They say that ‘out of adversity comes opportunity’. This has certainly been true for Cowra based Nicole Moroney whose thriving Festival Tour business (‘Central West Tours’) came to a halt during the first Covid-19 lockdown in early 2020. Nicole’s partner Jo Schwerdfeger, who has extensive cycle touring experience, suggested starting cycle tours around their scenic and historical area of the Central West.
These tours would link the many towns by cycle routes using low traffic, gravel roads and where possible avoiding highways. Nicole and Jo first developed a cycle route that is mainly an off road loop with some minor low traffic roads that starts and finishes in Cowra.This ride takes 8 glorious days to complete.
Today, Central West Tours offers a range of one day and multi day bike riding tours in and around Cowra, Grenfell, Eugowra, Canowindra, Parkes, Orange and Young. They are now also Eco Certified and the only business in the Central West that provide an E bike hire service.
According to Nicole anyone who ‘has ridden a bike before’ can join their rides. The daily average distance is about 50 kms. This allows for scenic breaks, photo stops and stories about the history of the area including the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people and in more recent years the bold bushranger Ben Hall.
Riders with Central West Tours do not have to do anything but push the pedals and enjoy the stunning scenery. Everything else is taken care of including meals and accommodation. And of course Nicole and Jo’s experienced and friendly service. Even the hire of an E bike can be included. Nicole assured us that all riders will have ‘a sense of achievement’ after completing ‘an experience [that riders] should have in the country’.
Central West Tours also offers a support vehicle for groups doing a self guided tour.
If you are looking for an unforgettable country bike riding experience around the Central West, check out the Central West Tours website. Bicycle NSW Members will receive a generous 10% discount on any of their Tours!
