The Murray to Clare Lavender Cycling Trail (M2C) is a cycling version of the Lavender Federation Walking Trail. This is the story of a test ride we did between Watervale and Manoora.
We met at Manoora, loaded my bike onto George’s car and shuttled to Watervale Oval.
Watervale to Mintaro (12 km)
Our journey started with a steady three kilometre climb out of Watervale on Watervale-Mintaro Road. It was worth it for the lovely views to the east at the top.
After a short roll, we joined Leasingham Road for a few kilometres. Although bitumised, it was not at all busy.
Still, it was good to turn onto dirt again at Kadlunga Road. It was mid-August and the wattle was out.
When we stopped to admire the view a little further on, I noticed a hiss coming from George’s back tyre. It was deflating quickly.
Luckily George had goo in the tube, so we decided to make a dash for Mintaro. If you keep the tyre moving, the goo will often set, saving you the need to change the tube.
Historic Mintaro
On the way into Mintaro we passed Mintaro Slate Quarries. Slate has been continuously mined in the area since 1856.
By now George’s tube had sealed, so we were able to stop and see the Wesleyan Methodist Church, built in 1867 and
the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, built in 1854.
Admiring many historic cottages on the way, we pedalled up to Reillys Wines Cellar Door.
I have on other occasions had very good coffee at this cellar door, but unfortunately we learned that it is only available on Friday to Monday and this was a Tuesday.
We were also too early for the pub, the Magpie and Stump, which opens at eleven. No problem, we had brought plenty of food with us.
Between 1849 and 1857, bullock wagons carted copper ingots from the mine at Burra to Port Wakefield. The settlements of Mintaro, Watervale, Auburn and Leasingham grew up where the bullock teams watered.
Recently the Uncool Cycling Club followed in the tracks of the bullock wagons on the Copper Trail between Leasingham and Balakalava.
Mintaro to Manoora (21 km)
Much refreshed from our break, and in high spirits that we had escaped having to change a tube, we headed out of Mintaro. Passing the beautiful Martindale Hall, we rode onto Blatchford Road.
It wasn’t long before Blatchford Road became very muddy. George had a mudguard on his bike, but in extreme conditions, this only adds to the problem as there is less room for the wheel to turn freely.
We stopped to see if we could remove the mudguard, but unfortunately none of us had the right tool.
We struggled on for four kilometres. Fortunately the surface improved when we turned onto Halls Road.
If you are riding after recent rain, you can use the Manoora-Mintaro Road instead of Blatchford Road.
On Halls Road we climbed for four kilometres before deciding we needed a lunch break.
Soon we were ready to go again and climbed a further two kilometres, before starting a gentle roll all the way to Manoora.
Just a kilometre out of Manoora , we passed the historic settlement of Chinkford on St Anthonys Road. Beside a charming church, an intricate gate marked the entrance to the cemetery.
While I photographed the gate, George explored the cemetery and noticed that there were many Irish names on the headstones. Indeed the gate had been erected in memory of William Slattery (an Irish surname).
Chinkford was also originally settled in the 1840’s as a bullock team watering hole when the main route from the Burra copper mine went to Gawler.
We resumed our ride and soon we arrived in Manoora.
Manoora
Once in Manoora, George was keen to show us the oval, where you can camp.
Next we went to explore the old railway station. Manoora was established in 1867 when the government decided to build a railway line to Burra.
Although the first train arrived in 1870, the station was not erected until 1898.
Sadly it now looks very dilapidated. Four other stations on the Burra line were built to the same design: Tarlee, Saddleworth, Merildin and Farrell Flat.
An unusual water tower at the station caught my eye. It looks like there was a well underneath the floor from which water was pumped up to the tank at the top of the tower.
There is a similar water tower at Farrell Flat railway station.
We loaded all our bikes onto my car and drove back to Watervale.
Summary of our ride from Watervale to Manoora
We had ridden 33 kilometres and climbed 384 metres. Despite the very muddy section (which could be avoided), it was a very enjoyable ride with lots of interest.
Here is the map of our ride
and the elevation chart.
Before we drove home, George introduced us to the Watervale General Store, where we enjoyed hearty cakes and a coffee. The Watervale General Store would be a great lunch stop or finishing point if you were cycling on the Riesling Trail.
If you would like to know more about the 285 km Murray to Clare Cycling Trail, have a look at this overview page.
