April 12, 2021
Finally we’re off
Adelaide to Mt Crawford
After what seems an eternity of planning and talking about riding the Mawson Trail, finally we’re underway. Steve flew in from Sydney this morning and Pete arrived first thing having camped at Murray Bridge last night. I’ve been in Adelaide for 2 days with Cherie doing some serious research into what wine to have tonight, and after much deliberation decided on an Ashton Hills Pinot.
After procuring a satellite phone and doing a quick shop we had just enough time to have a coffee whilst waiting for Steve to lob in from the airport. We were a bit unsure as to whether we could have a fire at our campsite tonight as they’ve extended the fire season in some districts as it’s been so dry. Pete asked the owner of the coffee roasting house if he knew what fire district we were heading to. He didn’t, but he was going camping this weekend with assistant fire commissioner of SA so he rang him and he gave us a special dispensation. Excellent service and bloody good coffee as well.
On the road at 11am, the first 15ks were along bike paths next to the Torrens River heading towards the Adelaide hills. I of course headed the wrong way up the river, confirming my complete lack of any sense of direction. After leaving the river the Gorge road started rising up to the official start point of the Mawson Trail. We turned off onto a dirt road that immediately went up and up and up. We climbed close to 1000 metres in not many k’s but there was a fair bit of pushing involved.
We got in to camp just as the sun was setting after a great first day of riding.
Today's ride: 70 km (43 miles)
Total: 70 km (43 miles)
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Thanks for following! Dennis
3 years ago