Well, it took a long time- 12 months to be precise, but finally we were able to run our maiden trip of our ‘Lofty Descents’ tour.
OK, so that photo isn’t from the first trip- the view was a little bit more cloudy, plus Deb managed a slightly out of focus photo of the group at the summit….
The guinea pigs were Annetay, Chris, Ori, Kay, Dave, Haley and Nick. Waxy came along to shot a little video film too. Luckliy we made it through the first challenge of the day- picking everyone up in Adelaide, and transporting them safely to the summit of Mt Lofty. From here it is 660m drop in Altitude, and 18km of downhill riding back to Adelaide.
After a stop for photos and a little safety briefing, it was a relatively short 20 minute ride to the first stop of the day, at Cleland Wildlife Park. Here we had an hour to wander around, feeding Kangaroos and Emus, seeing Dingos and Tasmanian Devils, and meeting a Koala up close.
Then it was time for the most important bit of the day- Morning tea, and a chance to test out Deborah’s famous brownies. After that it was then time to head off on the longest part of the ride- 8km of riding though Cleland Conservation Park, through to Chambers Gully. This riding is excellent, passing through native bush on 4wd trails which offer a few challenges in places, but are rideable for almost all. Our total MTB novices faired well along the tracks, proving the ride is not just suitable for experienced riders! There was always the option to walk the short technical sections if you desired.
We even managed to spot 4 Koalas in the wild, and narrowly miss hitting 2 kangaroos along the trail, proving the wildlife was not just confined to the wildlife park!
After about 40 minutes, we finally popped out into Chambers Gully, and then made it to civilisation. From here it was a cruisy ride along Waterfall Gully rd, and then through some quiet sideroads until we ended up riding though Victoria Racecourse and back into Adelaide.
All up it was an excellent day, and we greatly apprecitated the assistance from our willing crash test dummies.
Well, it was a weekend of extremes! Deb, Trailpig and I set off on Thursday afternoon to head up to the Flinders ranges to do a recce on the Flinders Ranges by Bike loop. This is a 200km trail that has been set up in partnership with landowners and the DEH to allow riders to complete a loop ride though various stunning sections of the Flinders, many of which are not normally open to riders or the public in general. In order for us to plan trips along the route there really was no option but for us to get up there and meet all the landowners, ride the trail and work out logistics. But with the trail closing during summer (December-March) we had to get up there before the end of November. And with an unprecedented heatwave occurring the week before we had already moved our dates back by a week. So, with the forecast looking OK for the weekend, we headed off up to Melrose for an overnight stop and to catch up with the guys at OTE sports.
Unfortunately, when we turned up the town was in the middle of “Catastrophic” fire danger, and it was still in the 40’s at 7pm. So, after putting the tents up, it was off to the Northstar for a bite to eat, a few cleansing Ales, and a chase to catch up with Rich from OTE. It was fair to say the whole town was on tenderhooks regarding the fire danger, and so when the lightening started over Mount Remarkable, striking the hill with it’s tinder-dry vegetation, there were a lot of worried faces. It didn’t get any better when the town siren went off, and a tide of cars disappeared off- luckily it was the CFS heading out, rather than a sign to abandon the town! However, sleeping that night was hard due to the heat, and also waiting for another siren to signal it was time to jump into the van and get out of town!
Luckily though, Melrose survived the night! However the lightening had managed to start 40 or so spot fires along the area from Wirabarra and Melrose, but luckily no fires got out of control, due to the hard work of the CFS that night.
So, after packing up, it was just a short 2 hour drive up to Rawnsley Park, and the start of the Flinders By Bike trail. Unfortunately it was still 36 degrees when we turned up, so Trailpig and I decided to skip the first 15km of dirt road, and start straight on the 4wd private trails leading to Sacred canyon. The riding was fast, and flat, and hot. And just in the first kilometer, we saw 5 kangaroos, 3 Emus, 2 Eagles and a handful of goats, how all seemed rather surprised to see anyone riding through their land!
