Road riding

Discover Victoria's road riding paradise on a High Country cycling trip. The region is packed with mountain climbs and undulating loops, adrenaline-charged mountain descents and effortless valley roads. Stunning vistas, quiet country roads, helpful locals and a non-stop events calendar – the High Country has it all.

Revel in the cool mountain air during summer or soak up the sun in the valleys on blue-sky days over winter. After the race, share riding secrets with the locals and learn why so many call this spectacular region home.

Once you're off on your bike, there's a plethora of great village cafes, award-winning wineries, craft breweries and restaurants dotted along every route to tempt the tastebuds and recharge for the next challenge.

Favourite local road rides

Want to ride the routes the locals do? Here's a list of some of the best. For full details, visit the Ride High Country website or the local bike shop on arrival.

Buckland Valley and back (Bright) 45km
Ride along flat to undulating quiet roads where you'll be lucky to see a tractor, let alone a car. Pass vineyards and orchards on this picturesque ride suitable for beginners.

The Cellar Door Loop (Rutherglen)
Take a flat ride through magnificent vineyards and olive groves on the Cellar Door Loop. Stop at wineries and cafes along the way and if it's hot and sunny pull up at the Murray River for a refreshing swim. Take it nice and slow and spend the whole day on the trail.

Three Peaks Challenge (Kiewa Valley and Falls Creek)
The Three Peaks Challenge is arguably Australia's toughest one-day ride. Up for the challenge? Tackle the 235-kilometre course through some of the world's most picturesque yet demanding terrain, with three major climbs: Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham, and the beast that is the back side of Falls Creek.

Mansfield/Mt Buller and back 72km
Sign up for this classic ride and test your limits. The fastest time up Mt Buller is Simon Gerran's 39:50, but just to reach the top is an achievement in itself.

Strade Nero (King Valley) 102km
Strade Nero or the 'black roads' is a reference to the Strade Bianche held annually in Italy over the white roads. Hit the circuit that starts and finishes at Sam Miranda winery in Oxley. The highlight for most is the Strade Nero climb itself, which starts at Myrrhee and heads towards Whitlands – a hard packed dirt climb.

Lake William Hovel Ride (King Valley) 48km
Head out on the Towong Loop, an amazing ride boasting the best views of the Great Dividing Range and surrounding valleys. Leave Corryong and pedal through Cudgewa, Tintaldra and on back to Corryong.

Fords Bridge (Benalla) 50km
Ride on south through the valley across flat to undulating terrain and take in the wonderful local scenery. Stop for lunch at the famous Tolmie Tavern then work it off as you make your way back to town.

Lake Buffalo out and back (Myrtleford) 20.5km
With a total elevation gain of 101 metres, Myrtleford to Lake Buffalo is an easy climb up the valley on the western aspect of Mount Buffalo. Revel in panoramic views and stop by the lake for a cooling swim at the end.

Stanley Back Passage (Beechworth) 80km
Tackle this challenging 80-kilometre loop that combines the best elements of cycling in the High Country. Descend down the curves of the Lasserena from Beechworth before reaching Yackandandah. From there, ride along the undulating back creek road and take in views of the Alps before climbing the Tunnel Gap.

Ryan's/Taminick Loop (Wangaratta) 55km
Test out one of the local favourites. Discover these two short, but challenging climbs over the Warby Ranges, which include some flat riding through scenic countryside where you can take the opportunity to catch your breath.