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7 Exciting Facts About the Tour de France, and Where to Stream the Race

Lasting nearly three weeks and involving several hundred competitors, the Tour de France is one of the biggest sporting events across the globe — and in the world of cycling, it’s definitely the biggest. This much-anticipated annual race faced some setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the world hasn’t returned to normal yet, devoted cycling fans (and those of us who simply love edge-of-our-seats competition) are eager for the big return slated for this summer.

In honor of the Tour de France’s grand 2021 re-entry to the sporting universe on Saturday, June 26, we’re taking a look at some fun facts that’ll get your anticipation building even more. Plus, you’ll discover where and how you can watch every minute of the race from the comfort of home — no cleats or helmet necessary.

Thousands of People Are Involved

You might already know that a bevy of bicyclists participate in the race — 198 riders spread across 22 different teams compete each year. But the number of people involved in ensuring the race goes off without a hitch is much higher than the number of athletes participating. Organizers take logistics to the next level with team staff members, members of the race jury, thousands of security professionals and members of the media. If you include the spectators in that count, the numbers — pre-pandemic, at least — can run into the millions . From city to city along the race route, hundreds upon hundreds of people follow the action throughout the course of the event. And organizers and support staff keep things running smoothly to the finish line.

The Race Has a Surprising Connection to a Newspaper

The first Tour de France wasn’t held because a bunch of bicycling fans got together and thought it’d be a great idea to start a competition — at least not totally. It was actually a promotional event hosted with the intention of bringing more publicity to L’Auto , a French newspaper that focused on reporting details about different sporting events. Although L’Auto  has since closed down, the parent company of its replacement,  L’Equipe , continues to organize the Tour de France today. 

It’s Not Just Big, but Also Long

And it’s long in multiple ways, too. The race itself takes place over the course of nearly a month, with 21 different day-long segments making up the bulk of the competition. The length of the course is also extensive, however; it’s typically over 2,000 miles long and can pass through multiple neighboring countries. It wasn’t even always this short, either — in 1926, the course encompassed a winding 3,570 miles and took a full month for riders to finish.

Different Jerseys Mean Different Things

As you watch the race, you’ll notice cyclists wearing the bright kits and bibs that represent their teams — but you’ll also spot some even more unique colors and designs among the pack. One of these is a yellow jersey, called the “maillot jaune,” that’s bestowed upon the racer who had the lowest cumulative ride time for the day. Other special jerseys include the green “maillot vert,” which is awarded to the rider with the most points, and the “maillot a pois” — a red and white polka-dotted jersey given to the cyclist who earns the most points during the areas of the course that have steep inclines to climb. The rider who wears the maillot a pois is affectionately known as “the king of the mountain.”

There Was Almost Only One Tour de France

The first Tour de France took place in 1903 – and that was almost the one and only iteration of the race. That’s because newspaper editor Henri Desgrange, who helped organize the initial tour, was so aghast at the conduct not only of the fans but also of the competitors in the 1903 race that he wanted to discontinue it despite its clear appeal. Boisterous crowds turned violent, with spectators assaulting racers as they passed along the course. The riders themselves found numerous ways to cheat, disqualifying themselves in the process. But the Tour de France was so lauded — and it increased circulation of L’Auto  so extensively — that the organizers had no choice but to continue hosting the event.

The Race Has Its Own Language

Bonking, anyone? As you’re watching the Tour de France, you might hear commentators use some curious turns of phrase — and many of them will be unique to the race itself. Boost your bicycling know-how by learning what these terms mean before catching one of the race segments:

• Bonking: Cyclists don’t want to “bonk” during this race; it means they’ve run out of energy and are too wiped to continue.
• Peloton: No, it’s not the fancy exercise bike you bought during the pandemic. In Tour de France context, a peloton is the main group of riders where most of the participants are cycling together.
• Sag Wagon: If someone bonks, they may need the assistance of the sag wagon. This is a car that follows the pack of cyclists and picks up those who become too fatigued or injured to keep riding.
• Musket Bag: While it may sound like something you’d find at a Civil War battleground, a musket bag is sort of like a bagged lunch — but it’s packed with energy gels, water, sandwiches and other fuel for the cyclists. It’s also called a “musette” or, sometimes, a “bonk bag.”
• Lanterne Rouge: In French, this term means “red light,” and it refers to the cyclist who’s in the very last place in the race. Being in this position gets riders ample attention, and those who know they won’t win sometimes compete for this distinction instead.

