Sun Speed Spectacle Aussie Summer Cycling

Australia at it’s very best with this bike race tour, unique cycling down under and a true taste of Australia. Experience all the action of the Tour Down Under from our ‘live viewing spots’ and the opportunity to ride parts of the race route and other sensational, scenic rides with the team and expert guides. Start the year in style cycling the best roads in Australia and enjoying the amazing Tour Down Under trip!

With a world of guided cycling and small group expertise, Practice Bicycle Tours are the best way to enjoy your bike race holiday, whether you’re looking for day after day of challenge or a cruise on the most beautiful cycling roads of Australia.

2018 Tour Down Under

Every January the eyes of the cycling world turn to Adelaide, Australia for the first major race on the world cycling calendar and the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. It’s amazing how time flies when your having fun in the saddle it’s the 2oth year of The Santos Tour Down Under this world class event and truly a festival of cycling with all the stars of cycling represented. Practice Bicycle Tours have enjoyed being a part of this incredible event and the Adelaide region for many years, designing this tour to give you the best of both worlds.

Enjoy the spectacle of each stage of the Tour Down Under race action taking you on amazing routes with your own fully guided rides, at the end of the day relax and reward yourself with the best tastes of Australia with complete confidence in all the details.

Can’t get enough of Australian cycling?

Classic ToursWe also offer bike trips before and after the Tour Down Under. Why not extend your holiday and turn it into the cycling vacation of a lifetime?

View Adelaide Bike Trip
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Activity Level question mark-01

Flexible – from 40 km/day to 120 km/day
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 40km,80km or 120km (Unique in the Industry for a Bike Race Tour)

Available Packages question mark-01

Premium: $3625 per person
Includes 4* Accommodation,  Exclusive Dinners & Restaurant lunches.
Rides Only: $2515 per person
Includes 5 stages with Restaurant lunches & support vehicle

Dates

15 – 21 January 2018

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $755
Bike hire – $500
Extra night – $225
Non-cycling partner – $3481

Non-cycling partner?

That’s ok, we cater to non-cyclists too!

Don’t miss out on a cycling holiday with your partner, just because you do not ride. We cater to non-cyclists that want to join their cycling wife/husband/partner at the Tour down Under Bike Race tour this January in Australia. With your preference to be less energetic, enjoy the sights of this world-class International race spectacle and the best of Adelaide and South Australia from the comfort of the support vehicle or should you prefer a rest from the race action, relax by the beach or enjoy the charm of Adelaide the city of churches.

Thanks for the great week at the Tour down Under in Adelaide.
We've experienced many Cycling Tours before and they say they do things a little differently from the rest...Their 'uniqueness' lies in how they put it together as we discovered for ourselves.
Their amazing personalities gave us the most memorable time with a diverse group of people, fabulous hosts, fabulous week, it couldn't have been better!
Testimonial by C Purves –Australia
C Purves –Australia

Dates

2018
  • 15 January — 21 January Book Now Enquire

Itinerary

Below is the 2018 itinerary! Don’t miss out and register above.

Day 1

Monday 15th January - Arrival Day in Adelaide + Beach Ride
Ride Option: Distance 35km route Henley Beach
Includes: Airport Transfer, Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Non-cycling guests: Share the Tour day sights

Welcome to Adelaide, our personalized service will collect you at midday from Adelaide Airport followed by a short transfer to your deluxe accommodation in the heart of the city. Having checked-in to your accommodation we are available to assist you with un-packing your bike followed by the opportunity for a gentle ride over to the beach to stretch out the legs from travel and to ensure that the bikes also travelled safely!
This evening we invite you to join us for Welcome Drinks and Dinner ‘a surprise’ at one of Adelaide’s cosmopolitan Restaurants. A great time to talk about our fantastic week ahead with the best ride routes, live race action from the road side and relaxing lunch experiences!