After a quick 12km in 45 mins, we ended up at Sacred Canyon, and had a quick explore, before carrying on. The next two sections comprised of the only spots were we rode on ‘public’ dirt roads, but the views were still stunning, and the riding was easy. 16Km later we peeled off the Bunyeroo Valley road, and again started riding on park management trails closed to vehicles. The old blinman road gave us a good workout, with a steady climb, that brought us out near the Appealinna Ruins, where Deb was waiting with the van. Having run out of water 40 minutes earlier, I skulled a can of soft drink AND a litre of water straight down. Yes, it was still pretty warm!
Luckily it was just 8km to our stop for the day, Willow Springs. And the best bit was the final 3km were a fast, fun descent down a stunning firetrack to the property. All in all it was a good first day, with 55km covered. We were camping for the night, but did also check out their other accommodation, which would be very comfortable for our trips.
Of course, as luck would have it, the cool change then came in, and with it a little bit of rain. Or, to be precise, it started raining as we cooked dinner, and was still going at 10am the next day as we finished packing the van. But, of course, Piggy and I had no choice but to get on the bikes and ride the next 50km to Gum Creek. This section was the most isolated, and there was really nowhere along the route to meet the Van, so we just started riding.The rain had certainly settled in, and the trails were a lot wetter, and very boggy in places. I doubt we would ride a group through in those conditions, particularity the second section, which was through DEH land that is normally shut to riders. A couple of sections were totally flooded. However, much of the trail was still OK, and we made fast progress considering the conditions, finishing the 50km in just over 4 hours. I am sure this section would have been stunning too, if we could have seen the view though the mist and rain!
It was a welcome sight to see the van parked outside the Gum Creek shearers quarters, and to find Deb had managed to get us some shelter for the night. The shearer’s quarters is a rustic and comfortable spot, with a stunning outdoor area overlooking the creek, which was dry at the time.
So, after a quick shower, we thought we’d head off for a quick beer at the Parachilna pub, and so headed off along the Pranchilna gorge road. It was a bit muddy in places, but the van managed fine, but the weather was looking a bit grim, so we instead decided to return to Blinman via the Glass Gorge road. This trail was much less used, and some sections were very muddy and wet, and really did call for 4wd. It was as we approached a particularity boggy section that we saw a sedan bogged and stuck in the mud, blocking the road, so we couldn’t get through. Unfortunately as they were the other side of the mud we couldn’t offer to tow them out either, and the English couple were already pretty muddy, having spent the last 3 hours trying to get the car out. By this time it was 6pm and not one other car had come past, so they were worried they would be stuck all night. With no other option we had to turn around and retrace our route 30km back to Blinman to get help at the pub. The locals were great, and a couple of the guys headed up to try to drag them out, whilst we had a quick beer. However as the weather was still looking bad, we decided to then drive back to Gum Creek.
Luckily the roads and creek crossings were dry as we drove back, but within 5 minutes of getting back to Gum Creek the heavens opened, and absolutely torrential rain started for the next 40 minutes. Within 10 minutes the creek was flowing, and about 30mins later the water was 2m deep. The roads were totally blocked, and all we could do was sit on the porch, in the dry, sipping a beer, happy we had got home in time.
The next day it was still raining a bit in the morning, and we heard the locals had got to the English couple and managed to get their car out just before it started to rain. However, they then couldn’t get back to Blinman as the creeks all flooded, so spent a long few hours stuck waiting for the waters to retreat. It was a real eye-opener as to how quickly things can change in the outback.
However, with the rain subsiding, Trailpig and I headed off at 11am to check out the next part of the route. Luckily the trail was much drier today, as despite the amount of rain, the trails had drained well, and we made fast progress through more stunning scenery. The amazing thing about the route is that you seem to encounter a different environment and view every half hour. It really is stunning riding, and we had a great time blasting along the 25km to the Brachina gorge road. Deb was waiting with the van here, and as the weather was a bit drier she was keen to get a bit of riding in.
So, Piggy and Deb headed off along the next section of the trail, which by now was following the Mawson trail. After a fast 10km of relatively flat riding, we regrouped, for the 6km descent down Razorback road into Bunyeroo gorge. This is probably the most stunning spot of the whole trip, and we did have to stop for a few photos before they headed off up the trail to Wilpena, and I retraced my steps in the van.
