UPDATE: AS IT LOOKS LIKE WE ONLY HAVE 6 RIDERS KEEN FOR THIS TOUR, I’VE DECIDED TO NOT GO AHEAD AT THIS POINT IN TIME. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SHOWED INTEREST.
I’m leaving this info here in case it’s helpful for anyone else considering something similar:
“Complete the northern half of the Lavender Cycling Trail (LCT) from Truro to Clare over four days with a support vehicle and shuttle service from your accommodation in Nuriootpa!
Rolling down into Waterloo
THIS ITINERARY IS A DRAFT AND WILL BE REFINED IF WE HAVE ENOUGH INTEREST
Friday 20 September to Monday 23 September 2024
Friday Day 1 Truro to Eudunda 41 km 333 m climb
9AM Load bikes, bus from opposite Big 4 Barossa Tourist Park Nuriootpa to opposite Sunrise Bakery Truro (15 km)
A fairly flat and easy day to start.
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 will be also be provided so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy.
Support vehicle stop: Neales Flat.
3PM Bus return from Eudunda District Hall to Nuriootpa 45 km
Saturday Day 2 Eudunda to Waterloo 46 km 578 m climb
9AM Load bikes, bus 45 km to Eudunda District Hall
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 will be also be provided so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy.
Support vehicle stop: Inspiration Point.
3PM Bus return from Tom Kruse Park Waterloo to Nuriootpa 63 km (50 minutes)
Sunday Day 3 Waterloo to Watervale 43 km 364 m climb
9AM Load bikes, bus 63 km to Tom Kruse Park Waterloo (50 minutes)
Time lunch for Mintaro Magpie and Stump Hotel (31 km)
Optional coffee at Watervale General Store before going to Watervale Oval for return 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
A wet weather alternative route will be also be provided so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy.
Support vehicle stop: Manoora
3PM Bus return from Watervale Oval to Nuriootpa 79 km
Monday Day 4 Watervale to Clare Trail Head and on to Sevenhill 32 km 462 m climb
9AM Load bikes, bus 79 km to Watervale
Ride to trail head at Clare for finish photo. To complete your Lavender Cycling Trail Northern Tour, cycle along the Riesling Trail with a final food stop at Sevenhill Bakery finishing at Richardson Park.
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.
Support vehicle stop: Blue Gum Lookout.
3PM Bus return from Richardson Park Sevenhill to Nuriootpa 88 km.
COSTS for the Lavender Cycling Trail Northern Tour
The cost per participant for the shuttle/support vehicle is $420. On top of this you need to budget for your accommodation and organise your own food.
The shuttle will leave and return from opposite the Big 4 Barossa Tourist Park Nuriootpa each day. There are currently plenty of vacancies at this caravan park, but please feel free to organise your accommodation elsewhere.
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.
