I decided to start our return ride on the Riesling Trail at Watervale Siding. This way, the total ride to Barinia and back would be a manageable 50 kilometres. Also, we would avoid the long climb between Auburn and Watervale.
The Riesling Trail starts in the south at Auburn and heads 32 kilometres north to the siding at Barinia. On the way, the rail trail passes through the villages of Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham, Sevenhill and the town of Clare.
There was plenty of parking for all of us at Watervale siding.
Some of us were camping at the Riverton Caravan Park for the weekend, while others drove up for the day from Adelaide.
Once we had organised ourselves, we began our ride on the rail trail north towards Barinia.
The first seven kilometres were a steady climb, peaking just after Penwortham. We cycled at our own pace, re-grouping after the crest.
Sevenhill Cellars
After rolling down to Sevenhill Siding, we made a detour from the Riesling Trail up a slight incline to Sevenhill Cellars.
Some of the group had never been there and I was keen to show them the historic church, seminary and cellars established by Jesuit priests in 1851.
Damien took this photo of us in front of the church.
Meanwhile, here is a capture by my GoPro camera as we rode past the cellar door.
Our second detour from the Riesling Trail was to our coffee break at The Little Red Grape Bakery in the village of Sevenhill. There were plenty of bike racks out the back, and the coffee was good.
Sevenhill to Barinia on the Riesling Trail
By now we had completed eleven kilometres, and it was time to re-join the Riesling Trail and push on to Barinia.
As we passed by Clare, we had a bit of fun posing with these sheep.
Before long, we reached the end of the Riesling Trail at Barinia.
Barinia back to Sevenhill
Now that we had reached our objective, we had more time to make some stops on the way back.
We took quite a few photos at Clare: the Steam Train Silhouette,
the site of the old railway turntable
and the crane.
By now, some members of the group were understandably getting fed up with all the photos. We discussed the possibility of stopping at a winery, but the general consensus was in favour of lunch back at the Little Red Grape Bakery.
Most of the group went ahead, while Di, Damien, Merilyn and I stopped again to take photos, this time at the new Cyclist Sculpture north of Sevenhill. I love this photo of Di by Damien:
Sevenhill to Watervale on the Riesling Trail
After lunch we maintained a steady pace on our way back to Watervale. We were rewarded for our climb to the highest point of the trail by an easy roll for the last few kilometres into Watervale.
We had cycled 50 kilometres and climbed 412 metres. With the easy rail trail gradients, it had not been a difficult ride.
Here is a 60-second video of my highlights of the ride:
What a wonderful day it had been on the Riesling Trail, with beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery!
Before I finish, I must say a special thank you to Damien Henderson for his wonderful photos which he has kindly allowed me to use.
Some other great South Australian rail trails are the Barossa Rail Trail, the Jack Bobridge Track between Gawler and Lyndoch and the Encounter Bikeway between Victor Harbor and Goolwa.
Top photo by Damien Henderson
Your detailed write up certainly adds another dimension to a very pleasant ride.
Love the tranquility of your video presentation, captures the mood and scenery. The nice cloud effects, I must admit I hadn’t appreciated on the ride.
Thanks Damien. It was one of my favourite group rides for the year.
AWESOME! Love all the old train remnants and art!
Thanks Dana. The Riesling Trail is one of South Australia’s best rail trails 🙂
Looks like a nice ride. Your detailed description is excellent and I like how you’ve included the gradient graph.
Thank you Caroline