You Can Watch the Action at Home — Here’s How

Now that the race has returned to regularly scheduled programming in 2021 following its 2020 pandemic postponement, you might be eager to catch the three-week racing saga unfold from the comfort of home. Fortunately, you have the convenient option to stream the tour live on both NBC Sports and NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

The race coverage on Peacock is only available through Peacock Premium, a paid tier of the service that costs $4.99 — a worthwhile investment if you’re a serious cycling fan who can’t wait to watch this Grand Tour. NBC Sports is accessible if you’re already paying for regular cable, but without that subscription you won’t be able to stream the program online or watch it on TV unless you spring for Peacock. 

Keep in mind that, if you’re not already a Peacock subscriber, you’ll receive a free weeklong trial to better help you determine if the service is right for you. You can use that to catch up on the race and decide if you want to make the month-long (or longer) investment.

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Hunter Valley Cycle Tours

Quiet country roads, picturesque vineyards, some of Australia’s best food and wine - the Hunter Valley is one of the best places in New South Wales, if not Australia, to explore by bike.

As you cycle from cellar door to cellar door you’ll soon appreciate the many benefits of a self-guided cycling tour in the Hunter Valley as you set your own agenda to discover the many wineries, galleries and small eateries that have made this popular weekend escape for Sydney-siders so famous.

In fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice when visiting the Hunter Valley with its 150 wineries and cellar doors, a great array of inspiring accommodation and some beautiful scenery thrown in for good measure.

Crisscrossing the region are quiet lanes offering perfect conditions for cyclists to explore the many daily pleasures of the vineyards, antique shops, galleries and the little towns set amid the rolling hills.

Less than two hours drive north of Sydney, it’s also the ideal short getaway destination to escape the pace of urban living to retreat to the slow lifestyle of the Hunter that will truly recharge the batteries.

Wine, good food, great daily cycling aside, it’ll be the warm hospitality of the region that will have you yearning to return again and again to cycle in the Hunter Valley.

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As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

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Our team is passionate about cycling in Australia and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

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Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.

Australian Cycle Tours is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when the company was established, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here .

Standard Accommodation

On our standard trips in the Hunter Valley we stay at the Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill. We book a studio room where you can enjoy a luxury slumber in a king size bed and the convenience of a kitchenette and full range of amenities. Also make time to relax on the outdoor patio or in your in-room spal.

Deluxe Accommodation

Our deluxe trips in the Hunter Valley are based at the Spicers Vineyard Estate. We stay in king rooms which offer a spacious open plan bedroom and lounge space, a private ensuite with spa bathtub and open fireplace in the lounge. The deluxe accommodation is perfect for those celebrating a birthday or anniversary or anyone who wants to treat themselves to something special.

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Bike hire hunter valley, hunter valley's, no. 1 electric bike experience.

Come and enjoy the Hunter Valley Wineries bike tours by electric motor assisted bike.

You will be amazed how easy they are to ride and it will make your experience so enjoyable.

Be assisted by an electric motor up those hills.

 We have the best electric bikes in the Hunter Valley.  

It's a great fitness and bonding experience, especially for corporate events, families or large groups.

Visit the many wineries in motorised style and enjoy the wind in your hair.

