The weather was a lot warmer with the daytime temperatures near 30 degrees and there was virtually no wind. We also had 16 designated climbs including going up one of the all time classic climbs…. Willunga Hill.In all I climbed nearly 1300 metres.
The day started early again at about 5.45 am so we could get away at arm 7.15 am… well that was the plan!
Fate intervened in the form of a few beers and a glass or 2 of red wine which made things a bit slow for some of us this morning…
No matter as we were on the road after a heart starting coffee at 7.45 am.
Almost immediately we were on to a climb out of Strathalbyn….this was followed by many more climbs as we made our way to the top of Willunga Hill!
It was pleasing to see the top of this classic Tour Down Under climb…. Richie Porte holds the record for the climb at 6 minutes 39 seconds….
As we climbed the backside of the hill we did not have a chance to match Richie Portes record…. We did better it on the way down!!!
We had a recharge at Willunga town after the decent which for me was a cool drink and cake!!
After this we made our way to the coast at Sellicks Beach and rode along the Esplanade to Moama Beach for lunch.
The beaches along this stretch of the coast were spectacular with 4WD parked on the wide beaches and people swimming and fishing. The houses along the coast were also quite stunning.
The lunch at the Moama cafe was timely as I was running low on energy. This was in part due to climbing along the coast with short sharp valleys at various points.
Lunch for me was a fruit smoothie and a slice of blueberry crumble….
Then on to the bikes for the last 35 kms to our destination.
It started out with a nice ride along the coast then it disintegrated into a mountain bike track of poor quality. This continued for about a couple of kilometres…. Some parts were only able to be travelled by walking the bikes…. Yuck!!
At this stage Abdy had a puncture in his front tyre so we rand Ian to come to pick him up as he had only about 10 kms to go.
I rand Ellio who was behind us to warn him to avoid this piece of our course.
After sorting out Abdy I made my way through the last 10 kms on a sealed bike path that was very good to our final destination at St Hallett.
We are staying in a house tonight which has 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms which is more than adequate for us all.
St Hallett is in the northern McLaren Vale area and I think it has a very good winery…
As I am quite tired after the day today …. And I think we all are… we are having dinner in house with a roast chicken and chips… an easy meal.
No doubt this will be washed down with some beer and soft drink.
Tomorrow is the last day of riding for us all as we make our way into Adelaide.
I am looking forward to the dinner tonight and a good night of sleep.
Early morning after the first climb looking back to Strathalbyn
Bugger… a gravel road. First one for the trip!
My bike at the top of Willunga Hill
The group enjoyed a recast the Willunga cafe
Will do some more pictures in an addendum
Great achievement guys. Enjoy your last day of the ride. A well earned rest tomorrow . Cheers Mike
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