Guest author
Planning a cycling trip is usually pretty straightforward: pick a route, work out where to stay and make sure you’ve packed enough tubes.
But finding somewhere secure to leave the bike, a decent café for that post-ride coffee, or a shop that can sort a mechanical if things go pear-shaped can take a little more research.
That’s where the newly launched Ride High Country Preferred program comes in.
Designed to make travelling with your bike easier, Ride High Country Preferred brings together a network of cycling-friendly businesses across Victoria’s High Country.
Look for the Ride High Country Preferred logo and you’ll know you’re dealing with a business that understands cyclists and what they need before, during and after a ride.
The program covers five key categories, starting with Cycle-Friendly Stays. These accommodation providers offer guaranteed secure bike storage, along with extras such as bike wash facilities, e-bike charging, laundry and recovery equipment, depending on the property.
Then there are the Eat & Drink businesses, where the welcome starts before you even step inside. You’ll find secure bike parking, complimentary water refills and a bicycle pump, along with plenty of local food, wine and beer.
In other words, you can roll in, park the bike and get on with the important business of refuelling.
If you do need a little more than a coffee, the Bike Hire, Servicing & Shops network has you covered, whether that means a quick tune-up, a spare tube or some new cycling gear.
Travelling without a bike? There are also plenty of hire options, from mountain bikes and kids’ bikes to rail trail cruisers and e-bikes.
The Tours, Shuttles & Lessons category is another handy addition, with MTB park and adventure trail shuttles, skills coaching, guided rides and transport for road and gravel adventures. And with so much riding on offer, there’s plenty of reason to make use of them.
Road riders can tackle the big climbs of the 7 Peaks Challenge or explore the quieter roads through the High Country’s valleys.
Gravel riders have more than 50 mapped routes to choose from through the Ride High Country Gravel Network, while the region’s rail trails and mountain bike parks provide plenty of options for riders of all abilities.
The fifth category is Visitor Information Centres, where you can park the bike, talk to the locals and get some advice on what to see and do, both on and off the bike.
That’s perhaps the most useful thing about Ride High Country Preferred. While it helps you find a bike-friendly place to stay, it also brings together cafes, bike shops, guides, shuttles and local information, making it easier to build an entire cycling holiday around businesses that understand riders.
So whether you’re chasing alpine climbs, exploring gravel roads, cruising a rail trail or simply looking for a few days of riding, good food and country hospitality, head to the Ride High Country website to find Preferred businesses to dream, plan and book your trip.
Then, once you’re there, keep an eye out for the logo.
Ride High Country Preferred. Geared for your getaway.
