Wide Open Road
Experience the wide open road
Wide Open Road Cycling Tours have been operating since 2001 and are owned, operated and run by Clare Holdsworth. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Clare has extensive cycling and travel experience in Europe and Australia, has detailed knowledge of the best cycling routes as well as the cultures, traditions, food and wine of the regions they pass through.
Our rides are point to point (we don’t believe in spending valuable holiday time in buses), we cycle around 80km a day, attract a mix of abilities, ages and genders. The common factor is a love of challenging but sociable cycling with a good meal and glass of wine (or two!). Many of our customers become lifelong friends and return in following years.

Girona to the Tourmelet
Tour Operator: Wide Open Road
France & Spain
14 days (Bike: 9 days)
800 km (~89km per day)
Avid cyclist
Big climbs, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 6290
Overview
Tour Operator Wide Open Road
Via the Costa Brava & Pyrenees
This is the ultimate cycling adventure - from Girona to the epic Col du Tourmalet via the beautiful Costa Brava and climbs of the Pyrenees. We experience the contrasting Spanish and French cultures and cuisines, enjoy the beaches, art and medieval villages of the Costa Brava and journey to the Pyrenees, conquering the famous Cols of the Tour de France and Vuelta Espana.
We start in Girona, one of the world’s top cycling destinations. We explore the local roads, stunning coastlines, medieval villages and vineyards of the Emporda wine region. We have 2 nights in the spectacular seaside village of Cadaques - home to Salvador Dali.
We climb the famous Rocacorba and our route traverses the Pyrenees, crossing the most beautiful and well known climbs of the Tour de France and Vuelta España for a finalé of the climb to the famous Col du Tourmalet.
Sardinia & Corsica Islands
Tour Operator: Wide Open Road
France & Italy
14 days (Bike: 10 days)
800 km (~80km per day)
Active cyclist
Hilly, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 6450
Overview
Tour Operator Wide Open Road
Ride with us across two of the most beautiful, sun kissed islands in the Mediterranean - Sardinia & Corsica - one French, one Italian.
Ride across 2 of the most stunningly beautiful mediterranean islands. This is a journey through dramatically diverse cultures and landscapes - where fishing villages and sandy white villages are paired with rugged mountains, pine forests and shimmering lakes. Climb to mountain passes 1500m high during the morning - then swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon! This is the ultimate ride for those after a contrast of mountains and coastal riding, French and Italian cultures.
Terrain Coastal and mountainous cycling. Come with a good level of fitness to manage consecutive hilly days with a few big climbs during the tour as well as a couple of shorter easier days.

Milawa Beechworth Gourmet Gravel Tour
Tour Operator: Wide Open Road
Australia
4 days (Bike: 4 days)
260 km (~65km per day)
Active cyclist
Off-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 1630
Overview
Tour Operator Wide Open Road
Join us for a long weekend of gravel cycling in the Victorian High Country!
Starting in the foodie destination of Milawa, we ride the roads less travelled to Beechworth - a gravel cyclist’s paradise!! We cycle through beautiful Mt Pilot National Park, visit historic Gold-Rush era towns of Chiltern and Eldorado and enjoy the gastronomy of the region - from local beers to fine dining!
Four days spectacular gravel cycling in the Victorian High country! We start and finish in the foodie destination of Milawa and ride to Beechworth for 2 nights. Beechworth has fast become Australia’s premier gravel cycling destination - “champagne gravel” roads with spectacular and varied terrain. We ride through national parks, beautiful forest, along rail-trails, through farmland and river crossings.
We visit historic gold-rush era towns and the food, wine and beer is a highlight of this gourmet region.
Terrain Approx 70% Gravel, 30% bitumen.

Gold Coast to Byron Bay Hinterland
Tour Operator: Wide Open Road
Australia
9 days (Bike: 8 days)
500 km (~63km per day)
Avid cyclist
Hilly, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 3790
Overview
Tour Operator Wide Open Road
A 9 night, 8 day loop, starting and finishing on the Gold Coast, exploring the beautiful Tweed River, mountains, hinterland, cane fields, foodie hotspots & surf beaches
Experience some of the world’s best cycling as we ride from the Gold Coast to Byron & Beyond! Quiet rolling country roads, sugar cane, sub-tropical forests, spectacular views, picturesque beaches, laid-back villages and even a few seriously decent mountain climbs. The cycling is superb - it’s quite unexpected and underrated.
Terrain Lots of undulating hilly riding with a few flatter, easier coastal sections. A mix of mountainous, rolling hills and coastal cycling.
Food Northern NSW is a foodies dream destination. From farmers markets to hatted restaurants - it’s a food bowl of exceptional produce and a real culinary gem! This tour is also a food-tour by bike!
Grand Tour: Tourmelet, Sardinia & Corsica
Tour Operator: Wide Open Road
France, Italy & Spain
32 days (Bike: 19 days)
1600 km (~84km per day)
Avid cyclist
Big climbs, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 12500
Overview
Tour Operator Wide Open Road
Combine both our 2023 Cycle Tours for a full month of riding the best cycling destinations in Europe.
This really is the ultimate cycling adventure! The Girona to the Tourmalet tour followed by Sardinia & Corsica Islands tour. See the individual stages/tours for more detail.
We will transport your bicycle between Lourdes and Barcelona - all you need to do is catch a train. Lourdes and Barcelona are connected by rail with 1-2 changes.
Between Tours
The first stage finishes in Lourdes.
You have 4 nights at your leisure.
We would recommend some time off the bike to rest your legs or some easy cycling.
There is plenty to explore in and around Lourdes or in Barcelona.
We can assist with hotels, travel ideas and recommendations for between tours.
The two cities are connected by rail, with 1-2 changes (~6hr journey time). We can assist with travel advice.
We can transport your bicycle and/or big bags/luggage between stages.
Arrive at our hotel in Barcelona
Vic Alps Cycle Tour
Tour Operator: Wide Open Road
Australia
5 days (Bike: 4 days)
400 km (~100km per day)
Avid cyclist
Big climbs, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
AU$ 1640
Overview
Tour Operator Wide Open Road
Tick off 4 of the #7PeakRide climbs
Join us for a long weekend cycle tour in the Victorian Alps and tick off 4 of the #7PeakRide climbs: Hotham, Falls, Buffalo & Dinner Plain. This is a fully supported cycle tour where you will enjoy the camaraderie of other like minded cyclists and quality regional produce.
Four days of spectacular cycling in the Victorian Alps with a carefully crafted itinerary enabling you to ride a fully supported loop showcasing the spectacular scenery, mountain villages, regional produce, local wineries & micro-breweries of NE Vic. Ride 4 iconic mountain climbs and stay in great family run accommodation.
Terrain We’re conquering four out of seven peaks along the famed 7 Peaks trail. Falls Creek, Dinner Plain, Mt Hotham, & Mt Buffalo climbs.