H'eroica - ride report
Thanks everyone for coming on the ride today. We had about 30 riders and great team car support (thanks VOD, Juz and Smudge). The weather held out - in fact I think we had all four seasons.
I don't know about you but a lot of me is starting to hurt -- but that's also because I fell off 3 times (once chain got stuck, once leaving the winery (of course) and once in ET's driveway). Other than that there were no other accidents, one puncture, no spit from the rather friendly alpacas (who were more than excited to see us on the return), and yes, the grades. On the new benchmark of steep climbs in Adelaide - Blockers Rd near the Peugeot graveyard - I saw 28% but it was a more steady 20%-24% on gravel allowing no traction.
It was great to share this ride with so many others and many got into the spirit in their Adelaide Cyclists wool jerseys and other retro inclusions. The idea was to celebrate that only 15kms from the city are some fantastic hidden roads. I think we were only passed by a couple of cars all day. The views are remarkable and how's the serenity....!
And in the end after steady pace - and some walking by many - we celebrated at Yangoora Estate Wines and you can see by the photos being shared it was a pretty special spot serving wood fired pizzas from a read wood fired oven in the yard. Do yourself a favour and pop in and see for your self. It's on Croft Rd opposite the Fox Creek trails carpark. Ride there if you dare...
Thanks Easy Tiger for enthusiasm for getting the event happening and everyone for coming. We'll do another one again in 6 months we think.
Pic: Easy Tiger
Update: Video photo slideshow by Snappy Don here.
Nice
Tags: climbing, heroica, hills, report, ride, secrets
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kevin White on -
A fantastic day in the beautiful Adelaide hills.I'm feeling pretty sore myself, I havent walked that much for ages.
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on -
It may have been only a 27 km ride from the top of Nortons but it felt like 270 km on a retro bike. The dirt roads were challenging as some steep grades and standard road tyres just dont have the traction but fortunately the walk of shame was only very short. Next time might opt for some lighter wheels :) The winery was a great location with friendly staff and a great view and some nice pizzas. Everyone was in need of food after this ride. I rode the bitumen back to town and it was definitely so much easier :) Believe I will sleep really well tonite. Thankyou for everyone coming along and making it such a great popular event. Pretty sure once word gets out with the photos more will attend next time :)
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Permalink Reply by Dave, Lewiston on -
Repeat from the event page, but since this is on the front page...Excellent day out, with great company, four seasons in one day, pizza, coffee, wine, and some cracker hills to climb. Nice to see so many Gawler Wheeler riders there too - at least 6 of us, and two of the new jerseys. My first time on a mountain bike in many years, and I've fallen in love with the gearing all over again. And god, I love the Adelaide Hills.
Pete, anything over 20% really hurts!
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Permalink Reply by Pete Roberts on -
Just think how easy Checker HIll Rd will be next time we tackle her. ( by comparison )
Today was just the Tops ! It's the first time in a long time that I have taken it easy and "Smelt the Roses"
Perhaps I may not retire my Cyclocross bike after all !
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Permalink Reply by Roger ... on -
and I'm happy to say didn't hear any banjos playing or pigs squealing
-- was a great day out ride, big thanks to Angus and Easy Tiger
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Permalink Reply by Peter Jenkin on -
That was a fantastic event!
Cheers to Angus and ET for organising. Challenging climbs, roads I'd never have ventured down otherwise but glad I did, views and more views... then topped off with pizza, wine and good company.
Looking forward to next time but on the restored Ricardo. -
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Permalink Reply by Ian Rawley on -
Yes a very good time had by all. Thanks for your help with the puncture too ET and everyone who waited by the shed although it looked like some were ready for a break it was good not to be abandoned both times we stopped with a bit of a technical. I'm sure we will all be back for more net time...
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Permalink Reply by Virginia Riches on -
Have to say I had an awesome time. Did things I'd normally never do and had a lot of fun doing it! Thanks to the organises and to all the people that came out made it such a good day. Have to say a special thanks to my walking buddy, made me feel good to have company on some of those climbs!
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Permalink Reply by Gus K on -
We had a quite word to them and convinced them that roadies are better.
Nice place! He was proud of his support for the MTB events.
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Permalink Reply by Slammin on -
Yep the owners of Yangoora are very bike friendly and have sponsored the MTB club with a case of wine in the past. A friendly atmosphere with great views over the Adelaide Hills, a glass of wine in one hand a slice of pizza in the other, all after a bash around the fox creek mtb trails - Nirvana!!
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Permalink Reply by Ian Rawley on
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Not to be outdone and having got a taste for the rough stuff we made our return via the Mawson trail to Castambul and Gorge Road. Never done that on a tandem before...not sure I want to again...it was scary for me and I was on the front! Come to think of it things did go a bit quiet at the back for a while but that may just have been the wind whistling in his ears making conversation difficult...Nooo waaaaayyy!
Very glad of that second glass of Pinot, nice and loose we were!
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