OVERVIEW
Embark on an immersive cycling and hiking adventure through the pristine wilderness and breathtaking scenery of Australia’s captivating island paradise. A sanctuary of unparalleled beauty and the world’s cleanest air, Tasmania is a wild paradise where over 42% of the land is protected National Park. Your journey begins on the historic waterfront of Hobart, pedaling through the fertile Derwent Valley before ascending into the rugged grandeur of the Central Plateau, where sub-alpine moorlands meet ancient gum forests. Venturing deep into the island’s heart, you will explore the mural-adorned town of Sheffield and the iconic, jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain , then descend through lush temperate rainforests to the world-class mountain bike mecca of  Derby. Cycling eastward to the dazzling Bay of Fires, witness the contrast of crystal-clear turquoise waters against fiery orange lichen-covered boulders. The adventure culminates with a trek amidst the dramatic pink granite mountains of  Freycinet National Park. Ride epic winding roads, hike through World Heritage Wilderness, indulge in exquisite farm-to-table cuisine, and soak up the untamed natural wonder ‘down under’ that is Tasmania.

Day 1 - Saturday, January 29th, 2028  Hobart, cycling 14mi/1570’ 
Welcome to Tassie. Settle into the Old Woolstore Hotel in central Hobart where the tour starts with a bike fitting at 11:00am. After our bikes are set up, enjoy a scenic coastal ride exploring the back roads of Hobart. We'll ride along Sandy Bay, then up to a beautiful lookout overlooking the city. Our route continues over Mount Nelson with scenic views of the harbor. In the late afternoon, join your guides and fellow riders for a tour orientation and briefing over welcome cocktails. We’ll cap off the first day with a celebratory traditional Tasmanian dinner. (D) (meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

DAY 2- Jan 30   Hobart - Curringa Farm, cycling 57mi/4970’ 
You’ll ride from the urban waterfront along the Derwent River with kunanyi/Mount Wellington dominating the skyline. As we ascend quiet winding roads, the rolling farmland gives way to lush temperate rainforest, fern-filled gullies, and towering eucalyptus trees. The summit offers panoramic views of Collins Cap before descending into the quiet, hidden green valley of Molesworth. At New Norfolk, one of Australia’s oldest towns, visit the Bush Inn (Australia’s oldest pub) and enjoy coffee and a tour of  The Agrarian Kitchen. Continuing to the heart of the picturesque Derwent Valley, you’ll ride by rows of tall trellis hop growing systems and historic Oast hop drying houses. The landscape opens up into broad acre farming with fields of poppies and cabbages. Our route finishes at Curringa Farms, the award-winning agritourism property, a working sheep farm with views over Lake Meadowbank. (B,L,D) 

Day 3 - Jan 31   Bothwell–Miena, cycling 38mi/3487’ 
From the historic Scottish town of Bothwell, cycle north through rolling farmland with open paddocks and sheep grazing. As we climb, the landscape shifts to dry sclerophyll forest and native bushland. You’ll visit the Steppes Stones, a circle of sculptures depicting the harsh life of the highlands. Continuing along the plateau, we ride into sub-alpine moorland and "cider gum" forests. Our final stretch brings you into the settlement of Miena where we’ll stay at the Thousand Lakes Lodge on the shores of the vast Great Lake. (B,L,D) 

Day 4 - Feb 1   Liawenee - Deloraine, cycling 34mi/1760’ 
Cycling along Great Lake through the rolling, rocky plains of the Central Plateau, we stop to visit the Pencil Pines, an ancient, nearly extinct local species. Then drop off the edge of the plateau, descending  into the Golden Valley on a road cut into the side of the mountain, offering dizzying views of Quambe Bluff  and the Meander Valley filled with tall eucalyptus forest and lush pastures. Watch out for wallabies and wombats who thrive in this region. We arrive in Deloraine, a historic arts-and-crafts town with a beautiful river setting, where you can walk the Great Western Tiers Sculpture Trail. (B)

Day 5 - Feb 2   Deloraine - Sheffield, cycling 42mi/3436’ 
Our route heads west through undulating roads along the lush, green pastures of the Meander Valley. Flanked by the Great Western Tiers you’ll ride by a patchwork of fields, hawthorn hedges, and cattle grazing. At Chudleigh, the "Village of Roses,"visit the Melita Honey Farm. Climbing out of the river valley, the views back towards the Western Tiers are magnificent.  Cresting the range, you’ll be surrounded by a eucalypt forest as you enter the locality of Paradise. The name is fitting for the scenery, dominated by the towering peak of Mount Roland. The ride through Paradise offers some of the most photographed road cycling views in Tasmania. Arriving in Sheffield, view the world-famous 140 murals painted on the walls of buildings throughout the town, depicting local history and pioneers. Our accommodations (for two nights) at Manna Hill Farm are a ‘little heaven on earth’. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Feb 3   Sheffield, rest day or trek up Cradle Mountain
The summit hike up Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's most famous and rewarding challenges. Beginning at Dove Lake, the track winds past the iconic boatshed and through the "Ballroom Forest," a cool temperate rainforest with ancient myrtles and mossy floors. The track climbs steeply to Marion’s Lookout for a commanding view of Dove Lake and Crater Lake nestled in the glacial bowls below. Traversing a flat, exposed alpine plateau, get ready for the final ascent, part of which is a boulder scramble. From the summit, you’ll have 360-degree views of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area including Barn Bluff, Mount Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak) and a labyrinth of lakes and tarns shimmering in the valleys below. (B, D)

