Register your interest for next yearMonday, 21st January 2013 - Sunday, 27th January 2013
IMPORTANT NOTE: THE 2013 TOUR DOWN UNDER STAGE DETAILS HAVE NOT YET BEEN RELEASED. THE INFORMATION BELOW IS TO BE USED AS A GUIDE ONLY UNTIL FURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE
Tour Down Under Update:
TDU dates have been confirmed and released to the public as 22 – 27 January 2013.
We are still waiting for more details from the TDU organisers before we can finalise our package but we are looking forward to releasing another great package for the 2013 race including top viewing opportunities, excellent rides and a well-organised week of cycling fun. Put the dates in your diary today.
TDU media release below:
2013 dates confirmed
Minister Gago also confirmed the dates for the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under, which will mark the 15th year of event.
The 2013 event will begin with the Down Under Classic on Sunday, January 20, followed by the six stages of the Santos Tour Down Under from Tuesday, January 22 to Sunday, January 27, 2013. “Fifteen years is a great milestone for the Tour, which has now established itself as the first race on the international cycling calendar and as a leading event on the world stage,” Ms Gago said. Full stage details and race routes will be announced in July. For more information visit www.tourdownunder.com.au
*********************
Our 2012 package was a great success - we had 30 participants who enjoyed a marvellous week of cycling, socialising and simply having a splendid time with a great group of people.
What a week and what an opportunity to see some of the world’s best cyclists compete here in Australia, and being there to witness the excitement of the GreenEDGE win was the icing on the cake.
Register your interest for next year via our contact us page, or call or email our office - we would be glad to talk to you about the AllTrails Tour Down Under 2013 package any time.
After six years of good times and great cycling at the Tour Down Under, Phil, Susan and Ben from AllTrails feel very much at home in Adelaide, looking after cyclists’ needs and cheering for the riders (especially the Aussies) at the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under.
Running cycle tours since 1997, we know what cyclists want and we bring to this TDU package the expertise of cycling coach David Heatley, vehicles to provide support for the riders and non-riders, bike transfers, excellent accommodation and most meals.
Our package allows cyclists to ride the course or around it, also to experience the start, finish and in between, sometimes visiting a local winery on the return trip. Based in the heart of Adelaide, our tour packages are full of action and we look forward to sharing more great times together.
For those short of time we will also have a weekend package available.
See cycling’s elite professionals race one of the world’s most spectator friendly events on the pro-tour circuit.
Receive expert training and two evening seminars with David Heatley from Cycling Inform
Ride part or the entire stage of the tour just hours before the pro-riders
Wine and dine among the world’s best cyclists at the Legends night dinner hosted by Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin (optional extra)
Great Accommodation
Visit some of Australia’s best vineyards
Be guided and spoilt, all part of the renowned service of AllTrails Bicycle Tours
""
AllTrails and Cycling Inform will design the week to give you cycle coaching on city, beach road and stage route cycle days. See race starts, stage finishes, sprints, hydration feed station and King of the Mountain where possible. Some days we will cycle on stage routes and other days we will cycle around Adelaide surrounds before heading out to the pro races as spectators.
IMPORTANT NOTE: THE 2013 TOUR DOWN UNDER DETAILS HAVE NOT YET BEEN RELEASED. THE BELOW DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY IS FROM THE 2012 WEEK PACKAGE AND IS TO BE USED AS A GUIDE ONLY
Meal and accommodation inclusions noted as B, L, D, A (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodation)
PRE TOUR: ADELAIDE to ADELAIDE, Sunday, 15th January 2012
Optional Extra
Down Under Classic: Adelaide: 51 km
For those wanting to be a part of the exciting lead up to the Santos Tour Down Under Race come a day early, settle in and take in the buzz of a city that is alive with pre-tour excitement.
We will be there on Sunday so give us a ring when you arrive at the airport for our pick up service, or if unavailable you will be booked on the Skylink bus and be taken to our hotel. The city will be alive with activity at the Race Tour Village at Victoria Square, where teams, bikes & mechanics are busy preparing for the first day of racing.
