For Rohan and Dianne Sheehan, mountain biking has long been a pursuit they’ve enjoyed on the spectacular trails of their home state of Tasmania. But when Covid struck and Rohan was no longer able to work in his international fly-in-fly-out role, what had been a hobby became a full-time business for this adventurous husband-and-wife team, and Into The Wild was born.
Tasmania had already begun rising to prominence in the mountain biking world. Thanks to its extensive trail network, the Apple Isle had recently hosted several international competitions, centred around the towns of Derby and Maydena. Once a sleepy country town with a mining heritage, Derby in particular had become Tasmania’s mountain biking mecca, drawing keen riders from near and far during the peak season of October to April.
Since the couple had always enjoyed showing off their favourite trails and sharing their love of the sport, turning this passion into a business was a no-brainer. “The combination of one of our favourite hobbies and tourism was an easy mix,” Rohan says. “So we created Into The Wild, a company based around our understanding, love and appreciation of not just mountain biking, but also enjoying the best that Tasmania has to offer.”
With the mountain biking tourism market taking off, Rohan and Dianne knew they had to have a point of difference to succeed. They focussed on tailoring their tours to allow their clients to focus on the ride, not the details. The Sheehans arrange everything from airport transfers to accommodation booking, bike hires and equipment adjustments. Plus, they set Into The Wild apart by being the only tour operator to cater to smaller groups and offer a helicopter shuttle service to help riders access even more exhilarating trails.
The backbone of Into The Wild’s operations is its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transfer Minibus, affectionately known as ‘The Rig’. Alongside its custom-made trailer, the Sprinter is a combination of tour support vehicle, mobile billboard and operations base for the business. “We wanted a set-up that could support all facets of a tour when on the road, and make our clients feel like it was theirs for the duration of the trip, from the moment they climbed onboard at the airport,” Rohan says.
Making such a crucial purchase in the midst of a pandemic wasn’t straightforward. The Sheehans bought the Sprinter sight unseen and had it shipped to Tasmania, where the real work began. “We were so staunch about not wanting a white van that once it was dropped off the truck it was taken straight to the shed until it could be vinyl wrapped,” Dianne says. Once The Rig was decked out in its distinctive olive green, they added a range of accessories to tailor it to the unique needs of their business. “The Sprinter gives our clients a comfortable and clean place for travel.”
The breathtaking environment Into The Wild operates in inspires Rohan and Dianne to preserve this natural landscape, and benefit the people who live amongst it. The business supports local schools and charitable organisations, and has deep partnerships with a range of accommodation and hospitality providers. “We believe strong businesses build strong communities with benefits extending deeper than our operations,” Rohan says. “Tasmania has so much natural beauty to offer both on and off the bike. We are truly blessed to live in one of the greatest, cleanest and purest places in the world.”
Words: Jonathan Wright
Images: Supplied
Content commissioned by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd.