Perhaps I'm dreaming, but I am convinced that Australia is brimful of people desperate for reasons to ride a bicycle. Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but it is true that the number of Australians who cycle as a form of recreation has been increasing each year for at least a decade. What cycling paths we do have are thick with people on bicycles at weekends, and cycling family groups are among the biggest users. The opportunity to ride a bicycle is, by way of example, one of the major drawcards for Dubbo Zoo. Cyclists, I say, are desperate for somewhere to go!
And so my proposal today for a cycling route weaving throughout the Hunter and visiting the region's great attractions. The important elements of my very loose plan are that such a route use existing facilities and that it be arranged in segments within the capabilities of a family with children, say 30 to 40 kilometres. Yes, taking their time and with a little training a child of 10 can manage that distance. Ideally, accommodation or at least basic camping facilities would be available at such intervals.
There is good evidence of the value of cycle tourism, and I hope later to write of that. In the meantime, though, do you think my proposal has wheels?