I don’t know about you, but I’m not a lover of intense, heavy duty, adrenalin pumping exercise, but I’m always looking for fun ways to stay fit and trim.
Dave and I both love cycling. Getting out in nature, feeling the wind against our skin, covering more kilometres in a shorter time than it takes to walk, and the buzz we get from being active are all big plusses for us. So I’m always on the lookout for leisure activities which include a cycle ride to help us stay fit and trim while having fun.
In our 9 years living in Australia’s beautiful south west we’ve done lots of coastal and forest walks, and many jaunts around the Margaret River Region visiting amazing wineries, but we’ve never done a wine tour by bicycle.
I can honestly say that the bike tour we did last week with Dirty Detours was one of the best days out we’ve had in a long time, and it combined a little indulgence with a nice bit of exercise – 18kms to be more precise.
We were Lovin’ Life 🙂
The Sip n’ Cycle tour is actually the brainchild of Rob and Tamara Oostdam and is one of a range of cycling tours Dirty Detours offers which include single and multi day tours. There’s the leisurely cruise for coffee, or the wine tasting on two wheels while for those looking to raise more of a sweat there’s for the Boranup Forest ride for the average rider, and an Advanced XC for those looking for some punishment!
Well, as you can imagine. The Sip n’ Cycle tour was for me 😉
A gentle tour which took from 9.30am until about 3pm visiting 4 wineries with scenic cycling through forests, along well maintained bike trails and along the edge of vineyards. You don’t need to be a super fit cyclist but a moderate level of fitness is required.
Dave though, is keen to do the 1000km Munda Biddi bike trail which runs from Perth to Albany through the forest, along what has been voted as one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Cycle Routes in the World! Watch this space – I’m likely to be the back up team!
If you’d like to read more about The Sip n’ Cycle tour pop over to my travel blog “ZigaZag” for the full story.
Why is Cycling good for you?
So why is bicycling good for you? I’ve done some online research and asked cycling friends what it is about getting out on a bike that does us good, and why it’s a fun way to keep fit and trim as we get older.
- Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels, so it’s good for your cardiovascular system.
- Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination.
- Riding a bike regularly should increase your muscle strength and flexibility.
- It’s considered a good stress buster and can help reduce anxiety too.
- Riding a bike is a fun, low-impact form of exercise suitable for most ages.
- Cycling can be fitted into your daily routine – you can ride to the shops, to the beach, the park or work.
- Cycling can help you lose weight (along with a calorie controlled diet of course).
- British research suggests that if you cycle for half an hour every day you could burn nearly 5kgs of fat over a year.
Safety Tips for Cycling
- Wear a helmet
- Wear bright clothing so that you are visible to traffic
- Try and avoid rush hours if you’re cycling on roads
- Always make sure you obey the rules of the road and remember to use hand signals
- Wear covered shoes to protect your feet
- Carry your mobile phone, and a small puncture repair kit particularly if you’re cycling alone.
Where we stayed
Our energetic weekend away was complemented by a lovely stay at Margarets Forest Holiday Apartments, situated on the edge of the township between natural forest and the cafe strip. We stayed in a really comfortable self contained unit with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry with washing machine, dryer and iron, and a private balcony with a barbecue. It was beautifully furnished and had everything in it you’d need for a holiday stay, and we could walk straight from our door along the Margaret River main street for restaurants, galleries and shops. Read more about Margarets Forest on my travel blog ZigaZag.

Where we Dined
After our cycle tour we had a wonderful meal at the vibey, Swings Taphouse and Kitchen which is considered the local’s Local. The food is designed for sharing and we considered it a cross between fine dining and conversation sparking good nosh. The menu is created from locally sourced produce driven by the seasons. Portions come in three sizes; bites, small plates and large plates. Novely factor – Swings & Roundabouts wines on tap, and craft beers on tap too. We left brimming with delight, and festively full. Gotta love Margaret River food! The SA rock oysters harissa, with melon granita were especially #Yum! Read the full review on ZigaZag.
Disclaimer: In my work helping to promote business and our lovely part of the world, I’m always grateful for assistance I receive to help with my expenses. My tour with Dirty Detours, my night at Margarets Forest and my meal at Swings Taphouse and Kitchen were complimentary, but all views and opinions are my own.
This day you spent cycling and sipping wine surely looks gratifying. Coupled with the view of the great outdoors, ahhhh. So soothing!
Hi Lucy, yes it was a soothing day despite the exercise. Great Fun 🙂
Sip n Cycle. LOL. Love it! #teamlovinlife
Thanks Leanne 🙂
Jo, that looks amazing and you do too! Years ago I asked for and got a bike but in the end I gave it away as we were in suburbia and there were too many hills. An excuse I know! Glad to see the example you are setting!! Denyse x
Thanks Denyse 🙂 Lol! I think hills and roads and cars don’t go with casual bicycling, and I only like it as much as I do because I can mostly stay off the roads where we live – and of course WA is known for its (mostly) flatness 🙂
This bike tour looks awesome Jo. I’d have to be careful not to do too much sipping or there would be no cycling!! 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
We were afraid of that too Lyndall! Luckily the rides in between the wineries sort of worked off the sips, ready for the next one!
I used to love riding my back. I have tried to get my daughter to ride as I thought it would be a fun family activity but she is just not interested. Maybe if I tempt her with cake (she’s too young for coffee or wine)?
Cake sounds a good idea as a tempter, Emma. I know my daughter used to be the same, but I kept on, and now as a grown up she loves bike riding (it’s a long game!)
How great Jo! I haven’t been on a real bike for years and years. Several decades at least. It is great exercise though and great for all levels of fitness. After I hadn’t exercised for years I started by using an exercise bike as weight-bearing activity was really hard on my knees and shins and it certainly got me fit by doing interval sessions.
But this looks lovely – relaxing and providing some exercise – all at once!
Yes, absolutely – it’s RPE Deborah! Relaxing and Providing Exercise!
The name Dirty Detours certainly conjures up a tough bike ride on dirt roads through the bushland. But you were a lot more civilized than that. A bike ride through the countryside mixed with wine tasting! What a clever idea. It sounds rights up my alley. #TeamLovinLife
I think you’d love it too Kathy 🙂 I know, Dirty Detours conjures up all sorts of connotations – great name though!
It sounds like a lot of fun Jo – I don’t drink wine, so always feel like I’m missing out on an adventure (wine always seems to be involved) but I noticed you mentioned coffee so I’m off to have a look at what a coffee bike tour involves 🙂
I think the coffee bike ride would be awesome Leanne 🙂 Hope you like the look of it and perhaps give it a go.
Hi Jo and Dave,
It was nice to chat at Rotary last night. I like your Blog and what you and Dave are doing. My website which i don’t use has a bit of a bio about me and descriptions about my four books.
Cheers Tony AD Critchley
Hello Anthony, thanks for reading my blog. Ohh, I’ll definitely pop over to your site and have a look at your books 🙂
Me and bikes are not friends…yet this post made me think…maybe? In the right surroundings? With the right end of day inducements? #TeamLovinLife
Inducements of a gentle bike ride (not competitive at all) coffee, or wine and a wonderful picnic platter – hmmm, I think you might just change your mind Jo 🙂