Ansteys Loop.

Leaving the new meeting spot we headed up the Dry Creek trail. I broke out the Stump Jumper, been a while, for the ride. Unfortunately, I didn’t check the sealant levels in the tyres and got a flat rear. I carry sealant in the pack and after a short stop we were off again, no plug required.

Slight bit of water in a dip on a single track and the aquaphobes struck and took the alternate route just in case they dissolved in water.

Nice steady ride through the street and trails up to Ansteys Hill.

Short stop for a breather and water before the relentless ride to the top. Good ride up the hill on single tracks and fire roads…...nice! A rather large roo, catching some rays, laid at the edge of the track so easy does it, no eye contact and we made it through without confrontation.

Over the hill and down to the road crossing. As the crossing is on a bend care was taken to look out for cars.

Once over the road we entered the old quarry and quick stop to take in the lake before the long downhill rough and rocky access road. I spotted a track in the long grass that links in to the Aqueduct Trail.

Aqueduct to the Torrens trails and up a steepish dirt incline, wheel spin and pedal strike affected most but at least one made it up, battery assisted.

Usual combination of path and trail down to Va Bene. Very nice refreshments.

Usual trails down to Walkerville before back tracking to get the single-track goodness twice. I almost lost the front wheel off the edge because it was so overgrown. However, the Phantom Flasher didn’t fare so well and ended up in the undergrowth. Had to laugh, rude not to.

 Up the side of the Obahn to Grand Junction Road, a bit of a hold up while a dick parked his ute on the main road on the corner of the car park. WTF dude.

Uneventful back to the start.

Certainly felt the climbing on this ride. All in all a good 50 km ride.

Game myself a good talking to regarding not checking the sealant. Next time I’m barred hehe.

Destination Belair.

First off, back streets to Shepherds Hill Rec Park via St Marys. Admiring the mental bits of bike lane up Dorene Street, probably looked good on the plans but totally bonkers in reality.

After crossing the busy main road, we went into the recreation park expecting a bit of mud and soft soil after the rains we had ooop north, but it was nice and dry. We began the start of the long climb to Belair. Steady away and up the single tracks to the road. After peaking at the top we decided to have a well-earned coffee stop at Banana Boogie Bakery. Very nice coffee and baked goods.

Onwards and upwards to the national park. Nice and peaceful riding on the fire roads, love it. Dropping down into the valley and then heading up Queens Jubilee Drive to the top. Quite a bit of a grind up with very little relief from pedaling but what goes up must come down.

Great ride down on main and off fire roads. Just missed a very nice Blue Tongue on the way down, no one else saw it so hopefully it didn’t get run over.

Around the Birdie Loop to Escape Goat for coffee stop number two. Very busy today, again a good stop for a coffee n food.

Our usual exit out of the park was closed off so we had to do a bit of wandering to find another track. Didn’t take long and we were soon climbing out of the park.

Down the road reaching up to 53kph before getting back on the single tracks back down to Sheps.

As the trails were closed off there was a meeting at the Archery Club so we rode up for a sqizzy. Plenty of cars but very little archery, so back down and out the park.

St Marys back streets again and back to the start.

Although the ride was only 42 km it sure felt longer with over 800 m of elevation. Well done every one, great ride.

Random Roaming Salisbury.

Today’s mission was to see if we could get to the top of a local quarry, something we have done before but not recently. It was rumoured a new high fence was erected to keep people out. Also, to check out the now, closed off Cobblers Creek bed trail so off we went.

After a few up, down and around abouts in Carisbrooke Park we headed out past the Old Spot markets towards the quarry. Up the hill, along the single track we got there. Yup high fence blocked the way

Alrighty then, let’s try find another way to the top so we can drop back down the hillside.

We followed the trail out to a housing estate and checked all the dead ends. No luck there so off up the main road in an area I have never been. The road went up and up and up with a group of roadies fly past down the hill. Surely there must be a track across but all the properties were private. We came to a branch in the road and had a swift look at the Karoo, road goes around with a couple of dead-end tracks not far from the Little Parra Reservoir.

We decided not to risk it and headed back down the road hopping on and off the dirt verges on the way.

Back at the Little Parra we rode up, down, looped around and back up again heading towards Cobblers Creek Reserve.

Once at the bike park we rode the revamped beginners jump line, not impressed with the changes. The ramps of the jumps are now practically vertical and rolling over them is jarring. Back to the top of the jumps we took the berms to the bottom and out.

Next was the old Creek bed trail. Again, blocked off the old gate removed and wood barriers across. Undeterred we went around the fence and into the over grown trails. Pity the trails aren’t maintained anymore, all the bridges are still there but it was a case of bush bashing. Stop, start and walk we made it through with only one topple over hehe.

Onwards to the Village Store for some well-earned refreshments. Recommended refreshment stop and well worth supporting.

Up, down and around back to the golf club. Well, we learned where we can’t or shouldn’t go again.