Day 7 - Feb 4   Sheffield - Ghost Lake, cycling 25mi/1600’
Cycling on  rural roads from the foothills of Mount Roland, you’ll pass through green farmland and forest before detouring onto a pastoral route through the Mersey River valley to Latrobe, a historic river port town known as the  "Platypus Capital of the World”. Spot one of the flat-billed creatures in the river by the Warrawee Reserve. Our route ends at Ghost Rock, Tasmania’s premier cellar door and eatery with sweeping views over their vineyards out to Bass Strait. Here, enjoy a farm to table gourmet lunch and local wine tasting. (B, L)

Day 8 - Feb 5   Launceston - Derby, cycling 43mi/3900’ 
We ride out on Tasmania's most famous road climbs, a steady, winding ascent through dense wet eucalypt forest and fern glades. Near the top, the Sideling Lookout offers spectacular views back towards Launceston and the Tamar Valley. What goes up must come down. The exhilarating descent off the Sideling twists through the forest before flattening out into agricultural plains full of rich red soil, poppy fields, and dairy farms. After lunch at Scottsdale, we’ll be shuttled to the crest of Billycock Hill for panoramic views before descending into a thick temperate rainforest filled with myrtle trees. Finally arriving at the bustling mountain bike mecca of Derby, you’ll recuperate from your Sideling climb at the Floating Sauna Lake Derby, Australia’s only floating wood-fired sauna. Heat up in the sauna, then jump in the lake outside - repeat for an hour. (B,L) 

Day 9 - Feb 6   Derby - Bay of Fires, cycling 49mi/3950’
Leaving Derby, our route heads east up Weldborough Pass, rising through ancient cool temperate rainforest. Surrounded by massive myrtle-beech trees, tree ferns, and mossy banks, it feels prehistoric. Cresting the pass, you are rewarded with a thrilling descent into the Pyengana Valley. The view shifts dramatically from enclosed rainforest to wide, open pastoral valleys with lush green dairy pastures and herds of cattle. The road flattens and vegetation becomes drier coastal scrub as we get closer to the coastal working fishing port of St Helens. Our last dramatic stretch is along Binalong Bay (The start of the Bay of Fires) to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches: crystal clear turquoise water, pure white sand, and the iconic orange lichen-covered granite boulders. Our accommodation is the relaxed, stylish communal Bush Retreat. (B,L,D) 

Day 10- Feb 7   St Helen’s - Bicheno - Freycinet, cycling 49mi/2950’
We cycle south along the wide sandy beach and river mouth coast to Scamander. Our route then turns inland to St Marys Pass, a beautiful climb through a dense forest canopy filled with ferns. At the top of the range stands St Marys, an eclectic, artsy town. Our winding descent via Elephant Pass returns you to the coast with sweeping ocean views, rocky headlands, and long beaches. Van transfer from Bicheno to Freycinet with views of The Hazards: pink granite mountains rise dramatically straight out of the sea, signaling your arrival at Freycinet National Park and Lodge where we’ll stay for our final two nights (B,D)

Day 11 - Feb 8   Freycinet National Park, trekking 8 miles
(optional 2 mile extension up Mount Amos)
Today we head to Freycinet National Park for a world class trek up to Wine Glass Bay and around Hazards Beach. From the Wineglass Lookout, you’ll be treated to a high-vantage view of the curvaceous, turquoise bay framed by the pink granite peaks of The Hazards. One thousand steps takes us down to the white quartz sand beaches surrounded by towering granite mountains. Watch for Wallabies common in the area as well as echidnas, sea eagles, and dolphins off the coast. Afterwards, jump in the bus to tour the Cape Tourville Lighthouse. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Wednesday, Feb 9, 2028   Freycinet, departure
Sadly, this morning we pack and say farewell to our Tassie friends with a Aboriginal inspired closing ceremony.  Departure by bus with dropoff at either HBA airport or the Old Woolstore Hotel in Hobart. (B)

Combine with New Zealand's North Island: Best of the Great Rides for back-to-back tours on these two magnificent adjacent islands 

