CYCLING HOLIDAY - ITALY

Are you a cycling enthusiast who wants to spend a holiday in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that guarantees an enjoyable holiday? Then this tour is for you.

RICCIONE

Riccione is known as the “Green Pearl” of the Adriatic due to the lush greenery that distinguishes it. This is the most renowned, fun and fashionable spot along the Adriatic coast, ideal for cycling.

LAKE GARDA
The 2007 tour ventured between the mountains where the most famous Italian wines are produced (like the Amarone Wine and the Valpolicella). You will climb up on the Monte Baldo, enjoying the wonderful views or you can discover the Monti Lessini and the romantic town of Verona.

To Register your interest for the 2008 Italy Tour please contact Bill directly on 0417 904 603 or bill@bikeforce.com.au

TESTIMONIALS

Bill's inaugural Bike Force Tour of Italy 2006 definitely gets a vote for one of the best holidays I've ever had!

Achieving the right level of organisation to ensure things run smoothly versus allowing people enough flexibility to do their own thing is not easy at the best of times - let alone with 12 first timers to Italy! Bill managed to get the balance right - the whole trip ran according to plan (even if we did get lost a few times!!!)…we cycled as much (or as little) as we wanted to, and the amount of time we spent in each of the three regions was just right!

Seeing Italy from a bike....riding up mountains...sipping espressos in medieval villages...drinking vino rosso in tiny out-of-the-way trattorias (and getting lost on the way back...) is nothing short of a surreal experience at times...the countryside is so breathtakingly beautiful...and the Italians, well, they just seem to do everything so well!

I've already put my hand up for the 2007 trip...but one word of advice before you sign up - you need to train hard...drinking every day for 3 weeks is not something you should take lightly. Bill might have some tips though....
VORNIE

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Unfortunately, it seems like such a distant memory now even though it’s only been a few months since our return!

I just want to say what a wonderful experience the whole trip was, beginning with the choice of travel agent, who was a pleasure to deal with, right down to the very last detail while we were away.

The difference in the three locations was a real bonus – from the unspoilt village atmosphere of Massa Marittima to the Italian seaside resort atmosphere of Riccione. Travelling by train and coach was a great way to see more of the countryside and who can forget the challenge of getting 14 people with bikes and cases on and off the train? Quite a feat!

The rides were so different in each area – Finale Ligure was the biggest achievement for me – and the Hotel Dory in Riccione has to be a cyclist’s paradise. Great guided rides for all levels of ability and the perfect set up to cater for every need including the wonderful food!

As the real novice of our group, the holiday was a terrific learning experience and confidence booster for me – as always with fellow cyclists I was supported and encouraged all the way without any sense of pressure. And I can even dismantle and assemble my own bike now!

Finally, it was the best value for money holiday I’ve ever had – I’m still not sure how Bill managed to make the cost so reasonable.

Thanks again
PAULINE RYAN

Prague - Jewels in the Heart of Europe

The Fairytale Tour – 9 Days

This tour starts and ends in Prague, one of Europe’s historical and architectural jewels. For many people it is the most beautiful city in Europe. Our tour will take you through a picturesque and unique region on the Czech Republic. The countryside consists of small lakes, forests, meadows and golden farmland, quaint villages, medieval towns and Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance cathedrals, churches, monasteries, castles and palaces. You will get to taste the very best of Czech Cuisine and of course Czech Beer, arguably the best in the world. When you complete this tour, you will wish it had just begun!

Available Dates: 20 - 28 June 2008

Price: $1580

Czech Active Tours. For more information visit www.czechactivetours.com

Prague to Budapest via Vienna and Bratislava

Two Wheel Odyssey through 4 Countries – 11 Days

Experience four countries – the Czech Republic, Austria, slovakia and Hungary – and their capitals. These were the jewels of the Austro-Hungarian Empire – Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Castles, churches, historic towns and cities, beautiful countryside, the Danube, amazing vistas and much much more – this tour has it all!!!

Available Dates: 8 – 18 June & 17 – 27 August 2008

Price: $2450

An Unforgettable Adventure – 10 Days

Join us for the experience of your life! Visit Magnificent Andalucía and its three major jewels, the cities of Seville with its cathedral, Cordoba with its Mezquita and Granada with the Alhambra Palace. See its beautiful and romantic countryside with several national parks. Ride thorugh orchards, olive groves, sunflower fields and cork tree plantations and pedal on the famous Via Verde (Green Road) over former railroad viaducts and through tunnels. View the gorgeous peaks of the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges – and that’s just the beginning........

Available Dates: 22 April – 1 May / 5 – 14 May & 2 – 11 September 2008

Price: $3390

 Czech Active Tours. For more information visit www.czechactivetours.com

BIKE TOURING IN BALI

Don’t want to laze by the pool next time you head to Bali? Then why not head to the tropical island and organise a spot of mountain biking with Bali Trailblazers?  Whether you are looking to just hire a bike to do your own thing locally, or join a guided day trip or weekend break, or even organise your own group of singletrack enthusiasts to get way off the beaten track, let Clare look after you and help make your next Bali trip one to remember.

Web: www.bali-trailblazers.com • Email: clare@bali-trailblazers.com

BIKE TOURING IN AUSTRALIA

Brochures

The Department for Planning and Infrastructure in WA produces a range of comprehensive cycling brochures to answer all your questions about cycling in general in Australia.  You can pick up a FREE copy of these brochures from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, 441 Murray Street, Perth, or email cycling@dpi.wa.gov.au or else interstate riders can simply download the information from here

Fact sheets

The DPI also produces a number of fact sheets that deal with the use of bicycles for recreation and transport. The series looks at a range of cycling-related topics including ride routes, touring tips, maintenance, safety, road rules, insurance and product reviews that are applicable to riders all across the country.

Maps

• Perth - Want to check out a new route but don’t have a hard copy bike map readily at hand?  For your convenience, Perth Bike Maps are now available on line - http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/cycling/14679.asp.  However, these are not in a printable format and it is recommended you pick up a hard copy of the maps you need the next time you pop into your local Bike Force store.  Please note – updated versions will be printed for distribution later in 2007.
• Brisbane - Many local authorities provide maps of bicycle facilities in their areas. Existing maps are listed here.
• Victoria - Downloadable regional and metropolitan maps are available here.
• Sydney - Hardcopy and downloadable maps available here.

Groups and clubs

There are a number of groups and clubs in each State and Territory of Australia to help you enjoy riding your bike, whether it be for recreational, touring, racing or advocacy purposes.

• Perth
• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Sydney