CYCLISTS are flocking to Bright this April as part of a common seasonal influx, with bikers looking to enjoy the autumn weather and partake of local amenities.
Stephanie Makrikostas, manager of retail and inventory at a Bright bicycle store, said April is one of their busiest times of the year, with cyclists attracted to the picturesque surroundings and the diverse range of biking types available.
“You can be a very beginner and go to Porepunkah, Wandi and it'll be really flat; or you can be more adventurous, go into the mountain bike park for those that are into all the adrenaline; and then you've also got all the road riding, so you can go up to Hotham, Falls Creek, even Mount Buffalo,” she said.
Bright and District Chamber of Commerce president Marcus Warner said a number of businesses encourage the use of rail trails and wineries' visits, contributing to April as a peak time for recreational cyclists.
"They're here to enjoy the recreational break, and this time of the year is perfect because the heat of the summer isn't so bad,” he said.
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Mr Warner said the rail trails are particularly good for attracting recreational cyclists that spend at local businesses.
“These people are staying in accommodation for a number of days, they're eating out at a number of restaurants, they're getting their morning coffee, they're visiting wineries,” he said.
“Families can ride the rail trail and the distances between the various economic centres, like Myrtleford to Bright, are just enough for people to ride in a day.”
This year there is no overlap between school holidays in New South Wales and Victoria, spreading out visitation to the area, according to Mr Warner.
Matt White, cycling project manager at Tourism North East, said cycling is of “immense importance” for the visitor economy throughout the North East, with a big influx of riders currently seeking to make the most of warmer weather before winter.
“We have cyclists that come from all over Australia and, in fact, the world because of the quality of the cycling infrastructure and the tracks and trails,” he said.
“What that offers the local environment is visitors who are likely to stay longer, are spending more and do more during their trip than the average tourist.”
Mr White said cycling is becoming a part of visitor holidays in the region, even for those who don’t consider themselves cyclists.
“People are choosing to use rail trails as ways of getting to and from other experiences – food and wine, great restaurants, wineries, breweries,” he said.
Warrandyte resident Ian Macreadie was staying in Bright with his wife for three nights last week while other members of his family were staying at a caravan park in Porepunkah.
When he spoke with the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer last Thursday he and his family had ridden on the rail trail from Porepunkah to Bright, and were planning to continue to Wandiligong.
“Lovely facilities and lovely scenery – it’s a beautiful track,” he said.
