A South Australian biking tour can be a fantastic way to experience gourmet food, premium wine, picturesque scenery and rich heritage. Cycle along the mighty Murray River in the Murray Backwaters or visit superb wineries in the winery regions of Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, or McLaren Vale. Encounter unique wildlife on Kangaroo Island or explore the Australian outback in the adventurous Flinders Ranges.

The Clare Valley Reisling Trail is one of several popular trails in South Australia. This twenty-seven kilometer trail connects exceptional wineries in the region and traverses through the charming countryside with breathtaking views of vineyards and undulating hillsides. Two other famous trails include the Mawson Trail and the Nullabor 1200. Designed for off-road bicycles, the Mawson Trail covers nearly nine-hundred kilometers of back roads, forest tracks and single tracks through some of the most beautiful and spectacular tourist regions of South Australia. The Nullarbor 1200 is an evocative Australian adventure trail named for the twelve hundred kilometers it crosses in one of Australia�s most unique desert regions.

There are a number of top touring companies that specialize in customized tours designed to suit individual interests of every type of traveler and every level of bicyclist.

Wine enthusiasts can participate in wine-tastings, nature lovers can explore pristine rainforests or cycle into an extinct volcano, and history buffs can visit old preserved gold towns from the 1800�s and heritage-listed properties. The following companies offer some of the best cycling tours in South Australia:

BicycleSA BicycleSA is a versatile bike company that offers tours for amateur to experienced riders alike. No meticulous detail is overlooked with BicycleSA. Families can take a tour created with children in mind, travelers looking for a more diverse experience can take a tour mixing 4WD and cycling, and cyclers desiring a challenge can participate in a twelve or twenty-four hour mountain bike challenge. Perhaps the most alluring tour by BicycleSA, however, is the �Outback� tour which visits the Dalhousie Hot Springs, the Simpson and Painted deserts and the old Ghan railway ruins to name a few. More information on these adventures can be found on www.bikesa.asn.au.

Rolling On Mountain Bike Tours Offering tours ranging from one to fourteen days in duration, Rolling On Mountain Bike Tour travelers can choose a specific tour based on the destinations and featured activities. On these tours, cyclers have the opportunity to discover South Australia�s fantastic wines and cuisines, natural wildlife, and stunning scenery. These tours include comfortable accommodation, friendly and experienced guides, easy to medium grade tours, and vehicle rides for riders wishing to relax. Alternate routes are also offered for fitter riders. Additional information can be found on http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rollingon/. Ecotrek Ecotrek is unique for providing walking, canoeing, and adventure holidays in addition to cycling tours.Ecotrek Tours are comprised of intimate groups in order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of its customers. Another focus of the company is minimizing environmental impact. Gourmet picnics, heritage accommodation, and fine dining at local restaurants are just a small sample of the highlights Ecotrek provides for its travelers. More information can be found on www.ecotrek.com.au

Although Australia is a year-around destination, travelers should be familiar with the best times to visit before planning a trip. Australia�s summer season extends from December to February and its winter lasts from June through August. In March and April, the wine regions have their finest harvests. The Adelaide region comes alive with arts and fringe festivals in February and March. From December to February, the inland areas of South Australia experience extremely high temperatures. Travelers are undoubtedly sure to discover the unspoiled beauty and rich culture of South Australia no matter which tour they choose.

For more information about biking in South Australia contact the South Australian Tourism Commission at 888.768.8428 or visit www.southoz.com or www.cattledrive.southaustralia.com on the web.