Ride Holidays

The best of the best. 5 fantastic days in arguably New Zealand's most beautiful region. A true combination of paved and gravel roads. It's not all just about the bike. We’re lucky enough to have our own private launch waiting for us on Milford Sound. Wow.

The absolute cycling highlight for 2022 will be the sportive from Milford Sound to Te Anau. The Milford Mountain Classic. You'll join hundreds of lycra clad friends for a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride this very special (but hilly) road as it journeys through the UNESCO Fiordland National Park. This event will not exist once tourism is back up and running. 2022 could just be your last chance.

You also ride the absolutely stunning 'Around the Mountain' bike trail which takes us 90km on gravel roads through the beautiful Mavora Lake region (mountain bikes are included in the cost) all the way to Walter Peak Station where a BBQ is waiting for us. We then catch the evening Earnslaw to Queenstown.

Ride Holidays will take the hassle out of this short holiday. We've included pretty much everything. Transfers, guides, mechanics, meals and of course the standard RH friendliness.

New Zealand's West Coast is without doubt spectacular. And, COVID gives us the unique chance to ride roads that are normally filled with tourists from all over the world. We're expecting only locals and visitors from Australia will be here in April 2022. We plan to take advantage of that.

Normal Ride Holidays conditions apply. Fully supported. Choice of 3 rides most days - cappuccino 50km, latte 70-80km and espresso - 100km plus. Staying in great hotels and including as many meals as possible.
Team Mac (non-riders). Please be aware that on this particular trip we do need a minimum number of 5 to have a separate program like we do on the March trip. You are of course very welcome to join us however at this stage we are only aware of cyclists booked. 

There will be many highlights. Earlier this year we rode Haast Pass and it's as good as any European ride you'll ever do. On this trip we combine that with Arthurs Pass and many other unforgettable days.

It's not all about the bike - we eat and drink at the best restaurants, wineries, and cafes. How many Whitebait fritters can you eat??

A note about bikes. This is suitable for road bikes, cross bikes and e-bikes. 99% of the trip will either be on the road or grade 1 trail. Those who want to ride the West Coast Wilderness Trail will have the option to hire mountain bikes.

This could quite possibly be the only time we have this amazing scenery to ourselves. Let's make the most of it.

New Zealand's West Coast is without doubt spectacular. And, COVID gives us the unique chance to ride roads that are normally filled with tourists from all over the world. We're expecting only locals and visitors from Australia will be here in March 2022. We plan to take advantage of that.

Normal Ride Holidays conditions apply. Fully supported for both cyclists and Team Mac (non-riders). Choice of 3 rides most days - cappuccino 50km, latte 70-80km and espresso - 100km plus. Staying in great hotels and including as many meals as possible.

This trip has been designed around riding from hotel to hotel however some of the distances are challenging so we'll certainly have many plan B's on offer.

There will be many highlights. Earlier this year we rode Haast Pass and it's as good as any European ride you'll ever do. On this trip we combine that with Arthurs Pass and many other unforgettable days. Concluding with the one and only - Crown Range.

It's not all about the bike. We've factored in free time in Franz Josef and a spare day in Haast. More importantly - we eat and drink at the best restaurants, wineries and cafes. How many Whitebait fritters can you eat??
A note about bikes. This is suitable for road bikes, cross bikes and e-bikes. 99% of the trip will either be on the road or a grade 1 trail. Those who want to ride the West Coast Wilderness Trail will have the option to hire mountain bikes.

This could quite possibly be the only time we have this amazing scenery to ourselves. Let's make the most of it.

Let's face it - August is a great time to leave winter behind and head somewhere warmer. Queensland is a pretty good place to head to with temperatures in the mid-twenties. It's also the ideal time to get some miles in the legs prior to spring. This holiday has been structured around the traditional RH goal of finding the perfect balance of exercise, holiday and socialising. We'll start off slowly before challenging ourselves on the last day with the beautiful Noosa Classic which is up to 160km (shorter distances available)

"After five editions in Europe, the UCI Road World Championships make their way to Wollongong, Australia. Confirming the global reach of one of our sport's major annual events," said UCI president David Lappartient in a press release.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime. We plan to combine the standard RH structure of cycling, great restaurants, cafes, wineries and craft breweries while watching the very best athletes on the planet.

Please join us for what is surely to be your closest ever opportunity to see a Road Cycling World Championships.

Ride Holidays booked our hotel on the same day that the dates were announced. In fact - we were that organised that even the hotels had no idea that the World Championships were heading to the Southern Hemisphere. It's now April 2020 and we're still almost 30 months until kick-off so there are a lot of unknowns.

Tick off some of the most picturesque towns along this majestic coastline - Apollo Bay, Wye River, Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay just to name but a few. The road was built by returning soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to fallen WW1 soldiers. Making it the world's largest war memorial. Our destination is the 12 Apostles, a natural wonder of the world.

