Day Nine, The Adelaide Hills. The top ride to date.
OK, point taken, my selection of accommodation at Murray Bridge may not have been the sharpest decision I have ever made, nuff said.
By the way, Mark Batty is celebrating another year closer to the pension today the 5th of April, 50 something he tells me.
Out of Murray Bridge bright and early, about the same time as the road gang we learnt all the Aussie translations off last night........and into Hahndorf, slutty wee town, a bit of Arrowtown going on there, Autumn colors hitting all the deciduous trees, got there just as a cafe opened, breakfast and coffee.
The ride in the Adelaide Hills we have agreed is the top days ride in Oz to date, beats the Snowy Mountains and we won’t even talk about the GOR, don’t make me remember that ride.
If you are anywhere near SA, don’t bypass Adelaide without a look around the Hills, what an awesome part of the world, I could live there.
Tourists in a car might try the more popular routes, but if you are riding a motorcycle, have a couple hours to spare and want the roads less travelled, have a look at the following route. You won’t regret it, even just for the gorgeous old stone homes and shops. Beautiful.
This ride starts in Hahndorf, take the B34 and the 58 to Birdwood, pop into the Main Street in Birdwood and have a look at the National Motor Museum, an absolute must see.
I can’t leave Birdwood without referencing a shop called “Bills Bits and Bikes” (www.billsbitsandbikes.com) and he has a facebook page. This shop is like a pilgrimage for motorcycle fans. he is a bike wrecker, he has 5 acres, he has bikes and bits for Africa. If you need a part and can’t find it in NZ, get hold of this guy. What a fantastic shop to visit.
Birdwood is a peaceful restful wee town, ride along to Gumeracha, more of the same, cute as.
In Gumeracha take the Kenton valley Road, this winds and sweeps through to Lobethal, take a right and follow your nose thru Lenswood and Ashton to the U corner at Norton Summit. On this corner, take a right onto Norton Summit Road. Outstanding views over distant Adelaide as you wind your way around the summit of the Hills. Norton Summit drops you into Adelaide on Magill. The pic of the Birthday Boy is taken about half way down Norton Summit Road approaching the city
At the first set of lights go right on St Bernard and follow your nose until you see a sign for the B31/Gorge Road. Turn right and head up Gorge Road, a treat for all motorcyclists and right on the edge of Adelaide. Awesome.
Follow this to Chain of Ponds then come back into Adelaide on the B10 NE Road. Just north of tee tree gully is the Inglewood Inn, a fine establishment to dine, nice views over the bush.
This is an awesome days riding of only about 150 kms. If you have more time, maybe a full day, throw in the Wine Region loop so Birdwood/Angaston/Lyndoch/Williamstown/Chain of Ponds.
The loop we rode has no buses, no tourists in fact next to no cars so is a pleasure to ride. We saw more budding Adelaide cyclists up there than motorists, a haven for cycling I would suggest.
South Australia is my favorite State for scenery and riding so far, has a real relaxing laid back vibe to it. Lucky you’s That live here I say.
Staying in North Adelaide Comfort Inn, right by the Cafe strip. Off across some wheat field country tommorrow heading for Port Augusta.