Rymill Park, only a short walk from your hotel, is where the afternoon official team presentations will take place with cycling sports announcers Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin. For those that have chosen the optional 'Club Tour Package' a special viewing platform with refreshments is available to watch the Cancer Council Classic, a 51 km circuit race that passes along the city and through its park lands or feel free to move among the crowds for some great race viewing.
Accommodation tonight is an optional extra.
NON-RIDER:
Sunday and Monday are perfect for the non-rider to enjoy the atmosphere and be part of the viewing public at the race and tour village as there are no big dedicated rides these two days.
ADELAIDE (Rest Day) Monday, 16th January 2012
D A
Official Rest Day: Santos Tour Down Under 2012
If you are arriving in Adelaide today give us a ring when you arrive at the airport for our pick up service, or if unavailable you will be booked on the Skylink bus taken to our hotel. Today the pros rest up for tomorrow's official start and the day off gives you a chance to set up your bike and perhaps take it for a leisurely ride down the River Torrens to Henley Beach. Bike mechanical assistance will be available if required throughout your stay.
We will set up a registration area in the hotel foyer at 4pm, answering your questions and allowing cyclists a place to assemble their bikes. Our mechanics are there to help you ensure all is safe and sound for an exciting week of full on riding.
At 6pm you will meet and greet your new travelling companions in the hotel lobby before sitting down for a buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant, all part of the AllTrails package. Here we will provide you with additional tour information and David Heatley from Cycling Inform will deliver a seminar on how you can get the best out of your bike and body so that you can really enjoy your week's cycling.
NON-RIDER:
Sunday and Monday are perfect for the non-rider to enjoy the atmosphere and be part of the viewing public at the race as there are no big dedicated rides these two days.
ADELAIDE, CLARE to ADELAIDE, 100km Tuesday, 17th January 2012
B L A
Day 2:
TDU Stage 1: Prospect to Clare, 149 km
Today we have an early breakfast and safety briefing then we load the bikes on the trailer and drive to the town of Templers for David and other cyclists who will be itching to do 100km of the stage route ahead of the to pro-tour peleton to the Clare finish. For those preferring a shorter ride begin at Tarlee for a 60km ride to Clare (or shorter distance if requested). We will be there to help you on your way then support you some of the way before meeting at Wild Saffron in Clare Main Street for a lovely lunch. Load bikes and return to hotel.
Dinner is at your own expense tonight, however we will be providing recommendations for great restaurants only a few minutes from our hotel or a little further afield if you feel like exploring Adelaide.
NON-RIDER:
We will take the non-riders with us in the bus, where you can be with the cyclists until we drop them off, then you are with us until Clare where you can go and explore the carnival, winery cellar doors, coffee shops and watch the action.
ADELAIDE, LOBETHAL, STIRLING to ADELAIDE, 50km Wednesday, 18th January 2012
B A
Day 3:
TDU Stage 2: Lobethal to Stirling, 148 km
Today is a great example of why the Santos Tour Down Under is world famous for being spectator friendly. The entire stage passes and loops through the Adelaide hills renowned for its quaint towns, beautiful scenery and most importantly spectacular cycling.
We load bikes after breakfast and drive to Lobethal for the race start. Watch the pros prepare, casually chatting to their team-mates and competitors, television cameras everywhere in this bright, colourful gathering.
See the start, and then ride the route as the pros do a 48km loop before following your road. Ride to the finish which is 50km (or shorter distance if requested) and ride another 10km loop, if you dare. Stirling is alive with TDU cyclists passing 3 times then finishing. Ride back to the hotel or pack your bike in the trailer for the drive back to the city. Tonight you can check out the many great places to eat in downtown Adelaide or attend the Club Tour Dinner on the Tour Village, if you have booked this optional extra.
NON-RIDER:
You can join us in the bus to see the stars, then we will take you to the finish to see the action. We will see if we can take you to a certain place of your choice, if it's not too difficult, or perhaps you might want to stay in Adelaide and enjoy a bit of shopping.
ADELAIDE, UNLEY, MT COMPASS to ADELAIDE, 50km Thursday, 19th January 2012
B L D A
Day 4:
TDU Stage 3: Unley to Goolwa, 134.5 km
This morning you can sleep in and relax - we will see you at brekky. For those that would prefer to be on their bike, David will lead a 50km ride (or shorter distance if requested) that will cover the same home training roads of several of Australia's top cyclists like Stuart O'Grady and Luke Roberts before returning to the hotel.
