Kapunda to Riverton on the Mawson Trail

In the second of three articles about riding the Mawson Trail,  Kerri and her husband ride from Kapunda to Riverton:

On our second day on the Mawson Trail, we started by dropping a car at Riverton. Then we drove back to my sister’s house, which is situated right on the Mawson Trail at Kapunda where we’d finished the day before.

Kapunda to the first peak

We rode out of Kapunda and turned onto a gravel back road.

The surface was smooth and easy going at first,

but it quickly disintegrated into a very rough, stony and steep track!

We climbed and climbed. I was relieved to see even Roger needing to walk, as his back wheel would not grip on the steep gravel. This section was very tough and slow going and it seemed to go on forever. Wasn’t it only fifteen kilometres to The Pines Recreation Reserve?

Finally we got to the first peak of Light Range and were rewarded with magnificent views across the valley to Kapunda and beyond.

It had taken well over an hour to ride just ten kilometres. I remember thinking a coffee would have been nice, although the scenery would beat most coffee shop views!

From the first peak to Pines Recreation Reserve

We had a snack and then tipped ourselves over the hill. I decided it was probably easier going down than up. However, this particular bit was very steep. I dodged stones and ruts, gripping my brakes very tightly all the way down.

We were so shaken about at the bottom that we almost missed the arrow pointing straight ahead through a closed gate. This led us onto private property where sheep were calmly grazing around us. They are probably used to seeing crazy people like us on bikes!

Although we were still descending, it was much easier going. Soon we continued through to the Tarlee Road and rode on for a few kilometres. Finally we turned into The Pines Recreation Reserve, a historic picnic spot frequented by locals, my sister included.

I briefly wished that there was a car waiting for me here. After all, we’d already been riding for two hours and only covered fifteen kilometres! I could just ride back to Kapunda on the bitumen road perhaps? Oh no where’s the challenge in that??? …so I climbed back onto my bike!

The Pines Recreation Reserve to the final Light Range Peak

We’d had our reward of descending and then a rest stop. Now it was time to climb again. This section was easier and very scenic. As we headed up Black Hill, we passed old farmhouse ruins, birds and even a blue tongue lizard  sunning itself on the track .

We saw the Heysen Trail signs and I couldn’t help but think of our friends, Ellen and Peter, who have walked the whole 1000 kilometres.

I recall them saying how tricky some sections were. However, they were walking, not walking AND pushing a bike up this particular hill!

From the final Light Range Peak to Riverton

It had taken another hour and a half from The Pines to reach the last peak of Light Range… such fantastic views across to Riverton this time.

Then down, down, down we went with wind in our hair (well one of us) and I was feeling that great sense of achievement.

We were now cycling with grain crops either side of us. The roads became smoother and we picked up speed.

It was comforting to see the main road into Riverton ahead at last. I was tired and hungry.

In Riverton, we found the Emporium Bakehouse and those baguettes tasted good.

Of course I was thankful that I hadn’t turned back after all!

It had been a long and challenging ride, but these are the ones you remember!

Kapunda to Riverton Summary

On our ride from Kapunda to Riverton on the Mawson Trail, we had cycled 45 kilometres with an elevation gain of 575 metres. It had taken us 3 hours and 45 minutes riding time.

We hadn’t seen any other cyclists on the trail.

On the following day, Kerri and Roger rode from Riverton to Auburn on the Mawson Trail. On the day before, they completed the section between Tanunda and Kapunda.

To read more about rides on the Mawson Trail, see my ride with Rhonda and Brian between Brachina Gorge Road and Wilpena.