Day 2

Tuesday 16th January - View the Tour down Under Stage 1 Port Adelaide – Lyndoch
Ride Options:
Distance 120km Ascent 1300m route Barossa
Distance 78km Ascent 960m route Lyndoch
Distance 40km Ascent 600m route Humbug Scrub
TDU Viewing Points: KOM + Finish Circuit + Stage Finish
Includes: Breakfast, Restaurant Lunch & Barossa Valley Winery Visit
Non-cycling guests: Share the Tour day sights and TDU stage action in the Barossa Valley.

The professional Tour Down Under peloton start with stage 1 heading north to the Barossa Wine growing region today with an undulating route which may favour an early break away before they arrive on the finishing circuit in Lyndoch.
Our own premium ride this morning, taken at our own pace as we wind our way out of Adelaide and experience a taste of the beautiful Adelaide Hills and catch all the KOM action. The uniqueness of the Aussie landscape keeps the pedals turning before we arrive at the finishing circuit in the heart of the Barossa region and the final race action on the streets of Lyndoch.
With the Barossa Valley one of the oldest wine regions in Australia dotted with some of the world’s best wine today is the perfect opportunity for a visit!

Day 3

Wednesday 17th January - View the Tour down Under Stage 2 Unley - Stirling
Ride Options:
Distance 95km Ascent 1300m route Stirling Circuit
Distance 76km Ascent 1000m route Sprint
Distance 56km Ascent 700m route Hahndorf
TDU Viewing Points: Start + Sprint + Race Circuit x 3
Includes: Breakfast, Restaurant Lunch, Visit Tour Village & Bike Expo
Non-cycling guest: Share the Tour day sights and action in the Adelaide Hills

This morning we can start our day like the Pro’s by heading to the stage start for a pre-ride coffee and watch the teams with their final preparation to a tough day ahead in the saddle, wander amongst the best cyclists in the world as they prepare for their day’s work and a great opportunity to get up close and personal with all your favourite stars of professional cycling.
Once the race peloton has departed we will head off on our choice ride with amazing race viewing on offer today with multiple unique live viewing spots put together with all the panache that comes with the PRACTICEBICYCLE team and their 25 years of International racing experience. Riding to the action with the undulating beauty of the Adelaide Hills with time to enjoy some of the best cycling roads in Australia before all the live action at the race Intermediate Sprint to see the power of the best professional bike riders in the world at high speed! Once on the finishing circuit enjoy the glitz of world class cycling at its very best with all the decisive final attacking action in Stirling.

With all this race excitement we have the perfect restaurant lunch organised to unwind and relax to cap off an amazing day at the Tour down Under.
Late this afternoon is a perfect opportunity to take a drink together and visit the Tour Village & Bike Expo, the hub of the Tour down Under and the centre of activity for the team support personnel including the workshops for the team mechanics.

Day 4

Thursday 18th January - View the Tour down Under Stage 3 Glenelg – Victor Harbor
Ride Options:
Distance 90km Ascent 1050m route Victor Harbor
Distance 48km Ascent 800m route The Range KOM
TDU Viewing Points: KOM + Finish Circuit
Includes: Breakfast, Restaurant Lunch & Adelaide Hills Winery Visit,
Non-cycling guests: Share the Tour day sights and action of Victor Harbor

One of the amazing aspects of a week at this World Tour cycling event in Adelaide combined with the skilful knowledge of your PRACTICEBICYCLE team is the opportunity for race viewing more than once each day, something not possible at the equivalent European professional races. Today you have the option of being a part of the excitement at the KOM and also the stage Finish circuit!
We have added variety into our superb rides today and the flexibility for all abilities the key to your ultimate week of riding and race viewing pleasure. With our ride options heading South to Victor Harbor a popular coastal playground overlooking the beautiful Encounter Bay and Granite Island a great spot to end a great ride with a great lunch!

Today you may wish for the option of a relaxing day with an included afternoon visit to a hidden winery amongst the Adelaide Hills for great wine tasting!

