Riding a bike through a country is far different to any other form of travel.  The sites, smells and memories are the deepest you can experience, and aside from the headline highlights, you remember the little out of the way places that you’ve probably never heard of, a farmer you meet by the side of the road, or a location miles from anywhere where the sun reflects off a river in a unique and unforgettable way.

Nothing beats it.

My name is Jason Williams and I am the co-founder of Pedal Pedal, a small, family-owned cycling holidays specialist.  I have been cycling the world for nearly 30 years and for the last 20 years led hundreds of cycling tours to over a dozen countries.  

I now lead three or four exclusive tours each year to historic, delicious, beautiful parts of the world, cycling back roads and dedicated cycling trails that are never too hard, attainable for leisure cyclists, and support is on hand if you need it.  

There are no road bikes, pelotons, or races to the finish on our tours.  It’s all about manageable distances, taking our time, stopping for a photo or coffee, and enjoying the journey.

As all Pedal Pedal rides are unique the guiding experience will depend on the trip. We aim to provide freedom for you so that you don't feel suffocated by being in a group or led around by a guide who never stops talking. Our tours usually take one of three styles:

Self-guided

Group trips where you look after your own navigation, what time you set out, where you stop for meals and how you want your holiday to roll. Travelling in a group environment on these trips means you still have the support of the group and usually small teams of riders of a similar ability and riding style form together to enjoy some company while riding. A Pedal Pedal representative will also be riding with you throughout the trip for extra support if needed.

Guided

Guided trips operate much like guided trips on any tour with a guide usually out in front leading the way, describing the history and culture, helping with meals and looking after the group. Our guides are the best in the business and have a passion both for their country and cycling. We operate guided trips in places where it would be difficult to travel self-guided due to language, remoteness or navigation.

Semi-Guided

On semi-guided trips you get the best of both worlds, guides are available if you want to follow a leader, ask questions and learn more about the world you are cycling through. But you are also free to self-guide, stop when you want and travel at your own pace.

At Pedal Pedal we go for comfort, not 5 star, not hostels, usually hitting the 3-4 star level. There is sometimes a night or two that do drop down in standard if it is the only way to get to an amazing place. These nights are often in beautiful locations or character filled and always memorable.

Because of the group size on some of our rides we don't always stay all together in the same hotel but will always be within a few kilometres of each other.

Our rides are unique in that they bring a moderate sized group of cyclists together to enjoy an international ride - something more like a festival on wheels. Our clients vary widely in age and cycling ability so no matter where you fit in to the cycling community you'll fit in at Pedal Pedal.

Rental bikes are included on all our trips. We are very picky about bikes and will never put you on a bike that we wouldn't ride ourselves (in fact we rarely travel with our own bikes and prefer to use the rental bikes). Even in remote areas or places where you might expect bike quality to be low we are able to source high quality bikes to use. The bike type will depend on the terrain covered but is usually a hybrid or mountain bike.

There are always e-bikes available for a surcharge which are perfect for those who like a bit of extra help out on the road. If you've never tried an e-bike they are very high quality and have a good range with batteries lasting throughout a typical Pedal Pedal day.

Our rides are not expeditions, you don't have to be an accomplished cyclist to enjoy our trips. We ride reasonable distances each day, usually 40-70km so that you have time to enjoy the country you are riding through as well as the town we overnight in.

Some trips might include some longer days that are beyond some people but there is always an option to ride as much as you like and then transfer to the next destination.

Company co-founder Jason Williams started exploring the world by bicycle from an early age. As a kid exploring the suburbs around home, he moved on to excursions into the countryside, to finally heading overseas on multiple year long rides.

Jason has cycled countless tens of thousands of kilometres in more than 20 countries, he lived in Asia for 14 years and founded what became Asia's leading cycle touring business with more than 30,000 people enjoying his tours. Jason left his business behind when he moved back to Australia but the itch to pedal proved too strong.

Pedal Pedal is the culmination of more than 30 years of cycling the world, building networks, developing his art for tour design, and refining what is really at the core of a cycling holiday that will live in a person's memory for a lifetime.

Visit Jason's personal website to learn more.

THE GREAT TRAILS COMPANY

Pedal Pedal is a part of The Great Trails Company, the family owned business of Jason and Fhon Williams. The Great Trails Company is all about a carefully selection of the best cycling and walking adventures worldwide.

Pedal Pedal is the cycling division of the business.