Central West Cycle Trail name a finalist in NSW Tourism Awards during first year of operation

The trail, created by a group of local cyclists, is 400 kilometres in length and takes riders on a tour via rural roads from Mudgee to Gulgong, Dunedoo, Mendooran, Dubbo, Wellington before looping back.

With users of the not-for-profit organisation's trail spending upward of $250,000 a month, organisation president, Barbara Hickson said it is clear the trail is something that boosts tourism dollars.

"The trail is such a success because of the enormous thirst for quiet rural road cycling," the Mudgee local said.

"The bulk of users are from the more trafficked coastal NSW area, with local and interstate users also featuring.

"The great lesson from the trail is that touring cyclists can significantly boost tourism in towns and villages so often bypassed by the motorists."

Mapping of routes, sourcing of accommodation, catering and places of interest have been put together by those behind the scenes, with the initiative funded by supporter dollars.

CWC Trail treasurer and Mudgee local, David Allworth said businesses who cater for cyclists "will benefit" given how many utilise the trail and are predicted to in the future.

"The lesson for Government and businesses who are interested in boosting local small towns is that it is not a matter of spending big dollars, it is understanding the user," Mr Allworth said.

"A cyclist needs signage, a map in the centre of town, an easy method of putting their bike on the train, consideration when a busier road is upgraded by provision of a wide shoulder, the construction of a picnic shed and tank midway along some of the longer stretches.

"For local businesses, it is putting up a bike rack, someone in a town selling spare tubes, an accommodation business being able to arrange transfer of luggage to the next town, a café opening early with a hearty breakfast to power the coming day's ride.

"Honing how well Government and businesses cater for cyclists will be decisive in seeing the CWC grow further as a go-to destination."

For more information about the Central West Cycle Trail, visit https://centralwestcycletrail.com.au/.

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