Day 5

Friday 19th January - 'BUPA Challenge + Tour down Under Stage 4 Norwood – Uraidla
Ride Options:
Distance 65km – 137km route ‘BUPA Challenge Tour’ (Individual Entry Required)
Distance various – PB Challenge
TDU Viewing Points: Stage Finish
Includes: Breakfast, Full BUPA Support, Classic Restaurant Dinner
Non-cycling guests: Share and Support the ‘Challenge’ riders’ effort

For those who have chosen the ‘BUPA Challenge Tour’ the mass participation ride we will be following the actual stage route for 128km throughout the Adelaide Hills topped off with the local favourite climb of Norton Summit a tough challenge in the final 10kms of a complete day on the bike. Feel like a real pro for the day, taken care of and in the very experienced and capable hands (& legs) of your own PRACTICEBICYCLE team mate and your own personal support team. Alternatively the PB team have designed your own Challenging ride on offer with great cycling in Australia whichever you decide!
With a day full of the perfect pace of cycling, this evening join us for the perfect pleasure of cuisine at one of Adelaide’s wonderful restaurant experiences.

Day 6

Saturday 20th January - View the Tour down Under Stage 5 McLaren Vale - Willunga Hill
Ride Options:
Distance 135km route Circuit Willunga Hill
Distance 82km route Aldinga Beach Willunga Hill
Distance 52km route McLaren Vale
TDU Viewing Points: Multiple stage viewing
Includes: Breakfast, McLaren Vale Winery Lunch
Non-cycling guests: Share the Tour day sights and stage action in McLaren Vale

After several days of exploring this marvelous cycling region, we will also be feeling just like the Pro’s with one final challenge together or if you prefer a well-earned rest day from the bike, enjoy the comfort of the support vehicle.
Today is the queen stage of the Tour Down Under with a classic race day atmosphere we will head south into the McLaren Vale region and onto the flatter roads amongst the famous vineyards of this superb world class wine growing area.
The spectacle of this fantastic sporting event will be at a high today as we have multiple opportunities to watch the world’s best race action pass us by. Refreshed in one of the local cafes on route absorb this superb spectacle as they take on the KOM and the highlight of the day as the fight is on for the Winner of the 2018 Tour down Under on Willunga Hill!

With today being a classic day together, a McLaren Vale Winery/Restaurant lunch is a fitting way to end such a remarkable day at the TDU in South Australia.

Day 7

Sunday 21st January - Departure Day from Adelaide + View the Tour down Under Stage 6 King William Rd Street Circuit
Ride Option: Distance 50km route Beach/Adelaide Hills
Includes: Breakfast, Airport Transfer
Non-cycling guests: Enjoy Adelaide & coastal sights

Unfortunately today is your departure day from Adelaide; we have a final ride option available this morning should time permit before PRACTICEBICYCLE are available to assist you with packing your bike, after which your team will say good bye and transfer you to Adelaide airport.

For those planning to depart later or have the optional additional night stay, take advantage of a unique Pro Tour stage with the fast and furious street circuit to get very close to the speed and glitz of the Race Peloton at full speed! It could be that the winner of the Tour down Under was not decided on Willunga Hill and a few seconds today could decide who is crowned winner of the Tour down Under 2018 on the streets of Adelaide!

*Ride option – It’s the PB Bike Tour experience where you get to choose to ride as much or as little as you wish!

Where will I be staying?

Practice Bicycle includes hand-picked luxury accommodation in the heart of the Adelaide city centre – 4* Majestic Roof Garden Hotel  The perfect location to enjoy the best of the Tour down Under and South Australia

Will I have enough to do off the bike?

With the Tour down Under an exciting festival of cycling, your days will be packed with fun both on and off the bike.  Make the most of this great week with a visit to the Adelaide City Council – Tour Village, catch up with all the latest race news over a refreshing drink.
Alternatively Adelaide’s generous boulevards and elegant architecture provide the perfect backdrop for all sorts of activities. No matter what takes your interest, there’s something here for you.

Am I fit enough for this trip?

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are just new to the bike, you will love cycling in Adelaide and for fans of international bike racing, this trip is for you!
Each cycling route during your Tour Down Under Bike Trip will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, so you can have a challenging ride or a comfortable ride – the choice is yours.  We specialize with a ride choice each day making for the perfect cycling week.

Is this trip challenging enough for me?

