By ALENA HIGGINS
THERE’S a new way to see the beautiful surrounds of the Granite Belt and it’s the healthiest and greenest mode of transport yet.
After being “blown away” by the scenery on a weekend trip to Stanthorpe a few years ago, former Brisbanites Jon Hendry and Vanessa Boulton last month moved to the area and opened a bicycle tours and hire business.
“We were surprised there were no hire bicycles available, especially after discovering the bike trail south to Ballandean,” Mr Hendry said.
“After 18 months of planning, we moved away from triathlon coaching and web administration in Brisbane to start our new life and new business venture here on the Granite Belt.”
The couple, who have a two-year-old daughter, have purchased a new fleet of specialised hybrid bikes for all ages, which can be hired from Leslie Parade, just near the Visitor Information Centre or through the business’s website granitebeltbicycles.com.au.
“You don’t need a high level of fitness. You set the pace, how far you want to go and how long you stay,” Mr Hendry said.
They offer the option of collecting customers and their bikes from wineries or other locations across the Granite Belt and dropping the bikes off at accommodation spots.
Granite Belt Wine and Tourism marketing manager Guy Cantrel said the way Mr Hendry meticulously prepared a business plan and catalogued all the various tracks and worked out which type of bike would best suit the conditions was “commendable”.
He said it was a concept that was missing from the region and would have a big impact from a tourism perspective.
“It will offer a viable alternative,” Mr Cantrel said.
“I think many people come here for the wine but we also have to cater for families.
“Having the opportunity to discover the region at a slow pace on a bike as a family is wonderful.”
And locals can get pedaling as well with the duo starting an initiative called the Wednesday Wobble.
“It is a ride for anyone who is new to riding a bike, hasn’t been on a bike for some time and need to find their groove or is just getting back into some low impact exercise,” Mr Hendry explained.
“The first few rides will be around Quart Pot Creek and it will be at a pace that no-one gets left behind.”
The ride is open to those who have bikes and those that don’t and the first Wednesday Wobble will begin at 8.30am on 4 February.
Those wishing to register or book a bike can call Ms Boulton on 0421 735 470.