For each tour, we like to have some sort of event focus. On this tour, we will participate in the UCI world series event - Amy's Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo. This amazing Fondo began in 2011, in support of The Amy Gillett Foundation. The AGF was established in 2005 in memory of Amy Gillett after the Australian Women's Cycling Team were involved in a tragic accident while training in Germany. The Fondo caters to cyclists of all abilities and held on fully closed roads. What better way to explore one of the most picturesque destinations on the planet.

Additionally, we get to enjoy the sights of the Mornington Peninsula including Red Hill, historic Fort Nepean and the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs. Normal Ride Holidays standards apply - the perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, cafés, wineries and restaurants.

If that's not enough, we've positioned this tour around Australia's most famous annual horse race The Melbourne Cup. Explore Melbourne for a few more days before attending the Race that stops the nation. With a long tradition dating back to 1861, the first Tuesday in November has become more than just a horse race. With over 100 thousand people descending on the Flemington each year, there's something for everyone from fashions on the field, iconic Flemington rose garden, and not to mention the majestic animals racing for that ultimate prize.

The perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, cafes, restaurants, and rest. RIDE Holidays promise a fantastic 13 days along the scenic east coast of Tasmania. Non-riding partners are very welcome and will be well looked after. You will have a dedicated Team Mac (non-riding) guide.

Our tour starts in Tasmania's capital city - Hobart before travelling north to Launceston. Let's take in this vibrant hub of food, wine and culture before heading east to St Helens - renowned for their oysters and big game fishing. As we make our way south back to Hobart, we won't be short of activities and amazing scenery along the way. We will spend 2 nights at one of Tasmania's oldest National Parks - Freycinet, 1 night at the seaside village of Orford, 2 night in Eaglehawk Neck before enjoying 3 nights back in Hobart. We'll feast on some of the best seafood, produce and wine this region has to offer, tackle the challenging climb of Mount Wellington, visit the Heritage sites of Port Arthur and yes.. experience the famous Salamanca Markets and MONA!

Highlights :

• Ride up Mt Wellington - Hobart
• Famous Salamanca Markets
• Cycle one of Australia's oldest National Parks
• Walk to the scenic Wineglass Bay
• Hand-picked cafes and restaurants
• Explore Port Arthur Historical sites
• Various wine and beer tastings

The perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, cafes, restaurants and rest. RIDE Holidays promises a fantastic 11 days in one of New Zealand's most scenic and historic regions.

We start in Auckland (although you are welcome to start and/or finish in Whangarei) before heading north. Our first 2 nights are spent in NZ's most northern city which is also known as 'the city with 100 beaches! It's a royalty of riches as we make our way up the East Coast staying 3 nights in the Bay of Islands. Before spending 2 nights at Doubtless Bay and Hokianga Harbour. It's then back down the West coast Kauri cycleway, eventually ending back in Whangarei.

Along the way we show you the must-see historic sights of Russell and Waitangi. Another highlight will be the 87km Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Our queen ride will be our 130km ride up to Cape Reinga. (or back - depending upon the wind direction).

Like all Ride Holidays trips, there will Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino ride distances to choose from. There will be some relaxed days and some very challenging riding. We welcome Team Macchiato (non-riders) to join us and you will have your own agenda. galleries, markets, wineries, gardens - they all await.

It's important to note that this trip is 98% on paved roads. Other than the Twin Coast day we have already hired mountain bikes. (included in cost)

Ride Holidays invites you to join us on this amazing cycle tour and holiday. Experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies; a part of the world that was simply designed for a bicycle. Our tour will then meander in and out of the Canadian Rockies. Stopping at Lake Louise, Banff and of course Jasper National Park. The cycling is epic however we also prioritise wildlife, Canadian culture and of course great restaurants. A perfect mix of cycling, relaxing and sightseeing.

We use three small vehicles in Canada. We can cater for all abilities, for example - we can easily drop cappuccino riders up the road so that they don't need to try and keep up with the espresso cyclists. We will always have a vehicle at the front, as well as at the back. The 3rd vehicle which will accommodate Team Macchiato. (non-riders) Also, for Canada we can offer e-bikes which takes the pressure off.

Despite the word Rockies - this tour isn't overly hilly. It's not like Italy or France. The roads tend to snake through the valleys as opposed to heading over a mountain col. Those that want to be challenged certainly will. Those who want an exercised based holiday will get exactly that. It's the perfect holiday - for everyone.

Our last ride is the epic Vancouver - Whistler Gran fondo. It really is a fantastic way to finish. And by that stage you will certainly be fit. Whistler is also a pretty good place to relax for a few days.

Highlights:
   GranFondo Canada - Vancouver to Whistler
   Jasper and Banff national parks
   Ride 230km along the Icefields Parkway

In 2023 we visit Croatia and Slovenia for the first time. There are also some must see destinations - starting with the Unesco World Heritage city of Dubrovnik right through to Slovenia's beautiful Lake Bled. There will be a mixture of familiar RH guides as well as locals who will share all those nooks and crannies.
The format will be the same as every RH trip. Offering a choice of cappuccino, latte and espresso rides. As well as a separate Team Macchiato (non-riding) programme.

Join us for what will no doubt be a fantastic trip to a truly beautiful part of the world.