The Clare region has been given the opportunity to host a Bicycle SA cycle tour which could bring considerable tourism benefits according to the organisation’s manager Michael Bridge.

Mr Bridge made a presentation to Clare and Gilbert Valleys Councillors at their August meeting explaining the popularity of cycle tourism and Bicycle SA’s role in planning more than 20 organised rides annually.

“We have no government funding and our events are largely tourism products,” he said.

Bicycle SA has already planned a stopover in Riverton next May for the biennial Outback Odyssey ride but he was keen to gain the council’s support for their major annual tour, where riders spend eight or nine days in a specific region of South Australia.

“We have been doing this ride for more than 20 years and it largely attracts participants from New South Wales and Victoria – 75 per cent of riders come from interstate,” Mr Bridge said.

The uniqueness of the ride is maintained through a cap on participant numbers at 200 in order to create an intimate social atmosphere.

“Which means we can deliver a ride which allows people to touch, feel and taste the region we are visiting.”

Bicycle SA has chosen the Clare Valley as the destination for next year’s event.

“We want to create a unique series of days which we have never done before – focussing on gourmet food and wine, and we know the region is a perfect place to bring a bike.”

He said cyclists who came on the trips enjoyed good food and wine as well as good company and wanted to combine the experiences.

The trip will take in a number of local government districts in the region and Mr Bridge said he was approaching regional councils to gather support for the tour either through in-kind or financial support.

“I have already received support from Barossa and Light Councils,” he said.

Councillors agreed for their chief executive officer to liaise with Bicycle SA and put together a package of support for the event.