RIDE RATING
The ride is rated 3B! with 10 required riding days based on an average daily distance of 39 miles and 3069 feet of climbing. The ride includes 3 days above the 3B! rating, days 2 (4C) and days 8&9 (4B). In total, the trip covers approximately 350 miles over 8 riding days on paved asphalt roads with light traffic. Additionally, there are two days of optional moderate hiking. 
The tour is fully supported including a trailer for luggage and soft bike boxes. Throughout the ride we will have vehicle support and riding guides on hand. If you need a rest from cycling, up to two riders may be able to ride in the support vehicle. 
Distances are very achievable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

WEATHER
January is the peak of the Tasmanian summer and statistically the warmest and driest time of year, but the weather is famously changeable. The average days range from 60-75° and nights 53-60* though lower in Alpine areas. While January is the drying month on the east coast, the west coast is temperate rainforest with showers common year-round. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers and should be prepared to ride regardless of weather.  You will have daylight until 8:45pm and high UV levels as the air is clean and the ozone layer thinner.

BIKES
The ideal machine for this ride is a Road or Hybrid Bike with at least 25mm tires, capable of carrying 2 water bottles. A lightweight Gravel Bike fitted with 32mm tires would also be acceptable. If bringing your own bike, please make sure that you bring sufficient parts to maintain the bike in good order throughout the ride. Tandem bikes are permitted upon request. Storage for soft bike boxes will be available on advance request. Bike rentals (including helmets) are available through Eudaimonia Tasmanian Cycling Tours which offers high end carbon road bikes (Specialized Tarmac or Scott Addict, Ultra Di2 gearing) for $685 (AUD$995) or E-touring bikes (Orbea Gain, NCM Neo, Avanti Montari-E) for $795 (AUD$1150)

LODGING, MEALS and AMENITIES
Accommodation is on a double room basis, with private facilities in comfortable ensuite accommodations. Included in the tour price are 11 hotel nights, 11  breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 happy hours and 8 dinners catered to all dietary requirements, as well as snacks, water and electrolyte powder available in the van while riding. Vegetarians and pescetarians are very commonplace in Tasmania and can be easily accommodated. Guests will receive a washing bag and washing service every other night so pack lightly! Also included is a Musette day pack, bidon water bottle and socks. Activities and entrance fees are included for the Floating Sauna in Derby as well as to the National Parks, museums and tours as listed on the itinerary 

LOGISTICS
The tour will begin on January 29th at 11:00am with a bike fitting at the Old Woolstore Hotel in Hobart.   The tour ends on the morning of February 9th with a group coach transfer from Freycinet with drop offs available at either Hobart airport (HBA) or the Old Woolstore Hotel in Hobart.  It is recommended that you arrive in Tasmania a day or more in advance to allow time to explore Hobart and adjust to the time change. A 10% group discount rate for pre-tour rooms is available at the Old Woolstore Hotel. From the airport to downtown, you can take The SkyBus Hobart Express bus (which has room for large bike boxes, $16), Uber rideshare ($25) or a taxi ($30). There are direct flights from HBA to Auckland (AKL), Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) where you can find direct flights back to the USA. A visa is required to enter Australia. U.S. andother passport holders visiting for tourism or business (under 90 days) can apply for a digital Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601) via the Australian ETA app before traveling

COST & ADMINISTRATION
The tour cost is $5,900 per person based on a currency exchange rate of $1 USD equals 1.42 AUD. Depending on currency exchange rates, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment.  The actual Commercial Operators charge is AUD $8,000 per person. Also included in tour cost is the BAC payment processing fee of 3% plus currency contingencies. At the end of the tour, riders will receive a refund of any remaining money in the budget. Tour deposit on booking is $1500 USD with the final payment of $4,400 USD due on October 29, 2027. Operator requires a minimum of nine participants for the ride. The cost excludes flights, meals or activities not mentioned in the itinerary, beverages other than breakfast, trailside or happy hour, guide team gratuities (at participant discretion but a standard range: $100-$150 USD) and travel cancellation, interruption and delay insurance (highly recommended).

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY
There are a maximum of two solo supplements available at $1,200 per room. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by October 29th, 2027. The solo supplement payment can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle: In your bank's website, add BAC as new recipient, with email address: treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org. Initiate a payment with ride name in message block. If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett: nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with tour name noted on check, mailed to: BAC, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.
We encourage single riders who are willing to share a room to sign up. It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. There is now an option for singles to sign up in a new category.   "I wish to share a room but will pay the single supplement if necessary". The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. Singles will be asked to stay on the pending list until they find a roommate.

HEALTH & SAFETY
Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned. In Tasmania all traffic drives on the left side of the road, and it is imperative to look both ways when proceeding into an intersection.

CANCELLATION POLICY
The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please inform the Ride Leader of any special requests and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

INSURANCE STATEMENTS
BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1,000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.  Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).  While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

SIGN-UP
To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is an $85.00 domestic ride fee and $150.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description