Glenn Sutton or Phillippa Sutton will give you an induction and training when you arrive. We go through the features of the bikes and how to operate. We require a waiver signed, bike inspection completed and helmet fitting before you get to ride.

We will go through the local area map and suggested places to visit depending on your needs and likings.

We offer on-roadside assist servicing (the phone number is on the basket) and also offer pick up on request for full day hire.

Hunter Valley Bicycle Hire is the best way to experience the serenity of the beautiful winery views, to experience some of the best wineries and the best produce.

The electric motorised bike will make your trip very memorable.

With the fresh air, the beautiful vines, amazing restaurants, delectable food including chocolate and cheese’s, and fabulous scenery, its an experience that’s highly recommended on your trip to the Hunter Valley Wineries.

We have extensive knowledge of the Hunter Valley Wine Region and we look forward to sharing our piece of paradise with you.

BOOK ONLINE

Try the amazing electric bicycle for yourself., special occasion.

Try our Picnic Hamper or Romantic Bike Tour Package!

These include:

• Full day bike hire
• Picnic hamper lunch
• Map and helmet
• Recommended wine tastings venues. (does not include tasting fees)

Duration 10am - 4.00pm.

Cost $150 per person.

We meet you at our designated scenic location and you can enjoy hamper and bottle of wine.

Minimum booking - Two people.

Where is Hunter Valley Bike Hire?

We are located on the Around Hermitage Food and Wine Trail.

This includes Deasys Road to Hermitage Road and the surrounds.

Their are many Wineries, Restaurants and Activities to enjoy, all on the Bike Lane!

Our Electric Bikes are available at:

Sutton Estate (Main Base)

• Cypress Lakes
• Chateau Elan

Hunter Resort

• Leisure Inn

Pokolbin Village Accommodation

H Boutique Hotel

Spicers Guesthouse

Starline Alpacas Farmstay Resort

How does Hunter Valley Bike Hire Work?

Glenn Sutton or Phillippa Sutton will give you an induction and training when you arrive.

We go through the features of the bikes and how to operate.

We will go through the local area map and suggest places to visit depending on your needs and likings.

We'll look after you!

What can I expect from my bike experience?

Hunter Valley Bike Hire is the best way to experience the serenity and beauty of the Pokolbin Winery Region.

You will experience some of the best views in the Hunter Valley, some of the best Hunter Valley wineries, and the finest local produce.

 All at a leisurely pace on an 'easy to ride' motorised electric bicycle!

 Why use Hunter Valley Bike Hire?

• closest to Hermitage Road Bike Lane
• longest established electric bike hire company in the valley
• reliable roadside assistance (available between 10.00am and 5.00pm)

PLEASE NOTE: *** wine pickup services available if hiring from Sutton Estate only!!!

 Why Should You Use Our Bikes?

They are the most reliable ebikes in the valley!

You will ride in style around the Central Pokolbin Wine Trail on the latest Premium Electric Bikes.

You will visit local Hunter Valley wineries and attractions of your choice, all while cruising with ease at up to 25 km/h.

Enjoy the day of comfortable cycling.

All our electric bikes include:

• modern, efficient disc brakes
• maps & trail recommendations

Friendly backup

Our team is here to ensure things runs smoothly, so you can get on with enjoying the highlights of the Hunter Valley Wineries.

Bike Hire Inclusions

• Roadside assistance
• Wine pick up.**

** For selected wineries along Deaseys Road and Hermitage Road, for tours starting at Sutton Estate.

Do you have someone Special who would Love a Gift Card?

How it works, 1. contact us.

Contact us by phone , email , via the contact form or you can book online .

2. Tell us your needs

Half Day, Full Day, Romantic Tour Package, Large Group (over 25) or Corporate Event.

3. Choose your Bike Experience

Choose your adventure from our specially designed routes, or make your own.

4. Where to Meet

You come to us or we'll arrange pickup from your local Pokolbin accommodation.

