January 2009, Adelaide, South Australia

TRIP DETAILS:
Duration: 7 days (6 nights)
Dates: Monday 19 – Sunday 25 January 2009
Start-Finish: Adelaide Airport
Accommodation: Majestic Rooftop Garden Hotel
Cost: AU$2390 (twin share).
Deposit: USD* $457.5 – To enquire about a spot, please email Michelle at Bikestyle.

Extras:
-Arrive Sunday and pay just $140 (twin share) for the extra night!
-Leave Monday and pay just $140 (twin share) for the extra night!
-Club Tour, Mutual Challenge and Legends Dinner click here
-Upgrade to a Superior Spa Suite for $75 per person, per night (twin share). Please contact michelle@bikestyletours.com

Bikestyle Tours is pleased to announce it has been granted the status of an Official Tour Operator to the Tour Down Under 2009.

We are excited to be a part of this prestigious event that was the first event to become a ProTour event held outside Europe.

Australia’s premier cycling event begins the new Professional season with all the World’s top teams heading south for some Australian sunshine. ProTour status means that the TDU can include 18 professional teams.

The event is tougher than previous years so it will be an even better race than before. Some old favourites are back such as Checkers Hill, Menglers Hill and there will be not one but two laps of Old Willunga Hill this year. See the route here at the Tour Down Under website. Combined the race with Adelaide’s great restaurants, wineries, scenery and friendly locals and you have a winning formula.
Our trip will be accompanied by 2001 Tour Down Under stage winner and all round good guy David McKenzie. Dave is a seasoned pro, a journeyman as they said in the old days. He has ridden hundreds of races and has the claim to fame of having race victories on four continents. He is a stage winner of the Giro d’Italia in 2000 after an epic 170km (101 mile) solo breakaway that is now legend and a former Australian Road Champion. Dave and his wife Susan were also the brains behind Iteam.Nova, the first publicly funded professional cycling team in Australia and possibly, the world. The team was be managed by former Tour De France yellow jersey and McCartney DS, Sean Yates and led by McKenzie.

Our accommodation will be at the Majestic Rooftop Garden Hotel which is ideally situated not far from the Hilton (which is the centre of activity for the Tour Down Under) and just around the the corner from the vibrant East End, the hub of Adelaide night life with all it’s cafes, bars and restaurants. The CBD and Rundle Mall are also just a short stroll away. If you are coming for the Down Under Classic you will only have a 300 metre walk to the finish line and the finish of the Tour Down Under is a mere 10 minute walk.

Opened in April 2004, Majestic Roof Garden Hotel is an inner city hotel that oozes personality and charm. They pride themselves in providing the kind of personalised hospitality you will come back for. Friendly, unobtrusive and utterly professional, capturing absolutely the essence of what it means to be a welcome guest.

Itinerary 2009 Tour Down Under

Sunday, 18 January – Rymill Park, Adelaide, Down Under Classic (51 km)

TODAY IS OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
However we understand that not everyone can make it today.

Although our trip does not officially start until tomorrow, some of you may wish to arrive today to soak-up the atmosphere, see all the team presentation and watch the Tour Down Under Classic – the traditional opener to a fantastic week of racing. Our hotel is just a few hundred metres from the race start and finish so we’re in an ideal location to catch all the action!

If you’re a Club Tour member you will have exclusive trackside viewing platform with catering at the Down Under Classic. Located on the start/finish straight of the Down Under Classic you will be engrossed in the world of professional cycling. With standing and seated areas and quality catering, you’ll start your Tour Down Under experience with a bang. Want to know more about Club Tour? See our Optional Extras.

Accommodation is available at the Majestic Rooftop Garden Hotel at the rate of $140 per person twin share room or $265 for a single room.
For extra nights accommodation please contact michelle@bikestyletours.com

Note: We will pick you up from the airport if you arrive today.

Monday, 19 January – Official Rest Day

This is the official rest day for the Tour Down Under, which gives you time to arrive at leisure, familiarise yourself with the hotel, unpack your bike and take a light spin to get the travel fatigue out of your legs.

Today we’ll organise a short ride to acclimatise yourself to your surroundings and make sure everything’s working alright after your journey.

Today is also a good opportunity to pick-up your Mutual Community Challenge Tour registration pack, which contains your official jersey and wristband.

Tonight we will organise a welcome dinner, where you will get the chance to meet the Bikestyle team and your companions for the next few days.