We leave the bikes at the hotel and bus to Unley, a suburb neighbouring the city and known for its many restaurants and great coffee, for the Stage 3 neutral start. Back in the bus for more racing action we head south to Mt Compass to see the action at the hydration station. Today we dodge the traffic jams in Goolwa and have lunch in the McLaren Vale and visit Wirra Wirra winery for a tasting and lunch. Then return to Adelaide and relax before our carbo dinner and David Heatley's cycling tips and techniques, including nutrition, before your big Bupa Challenge ride day tomorrow.
NON-RIDERS:
The riders leave early so they will have breakfast with you and then you can join us for the day as there will be no more cycling after the morning.
ADELAIDE, TANUNDA to ADELAIDE, 138km Friday, 20th January 2012
B D A
Day 5:
TDU Stage 4: Norwood to Tanunda, 130 km
Bupa Challenge: 138 km, 105 km, 79 km or 33 km.
A good breakfast will get you primed for the big day. It's your choice to start at Norwood to ride the entire stage distance of 138km or start at Gumeracha (105km), Mt Pleasant (79km)or Tanunda (33km). With the exception of the Norwood start, as it is only a short ride from the city, we will take you and your bike to the start of each category. Then you are in the hands of the organisers as due to road closures we will have to travel the long route to Tanunda. The course is undulating with a big climb at the start and lots of people cheering you along. Finish before the racers arrive and unwind with a great choice of food, drinks and friends, all sharing their own stories about their own big ride day.
For those cyclists not wanting to take part in the Bupa Challenge, we will transfer you and your bikes to Tanunda where you may enjoy the day cycling around your chosen route - perhaps to a vineyard or two.
We all meet at the right hand side of the finish line half an hour after the finish. Upon return to the hotel, we spoil you with another dinner in Adelaide.
NON-RIDERS:
Today is the community ride. You may join us in the bus dropping riders off, then it's off to the finish where we will explore the area by bus, maybe visit a winery along the way, then generally see the exhausted riders come in before the pros.
ADELAIDE, MCLAREN VALE to ADELAIDE, 70km Saturday, 21st January 2012
B A
Day 6:
TDU Stage 5: McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill, 151.5 km
After breakfast, start your day with a ride out to the Stage 5 start or if your legs are feeling yesterday's effort join us in the bus. Once the pros have left the starting line you have the opportunity to ride the 40 km circuit through the vineyards of McLaren Vale and along the esplanade with beautiful cliff top views of the great southern ocean (or shorter distance if requested). There is plenty of time to take in the sights and be amongst the race action as the pros race around the circuit three times before the stage route leads up the gruellingly steep Willunga Hill where they will be fighting it out for the King of the Mountain points and the stage finish.
In 2009 Lance Armstrong compared the crowds of this hill with those on the Giro and the Tour de France and things are only getting bigger and better each year as people come from around the globe to see the elite riders of the world split from the peloton as they tackle this famous hill. We recommend you ride the hill and have the enthusiasm of the crowd carry up to your chosen viewing point. What a day, eh?!
Bus back then it's the night of all nights - The Legends Dinner and Dance! A great night and a highly recommended optional extra where the stars mix it with the public, maybe a photo or two for your mantle.
NON-RIDERS:
Willunga Hill is always interesting; a great place to visit. Come with us in the bus, then wander around seeing the town and taste the McLaren Vale wines.
ADELAIDE to ADELAIDE, 30km Sunday, 22nd January 2012
B L
Day 7:
TDU Stage 6: City Street Circuit, 90 km
Today you can sleep in and take it easy or join David for a 30km ride (or shorter distance if requested) along today's route and along the beach road before returning for breakfast and having some time to yourself. Maybe visit Race Headquarters in Victoria Square and give a few tips to the Aussie contenders. We lunch together then watch the final day where the racers battle it out on the streets of Adelaide. The atmosphere is electric as crowds gather and cheer on our cycling heroes for the final sprint finish.