 (conditions apply - additional cost) 

5. Have Fun

On your Bike!  Enjoy everything the amazing Hunter Valley Wineries have to offer.

Popular Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

What are your business hours?

We are open 10am to 4pm (winter) and 10am to 5pm (summer) and we look forward to meeting you. 

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Helmets are required to be worn by law. 

A helmet is included with your hire.

What if I get a flat tyre?

We provide complimentary roadside assistance in the vicinity of our designated trails. We would usually just replace your bike with another.

Do the wineries charge for tastings?

Some  wineries charge a tasting fee, some don’t. 

We'll be happy to run you though the various options.

Do you deliver bikes to my accommodation?

Most visitors to our region are here for a relaxing and  enjoyable time. A great way to see everything at a relaxed pace is to cycle around the smaller, quieter boutique style family-owned wineries of Central Pokolbin area. We are based at a convenient location to lots of wineries and attractions. 

We are conveniently located so you can drive to us and start your ride from here. We have bikes at a number of resorts, so if you are staying at one of them you can pick up the bike right from there.

Here is a list of locations we have our electric bikes:

• Sutton Estate
• Hunter Resort 
• ​Pokolbin Village Accommodation

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Pokolbin, NSW, 2320

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Cycling, biking, riding, cruising. Whatever you call it, there’s nothing quite like hiring a bicycle to explore the Hunter Valley and inject a bit of fun into your wine country adventure.

Whether you’re keen to get the blood (and endorphins) pumping or you're just after a new way to taste and tour, hiring a bike is easy and affordable to wine and dine your way around the Hunter Valley.

There are a few things to consider before you get pedalling though. Read on for our top tips on where to hire a bike and the best places to ride in the Hunter Valley.

Bike hire options

To pedal or not to pedal? Seriously, that’s the choice here! 

Electric bikes

If you plan on visiting a few cellar doors or traversing longer distances, an electric bike could be your best bet.

Electric bikes are a great option as they give you the freedom to pedal or to kick back on hilly terrain – great for when you’re feeling a bit tired at the end of a long day’s tasting.

Electric bikes can take a bit of getting used to if you haven't tried them before, but they can certainly get you from A to B a lot quicker.

Grapemobile Bicycle Hire and Tours on Palmer’s Lane in Pokolbin have electric bikes for hire. The gregarious Glen takes you through how to operate them and kits you out with your helmet before he lets you loose.

Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire and Adventure Centre Hunter Valley have bikes for hire too, and hotels like Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Chateau Elan have bikes for hire from Hunter Valley Bike Hire.

If you prefer old school pedal power, then it’s a mountain bike or cruiser for you. These gems can be hired from a number of operators in the Valley including Grapemobile Bicycle Hire, Hunter Valley Cycling, and Hunter Valley Bicycle Tours and Rentals.

Some of these companies even provide a delivery and pick-up service so you can kick-start your cycling adventure from your accommodation or wherever you please in the local vineyard area. It's best to check in with them to see what your options are.

And don’t stress if you want to make some purchases along the way – many of the bikes have baskets attached!

Even better, if you plan on picking up more than a couple of goodies on your travels, Grapemobile Bicycle Hire allows you to buy your wine and have it delivered back to its HQ, ready to go home with you.

Cycling tracks

So, you’ve selected a bike. Now it’s time to figure out where in the Hunter you want to explore. Here are some options.

Around Hermitage Cycleway

Running from the beginning of Broke Road in Pokolbin to the New England Highway, the Around Hermitage Cycleway is a cool and safe place to ride in the Valley. The dedicated cycleway runs past many boutique cellar doors, such as Thomas Wines , Glandore Estate Wines , and Jac & Jones .

The stretch is also home to two breweries, Hunter Distillery and plenty of other lovely spots to explore. There’s no shortage of great places to eat here too including some of our favourites like Restaurant Botanica , Yellow Billy , and Muse Kitchen .

