Australian bike tour adventures in Adelaide South Australia
Day 1 – Adelaide A Natural Fit for ‘Cycling down Under’
Arrival day on my Australian bike tour into Adelaide was easy with a quick trip to the lovely accommodation from the airport followed by a nice introduction to Adelaide with a ride around the center City. This consisted of a relaxing trip around some of the lovely downtown green space and past some of the most iconic and interesting architecture in the city center. This perfect quick “stretch your legs and breathe ride” was followed by a spectacular welcome dinner at a local French/ Australian restaurant with something superb for every palate from calamari to local fish, stewed beef cheek and of course wine and dessert (lemon soufflé yes please) leaving us extremely content ready for a good night’s sleep!
Day 2 – Norton Summit sits high above the plains of Adelaide
The challenging ride up Norton Summit and through Basket Range was well worth the effort offering lovely sweeping views of Adelaide CBD and the ocean beyond in a forested setting. Lots of opportunities to climb and once arrived at the wonderful pizzeria Lost in a Forest located in a 130 year old church you will feel more than ready (and deserving) of a few slices of pizza heaven.
Day 3 – Adelaide City to Gulf St Vincent Sea
A recovery day ride from Norton Summit and the Basket Range is in order and a quick trip to the beach is just the thing. Quiet roads lead to Henley Beach, a lovely spot of sea and sand with a return on the bike path along the River Torrens is pure zen. The river path affords viewing (and listening) to cockatoos, and Rosellas among other spectacular birds. Our afternoon was filled with a trip to the McLaren valley to sample scrumptious cheese and local wines produced by Leconfield winery as well as the McLaren Vale institution Fruchocs (a local treat of chocolate covered fruits) but it didn’t stop there…we drove amongst the finest views in the Fleurieu Peninsula (wishing to take some Australian cheese back to the USA) the fine delights just didn’t stop from cheese production and tasting, to South Australia’s finest strawberries and curds to some of the best pinot we have tasted finishing with Melbas’s and Haigh’s chocolate, an outstanding local purveyor of fine chocolate. A fine day of beautiful iconic South Australia discoveries!
Day 4 – Adelaide Hills Gorge Road and Cudlee Creek
This ride takes off rising out of Adelaide CBD on a gentle grade leading to a beautiful winding canyon offering views of a reservoir and dam as well as serene Creekside vistas and stunning rock walls. The ride presents a challenge, but you’ll be too busy enjoying the experience to notice your heart beating quickly. You will notice your stomach growling and arrival into the rustic Cuddle Creek Cafe will provide some superb sustance with absolutely spectacular burgers and a killer vanilla slice or two in a stunning “bush” setting. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Aussie wildlife along the way. Sightings of a few kangaroos and wallabies add to the enjoyment of the experience!
Day 5 – Glenelg and The Barossa Valley
A bit if unusual summer rain led to “plan zed” as coach Paul would say so the planned ride transformed into a leisurely cruise down to the lovely Glenelg to see some seaside charm at Adelaide’s favorite beach. We enjoyed a coffee and avocado ‘smash’ (must be a ‘aussie thing’) and a stroll around some shops and down to the ocean’s edge for a lovely views. We then traveled on to the Barossa Valley to Maggie Beers’ restaurant and farm shop for some delectable and a totally organic cuisine experience in a lovely park-like setting complete with turtle watching and product sampling galore in the shop! This provided just the perfect day experiencing the variety of life in South Australia! The views across the vineyards and the fabulous wines also didn’t hurt (and neither did my legs!)
Day 6 – Lofty Views at Mount Lofty Summit
Mount Lofty can be described briefly with a single word: “WOW”. This ride is a real treat for anyone who likes fantastic views, great climbing and wildlife viewing. Not only did we have the pleasure of sweeping views of the CBD, the surrounding hills and the bay we also saw not one but two Koalas in their natural habitat! To say this ride was going out with a bang is an understatement! You will climb once in the morning you will be rewarded with a lovely lunch at the top affording great views and a wonderful gift shop with lots of special “Australiana” (you’ll be wishing you had massive jersey pockets). It’s all downhill from there with a nice roll home on tree lined roads, a full belly, and pockets loaded down possibly with a boomerang, a tea towel or two and some beautiful aussie leather products. This really is a special journey and a great send off from Adelaide, SA and our Australian bike tour.
