This year we had the pleasure of hosting Dan and Paul Van der Ploeg on tour. Both are exceptionally talented athletes; Dan raced for Australia in MTB XC and 2 years later represented Australia in XC skiing world championships. Paul is a world champion in Mountain Bike and has represented Australia at world level in other cycling disciplines. Paul you may have seen on the SBS cycling show ‘Trail Towns’.

Watch Trail Towns – YouTube

In 2005 Dan was hit by a car on a training ride, suffering a life changing head injury. He now lives independently with an acquired brain injury. He has a high level of function however requires a travel companion, not an easy task to find someone who can ride with him… other than a motor bike…or his brother! I think the group were suitably shocked to discover such athletes in their midst; however, the tour was a cracker, and the brotherly love, and camaraderie made it one of our more memorable trips.

September 14 – 21 2026 | ITALIAN LAKES: Como to Iseo | $7800.00

The tour will be ‘Ride-in, Ride-out’ with rolling hills, some climbing but largely in the ‘not too hard category’.

There is this crazy mass start downhill race in the French Alps. The adults start on the glacier at 3,300 m and drop down to around 700m. There is also a ‘Megakids’ that chews off the middle section of the adult event (and apparently the hardest part).

Our daughter Betty (14) lined up with all the Under 17 boys and girls mass start. This is her third year racing it and she managed first place. Her position in the boy’s field placed her 16th out of 33 boys.
…Proud Parent moment.

We are as a family finally back together and enjoying nursing each other through the winter ‘lergy’. Ski season has commenced and Dave is eyeing Cyclocross Nationals Mid August. Dave heads to Europe again for our remaining tour of the year: Como 2 Iseo.

We are currently in a post Tour de France malaise. This year I was unusually back in Aus for the SBS coverage and I loved the insights of Mat, Macca, Bridie, Caleb, Gerro and Cadel. I cant wait for more… and there is starting August 1st:

– Tour de France Femmes – SBS Sport

Don’t forget to look at the ‘Shifty 50’ calendar. These events are now well known for their relaxed and social atmosphere. Its a good MTB for those new to racing.

The next one:

Shifty Fifty Rd. 6 – Gippy Shifty Fifty – Big Hill Events

Preliminary date announcement 2027 TOPBIKE TOURS
(12 client maximum all tours)
Private Tours by request – send us your dream trip idea…we have a fully equipped European base, 30 years experience

Emma Colson (AKA MBW)
August 2026

WILIER Hybrid E-bikes available, so get your non-cycling friends along to join you, so they can share in the fun.