I had cycled the Encounter Bikeway from the Bluff to Goolwa before. However, after returning from twelve months travelling around Australia, I saw it with fresh eyes.
The Encounter Bikeway
The Encounter Bikeway is a 30 kilometre on-road and shared bike path which extends from the Bluff in the west to Goolwa in the east. Between Victor Harbor and Goolwa, the bikeway follows a rail corridor that runs close to the beach and includes the towns of Port Elliot and Middleton.
As the historic Cockle Train is still running on the railway, the Encounter Bikeway is like the Castlemaine Maldon Rail Trail.
The path often runs near the train tracks. At other times the bikeway takes a more scenic, coastal route. Therefore the Encounter Bikeway does not always have the easy gradients you might expect of a rail trail.
The Ride Plan
Simone posted the event in the Uncool Cycling Club Group as a birthday ride for her partner Brian. Apparently, the Encounter Bikeway is Brian’s favourite bike trail and he also loves the Bombora @ Goolwa Beach Cafe. With this in mind, Simone organized for us to meet at the Bluff and cycle to the cafe for lunch.
After lunch, those who were keen could ride back to the start point, while others planned to take their bikes on the Cockle Train for the return journey.
Meanwhile, Karen and I both had husbands who were not riding. Derek and Wayne would drop us at the start point and meet us later at the cafe for lunch.
The Bluff to Victor Harbor (5 kilometres)
It was a one hour and forty minute drive to the Bluff from where most of us live on the northern side of Adelaide. Nevertheless, we all arrived in plenty of time to start the ride.
Initially the weather looked unpromising with a slight drizzle and strong westerly winds. The westerly would be good for those who were only going one way, but those riding back would be dealing with a powerful headwind.
Our ride leader, Simone, headed off. There were a few twists and turns to get to the bridge over the Inman River. I was enjoying being a follower, relaxing and not being responsible for finding the right directions. That being said, the Encounter Bikeway is mostly well sign-posted.
After five kilometres, we passed the Tramway at Victor Harbor. Gradually, the clouds began to clear. I was soon regretting that I hadn’t brought my GoPro camera as it was now a perfect day to get scenic footage.
Victor Harbor to Port Elliot (7 kilometres)
The ride continued uneventfully with a hill to climb before descending to the creek at Watson Gap.
Simone took us on a short detour to have a closer look at the railway bridge. It was disappointing to see that some vandals had sprayed the bridge with graffiti, but nevertheless the outlook was stunning.
Naturally, we went under the arch to see what was on the other side:
More graffiti and a beautiful view.
When it was time to turn back, I struggled to turn my bike on its back wheel in the confined space. To make matters worse, I got the giggles in this awkward position, rendering myself even more immobile. De caught this snap of me looking embarrassed as Nigel comes to my rescue.
Eventually we were all back on track and continuing on the Encounter Bikeway.
As we approached Port Elliot, the Cockle Train came through.
There were a few more hills to climb as we pedalled along the coast.
Port Elliot to Goolwa Beach (12 kilometres)
A highlight of the next section was the beautiful view of the beach looking east towards Middleton.
However, by now we were starting to become hungry. Time to focus on getting to our destination!
After a few more “undulations”, we turned right along Beach Road. Suddenly, a very strong wind blasted our faces. Thankfully I would not be riding back to the start against that!
Our lunch at Bombora @ Goolwa Beach Cafe was delightful with good company and great food.
The Return Journey
Soon it was time to make the return journey. Nigel, Brian and Rosemary bravely set off to battle the headwind for most of the return ride.
Simone and De completed the Encounter Bikeway by riding to Goolwa Station. From there, they caught the Cockle Train back to Victor Harbor, only needing to ride a further five kilometres to the Bluff against the wind.
Karen, Wayne, Derek and I set off straight away for Adelaide.
Summary
What an amazing ride we had enjoyed on the Encounter Bikeway! I had forgotten how beautiful it could be. With the tail wind and the lovely scenery, my short ride could not have been more perfect. You can download a printable map of the Encounter Bikeway from the City of Victor Harbor website.
In total I had cycled 24 kilometres and climbed 135 metres.
For more photos of the Encounter Bikeway, read Karen’s story about her ride on the trail as part of the BikeSA Mini Coast to Coast.
Another great rail trail ride in South Australia is the Riesling Trail, while the Shiraz Rail Trail is less than 50 kilometres from Victor Harbor.
