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!
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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
in the coming months!
All photos from the day are here!
Cheers,
Ian & Deborah.