We love a challenge as much as we love cycling. The team at Practice Bicycle has a history in professional bike racing and coaching in fact it was on the roads of the Adelaide hills where your host Bridget Evans took 3rd place at the Australian Championships in 2005.  So if it’s a challenge you are looking for, we can definitely find just the right rides for you.  With this being the pinnacle cycling week in Australia take the biggest challenge with the Bupa Challenge Tour – a fun day riding a complete stage of the race route.

I have already booked accommodation - is the Rides Only package for me?

Absolutely! Look for our ‘Rides Only’ (16 – 20 January) package to get on this tour without using our accommodation.
Each day you will join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient central Adelaide meeting point. Fully escorted and supported on superb rides to the best viewing locations to catch 5 stages of the Santos Tour Down Under live with restaurant lunches included.

What rides will I do?

We tailor the daily rides to the riders experience, including actual Tour Down Under stage routes, take a look at this years itinerary.
Practice Bicycle has developed 30+ rides in Adelaide for riders of all levels with over 10 years of cycling experience in South Australia!

What activities, tours will the Non Cycling Partner do whilst I'm on my bike?

As a Non Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement and action up close and personal of the bike race live each day. Our local support team will share with you culture and townships on route whilst catching up with the cycling group at our ‘unique live viewing spots’ and handpicked restaurant lunch together.

You may also wish to immerse yourself and discover the best of the city of Adelaide from it’s “cultural boulevard” and some of Australia’s most beautiful buildings to a visit to the home of Australia’s most famous wine – Penfolds Grange.
Alternatively, swim with dolphins in our clear clean waters, cuddle a koala or wander the most beautiful cricket ground in the world, Adelaide Oval.

For shopaholics, wander down Rundle Mall and indulge in some retail therapy. Be sure to pick up some treats from Haigh’s Chocolates or stock up on RM Williams merchandise from the legendary Outback outfitter.

Why do you choose to watch all stages of the Tour down Under bike race?

Our specialty bike race tour week to the TDU offers the opportunity of viewing the race on all 6 stages. With our proven formula ‘Unpack Once, Cycle Every Day’ we maximise your enjoyment of viewing the race action live, contrasting with your own variety of personally tailored rides and the opportunity of enough time to relax and experience your idyllic location for the week.

Can I have an extra night?

Absolutely, if you would like to tag on an extra night before or after then select from our optional extras.
This also gives you the added opportunities for extra excitement with the glitz of the People Choice Classic evening event or more time to enjoy Sunday afternoons King William Street finale and winners presentation celebrations.

Your Tour Down Under 2018 bike tour package includes:

  • 6 nights 4* accommodation in the heart of the city of Adelaide, South Australia
  • Fabulous Buffet Breakfast each morning
  • Exciting and spectacular viewing of Santos Tour Down Under stages throughout the week from a variety of ideal locations at our ‘unique live viewing spots’
  • 6 days of superb guided, tailored rides, as well as full professional support for the challenging day of riding in the ‘BUPA Challenge Tour’ (if entered/required)
  • A choice of ride distance each day perfect for all abilities
  • #1 Cycling Guides – Paul Hughes & Bridget Evans
  • A fully equipped support team & vehicle, mechanical assistance, sports drinks & nutrional bars for all bike rides
  • 2 Exclusive Dinners in Adelaide’s renowned restaurants of contemporary cuisine
  • 4 Unique ‘Aussie’ restaurant lunches on route at our local favourites
  • A Practice Bicycle Premium Cycling Jersey
  • Adelaide Airport pick-up/drop-off  & hotel transfer (Midday tour arrival/departure day)

Tour Down Under Tour Highlights:

  • City of Adelaide, South Australia the ideal location for summer down under
  • World Tour international professional racing cyclists in a relaxed environment up close & personal
  • January 2018, start your cycling year with a magical week of riding the most memorable kilometres in Australia
  • Taste Aussie Wine, some of the best in the world in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills & McLaren Vale wine growing areas
  • Action packed rides along endless beaches, amongst eucalyptus shrouded hills and panoramic rows of leafy green vineyards
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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