By the time we got to Wilpena, it was 5pm and Piggy had already ridden 63k that day, but we decided it was worth tackling the final 22km back to Rawnsley Park to finish the route. The riding again was quite quick, and included the only section of sealed road, with a fast 7km cruise, before we again peeled off the road and onto the Rawnsley Park land. This last 8km was perhaps the most technical of the entire loop, and was a lot of fun. But we were glad to see camp site at Rawnsley at 6:30pm. By this time Piggy had ridden 85km, and I had managed 55km too.
So, in total we covered 185km in 3 days, just missing a small section of dirt roads. There is no doubt the trail is superb. Whilst the riding is not on ’single-track’, most of the riding is on private pastoral 4wd trails, and is fast and fun. The views along the way are just amazing, and the accommodation along the route is great too. We came across so much native wildlife too, almost the entire way seeing Kangaroos, Emus and more. It really was quite amazing.
So, we are really excited about the prospect of running these trips along the entire route. The route will re-open in March 2010, and we will be running trips from then. But don’t worry, we will take 4 days to do the 200km loop, at a more leisurely pace!
OK, it was a tough job, but it was important for us to run a test trip to make sure all the wines were OK, and the route we had planned worked OK. A big thanks to Caroline, Jo, Lauren, Kim and Dave, who agreed to come along and be guinea pigs. It was a tough job, I am sure!
The day started off with us all meeting in Adelaide, and jumping in the van for the drive up to Kuitpo forest, which takes about an hour. After a quick check that everyone was happy on the bikes, we headed off through the pine forest along the Kidman trail. This section is a lovely ride through forests along winding trails. It is mainly downhill, with just one short climb…..
Then, after about 40 mins of leisurely riding, we popped out of the forest, right next to the first winery of the day, Lazy Ballerina. This is a beautiful spot, with lovely gardens and a pet peacock! It’s also a perfect spot for a quick coffee, and the wines are great too.
After a nice stop, it was then time to head off along the next section of the trail. This took us along country roads and through quiet native bush, as we graually climbed up to the top of the Sellicks hill ranges, which overlook McLaren Vale. And once we got there, it was downhill all the way- with a fantastic descent over 4km all the way down to the vineyards below. Of course we had to stop half way down to check the views out….
Then, it was time to roll the last few km’s to our lunch stop, at Pertaringa, where they do awesome wines, and have a great spot to sit and relax. Deborah had gone crazy with lunch, getting plenty of local meats, chesses and other stuff, which looked a huge spread, but we got though most of it, washed down with a nice cold bottle of white wine.
After lunch, it was just a very easy cruise along a few more country roads and bike tracks to the final winery of the day, so just enough time to let lunch settle!
Then, after a few more wines, it was time to head back- but first we had to have a quick stop off in McLaren Vale at Market 190, for another quick coffee and cake, before getting back to Adelaide at 5pm.
It was a great day, thanks to everyone for coming along, and we look forward to running more of these days
Well, the weather was heaps better this week. No rain, and the marquee didn’t get blown away either, so bonuses all around!!
We had a full course this weekend, with Emmett, Lee, Simon, Kym, Martin, Guy and Marvin all raring to go.
Highlights of the day (Other than Deborah’s Brownies, of course!) included getting to test out Martin’s new Ibis Mojo, hmm, I think I need a new bike, Deborah!
The lowlight was mis-locating Marvin on the way down Overlocker, and him going bush somewhere near Bluegums! I think that’s the first time we’ve had to relocate anyone on a skills day!
OK, hope you like the photos! We shall see you soon!
Yes, it was certainly a cold, wet and windy day at Eagle this time. It hadn’t been too bad when we left home, but the weather certainly got worse as we headed up the old freeway.
Luckily everyone turned up (although with the odd detour!)- Brigid, Margrit, Pam, Tiff, Jackie and Tania all braved the weather, although Deborah spent most of the day hiding in the van (something about recovering from an operation was the excuse!)
So, first off it was time to tackle a few drop-offs, and step-ups, and luckily the rain held off at this time. Then we squeezed in a bit of high speed cornering, before lunch.
Then, after a quick lunch we headed off around the park to session a few sections. Of course, I forgot to take the camera along…..! And Deb hid back in the van, only venturing out to try to save the marquee, which suddenly got blown away.
So, all up, a fun day, the weather was a ‘minor disruption’ but all up, we survived. Weather 1, Marquee 0.
There are a few more photos here, but not too many, sorry!!
