TESTIMONIALS
STEVE ROONEY CYCLING TOURS
DREAM IT ... NOW LIVE IT ...
Tory Macri 2023
Alps to Alp d'Huez Tour
Steve Rooney - “A man full of genuine passion for what he does, with outstanding care and interest in his clients”
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In July 2023 I was a participant in Steve Rooney’s 2023 Tour de France guided tour.
My expectations were exceeded, and the friendships and experiences during the tour will stay with me forever.
Steve and his team (Chady & Mark) were exceptional and they really made you feel valued, respected and supported.
While France, the ‘Tour De France’ and the selected rides lived up to their reputation with sheer geographical beauty, physical personal challenges, and superb food, it was Steve and his team that really made the difference.
They immersed you in the culture and supported the entire tour group tailoring support and advice accounting for the various levels of expertise and skills. At no time did you feel segregated.
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The banter and camaraderie defined the tour culture, while Steve’s passion for cycling and individual attention to each member made the entire experience feel like you were on a weekend ride with mates.
If you are seeking a genuine connection with France, fellow cyclists, and wanting to challenge yourself, then this is the tour for you…
Thank you again to Steve, Chady and Mark …!
Tory Macri
Commercial Manager
Col Elliot 2015, 2016, 2024 Alps to Alp d"Huez Tour
I have to date been on two of Steve Rooney’s cycle tours to France 2014, 2015, 2024 and intend to do more still.
Though a novice cyclist I was made to feel right at home with Steve and his team, they are all very friendly and passionate and make you quickly feel like part of the team. They accommodate all levels of cycling ability and there is always a guide there on hand to help you.
The rides are very well planned and thought out to give you both an excellent challenging ride and a scenic delight to soak up and enjoy. Some of the views are so magnificent that you will just have to join up and go there just to see them yourself so you can believe them.
The tour centres mainly around the Alps between France and Switzerland in beautiful sunny France. The little villages you cycle through are the true ambiance of France. Fresh bread, Wine. Cheese, grape vines, lakes, mountains churches, it never ends, it truly is the greatest experience possible for a cycle fan.
Steve is a great bloke and brilliant at guiding you through the tour, along with his team. You will have a lot of laughs and a bit of pain but that is the challenge that you set yourself. When you get there and you are in the middle of it, you will embrace the whole scenario out of pure excitement and some disbelief that; you are in beautiful Southern France, riding roads that the worlds greats honour every year in the greatest race in the world.
Accommodation is top class and well situated and serves out of this world food. There is transport provided if and when required, viewing stages are a great day, when you can shop at the local markets and just chill and take in that French life style.
I can’t speak highly enough of Steve and how he organises his tours and like I said earlier, I will definitely be doing more when I can fit them in.
Col Elliott
Major shutdown Mechanical Planner
David Bowen 2018
Alps to Alp d'Huez
“When Steve suggested I join him on the SRC 2018 Tour de France my heart thought it a great idea, but my body told me there was no way I would ever be able to complete even one of the iconic climbs yet alone more than a dozen of them in 11 days.
Steve was very supportive in the lead up providing a lot of advice and freely gave some training tips to give me some hope of completing at least some of the rides.
To say it was the trip of a lifetime would be an understatement.
We were based in Annecy and Aix-les-Bains which themselves are beautiful towns full of atmosphere, and a couple of nights in Le Borg d’Oisans from which we tackled the iconic L’Alpe d’Huez. This climb alone made the trip worthwhile.
​In 11 days we climbed some of the most spectacular Cols in cycling. Stuff you only read about in cycling magazines and dream about doing. We covered almost 700km and climbed over 13,000 meters in 11 days of riding. As an added bonus we saw firsthand 3 stages of Le Tour including Stage 12 on the Alpe d’Huez. What an electric atmosphere! Steve, Tracy and his team not only organized every last detail for the group impeccably but provided continual advice and tips both before and during the rides. There was not one moment where Steve’s planning failed. The group melded well together and there was never a problem. Steve went out of his way to ensure we all enjoyed ourselves not only on the rides (climbs) but for the whole time we were on his tour. Every ride had a little extra from meeting and riding with a couple of the AG2R Mondiale professionals to enjoying lunch at the best boulangerie in France. The scenery in this part of the French Alpes is truly spectacular, the rides were mapped out to the last bend, the accommodation very comfortable and the meals were to die for. The safety of our group was the top priority for Steve and his Team with detailed briefings before each ride, and gentle safety reminders during the rides. Before we left Australia, I didn’t for a minute believe I would have any hope of completing all the climbs and I was resigned that I would be a regular passenger in the support van. But with Steve and the SRC guides providing individual guidance and encouragement, the group completed every ride. I would thoroughly recommend SRC Tours to anyone who loves cycling, enjoys spectacular scenery, doesn’t mind indulging in French cuisine, and without a doubt I will be there again in the near future with Steve Rooney Cycling Tours.
