Picnics on Two Wheels

Pedals & Picnics, owned and operated by Britt-Marie Ladley, started as a vision that was realised in Murwillumbah, at the head of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. What began as an idea to offer something a little different quickly turned into a local favourite, combining the pleasure of cycling with the joy of a relaxed picnic experience.

Britt-Marie’s partner, Mick, had already found success with Valley Ebikes when the idea for Pedals & Picnics began to take shape. “I was keen to create my own experience,” Britt-Marie says. “When we moved to Murwillumbah, I saw an opportunity to make something special out of the stunning landscape and the Rail Trail.” With Mick’s knowledge of e-bikes and Britt-Marie’s passion, they set about making their dream a reality, tackling everything from council approvals to finding the best local produce for their picnics. “It was a whirlwind, but it’s been worth every bit of effort,” she adds.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has become the backbone of the business, offering the perfect backdrop for what Pedals & Picnics offers. For Britt-Marie, the Rail Trail is
integral to the whole concept. “The Rail Trail is at the heart of what we do,” she says. “It’s about giving people the chance to slow down, enjoy good food, and experience the beauty of nature in a peaceful, safe environment.”

A Unique Pedals & Picnics Experience

From the moment you book with Pedals & Picnics, it’s clear that every detail is designed to make the outing something special. “We focus on the small things,” Britt-Marie explains. “The wooden carts filled with high-quality picnic gear, the beautiful grazing boxes, and the range of bikes – we want every part of the experience to be memorable.” 

Pedals & Picnics offers a variety of grazing boxes, each thoughtfully curated to suit different tastes. The “Riders Breakfast Box” includes fresh fruit, local pastries, and gourmet cheeses – the perfect way to start a day on the trail. The “Station Wrap Box” features homemade wraps and a selection of healthy, wholesome snacks, while the “Antipasto Trail Box” offers Mediterranean olives, cured meats, and artisan cheeses for a satisfying afternoon treat. For those with a sweet tooth, the “Tunnel Sweet Box” has a decadent collection of desserts. Britt-Marie’s personal favourite is the “Local Farmers Market Box,” which features products from ten local producers, celebrating the best of the region, from artisan cheeses to wood-fired bread and fresh vegetables.

Guests also have the option to customise their picnic experience. Whether it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan options, Britt-Marie is happy to create something tailored to individual preferences. “We love making each experience as personal as possible,” she says.

Pedals & Picnics prides itself on supporting local producers, and their “Local Farmers Market Box” is a great example of this. They work closely with producers like Salumi Salami, Cheeses Loves You, Mad Mountain Relishes, and Byron Bay Crackers, all of whom can be found at the Murwillumbah Farmers Market. 

Britt-Marie is also passionate about giving back to the community. “We donate rides and picnics to schools, charities, and community groups whenever we can,” she says. “It’s important for us to support the local area that’s supported us.” Pedals & Picnics also partners with local businesses like Hossana Farmstay and The Natural Wine Shop to host picnics at scenic locations like Masterson Park in Burringbar. 

“Murwillumbah has this great, laid-back vibe,” Britt-Marie explains. “It’s a town that encourages you to take your time and appreciate the beauty around you – which is exactly what we’re about at Pedals & Picnics.” 

Pedals & Picnics takes the hassle out of planning a picnic, offering everything guests need for a relaxing day out. All picnic bookings include food and non-alcoholic drinks, and their “Destination Picnics” even come with extras like peacock chairs and drink trolleys. For those who want to enjoy the experience at home, the “Take-Home Picnic Pack” includes a cosy throw, an esky, and a grazing box. 

Families with young children are also catered for with kids’ carts, seats, and cargo e-bikes capable of carrying two children. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the experience,” Britt-Marie says. “We make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for all our guests.”

Pedals & Picnics also caters to special events, whether it’s a birthday, a proposal, or a corporate gathering. “We’re happy to help organise any special occasion,” Britt-
Marie explains. “From small, intimate gatherings to larger events, we’ll make it happen.”

Looking Forward

With the Northern Rivers Rail Trail continuing to grow in popularity, Britt-Marie has big plans for the future. “We’ve got some exciting collaborations coming up,” she says, hinting at upcoming overnight stays and sunset picnics. “We’re also planning some workshops with local holistic creators, which will be a great way to connect with the community.”

With over 200,000 visitors already having used the Rail Trail, Britt-Marie is looking forward to seeing the business grow even more as the trail extends to Mullumbimby. “The future is really exciting,” she says. “We can’t wait to be part of this journey as the trail continues to expand.”

For Britt-Marie, the most rewarding aspect of running Pedals & Picnics is the joy it brings to customers. “When people tell us it’s one of the best experiences they’ve had, that’s what makes it all worth it,” she says. “It’s about helping people make memories with the ones they love.”

One experience that stands out for Britt-Marie is a young couple who used Pedals & Picnics for a DIY Combo deal. “They came back beaming,” she recalls. “They’d just gotten engaged at the end of the Rail Trail. It was such a special moment to be a part of.”

Britt-Marie’s message to visitors and locals is simple: “Slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Life’s too short to rush – Pedals & Picnics can help you savour the moment.”

Ready for an unforgettable picnic adventure? For all the details and to reserve your perfect outdoor experience, head over to pedalsandpicnics.com.au!
Don’t forget to follow the fun on socials @pedalsandpicnics and stay in the loop for exclusive updates!