The Easter Flinders Escape!!
Well, it was a fantastic Easter trip! We are planning to start running short-break mountain biking trips up to the Southern Flinders, but we needed to go up there and explore, so the best way we thought we could do this was invite 12 of our closest friends to come along with us to test out the accommodation, riding, terrain and Deborah’s cooking, and it sure ended up being a fantastic trip!
We were based at the Shearer’s quarters at Bendleby Ranges, an awesome spot. The accommodation is clean and comfortable, with 6 twin rooms that have been built onto a classic old Shearer’s cottage, which houses the kitchen and dinning room. Out the back is a block of new toilets and showers, along with the BBQ, fire pit and another barn for bike maintenance! It is a great little set-up. There is also a 4WD-testing track next to the accommodation, which is perfect for bike skills and practise.
The property itself has two separate mountain ranges on it, and there is easily 150km of trails to explore. Most of the trails are challenging dual track, as most are used by 4wd, but there are also some wicked spots of ‘goat tracks’ and other challenges. One day we tried a ride along one of the gorges, and this turned out to be a highlight. However, the next day we tried another gorge, and that was anything but fun! But that’s OK, do not fear, we were there testing all the terrain, so we now know the best spots to ride! We were lucky to have a few 4WD’s with us on the weekend, and so Jase and Marty spent the entire weekend honing around. It was good to have the vehicle back up too! But the rest of us defiantly enjoyed the challenge of the riding.
Most days involved a relaxed breakfast, and then we headed off on the bikes at around 10am. We did not need to use cars at all, as all the riding is accessible straight from the accommodation. Then we would end up back around 3 or 4pm, just in time for a few cold beers and some of Deborah’s cake. Then it was time to relax, before an awesome 2-course meal and a few glasses of wine, before we settled in front of the fire for sunset and the amazing views you get in the Flinders. So, it was a great trip, and we will definitely be back. Keep an eye on our website as we hope to get back up there in the next month or two, and everyone is invited!!! Ian