Getting out on two wheels

Posted: December 14, 2011

Let’s start small. Have you ever ridden a bicycle over the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Tours take in the parks and along the harbour and there is even a pub tour in The Rocks. Your guide will ensure you don’t get lost and supply you with secrets of the city you didn’t know. Tours usually end at a cafe or pub.

For the more energetic there are longer trips with a guide, pre-booked accommodation and an accompanying vehicle. For beginners this is good because if the going gets too tough you can hitch a ride. For example there is a three day tour of 145km from Rooty Hill in a loop to Colo and Sackville. Bicycle NSW runs many events around the state to suit all levels of fitness.
You can even cycle round Australia in stages each taking about a week. This is a challenge that may take a few years to complete. Overseas there are similar tours – you can even follow the route of the Tour de France.

If this is all too hard what about a motorbike ride?

If you haven’t got a licence a good introduction is to ride pillion through the city, up the coast or up into the hills. All safety gear is provided and rides visit significant sights and a cafe or two.

If you are concerned about balance on a motorbike, try a three wheel Harley Davidson with a bench seat and seat belts. Maybe Granny will be up for that?

For qualified riders there are many excellent tours around Sydney, for instance to Kangaroo Valley and the Blue Mountains. Some tours include accommodation and an accompanying vehicle whilst others provide just the route and pre-booked accommodation.

There are many motorcycle tours overseas to spectacular places. How about riding a BMW on an 18 day tour from Santiago in Chile to Tierra del Fuego (and then fly back)?
As you can see there are tours to suit many levels of fitness and experience. And some may make a good Christmas present.