Palmers Lane Wine Eco Trail

This riding trail may be less well known than Around Hermitage but it’s no less enchanting. As the name suggests, the Palmers Lane Wine Eco Trail traverses the picturesque Palmers Lane in Pokolbin, visiting six wineries, some of which offer produce, lunch, and grazing plates.

The Lane itself is around 5km long and has a host of accommodation cottages and retreats, plus with Grapemobile Bicycle Hire on the lane, you can hire your bike and be on your merry way.

Tour de Lovedale

If you're not making it on the Tour de France anytime soon, then the Tour de Lovedale is the next best thing. Taking in Wilderness Road, Lovedale Road, and Wine Country Drive, this route is a great way to explore the plentiful cellar doors and eateries in Lovedale . 

Taste local cheese at Binnorie Dairy , have lunch alfresco at The Deck Cafe , or wine taste at cellar doors like Saltire Estate , Tatler Wines , or Wandin Estate.

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Hunter Valley Cycling

Cycling is a great way to explore the Hunter Valley wineries . Hermitage Road has a dedicated cycleway that runs from the New England Highway through to Broke Road. Bring your own bike or hire one when you are here.

Your wine purchases can be delivered to your Pokolbin accommodation or the bike hire venue .

For your safety, along the length of the cycleway hashed lines are marked denoting the 1 metre separation from the motor traffic. Please do not cycle on the hashed lines. By-law, where a cycleway is marked then cyclists must use it and not cycle on the main road. Drink-driving rules apply to cyclists, so drink responsibly!

See below for bicycle hire options:

Other Things to Do

Hunter farm & adventure centre.

The Hunter Valley is rightly famous for its food and wine experiences and events. Now you can add adventure to your Hunter Valley experience.

Grapemobile Bicycle Hire

Grapemobile Bicycle Hire is the Hunter Valley’s most popular & longest established provider of quality men’s and ladies mountain bikes & tandems. We cheerfully cater for singles, couples, groups & families.

Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire

Bike hire - Hunter Valley. We offer electric bike hire in the local Pokolbin area. Experience the amazing wineries and activities in the area by electric bicycle. Transfers available.

Cycling the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is a beautiful area 130kms north west of Sydney.

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Discover a world of amazing destinations in the Hunter Valley.

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Hunter Valley Experiences

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Cycling the Hunter Valley Go Hunter Valley sightseeing on a bicycle.

Discover the countryside by cycling in the Hunter Valley, a truely amazing experience. The Hunter Valley boasts verdant landscapes dotted with its signature vineyards and tall copses of trees. To truly appreciate the beauty of the terrain it is best to either take a hot-air balloon trip or go sightseeing on a bicycle.

Bicycles provide the chance of stopping at will to sample the valley’s famed delicacies and wines or just to snap a photograph of something that catches your eye.

There are no really steep hills in the valley and pedalling is not an ordeal at all. There are two reputable companies offering bicycle rentals in the locality. Hunter Valley Cycling at Pokolbin places the emphasis squarely on the customer and offers a bicycle rental service that comes with the bonus of free delivery to any location in the valley.

This company also includes complimentary helmets, local maps and a breakdown service. The standard option for adults is a mountain bike with suspension at the front and gears that make going up slight hills a breeze. Tandems are a good choice for couples. Adding a trail-a-bike to the mountain bike instantly converts your bicycle into a tandem for those with kids in tow. There are also several different sized models for children.

Grapemobile is the other principal Hunter Valley Cycling rentals firm and is based at the Pokolbin Brothers Wines’ vineyard. Grapemobile operates a fleet of mountain bikes, tandems and kiddies’ BMX bikes as well as road cruisers fitted with cane baskets.

For people not staying in Pokolbin, the bus’n’bike package is a useful add-on that brings hirers to the vineyard where they can try their helmets for size. Maps, bottled water, sunblock, helmets and breakdown cover are included in rental fees.

