South Australia by Bike

Being invited to explore what South Australia has to offer, I jumped at the chance. Bike in tow it was going to be a great adventure – and it was!
 

Timing it so I traveled in time for the Santos Tour Down Under, this was something very special. Being able to see some of the world’s best cyclists up close was particularly surreal. The setting of Adelaide for this major sporting event is extremely fitting.

Adelaide is easy to get around with public transport being very accessible and the trams in the inner city area are free.

Based in a beautiful city which is also extremely cyclist friendly, there are loads of keen cyclists following the Tour who rode out to each stage and back to the city centre. Some riders clocked up 600+ kms throughout the week.

Those like me, on the other hand, who have just a recreational level of fitness, may be more selective about what they commit to. Still thinking the body will go further than it is actually prepared to do, I ventured to commit to the Mutual Community Challenge. This was riding stage 3 of the Tour with the choice of four distances – 160km, 95km, 66km or 35km. I opted for the 66km option.

With 7,500 participants taking part, this was a fantastic spectacle. By including the four distance options, there was always a stream of cyclists coming along the road. While you made your way out on the course, up hill and down valleys, there were plenty of people to pass and plenty of people to pass you by also!

Along the way there were some ‘Food Stops’ which were absolutely awesome. The towns where they were centred completely got behind them providing a carnival atmosphere. It felt like a taste of the Tour de France! At the food stations there was no shortage of food, drink and everything in between.

On completion of the stage at Strathalbyn, all Mutual Community Cyclists received lunch, drink and further promotional goodies from the key Tour sponsors. Temperatures continued to rise as we waited for the pro cyclists to come through. It was certainly a fantastic atmosphere on the finish line as the riders completed this stage.

I was extremely pleased to be getting on the bus heading back to Adelaide. An hour later I was at my hotel! What a great day.

Following the ride were some key days venturing out on the remaining stages of the Tour, which included some fantastic spectator watching. Experiencing the McLaren Valley area was certainly a highlight.

Ready for some ocean action I headed out to Glenelg one morning which was about 40km from the city. Straight to the white sand beaches which were absolutely stunning! With plenty of cafes to get your caffeine fix for the day, this certainly is a fantastic beachside setting.

Venturing to the Clare Valley, just and hour and a half from downtown Adelaide, I discovered one of the world’s most gorgeous wine regions. Set in amongst farm land and the ever expanding vines surrounded by Australian bush, makes the views truly breathtaking.

With some fantastic wine tasting options available, the Riesling Trail is a must do in the Clare Valley. Consisting of 35km from White Hill to Auburn it is a wonderful non technical ride which follows the conTours of the former railway from Auburn to Clare. The trail provides ever changing views of vineyards, farmland and the world renowned wine region. The trail can either be walked (approx nine hours one way) or biked (approx two and a half hours one way).

There are great bike hire options available. I used the Riesling Trail Bike Hire and it was very easy and straight forward. The owner, Mike, fitted me to my bike (which was a brand new Cube model). Hire included helmet and water bottle.

Riding back from Auburn I stopped for lunch at O’Leary Walker Cellar Door which has some of the most breathtaking views in the Clare Valley. A fantastic lunch platter with wine tastings helped to cool things down from the hot temperatures outside.

The trails are open year round. As I completed my journey in January, probably the hottest time of the year, and experienced 40 degrees throughout, it is advised that autumn and spring are the preferred times.

If you are looking for a new getaway destination, look no further than South Australia. It has something for everyone!

Special thanks to South Australian Tourism for giving me this opportunity.