Victoria Hotel owners Sean and Sarah Morris won the 2008 Bicycle Friendly Business Award for their development of a Cycling Concierge program.

The program provides “everything you need to get the most out of a cycling holiday”.

As part of the program, which was introduced in November, Mr and Mrs Morris provide a free lock-up area in the courtyard, complete with emergency repair equipment including puncture kits, bike pumps and all sizes of inner tyre tubes.

Cyclists can then access hard copy or online maps of cycling routes ranging from 20km to 150km, all taking in local wineries.

The hotel provides free water at each stop, hotel staff will meet cyclists with a packed lunch or picnic and a driver will also cart any wine purchases back to the hotel at the end of the day.

Mrs Morris said staff even provided an emergency pick-up service in case cyclists had accidents or decided they could not complete the trip.

“The only time I’ve ever had to do that, though, was when people had too much to drink at the wineries,” she laughed.

“We’re hoping to expand the service so people can grab their bikes, catch a train from Melbourne to Springhurst and we’ll pick up their luggage at the train station while they ride to the hotel.”

Mr and Mrs Morris were “completely blown away” by the Cycling Promotion Fund award.

“We believe it has all the right ingredients for success; it is environmentally friendly, good for your health and cheap, which is just what everyone needs in this climate,” Mrs Morris said.