Many hirers use their bikes to visit the six boutique wineries on the Palmers Lane eco-trail. Pokolbin Brothers is the first one and the Calais Estate the last. The Verandah Restaurant is located at the Calais Estate and serves up a delectable selection of dishes with oyster, tapas and dessert tasters a definite highlight. Other interesting destinations include Werekata and Cessnock forests, Singleton and the Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory.

Map of the Hunter Valley

There are many ways to experience Australia’s first wine region. Apart from the wineries, there are beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours and hot air ballooning – simpley a myriad of things to do.

There are many ways to experience Australia's first wine region. Apart from the wineries, there are beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours and hot air ballooning - simpley a myriad of things to do.

Hot Air Balloons Explore the Hunter Valley from the air. Start at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin and Lovedale.

Hunter Valley Cycling Why not ride the wine trail and take that special someone on a romantic leisurely bike ride to a quiet picnic destination.

Helicopter Flights Experience the beauty of Australia's Hunter Valley patchwork of vineyards with a scenic Helicopter flight.

Australia's original wine country

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About 'Hunter Valley Australia'

Hunter Valley Australia is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales. We are passionate about Australia's original wine country, its vast rolling hills, its valleys of green, its vinyards and wineries and the unforgetable experiences that are waiting for all who visit. Our aim is to discuss the Hunter Valley, its history, its environment and its spectacular destinations. We hope that this website will inspire all who visit, just as much as the Hunter Valley has inspired us.

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Travel and tourism website design by Jimmyweb Sydney website design by Jimmyweb Blue Mountains website design by iVent

If you’re a fan of cycling and wine, you’re in the right place. A bicycle is a great way to explore the Hunter Valley at a relaxed pace, cycling along quiet country lanes like Palmers Lane, which links six cellar doors. 

You can target a favourite area in the region and discover cellar doors, galleries and eateries that are off the beaten track or test out the region’s new 10-kilometre cycleway along Hermitage Road. There are more than a dozen cellar doors to visit along the scenic vine-fringed path which stretches from the New England Highway to Broke Road. The cycle path passes an art gallery, antique shops and even a spa. If you're worried about buying too much wine and trying to balance it while you cycle, never fear, all purchases can be delivered to your accommodation or back to your bike hire venue.

Completed in 2017, it has an information bay just south of Old North Road with a regional map, tourist information and picnic tables. 

There are several bicycle hire companies in the area, from electric to fat tyre. Convenient pick up points include  Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire,  Hunter Valley Resort, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Crowne Plaza Resort and Spicers Guesthouse. Saddle up and sip Semillon… sounds sensational.

If you're looking for safe places to ride please refer to the online  Hunter Valley Cycle Map .

@huntervalley @huntervalley.wine #huntervalley #huntervalleywine #herestothegoodlife

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Hunter Valley Bicycle Tours & Rentals

Imagine: it's a beautiful day in the Hunter Valley, and you're riding a quality MTB or eBike, cruising through the tracks of the Werakata National Park with a fresh breeze on your face. Surrounded by iconic landmarks, it's just you, your closest friends and a local guide who knows exactly where to find the most incredible spots.

Book a tour guide and discover the valley's hidden secrets with us or go your own way with a simple bike rental to travel at your leisure.

Choose your ride (to your level) via our website to book online.

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Cycle the Hunter Valley: 6 Reasons to Take a Self Guided Bike Trip

While nobody should need convincing to take a holiday to the Hunter Valley, perhaps we need to reveal how much fun you can have on a cycling tour.  Here we describe the many benefits of taking a self-guided cycling tour of the Hunter Valley .

1. The Hermitage Road Cycle Path

The Hermitage Road Cycle Path is a special bike trail that stretches from the New England Highway to Broke Road. This cycleway was built in 2017 and links many of the Hunter Valley’s top vineyards. Cycling from winery to winery has never been easier, and as you can see by the video the local community is very appreciative of it.