A fairly warm day and a pleasant ride of 37 km with 642 m of elevation.

Mawson Lakes, Blue Tongue Brown Snake.

Cool start to the ride down Dry Creek to Bridge Road.

Left hand single track to the top and down the other side. This is when the ride started to fracture, with one of our riders suffering with asthma and deciding to cut out some sections. Another rider acted as chaperone as she was concerned about the wheezing.

The sick ride took the main path on the valley floor while the fully sick ride took the single track up and along the bottom of Yatala Prison.

We met up at the tunnel under Walkleys pretty much stayed together up to the reservoir where we split again. The two riders deciding to go straight down the Torrens trails to the coffee stop.

The main group headed around the reservoir and on to the Highbury Aqueduct trail. Approaching the downed tree I was thinking yeah, na, yeah na, yeah won out and I headed straight over it. However, the front foot was slightly down and not at 9.15 and clipped the peak of the nailed-on planks. Luckily the feet stayed planted and I made it over, phew! Every who attempted it made it over, noice.

The trail is still looking sparse after the tree culling but was still enjoyable.

Down to the Torrens now and up a short steep track. Wrong gear selection screwed me up but luckily, I didn’t get in the way of the rest who all made it up.

Usual mix of paved and single track down the Torrens, this time it wasn’t flooded, down towards the coffee stop turn off. About 500m before we usually turn off there were pedestrians on the track so we headed off across the grass and up the road to Va Bene. Seems we lost a couple and gained a couple. Two missed the turn and the other two were already there. Eventually the missing duo rocked up for refreshments.

20% off vouchers were used from the last visit knocking a bit off the bill. Good food, good coffee and a good yarn.

We left and went down the river to Walkerville then back up the other side to the single track at the edge of the O Bahn.

We managed to stay together until Valley View where we split again. Three of us ended up ahead of the rest and rode to the finish around the outside of Mawson Lakes. As we approached the end the rest of the group was already there so all out and all in.

A good, if fractured ride today with the temps heading towards 30c at the end. 62 km for some and 49 km for others.

Cobbler Creeking

Weather warming up, 29 c day, and riding to and from the ride venue to make things a little more interesting. I suppose interesting is one way of putting it.

We rode up to Cobblers Creek bypassing the new bitumen, instead riding on the dirt the chewed-up grass which is now just dirt. Pretty sure the council has too much money to waste on re laying long sections of foot paths along the Little Para. Fixing potholes in the roads would be a good start.

Further up the Parra at Carisbrooke Park, they are still working on bitumising the car park which will make a good burnout venue for the local hoons. Money well spent, not.

We took a slightly different, but similar, route to the top of the bike park and down to Wynn Vale dam.

Down Dry Creek using all the single track we could find. A short stop before the single track along the bottom of the prison, to fix a burped tyre. The trail was well overgrown and a little hard to navigate but all good.

On-wards to the Fabulous Bakery Boys for refreshments. We were met by a rather long que which tells you how good the food is. Another contender for best bacon and egg roll since landing in oz in 2006. One of the group snagged a free bacon and egg roll and shared it with anyone who wanted some. Noice.

We hit the trail along the outskirts of Mawson Lakes and came across a large turtle gulping air in the water. A little further on a brow snake sunning it’s self soon slithered off into the bush then just turning on to the Interchange another brownie. That’s 2 more snakes than I saw last summer.

The ride up the side of the air field was a drag, as usual. Not my favorite place to ride, but it takes us back to the start.

Slogging up York Terrace my feet started burning. Hasn’t happened in donkeys’ years, same shoes used for a few years so that wasn’t the problem. Maybe just the hotter than usual weather, need a slow build up and not instant hot weather.

Back at the start, shoes off and feet watered. A iced treat from the golf club and we were ready to ride home.

A great ride, great weather, great food and great company.

46 km distance and 552 m elevation gain.

Torrens Trek

First ride after moving back to Salisbury and we had to travel firkin South Road again, only this time down.

Hero dirt along the single tracks on the edge of the Torrens to the ocean.

We managed to hit the beach front a bit earlier than usual, and decided to stop for refreshments at the Henley Sailing Club just as it started to drizzle.

Decided to stay outside, it will blow over, well it didn’t and it started raining. The less hardy part of our group retreated under cover. I was already wet so fuck it sit outside.

The refreshments were awesome, one of the best bacon and egg rolls I have had here in Straya. Great coffee too.

Still pissing down, we started up the opposite bank down by the jump track before heading back to the waters edge. A short way up, the rain stopped and the sun peaked out of the cloud. Nice.

Rolling along nicely on the single track, headed up a bit of an incline through the trees, concentrating on the trail and gearing I failed to notice a low branch. Didn’t see it but sure felt it, not low enough to knock me off but just low enough to squash my head down. Ouch.