Then it is time to farewell your new-found friends and reflect on the days of cycling, race action and fond memories - what a week of wonder.
Return to the hotel for another night or we will arrange transport to the airport. Thanks for sharing the good times with AllTrails and Cycling Inform.
Come on Aussie, come on!
NON-RIDERS:
The last day is very friendly for non-riders and riders. Watch the race or set your own pace. Whatever you do, Adelaide and your hotel are as one - it's all there to enjoy and savour the memories.
Available Packages
INCLUDED (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):
All Accommodation - six nights CBD Hotel
Meals - 6 cyclist-sized breakfasts
3 lunches (subject to change)
3 dinners including the welcome dinner (subject to change)
Daily morning & afternoon teas
6 days of cycling and/or race viewing (all different routes, flexible distances)
Optional seminar, coaching & training by professional Cycle Coach David Heatley
Bike Transfers to and from the day's race
Phil and Susan McDonald and Ben Weigl as Tour Guides
Support and safety vehicles
Bike mechanical assistance
Detailed itinerary and maps
DVD of tour photos
NOTE: 3 night package also available.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Deposit ($200)
Progress Payment 30 days after deposit ($1000 plus your selected optional extras)
Balance 14 Nov 2012
Price TBA - secure your place with a $200 deposit
$200.00 AUD
You can book a twin share package if you are travelling on your own - we will match you up with other twin share riders of the same gender.
Optional Extras
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.
How do I get there and back?
Recommended arrival date and time: We suggest you arrive one day prior to the tour start, which will provide you with a more relaxing beginning to your cycling holiday and minimise the risk of flight or other delays.
Bring a partner
Our TDU packages cater for both riders and non-riders so bring your partner to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the week.
What’s NOT included in the tour price?
Airfares or other transportation to Adelaide, personal items purchased during the tour, some meals are not included allowing you the opportunity to explore the regional cuisine.
Check the ‘Pricing’ tab for our ‘optional extras' including accommodation before and after the tour, TDU Legends Dinner, TDU Club Tour, Bupa Community Ride, AllTrails cycling jersey.
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 training do I need to do?
You need to be a reasonably keen cyclist in good health and physical condition, however not necessarily fast, but consistent. Build your kilometre total distance in training to gradually attain about 100 km a day for 2 days straight, shorter and longer distances will be available for those that do not want to ride the full distance. A training outline to get the most out of your ride will be sent to you in your pre-tour info pack. We will also always have support vehicles to transfer you and your bike in situations where you cannot complete a particular section of the ride for any reason.
What if I need to change or cancel my tour? (AA)
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for all our Australian rides at the time of deposit and ensure that it includes coverage for cancellation fees if for some reason you are not able to travel. For our international tours we require all participants to have Travel insurance to assist you in the event of a medical emergency, lost baggage, personal liability, cancelled tour or any other trip related issues.
Should you wish to change your booking with AllTrails to a different tour, there will be a very reasonable service charge. We try to keep this figure as low as possible to allow flexibility where we can as we want to make sure that you get on the right tour for you.
For cancellation and refund policies for your tour click the ‘Book Your Place Today’ button on the relevant tour page of our website and scroll down for Conditions of Contract.
Accidents - who can help? (AA)
We have a great safety record, but accidents can happen. We have comprehensive First-Aid Kits with trained 1st aiders as tour guides and drivers, mobiles and a satellite phone for emergency calls and the locality of hospitals in the areas that we travel through. We also have vehicles that can take anyone injured or sick for further treatment.
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. Single Supplement is also available for those that would like their own room for the whole trip.
Do I need Insurance to join this tour?
Yes. Either a personal accident insurance, Bicycle Victoria membership insurance or travel insurance is compulsory on our AllTrails rides and packages.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike. We often have overseas riders coming to Australia, or interstate riders that would rather not take their bike around Australia on a plane, or road riders that want to come on a mountain bike ride with us (or vice versa).
We will be able to help you out with organising bike hire through our local contacts near our office in Melbourne, or closer to a ride departure location. When you make your booking just let us know that you would also like to hire a bike and we will get the ball rolling for you and put you in touch with the right people.
You can also bring your own seat and/or pedals to give you that little bit of 'home comfort'.