2. Short Distances

Given the relatively close proximity of the Hunter Valley wineries, you can enjoy a comfortable short ride between vineyard stops. By following our recommended itinerary you’ll ride between 2-4 hours each day over a distance of 25km to 35km. An ideal length that won’t leave you exhausted!

3. Earn Your Food and Wine!

The Hunter Valley is famous for its indulgent food and wine, and we daresay that’s what you’ll find yourself in the thick of while you explore the region. While we’re not sure of the exact science behind it, we find that the best way to experience the Hunter Valley’s delicacies is to earn it. Stretching the legs on a ride is a great way to work up an appetite and allow you to enjoy guilt-free tasting of all the divine cheeses, wines, olives you can handle.

4. Self-Guided Cycling

Explore the Hunter Valley at your own pace on our self-guided tour. We provide you with a recommended itinerary for each day, but ultimately you have complete freedom with where you decide to ride to.

5. Electric Bike Options

If you’re looking to boost your confidence on a bike, let an electric bicycle do the work. An e-bike contains a built-in motor that provides extra oompf to your cycling. This allows you to easily keep up with stronger cyclists and cover further distance than you normally could. If you’re curious as to how an electric bike works and are interested in using one on a longer journey in the future, the Hunter Valley is the perfect opportunity to take one for a spin. Find out more about electric bikes.

6. Become Immersed in the Gorgeous Scenery

Sure, pedalling a bike between vineyards will always be a slower option than a car, but with views like these, what’s the rush!?

Ready to hop on a bike and explore the Hunter Valley? Great. These self-guided cycling tours are the perfect escape to the Hunter Valley.  

> 4 Day Hunter Valley Self Guided Cycle Explorer > 4 Day Hunter Valley Self Guided Cycle Explorer - Deluxe > 3 Day Hunter Valley Short Break >  3 Day Hunter Valley Short Break - Deluxe Have you been on bike trip in the Hunter Valley before? How did it go? Let us know in the comment section below!

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A Guide to Cycling (and Drinking) Your Way Around the Hunter Valley

Wind your way through the Hunter's many wineries, cafes and estates on two wheels.

OPTION ONE: CONQUER THE HUNTER VALLEY CYCLEWAY

In August 2017, cyclists scored a win when the ribbon was cut on the new Hunter Valley Cycleway. This multi-million dollar, 10.6-kilometre adventure travels alongside Hermitage Road, from the New England Highway intersection in the north to Broke Road in the south. Electric bike hire is available at the nearby Sutton Estate .

Whichever direction you choose to travel, start or finish with a wine and cheese flight at De Iuliis '  stunning cellar door, designed by architect Lionel Glendenning. While gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows over landscaped gardens, you'll be feasting on divine local cheeses, matched with expressive small-batch drops. Another boutique stop en route is  Peter Drayton , a fifth generation wine maker, where you can taste tyrian, a hybrid variety created by the CSIRO. There's a microbrewery onsite , too, offering seasonal brews, such as Black Forest Stout and Hazelnut Brown Ale, as well as woodfired pizzas. Then, at  Mistletoe Wines , you'll be sipping sparkling rose while  wandering through a sculpture garden, and, at Tintilla , sampling sangiovese overlooking an olive grove.

Come lunchtime, settle in at Restaurant Botanica , within Spicers Vineyards Estate. Every morning, head chef Matthew Bremerkamp picks produce from the kitchen garden and transforms it into refined dishes. Start with a beef carpaccio served with roasted artichoke, porcini cream and parmesan, before moving onto a pistachio- and cumin-crusted lamb with asparagus and pomegranate. Or commit to the tasting menu, which lets you taste your way through five courses ($110), with optional matching wines ($155).

