Late winter and early spring is a golden time of year to be touring by bike. The bitterness of June and July is behind us, warmer sunny days are ahead, and if you time it right, you get to ride alongside fields of gold — the bright canola crops that blanket North East Victoria at this time of year.
There's something about riding past a canola field in full bloom that stays with you. The colour is almost too vivid to be real, the scent is heavy in the air, and for a few weeks each spring it turns the region's rolling countryside into a picture-perfect postcard.
Rutherglen and the surrounding North East features some of the state's finest rail trails, flat, well-formed, and free of traffic. Add the backdrop of rolling vineyards, historic townships, and blazing yellow fields, and it’s no wonder the region is so popular for bike riders.
Bicycle Network supporter AV Cycling Tours is hosting a unique three-day guided trip, the Rutherglen Golden Canola Ride. They are also offering BN members free e-bike hire on these tours - valued at $95 a day.
The tour takes in the North East's best-loved trails, a detour past striking silo art, and an afternoon among the birdlife of the Winton Wetlands. Each day winds down with riders relaxing in carefully selected accommodation, and with a glass or two of the region's award-winning wine.
Highlights of the tour include staying at the De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate (Tuileries), riding the Mulwala Corowa Cycle Trail to the Corowa Whiskey & Chocolate Factory, a visit and lunch at All Saints Estate, riding the Lake Moodemere cycle loops, and time to explore Rutherglen. There’s also the Silo Art Trail, the Winton Wetlands and a wine tasting at Baileys Winery … plus, of course, those stunning fields of golden canola.
AV Cycling Tours has more than 20 years' experience navigating the North East's back roads and byways, and on their various trips they take care of everything: the routes, food, transport, accommodation, so all that's left to do is enjoy the riding and take in the golden vistas.
There’s limited availability in two upcoming tours scheduled for Monday, August 24 to Thursday 27 and Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 September. For further details, visit www.avcyclingtours.com.au