We are so lucky living on the northern side of Adelaide. After only a 45 minute drive (or less) we can be cycling Barossa backroads.
The Barossa Rail Trail between Tanunda and Angaston is a safe and car-free central bikeway, and from there you can cycle on Barossa backroads to lovely villages such as Bethany and Light Pass. Alternatively, you can pedal winery roads such as Krondorf or Para Roads.
I had planned today’s ride with two loops so that cyclists had the option of finishing the ride at 30 km or adding on another hill to make it 44 km.
Barossa backroads from Bethany to Angaston
From Bethany Reserve, eleven of us headed out along Thiele Road, which is also part of the Heysen walking trail. Soon the bitumen turned to gravel as we pedalled on towards Magnolia Road.
After a gentle climb, we turned onto Light Pass Road and coasted along to the spot where it crosses the Barossa Rail Trail.
Turning right onto the trail, we began a gradual climb up to our coffee stop at Angaston.
I love this section of the Barossa Rail Trail with its steep cuttings and high embankments. You can see these in this video of the descent from Angaston to Nuriootpa.
In the early weeks of January our usual coffee shop was closed, so we pedalled a little further up Murray Street to try Soul with Zest.
Soul with Zest did a great job of supplying us with coffee and delicious food, with some of us sitting outside in the cool while others preferred to stay warm inside.
Angaston – Penrice – Nuriootpa
I love the long, slow hill on Penrice Road leading out of Angaston. Once we had all re-grouped at the top, we rolled down through the small town of Penrice and turned left onto a gravel backroad through the vineyards.
Coasting down Saleyards Road, we covered three kilometres in no time.
Soon we were on Light Pass Road again. We cycled on to join the lower half of the Barossa Rail Trail. The easy descent to Nuriootpa is very enjoyable.
Nuriootpa to Tanunda – Barossa Rail Trail
Crossing the Barossa Valley Way, we pedalled past Steins Taphouse and Penfolds Barossa Cellar Door. At this point, the Barossa Rail Trail is bordered by small red roses on the edge of the vineyards.
As we approached Tanunda, we turned onto Para Road and pedalled past Richmond Grove, Peter Lehmann Wines and Langmeil Winery. All of these are well worth visiting, but that was for another occasion.
Our next destination was the old Tanunda Railway Station. As we neared the station, we were surprised to hear music drifting eerily from behind its closed doors. Feeling curious and a little nervous, we pedalled closer to investigate.
The Tanunda Railway Station is now serving as a community radio station!
Continuing on down Basedow Road, we passed Chateau Tanunda before retracing our steps along Thiele Road.
Bethany Road
As we were now near our start point at Bethany Reserve, it was time for everyone to decide whether to finish the ride here or continue for a further fourteen kilometres. Roxy left us here as she was cycling back to the train at Gawler.
Brian and Rhonda went back to their car to collect their packed lunch. We waited for them outside Bethany Lutheran Church, which was a hive of activity.
Krondorf Road
After re-grouping, we pedalled along Bethany Road and turned left. A few gravel roads brought us onto Krondorf Road at Lawley Farm.
Krondorf Road is a long slow climb with a steep section towards the end. As we climbed, we passed Rockford Wines and Charles Melton Wines.
The faster riders went ahead to see if we could get a table outside at Grant Burge Cellar Door, where we planned to eat and sample a few wines.
Grant Burge Cellar Door
Some of us were right down in our lowest granny gear for the last part of the climb, but it was all worth it when we saw the lovely view at the top from the gardens of Grant Burge.
We bought platters, and some of us sampled wines and bought a glass to have with our lunch.
With plenty of room on the grass, lovely views, some food options and toilet facilities, this is a great destination for cyclists. Best to book your platters though, and phone ahead if you have lots of cyclists wanting to sample wines!
From Grant Burge, it was only a four kilometre ride on Barossa backroads to our start point. Another short climb on Lily Farm Road and then a thrilling descent down Rifle Range Road.
Summary
Cycling Barossa backroads is a great way to really experience the magic of the Barossa. With so many wineries, and coffee shops in the towns to choose from, you are spoilt for choice.
All together, we had cycled 44 kilometres and climbed 366 metres.
If you feel that a shorter, easier ride would be more for you, ride the Barossa Rail Trail from Tanunda to Angaston (13 kilometres). You can find many wonderful wineries only a short distance from the trail.
If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can hire one from the Barossa Cycle Hub or Barossa Bike Hire.
For other Barossa backroads variation, see our west Barossa ride from Freeling to Greenock or read about cycling up Menglers Hill.
Top photo by Di Cuthbertson