WHERE TO STAY: Cyclists need their rest. For a stay that combines everything good about Hunter sleepovers – beautifully-designed things, vineyards, gumtrees and kangaroos at dusk – while keeping crowds at a distance, book a designer villa at Ironbark Hill . It's located right on the Hunter Valley Cycleway. You'll be soothing your tired muscles in your own spa, losing yourself in mountain views from your private deck and getting snug before a roaring log fire in your open lounge room, before collapsing into a kingsized bed. Picture windows let in loads of light, plus there's a spacious kitchen (with Nespresso machine), massive TV and BBQ.

Spicers Vineyards Estate

OPTION TWO: GLIDE DOWN POKOLBIN MOUNTAIN

To cycle around secret territory, head to Grapemobile Bicycle Hire , at Pokolbin Brothers Wines. Once you're fixed up with a bike, you'll be handed a map, which guides you to boutique wineries via off-road trails and private vineyards. Work your way through Calais Estate 's extensive wine list, surround yourself with rural panoramas at Waverley Estate and sink into a leather lounge in an art gallery at Gemelli Estate.  Should you work up an appetite, you'll find tapas backdropped by mountains at The Verandah Restaurant , as well as cheese platters and gourmet picnic hampers at several cellar doors.

For a more extensive adventure – and an adrenalin rush – go for a Grapemobile Mountain Ride . The team will drive you to Pokolbin Mountain Lookout, where you'll get a complimentary morning tea, while taking in epic vistas of the Hunter Valley, before beginning your descent. Cruise at your own pace down Pokolbin Mountains Road, passing bushland, farms and gorgeous rest stops. Bike hire continues until 6pm, so rushing isn't necessary.

Be sure to pop into Nanna Kerr's Kitchen , which you'll find at number 16. Here, Matthew Kerr (yep, brother of the famous Miranda) and his husband, Jimmy, serve home-style, mostly-organic fare, very close to where their nan was born. If all the cycling has you ravenous, dig into Nanna's Got A Sore Head: three tiers loaded with fritters, spicy chorizo, beef sausage, bacon, roast tomato, marinated mushrooms, OMG potatoes, scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, Kerr's Organic Chutney, relish and jam. There's also a generous high tea , crowded with beef brisket sliders, soup shots, double choc brownies, panna cotta and other delights. If you're a vegetarian, paleos or celiac, you can count on being well looked after.

WHERE TO STAY:  If all that cycling has you dreaming of soft sheets and massages, a luxurious option is the tranquil hideaway of Spicers Vineyards Estate , surrounded by vineyards on one side and bushland on the other. Every room features soothing natural colours, a spa and an open fireplace, while communal facilities include an outdoor pool and a day spa.

OPTION THREE: CHOOSE YOUR OWN ROUTE

Cyclists who like to free range can hire a bicycle from Crowne Plaza and take themselves on their own adventure. Do be careful: some of the Hunter's roads are rather narrow. Just 15 minutes' ride from the Crowne, at 86 Halls Road, you'll find Pepper Tree Wines . Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the picturesque cellar door or go straight for a tasting, working your way through several multi-award winning drops.

Another 15 minutes will get you to The Cellar Restaurant , housed in a magnificent sandstone and glass building with an enormous fireplace indoors and a wisteria-draped courtyard outdoors. Among the indulgent, European-influenced offerings are braised Milly Hill lamb shank with shepherd's pie, spinach and gremolata, and duck confit with shallot tarte tatin, chestnut puree and cavolo nero. Once you've eaten to your heart's content, explore the Hunter Valley Gardens , before moving on to nearby cellar doors, which include McGuigan, Brokenwood, Tempus Two and Tamburlaine Organic.

WHERE TO STAY:  You can hire a bike from  Crowne Plaza , so it's a convenient choice of accommodation. You'll have every activity imaginable on your doorstep, including tennis courts, basketball hoops, a Ubika Spa and a golf course. It's a good solution for groups.

Jasmine Crittenden travelled to the Hunter Valley as a guest of Destination NSW.

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