On 5 March 2020, Toni, Eric and their certified assistance dog, Hilly, completed the Murray to Clare Lavender Cycling Trail (M2C) over eight days. They travelled south to north using their motorhome as a base. Toni has kindly agreed to let us share her story (in Toni’s words):
About Us
Eric and I are from South West Rocks in NSW. It’s a small seaside village between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. We are currently travelling over to WA for a family wedding. While googling for rail trails, we came across the new M2C. So we made a detour and here we are.
We are doing it a little differently for a few reasons. I have a permanent disability from getting one of those nasty pelvic mesh products in me. It’s out now but damage already done. My surgeon said the worst thing I could do would be ride a bike. Huh! Not being able to walk much (which I loved), I tried an eBike and it has literally given me back my life.
My husband had to buy one as well just to keep up with me. (He was resistant to them until he tried one. He had so much fun that he wondered why he didn’t get one sooner!)
We travel in a little motorhome and always with my certified assistance dog, so we do loops of bike riding that take us back to base every afternoon.
Day 1 – Old Rockleigh School House to Murray Bridge Return
Our first base and 2 night park was the Rockleigh School House. We thoroughly enjoyed the variety of terrain, scenery, history, wildlife and connecting trails.
At Murray Bridge we topped up our batteries at the library.
There were about 6 gates to go through which is just a fun challenge. After zooming around the township of Murray Bridge and doing a few detours, we ended up doing 108 km. We were pretty happy to make it back and stoked with all the first day had to offer.
Day 2 – Old Rockliegh School House to Mount Pleasant Return
We are so glad that we are doing the trail both ways! Today was up and down gravel roads, some on the Kidman Trail. Fabulous early morning scenery but then returning south, we noticed so much more, such as a goldmine, historic bridge and electrical power-station. It also seemed much easier going south.
Our Trek Powerfly bikes climb so well that we barely notice the climbs. What we had to be careful of was travelling so fast down hills with loose gravel.
It was an easy day of 63 km and even though we probably could have made the trip within battery range, we conveniently hooked up to power at one of the tables at the Mount Pleasant Bakery. They also welcomed Hilly our assistance dog.
After today’s cycle, we moved on and drove to Eden Valley Showgrounds. It’s a friendly little park with old but very clean amenities. After showering in our van for almost a week, it’s nice to be here. Plus, managed to do some laundry.
Day 3 – Eden Valley Showground to Mount Pleasant return and then Eden Valley Showground to Henschke Winery return.
Whoever said that the trail would get even better was correct. Really nice roads to travel on. We seemed to do tons of coasting down hills. Lots of kangaroos, birds, alpacas, pigs, cattle, sheep and a fox.
Arriving in Mount Pleasant, we ran into Michelle from the Uncool Cycling group who recognised us through Hilly in the basket. Wished we could have spoken longer but she was on a mission. Go girl! It really made us feel welcome.
The Lavender Cycling Trail Ride with GPS tracking was spot on and made everything stress-free. After returning to base (our van), we put the bikes on charge and made ourselves a healthy lunch.
Henschke Cellar Door
Feeling so good we decided to ride out to Henschke for some wine tasting. Fabulous 25 km cycle and what a treat to talk to locals at the winery. Got some great tips on the area and it has made us even more keen to venture from the track and see the gorgeous little towns. Lucky Eric had room in his pannier for a bottle of wine. Rather expensive but excellent quality and organic.
Overall, with our detours we did 98 km. Our little winery excursion has changed our ‘timetable’, but who cares. We love being flexible and there seem to be so many places one can park and then ride. At this stage using the eBikes and knowing there are plenty of hills, we know we can easily ride out 35 kms and 35 kms back and not stress.
We are lucky that we can use the generator in our van to charge up both bikes while we have a break and lunch. Then if we feel like it, we continue on the track in the afternoon. Day 3 and we are already feeling fitter and more confident.