After the last of the trail, and one of the steepest, on this side of the river we crossed a bridge and headed back up the other side. Back tracking the trail past the Brickworks for a quick loop around North Adelade Golf Club (before it gets closed off for Liv Golf) and back to the start.

First ride in 12 months to 2 years the trail was open, no need to cross roads or detours. Mind you it won’t stay that way for long.

Just a shade under 30 km, could have been more but things to do get in the way a bit. Hopefully normal services will be resumed shortly.

Random roaming.

Set out today to with the intention of cutting out a boring stretch of road. Unfortunately, the alternate road that was once open is now closed and we ended up back on the old road. Bugger.

Headed up to the wetlands at Burton with a quick ride around the single track and out towards Edinburgh. Instead of following the train line we tried to find a new way up to Andrews Farm. Following the map we passed the tank museum and carried on up the road. left turn at the junction? Na not happening, fenced off and defense land. Followed the road right and ended up on the road we were trying to avoid.

Down Smith Creek, through Smithfield Plains, Munna Parra and Craigmore all pretty much meh.

From Craigmore the fun bit was the small single tracks and trails down to the Jo Gapper Reserve. Usually, we would head up the reserve above the pistol club and head home as normal. Today, instead, we went straight to Georges Bake House for some fantastic coffee and food.

Straight back to the Golf Club, loaded the bikes on the car, said the goodbyes and away.

I had to meet a man regarding a fridge freezer hence the shortened route.

Still knocked up 44 Km.

Not really feeling it today, maybe the stress of moving house and everything a hectic. Anyway it is what it is.

Southern Outing

A little cool and misty at the meeting place, luckily that didn’t last long.

Once we hit the pipeline climb to O’Halloran Hill the sun poked through, and a nice ride up to the trails.

After a short breather after the climb we headed off Out The Back down the Wiggles to the Quick Link.

Down n up the Quick Link, some walking up after wrong gear selection to ride out. Sylvanian Families to Haarsmas, down the Dam Revamp and up the Upstart to the trail head. After a couple of laps of the pump track we headed to Glenthorne National Park.

Time for a detour, no 1, from the normal on the gravel tracks. Took a wrong turn and ended up by the lake at the bottom. There was a single track that went across the bottom of the lake with a short steep out to the fence. Needless to say I ended up rolling backwards until I fell over. Hehe gotta laugh. We hopped over the fence and down to connect to the intended trail route.

Out of the park we hit a few dirt tracks along the way to Chandlers Hill Road. Once on the road it was straight down to the Gooby Goose for refreshments.

Excellent coffee/food at the Goose, some of the other venues we frequent could learn a thing or two from here.

Food and beverages consumed it was up the hill to Happy Valley Reservoir.

We skirted around the edge of the water before hitting Minkara Park. Up the trail to detour no 2, as we exited the woods. We ended up bush bashing as the trail was overgrown/gone at the side of the power station. Picking our way through the trees we found a small gap in the fence to exit.

Over the road and back into the reservoir tracks then back through Glenthorne to OHH.

Across Haarsmars, Quick Link and Wiggles to detour no3, Frogger.

Headed down Frogger and picked up the gravel track to takes us to Seacombe Road. Then it was backtrack to the start.

Turned out an awesome day for an awesome ride, Southern Outing, the same but a little different.

46 km with 630 m elevation.

Random Roaming Salisbury.

Slight breeze, seems like good conditions for an exposed to the elements ride. So off we go.

Straight down the Para, under Port Wakefield Road, across the creek and around the horse paddocks. Heading out on the single track the left turn option is flooded and bogged so around the outside we go.

Do we take the bitumen path of risk the water crossing? Fuck it, water it is. Not as deep as it looked but a nasty dip where vehicles like to wheel spin, still no worries and no wet feet.

Down to Globe Derby Drive, over the loose ballast dumped in the field and on the single track to the salt pans.

Haven’t ridden out on the salt pans for a while, nothing much has changed. Straight to the end of the track, up and over the hump then left.

Do we stop at St Kilda for coffee and service with a scowl (those who know, know) or swerve it? Fuck it swerve it is and head for the Water Shed instead.

Over the fence, along the edge of the salt pans, past the bee hives, no bees about today, and down to the coffee stop.

Could have a whinge about the Water Shed and the service but can’t be arsed. Food and coffee better than the service is all I will say.

Out of the Water Shed, down the path and across Port Wakefield Road. Got to the BP garage, looked back, where are they. Plugging a tyre, pierced by bogan droppings in the middle of the roads. Once plugged we were off again up the LH side of the train tracks up to Mawson Lakes.

Continuing on the same side of the tracks up to Salisbury. Down past the man shed and back to the golf club.

A bit of a flat as a fart ride but still a reasonable workout. Being flat it’s pedal all the way with no let up.

Total 43 Km, not bad for a random roam. Really need an XC bike, my trail bikes are overkill for this stuff.