David Bowen”
Geoffrey Taylor 2019
Alps to Alp d'Huez
I had a wonderful cycling experience at the 2019 French Alps/Tour de France cycling tour.
For 10 days Steve and his guides took us on climbs through beautiful villages and countryside, culminating in spectacular scenic views.
We worked hard on the climbs and had fun on the descents.
I was concerned after day 1 on whether I could keep up with the main group.
Steve’s guides rode with me on day 2 and showed me the technique to tackle the climbs… keeping my heart rate down and pedaling with the right motion. It made such a difference and I felt stronger each day.
I felt very lucky indeed – riding every day, eating great food and watching the Tour de France!
Our accommodation in the hotels was fantastic.
Steve is a great tour leader. He is passionate about his sport and wants to share it with others.
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Geoffrey Taylor
Stephen Ikin 2018
Private Tour & Alps to Alp d'Huez
The Best Trip Ever
I have been on several trips to France over the last 10 years. Most of these have been with other tour operators. I have even completed a couple of do-it-yourself trips. I thought that I had encountered all the enjoyable experiences that go along with riding your bike in South West France, particularly the Annecy area. Annecy has been included on my previous trips multiple times. Now I have found, thanks to Steve, a very similar location to continue to revisit – Aix les Bains.
I completed two back to back trips with Steve Rooney Cycling Tours. On both of these tours the accomodation and food were excellent. I particularly liked the fact that you are based in one location for extended periods of time. Not moving every other day adds to the level of enjoyment and relaxation.
Each morning we would meet in the restaurant for breakfast, then head outside with our bikes where Steve would provide a briefing of the ride for the day. No two days were the same. Every day also included an event that helped make the trip very special, from getting to ride with AG2R Pro Cyclists, to getting up close and personal with some of the tours legends.
On our trip, everyone had a very good time and I made some very good, long term, friends.
I have never seen someone so capable of satisfying everyones needs on a bike trip before. It did not matter whether you were a mountain goat or a donkey, Steve (or one of his guides) was there to help and give support. His approach definitely increased the level of harmony on the trip. Having a tour leader that speaks English as well as fluent French is one of the many benefits of Steve Rooney Tours.
Steve’s enthusiastic and kind personality contributed to ensuring that everyone was included and had the best time they could have. His knowledge of the roads and environment enabled Steve to provide the information you needed to stay safe. The guide to customer ratio on the trip allowed them to do this very effectively.
I will definitely be going on Steve Rooney Tours again and would highly recommend Steve not only as a tour guide but as a great
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Stephen Ikin
Elliot Schultz 2017
Alp to Alp d'Huez
In 2017 I was privileged to be able to go with Steve on the back to back tours. This was my first time in Europe and with Steve being my first ever cycling coach we have always talked about this. There was no better way to discover everything about this part of the world then with Steve and his tour. Steve being a former professional cyclist racing all over France, his ability to speak fluent French, knowledge of the best roads and restaurants there in this area of France made this tour that much more fun and enjoyable. For the Tour we stayed in great hotels in Aix les bains, Annecy and Grenoble.
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We went on the best rides you could possibly ride your bike on with breathe taking views. Not only this but we also got the opportunity to of course see stages of the tour de France on hill top stages and sprint finishes, this was seriously cool and thanks to Steve and his teams knowledge there was no stress so we could just enjoy.
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Like I said Steve was my first cycling coach but I have also been friends with Steve for years as well, and thanks to Steve's help and support he was able to help path my way into the the AG2R La Mondiale U23 Cycling Team which is also based out of where Steve's tour is based from.
So if you are looking to see France and the Tour De France there is no better way to do so then with Steve Rooney and his Tour.
Elliot Schultz
Jeremy Swift 2017
Private Tour & Alps to Alp d'Huez
I was fortunate enough to participate in two back to back bucket list tours in 2017 with Steve Rooney Cycling. The first was a private ‘Wolf Pack’ tour with 5 mates, the second the SRC TDF tour.
Steve’s experience as a pro rider in Europe coupled with his current pro- cycling contacts made the experience so much more enjoyable. The pro riders who joined our tours were friendly and openly shared their experiences and tips.
My prior experience with other cycling tour companies was that they were more focused on achieving their ride plan than giving us an unforgettable experience. I found Steve and his guides’ customer focus coupled with their easy going and personable approach made a significant difference to my tour. Fun was the theme with a dash of mischief and plenty of quality riding.