Tuesday, 20 January – Norwood to Mawson Lakes, Stage 1 (140 km)

Today’s race is a hard stage to start the race with and may see the winner of the entire race come to the front.

We will go to the start today before seeing the race at least one or two more times and returning to the hotel afterwards. We will be able to ride from the hotel to the start and then into the hills to see the riders pass one or two times before returning home.

Top viewing

• One Tree Hill (SA Lotteries Sprint #1: 30.3km)
• Gould Creek (Skoda King of the Mountain #1: 34.5km)
• Checker Hill (Skoda King of the Mountain #2: 61.1km)
• Williamstown (Feed Station: 85.5km)
• Williamstown Road (SA Lotteries Sprint #2: 95.6km)

The Tour Village opens today so we can take a look there later on if you wish.

All the teams base themselves here for the week and it is a hive of activity every day. You can watch the mechanics at work, catch a glimpse of the riders as they finish (don’t forget your autograph book!), catch-up on all the race results, buy your official race merchandise and take a look at the trade displays.

The Tour Village is a focal point for the event incorporating the following aspects:

• team mechanics preparation area
• a base for the team support cars
• event update information
• refreshment areas
• a hub for the event and the opportunity to get close to the action

Wednesday, 21 January – Hahndorf to Stirling, Stage 2 (145 km)

This morning we will ride from the hotel up through the beautiful Adelaide Hills to Hahndorf. The race starts in Hahndorf and then goes to Sterling where it will go through 4 times before finishing there so it will be an excellent place to watch the race. This region has been the inspiration for many artists with its picturesque farmlands and charming villages. There are plenty of local craft shops and produce in this area to satisfy everyone.

Today you’ll be provided with a picnic lunch.

Top viewing

• Charleston (SA Lotteries Sprint #1: 16.7km)
• Fox Creek (Skoda King of the Mountain: 34.5km)
• Balhannah (SA Lotteries Sprint #2: 54.8km)
• Stirling (Feed Station: 83.7km)

After the race this afternoon we will call by Hahndorf Hill Winery to do a little wine tasting.

If you are a Club Tour memeber there is an exclusive dinner in the Adelaide City Council Tour Village with special guest appearances.
You can’t get any closer than this! The Adelaide City Council Tour Village will become your very own private marquee. Dine where mechanics work on the race bikes and shake hands with some special guests. Quality catering and a pro cycling atmosphere will make this a night you’ll never forget.

Thursday, 22 January – Unley to Victor Harbor, Stage 3 (136 km)

As a real contrast to yesterday’s stage, we head out to the coastal region of the Fleurieu Peninsula. This region has beautiful surfing beaches and famous vineyards such as McLaren Vale and Currency Creek. Today should provide us with some interesting and varied racing and riding opportunities.

We will ride this morning from the hotel at 6am. This will allow us a 2 hour ride, returning in time for breakfast and then off to watch the race for the day. We will go to the start to see all the action and try to get a few treasured snaps with your favourite rider. After the start we will head down to Victor Harbour to see the finish and have lunch at a local restaurant, courtesy of Bikestyle Tours.

Top viewing:

• Wickhams Hill Road (Skoda King of the Mountain #1: 31.4km)
• Meadows (SA Lotteries Sprint #1: 57.0km)
• Ashbourne (Feed Station: 71.0km)
• Goolwa (SA Lotteries Sprint #2: 99.0km)
• Crows Nest Road (Skoda King of the Mountain #2: 116.0km)

On our return journey we have a number of great wineries to choose from, this time in McLaren Vale.

Friday, 23 January – Burnside Village to Angaston, Stage 4 (143 km)

Mutual Community Challenge Tour**
Today you can ride the same route as the professionals on the same day prior to the official race start.
The Mutual Community Challenge Tour is part of the Skoda Breakaway Series, which forms the official recreational ride program of the Tour Down Under.
It is also ideal for corporate or social teams looking to cycle in a group.

Form a team of five or more and keep track of each other along the way, wearing your team name on your official Mutual Community Challenge Tour Jersey
It’s a challenge – not a race but with the ultimate satisfaction from riding under the official finish arch. This ride is for regular riders who can make the distance – will you make it to the finish before the professionals arrive?

For those starting at Burnside Village we will ride to the start. Transport to the start will be provided for cyclists doing either of the other two events.

In 2009 there will be three distance options for you to choose from:

Burnside Village to Angaston, 143km*
*Does not include a ride neutral distance of 12.3km from Burnside Village to Stage 4 Adelaide start location.
Entry Fee: $130 Book Now!

