Our volunteer ride leaders are busy coming up with self-guided riding routes for our members-only and public RidewithGPS pages, and the latest to go online is the two- or three-day Pelverata–Cygnet–Channel Tour.
While many camping grounds and accommodation providers are shut, you can try part of this route as a day trip, depending on where you live. For example, you could ride to Pelverata then return, or continue through Sandfly to Margate then back to Hobart (known by road cyclists as the Commando route).
For others not living near the area, it’s a great one to put on your list of rides to do when restrictions are lifted.
The 150 km ride starts in Hobart, heads to Cygnet then back to Hobart via the scenic road along the coast of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
This one does involve some steep sections on the first day, so it’s suitable for fitter riders or people on e-bikes, there is also some gravel road riding so you’ll need to ensure you have wider tyres on your bike.
The first leg of the ride is the Hobart Rivulet Track off Molle Street, then the route takes the steep ascent up through Ridgeway to Fern Tree and down to Neika, Longley, back up through Sandfly and down to Pelverata and Cygnet.
On the second leg you’ll hit coastal views and flatter conditions, rounding around Randalls Bay, Verona Sands and Woodbridge, into Kettering. Here you can stay the night or keep riding back to Hobart or add a trip over to Bruny Island if you are not ready to go home.
The final leg from Kettering takes quiet gravel roads to Coningham Beach and Snug on the shared path to Margate, it’s the main road to Howden then around through Blackmans Bay and Kingston before the final climb up Bonnet Hill and down through Taroona and Sandy Bay to the city.
One reason to hold this ride over in its entirety until the restrictions are lifted, is the ability to enjoy delicious food and interesting stopovers along the way, as well as the charming B&B and camping options along the way.
The Ambassador routes provide you with a printable map and basic cue sheet letting you know when to turn.
Bicycle Network’s Tasmanian members can also access the ride through the Riders Club on RidewithGPS which provides you with voice navigation. If you are a Bicycle Network member and haven’t received your entry to the club please email ridestas@bicyclenetwork.com.au.