Thursday 19 September to Sunday 22 September 2024
Ride the northern half of the Lavender Cycling Trail (LCT) from Truro to Clare over four days!
Rolling down into Waterloo
How the Bus Shuttle Works
On three out of the four days we will use a bus shuttle:
We drive to the end of the day’s ride, pack our bikes on the bus trailer and go by bus to the start of the day’s ride. From there we ride from the start point to the end point for the day. Our cars are then waiting for us at the end of the ride and we drive back to our accommodation.
Thursday Day 1 Truro to Eudunda 41 km 333m climb
Drive to the Eudunda District Hall and find a parking spot. The Eudunda Bakery is usually open from 7:00 am if you would like a coffee beforehand.
Bus Departure 9:00am. Please arrive 20 minutes prior for check-in and boarding. The bus will take us to Truro to begin our ride.
A fairly flat and easy day.
Riding between Dutton and Neales Flat – photo by Kerri Newell
Highlights of the day: Visiting historic Dutton and Neales Flat and cycling the wild and remote region in between.
Historic schoolhouse and belltower at Dutton
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46440240
A wet weather alternative route is provided here just in case so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47725267
Bring your own food and drink as there are no shops on today’s ride once we leave Truro. While toilets are usually open at Neales Flat, bring your own toilet paper just in case.
Friday Day 2 Eudunda to Waterloo 46 km 578 m climb
Drive to Tom Kruse Park, Waterloo and find a parking spot. There are no shops in Waterloo.
Bus Departure 9:00am. Please arrive 20 minutes prior for check-in and boarding. The bus will take us to Eudunda to begin our ride.
Two big climbs today – Webbs Gap from the eastern side (easier to go up than down) and Quinns Gap. The most challenging day on the tour.
Murray takes on the challenging Webbs Gap climb
Highlights of the day: Ride the aptly named Scenic Road to Inspiration Point for an amazing view towards Robertstown and the Murray River, take on the two big climbs and enjoy the fantastic views from the top of the Gaps.
Inspiration Point – photo by Damien Henderson
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46440303
A wet weather alternative route is provided here just in case so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47725291
Bring your own food, drink and toilet paper as there are no shops or conveniences on today’s ride.
Saturday Day 3 Waterloo to Watervale 43 km 364 m climb
Drive to Watervale Oval and find a parking spot.
Bus Departure 9:00am. Please arrive 20 minutes prior for check-in and boarding. The bus will take us to Waterloo to begin our ride.
Climb between Mintaro and Watervale
Highlights of the day: Visit the historic Manoora Railway Station and explore beautiful Mintaro. Possible visit to Martindale Hall also.
One of many beautiful historic homes in Mintaro
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46440353
The official wet weather alternative route is provided here just in case so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46812922
While it is possible to stop for lunch at the Magpie and Stump Hotel (31 km), on this occasion we will bring our own food for lunch in the park at Mintaro.
Optional coffee at the Watervale General Store before going to Watervale Oval to drive home.
Sunday Day 4 Watervale to Clare Trail Head and return to Watervale 44 km 522 m Climb
NO SHUTTLE TODAY as we will loop back to the start point.
Drive to Watervale Oval and find a parking spot, ready to start the ride by 9:00am.
Ride the last section of the LCT to Spring Gully and then the trail head at Clare for the finish photo. To complete your Lavender Cycling Trail Northern Tour, cycle along the Riesling Trail for a bakery stop at the Little Red Grape before returning to your car at Watervale Oval.
Highlights of the day: Beautiful views from Spring Gully lookout, the satisfaction of completing the northern half of the Lavender Cycling Trail.
The lookout at Spring Gully Conservation Park
Trail head at Clare
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46438387
Wet weather alternative route not needed for this section unless extreme rain.
COSTS for the Lavender Cycling Trail Northern Tour
The cost per participant for the shuttle bus service for the 3 days is $180. On top of this you need to budget for your accommodation and organise your own food.
We have been able to organise an 11-seater and an 8-seater bus, leaving a total of 19 places for the tour. These places have all been taken now. Please contact me if you would like to be added to the waiting list.
Payment in full of $180 will be required as soon as possible after Thursday 1 August and before Thursday 8 August. For full details of where to pay and cancellation and refund policy see Booking Cancellation and Refund Policy for Uncool Tours.
If any funds are left over after paying costs, a donation will be made to the Lavender Cycling Trail to help the volunteers maintain the trail.
Accommodation
Derek and I have booked a powered site at the Riverton Caravan Park for the duration of the tour. At the time of writing there are still 3 cabins available at this caravan park. Auburn Caravan Park (no cabins) is also a convenient location to base yourself.
Other cabin accommodation is available at the Clare Valley Caravan Park at Leasingham and at the Discovery Park Clare, not to mention there are many BnBs in the area.