Mt Pleasant to Angaston, 97km: Entry Fee: $130 Book Now!

Angaston to Angaston, 32km: Entry Fee: $80 Book Now!

Today’s race will take us out to the beautiful Barossa Valley – the wine capital of Australia. If you are not riding we will head out to Angaston through the beautiful Barossa Valley stopping to sample the delights of the area along the way before arriving at the finish in time to see the race. Today you’ll be provided with a picnic lunch.

If you’re feeling up to it, on our way home we will call in to a winery to do some tasting of Australia’s Premium Wine.

Saturday, 24 January – Snapper Point to Willunga, Stage 5 (148 km)

Today’s race heads back to the Fleurieu Peninsula . This region boasts that it “has it all”, so we should be in for a contrasting days racing and riding. We’ll probably take things a bit easier today, after yesterdays ride, and save our energy for tonight’s party. Today you’ll be provided with a lunch at a local winery on the course where you can graze and drink in Air Conditioned comfort after your ride out to McLaren Vale to the start.

Top viewing

• Snapper Point (SA Lotteries Sprint #1: 40.3km)
• Willunga (Feed Station: 62.5km)
• Snapper Point (SA Lotteries Sprint #2: 80.6km)
• Old Willunga Hill (Skoda King of the Mountain #1: 106.1km)
• Old Willunga Hill (Skoda King of the Mountain #2: 128.9km)

Tonight is the Legends’ Night Dinner. We are promised a very special gala night – enjoy the entertainment with local and international cycling celebrities.
Your hosts will be “the voices of cycling” – Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen.

“There is no better opportunity anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere to mingle and talk with the top riders of our sport. The Tour Down Under has raised the bar to unprecedented heights and the Legends’ Night Dinner is the one chance we all have of relaxing and enjoying the company of the people who have made our sport so great. We should all make the most of it.” Phil Liggett (International Voice of Cycling)

Seats are limited and demand is high – so book your place early.
Meal and drinks included.
Reserved seats $250 Book Now!

Note: Legends’ Night Dinner is included in Club Tour Package

Sunday, 25 January – Adelaide City Council Street Circuit, Stage 6 (90 km)

Today’s stage is usually full of action, as it is the last chance for race glory and where all of the classifications will be decided. There are plenty of opportunities to see the racing as the riders hurtle around laps of the street circuit, taking in the view of Adelaide’s city skyline.

You can see all of the action on the Big Screen and there are areas to enjoy local food, wine and entertainment. After the race are the presentations where you’ll have a chance to take a last few photos of the winners to show all your friends and club mates when you get home.

This morning there is the opportunity for a ride along the beaches of Adelaide, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the morning is free until we go to see the final stage at 2:30pm.

For Club Tour members there is an exclusive trackside viewing platform with catering at the final race. Imagine cheering on your favourite rider from your exclusive trackside viewing platform spot on the start/finish straight. With standing and seated areas and quality catering, you’ll finish your Tour Down Under experience with arms in the air.

This is the last official day of our trip and we are available to take you to the airport or you may choose to stay on another day. Accommodation is available for tonight at the Majestic Rooftop Garden Hotel at the rate of $140 per person twin share room or $265 for a single room.
For extra nights accommodation please contact michelle@bikestyletours.com

TRIP DETAILS:
Duration: 7 days (6 nights)
Dates: Monday 19 – Sunday 25 January 2009
Start-Finish: Adelaide Airport
Accommodation: Majestic Rooftop Garden Hotel
Cost: AU$2390
Deposit: USD* $457.5 – Secure your spot now.

Tour inclusions:

• 6 nights (Mon-Sat) at the Majestic Rooftop Garden Hotel
• 2 evening meals
• 1 restaurant lunch and 3 picnic lunches
• Breakfast each day
• Sightseeing and shopping, including winery visits
• Daily viewing of the Tour Down Under
• Transport and guides each day including support for non cyclists
• Expert advice and mechanical assistance
• Guided rides with opportunities to ride the course
• Detailed Itinerary including maps
• Complimentary cycling jersey and cap
• Trip Pack: Info on how to prepare for your trip and what to take
• Airport pick-ups and returns

Extras:
-Arrive Sunday and pay just $140 (twin share) for the extra night!
-Leave Monday and pay just $140 (twin share) for the extra night!
-Club Tour, Mutual Challenge and Legends Dinner click here
-Upgrade to a Superior Spa Suite for $75 per person, per night (twin share). Please contact michelle@bikestyletours.com