Day 4 -Henschke to Truro Return.
50 kms. It would have been easier without the strong winds. We followed behind a farmer mustering his sheep into a paddock. It was interesting to have a little chat about life on the farm and his working dogs.
As per Helen’s recommendation (Day 3 of her ride on the M2C) we went to the Sunrise Bakery at Truro. Took the sandwiches and milkshake down to a park not far behind the bakery. Nice and quiet there. Yum lunch. Thick shakes delicious but with our tummies so full it made the ride back to our parked van harder.
We took the afternoon off and drove into Angaston and walked around while our batteries were charging. Gorgeous well kept town. We had heard that the Angaston Roaring 40’s Cafe makes the best pizza in Australia. We tried it and it was delicious. You can split the pizza toppings.
Day 5 – Truro to Eudunda return
This morning before breakfast we drove to Truro. We were ready to go when I noticed my front tyre had a slow leak. ‘Oh Eric…’ and magically it was changed without my hands getting dirty!
Today was great for stretching out on long reasonably flat terrain. I guess that is why they call the area Neales Flat.
Speaking to a local farmer, she was saying there is an increase in wombats, but they are causing so much trouble. Farmers in tractors are unknowingly driving along on top of a burrow and then having it collapse. Very dangerous for the driver and expensive. Also the wombats have been breaking into water pipes.
Today we did almost 90 km so we charged up at the Eudunda Community School Library at lunchtime. The kids all went a little crazy over Hilly. Opposite the school is their fauna park. A bonus to see the emus close up.
Day 6 – Eudunda to Inspiration Point return
Today we met up with Helen from the Uncool Cycling Club in Eudunda. It makes a difference cycling with someone who can point out such interesting sights and information.
It was ‘freezing’ heading out (and we are Canadian/Aussies). However lucky for us the wind was kind and pushed us in the right direction. What magnificent views this part of the M2C has. From the top near Inspiration Point you can see Robertstown and all down to the Murray.
Having Helen with us meant that we were able to do a loop off the main trail down to Stock Route Road, Point Pass and back to town. Finishing in Eudunda, we had coffee at Good Karma. They also make slow cooked Indian food. Tonight we will feast on Butter Chicken and be well rested for the steepest part of the M2C tomorrow.
Day 7 – Inspiration Point to Waterloo return, then Waterloo to just past Manoora return
We broke today into two parts after hearing that Webbs Gap and Quinns Pass were steep and could use a lot of battery. Great advice. 47 km return and we both only had 1 bar left.
It is amazing how far we seem to travel when you see the mountains so far away and before you know it, you are over them. Great view from up top with the windmills.
The track going up through the gap has lots of trees so you can hear more birdlife. It’s also probably a 4WD. Cyclists just have to be careful and descend at their own safe pace. Eric and I love the challenge and we tend to ride it a bit like a mountain bike trail.
In the afternoon we did another 23 km down the track from Waterloo to Manoora return.
Day 8 – Manoora to Clare return
We FINISHED! 635 km both ways of the M2C. (This includes probably an extra 35 km wandering around sightseeing.)
Today was another pretty big day. We started near Manoora and enjoyed seeing Mintaro and Watervale. Part of the M2C goes on the beautifully made rail trail (Riesling Trail). We didn’t want to get off it when we knew it had only 6 km to Clare.
But instead, we stayed on the M2C, which took us up up up to Spring Gully Lookout. Worth the climb. In Clare we topped up our batteries at a new cafe called 1871. Worth visiting and you can park your bike outside and charge it.
Coming home we took the Riesling Trail to Auburn, which was another bonus. Tonight we will stay in Mintaro and celebrate at the Magpie and Stump Hotel.
South Australia, thanks for having us. Our eight days on the M2C were wonderful. We will be back!
Note: all photos by Toni or Eric, except where otherwise indicated
To read more about the Murray to Clare Lavender Cycling Trial (M2C) go to the website.
