
How and when can I book?
Right here, right now. Go to our 'Pricing' tab and click the 'Book Your Place Today' button, or call us in the office on +61 3 9645 3355 or email alltrails@alltrails.com.au for more information.
