2021 February - Reunited with the bikes and discovering a little of SA
Reunited with the bikes in Adelaide we took the opportunity to ride south east and discover a few wineries along the way.
A sign of Covid Times
Our flight from Darwin to Adelaide involved a short stop over in Alice Springs. It was confronting to see so many planes parked up, awaiting the day when travel would once again be a normality. In February of 2021 we could not have foreseen how far away it was as a reality for Australians.
Once our bikes were collected, serviced and packed we rode our first leg to the tiny hamlet of Coonawarra some 380km. Reknown as a region for producing some amazing bold reds we did discover they produce other enjoyable varieties including a sparkling. All tasted of course in the name of research.
Our second day we spent the morning in one of the Coonawarras “major towns”, Penola - all be it with a population of just under 2000 people. A short stroll around Penola is a walking tour of life in the 1800’s particularly as you stroll down Petticoat Lane where a number of homes have been heritage listed and preserved. It is also famous for being an important part of the life journey of Mary Mackillop - Australia’s first saint. Last and certainly not least we found it was a great place to provision for our evenings tasting plate with specialties from the region.
Back at our accomodation amongst the vines and with the bikes parked we headed in the opposite direction on foot to complete the Coonawarra Walking Trail. Though there were seven wineries on the trail we opted to take the more relaxed approach and visited only three - Zema, DiGiorgio and Brands Laira where we took in the views and enjoyed a ploughmans platter before wondering through the vines back home. No wonder we only needed a tasting platter for dinner that night.
4th February - Coonawarra, Mt Gambier, Beachport to Robe
Our first stop for the day was a short run of 65km at the Blue Lake in Mt Gambier. The lake occupies the center of a crater and apparently changes from a deep blue in winter to a turquoise blue in summer. Despite the weather not being the best for viewing we would definitely agree it was an impressive blue.
Left: Long pier of Beachport
Leaving Mt Gambier marked the turning point of our trip as we headed west and towards the coastline of South Australia. Lunch was a seafood affair in the tiny beachside town of Beachport. Unfortunately here the weather decided to turn rather grey and inclement.
Thankfully we made it into our destination of Robe before the heavens opened and just managed to stay dry.
Friday 5th February - Robe to Mclaren Vale
Today was one of those days that you wish you had not set a destination without first looking at what the weather had in store. The order of the day was cold, extremely windy, finishing with torrential rain. Perfect for a 340km days ride.
Leaving Robe we rode along the Coorong for the first one hundered kilometers. The Coorong is a long shallow lagoon that sits at the end of the Murray river system and is separated from the Southern Ocean by sand dunes. There were several times the thought crossed ones mind that there was a photo opportunity but the wind was unrelenting as was the cold and it was determined that the best plan was to get to the ferry crossing and inland as quickly as possible.
Riding one butt cheek for one hundred plus kilometers braced against the wind was certainly a new riding style.
The last one hundred kilometers we escaped the coastal wind only to saturated by rain. Thank goodness for good riding gear. Pulling into the driveway of our accomodation in Mclaren Vale was certainly a relief.
Early evening the sun finally decided to make an appearance so we could wander the streets of Mclaren Vale
Saturday 6th Feb discovering a little of Mclaren Vale
Being just 35km from Adelaide Mclaren Vale made the perfect weekend getaway for Scott and Bek to join us.
The plan for Saturday was to start with the Willunga Markets but the weather again had other ideas and after braving a shower it was determined heading indoors for wine tasting was a much safer and warmer option.
Our First Winery stop - Fox Creek Winery
Fox Creek winery is a relatively young winery having been established in 1994. The winery may be young but the cellar door is located on the property in a beautiful 19th century cottage. We were fortunate to be sat in a small lounge area to enjoy our wine tasting. A relaxed setting with informative friendly staff made for a very special wine tasting experience.
Sunday 7th February - Ride day from Mclaren Vale to Cape Jervis and Victor Harbour
With Scott and Bek heading back to Adelaide we took the 1260 our for a Sunday run to Cape Jervis. There is not a lot be be seen we discovered but it is the main terminal from which the car and passenger ferry leaves daily for the 45 minute 16km trip to Kangaroo Island. A popular destination for South Australians at the moment who have a need to go “Overseas”.
Right: Victor Harbour lovely seaside spot for lunch
From Cape Jervis we crossed the headland where we spotted some amazingly large and beautiful grass trees scattered throught the paddocks and along the side of the road. Unfortunately none where it was opportune to pull up and photograph, particularly as it was continuing to intermittently lightly rain.
Monday 8th February. Mclaren Vale to Mt Loft House
Tonights accomodation was about a little bit of luxury in a grand historical building that overloooks Adelaide. Mt Lofty was originally built in 1852 by Arthur Hardy who had a vision to build an English style country manor.
In 1983 in the Ash Wednesday of February 16 Mt Lofty was lost to the bush fires along with 3700 other buildings. It was painstakingly restored by new owners over a three year period from 1986 and is now rated as a five star hotel with a 6 star section soon to be completed.
We enjoyed a predinner history walk around the hotel before an amazing dinner paired with wines by an attentive sommelier. Just as well we had worked up our appetite with a walk up Mt Lofty earlier in the day. The staff were so welcoming we only wished we could have stayed another night to enjoy the facilities and gardens of the hotel.
Glenelg Pier
On Tuesday it was a short run back into Glenelg for an overnight stay before heading home to Darwin again. Flying though Alice springs we got another view of those planes parked on the tarmac waiting for the normality of air travel to return once more.
Hopefully soon.