As I woke in Mt Pleasant on Day 5 of my ride on the Murray to Clare Cycling Trail (M2C), I had no idea whether I would make it to Murray Bridge that day. Nevertheless, I was going to give it my best shot. My back-up plan, if I was too tired, was to finish at Monarto.
Based on my eBike battery usage on the previous day, the range indicator was showing that I would have power assistance for 51 kilometres. The only problem was that I had 75 kilometres to go to Murray Bridge. I was betting that with a lot of downhill after the first 20 kilometres, I would be able to ride without assistance for much of the day.
Mt Pleasant to Rockleigh
As I rode the three kilometres to Mt Pleasant from Namgarina Vineyard, there was a slight drizzle. I didn’t mind the rain, as I was grateful that it would be a cool day.
It was too early for the bakeries, but I had plenty of food for my lunch. Before long, I was on my way out of town again and pedalling towards Tungkillo.
After a short break at Tungkillo, I rode past historic Hoads Woolshed. Unfortunately I didn’t take many photos on this day, as I was very focussed on trying to make it all the way to Murray Bridge.
The first 26 kilometres were quite undulating, although I can see from my Strava record that there was an overall decline. Then, the roll seemed to become more consistent.
Rockleigh to Monarto
After 32 kilometres, I came to the Old Schoolhouse at Rockleigh, which is a Trail Head on the Kidman Trail.
If you book ahead through the Kidman Trail website, you can arrange to sleep inside, but there are no beds or bed platforms.
As I continued on down Rockleigh Road and on to Panican Hill Road, the countryside was very dry.
Nevertheless I saw a lot of wildlife. During the course of the day I saw over a hundred kangaroos, two foxes, a few large flocks of cockatoos and several flocks of white-winged choughs.
Turning the battery off when I could, and using it sparingly on the hills, I gradually made progress.
Ten kilometres out from Monarto, I began to believe that I could make it to Murray Bridge. I had 30 kilometres to go and a battery range of 25 kilometres.
My husband Derek was keeping an eye on my progress with Friend Locator. With an hour to drive to meet me at Murray Bridge, he set off from home when I arrived at Monarto Oval.
Monarto to Murray Bridge
Now with 20 kilometres to go, the battery range was showing 29 kilometres. There were a few sandy sections near Monarto Zoo. Knowing I was tired, I was especially careful.
The whole trip I had been worrying about getting through the gate on this section of the M2C with my heavy bike.
However, as it turned out, I managed it fairly easily.
Feeling more relaxed, I particularly enjoyed this track after the zoo.
Soon I was rolling down Maurice Road,
pedalling along the track near the railway, through the Rocky Gully wetlands and along the Murray River to the end of my journey at the Lavender Trail sign at Murray Bridge.
Derek greeted me with a lovely bunch of flowers.
Would you believe the battery range indicator now said I could ride another 40 kilometres!
Summary of my Day 5 ride from Mt Pleasant to Murray Bridge on the M2C
Although I have not really captured it in my photos, the day featured many panoramic views of the Murray Plains on my descent after Tungkillo.
Despite the overall decline, I had still climbed 765 metres over 73 kilometres. The same ride recorded with Ride with GPS shows an elevation gain of 731 metres.
Since I completed the trail, there have been some changes in the M2C between Monarto and Rockleigh.
Summary of the whole eBike adventure on the M2C
For me, completing the Murray to Clare Cycling Trail end to end was a big achievement. It was my second bike tour, and the first one had been only an over-nighter to McLaren Vale on the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.
I had already ridden the entire trail in sections before I began, but riding it end to end was quite a different experience. If I were to do it again, I would allow either a few easier days or perhaps a complete rest day in the east Barossa region.
Needless to say, none of this would have been possible without the wonderful support of my husband Derek.
For further information about the Murray to Clare Lavender Cycling Trail or to download the full map, go to the website.
Top picture: On Collins Road, after Tungkillo