Steve’s fluent French, local contacts and knowledge of the people and places we were visiting really allowed us to fully immerse ourselves into the French lifestyle and food. Steve always had the best locations to watch the caravans and tour go by. The quality of our accommodation and meals was outstanding.
The thing that stood out the most to me was the atmosphere. The culture and positive attitude from Steve and his team was awesome. Nothing was a hassle; the guides rode with us from the whippets up the front to the Clydesdale’s (me) down the back. Their focus on safety, fun and the customer made it a truly memorable experience.
I’ll be back (if he’ll have me)
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Cheers Jeremy
Frank Newnham &
Di White-Parsons 2017
Alp to Alp d'Huez
To Whom It May Concern
My partner Di and I joined Steve on one of his cycling tours in 2017.
There were lots of laughs, and as always, magnificent scenery. Steve went over and above to ensure that everybody was well looked after, and were having as good a time as they wished to have.
When we did the trip I was 61and Di was 58, and we always managed to end up at the finish line with the much younger riders; again because of Steven's efforts to look after everybody.
Accommodation was good, food was good, I will be doing another trip with Steve in the not to distant future.
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Frank Newnham
Sharelle Peet &
Julie Steinheuer 2017
Alps to Alp d'Huez
Julie and I experienced Steve Rooney’s Cycling Tour in 2017. We can both honestly say we had the time of our lives. Steve’s planning and organisation could not be faulted. Everything from the food and accommodation, experiencing live stages of the Tour and of course the cycling and amazing scenery.
It was hard not to be influenced by Steve’s enthusiasm and infectious personality. Steve makes time for everyone on the tour and he makes sure that everyone is catered for and taken care of. Steve’s Tour gave us the right combination of group activities and also plenty of individual time.
We cannot speak highly enough of Steve and his team and would not hesitate in recommending Steve’s Tour. We hope to one day do this tour again with Steve.
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Sharelle Peet & Julie Steinheuer
Dane Murray 2016
Alps to Alp d'Huez
“I went on tour with Steve and his team in 2016. It was one of the best experiences of my life and one I will never forget. I have watched and followed the tour since I was a young boy, and never thought I would get the opportunity to ride climbs and roads that I watched on TV for all those years.
Going with Steve was a perfect fit as his experience as a pro rider in France and his knowledge of the area made it easy and enjoyable for all that was on the tour.
Steve is also fluent in French which was a fantastic attribute to have, as dealing with the local business owners is difficult as an Australian who only knows the word “oui”. It was a great help.
The accomodation was also top class in the best areas of France. I would like to thank Steve, his family and team of guides for such an awesome experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in cycling.”
Dane
Ian Sharples 2015
Alp to Alp d"Huez
Surrounded by a lifetime of dreams on a journey of personal satisfaction from Alps to Alp d'Huez with Steve Rooney Cycling Tours: a tour de force of experience, passion, energy, friendship and we can’t forget the food and wine.
My 2014 tour with Steve and the crew was truly magnificent, no detail had been overlooked and each day proved a memorable experience shared with new friends and talked about for years to come. From rolling over the beautiful French country side - we have all seen the pics from countless Tours telecast on the TV- but to truly take in and experience the nuances of the local country lanes or leg burning climbs of the alps, there are only two words I can say “Book Now”!
Steve’s local knowledge, meticulous planning and the fact he’s just a great bloke added to the journey as we cut our way through this amazing country. My personal highlights of the tour, where do I begin... it would have to be the famous Alpe d’Huez.
If you have a bucket list, this should be on it, if you don’t, make it one now at put Steve Rooney Cycling Tours at the top, just get on your bike and get going!
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Ian Sharples
Karly Hawkins 2014
Alp to Alp d'Huez
On a typical ride out Currumbin Valley, I pulled up at the bottom of Connection Road to wait for friends. It was here I met Steve Rooney for the first time. “Lovely morning for a ride” he says to me in his easy-going, friendly manner. “Sure is” I reply, “but I’d prefer to be riding the hills of France.” Well, how was I to know that Steve was an ex pro-rider, spoke fluent French and organised annual cycle tours to France (seriously meant to be)! Steve’s eyes lit up as he started sharing the magic that cycling France has to offer. Four months later, I found myself immersed in French food, culture, hills and scenery…and creating memories for life. One of my favourite moments was watching the Tour de France peloton ascend a section of steep hairpins, where Steve had us positioned perfectly to view the tour riders up close and personal.
Thank you Steve, for inviting me on your cycling tour and for providing a truly inspirational and life changing holiday experience. I often hear myself talking about our tour, find myself thinking about the Alpe d’Huez descend (!) and am still hopeful that I could join you again in the near future.
Karly Hawkins
2014