Riesling trail with the ATC
I had never ridden the Riesling trail and I was keen when the opportunity arose with the Adelaide touring cyclists.
It is a technically easy ride of around 50 Km on compacted dolomite.
We stared at the supermarket in Auburn at about 10:15
there are various rest stops along the way and the facilities for trail users seemed good.
The scenery was pleasant as well
The bakery as Sevenhill was busy.
There were various interpretive signs
The run from Clare is mainly downhill and I was beginning to wilt by the time I had returned to the car it seems the rolling resistance on unsealed surfaces is greater than bitumen.
The track seemed smooth and well maintained however in some parts fine loose grave was on the edges.
There were also warning signs suggesting in the parts of the rail trail that are built up that the edges can be steep
I cycled just over 50 Km for the day and returned to Auburn about 3:30
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by MARK FERGUSON (SPARTACUS) on -
Is the surface good enough for a road bike?
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on -
I rode a hybrid with 35mm wide ties and had no problems.
if you kept to the centre and were careful you would probably be ok.
the do the Paris Roubaux on road bikes.
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Permalink Reply by Jilden on -
The trail surface is well maintained compacted fine gravel, quite firm except for a few small water washed patches. You gain about 180m altitude from Auburn to just past Sevenhill, then lose about 80m by the time you get to Clare. So the return trip is slightly harder than just downhill! On a road bike I'd imagine you'd run slightly lower tyre pressures as there's not much cornering on the trail.
There's also the new extension 8km past Clare, this surface is slightly softer as it hasn't had so long to settle. Basically it resembles the main trail, you rise 50m in 4km out of Clare, then drop the same to the trail end another 4km further on. There's a seat and small car park at the end, little else. I didn't do it this time, but another 30-odd km onwards along dirt and bitumen roads takes you to Spalding, generally following the old rail line with it's gentle gradients.
My day's ride finished with 67km of trail, going both ways.
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Permalink Reply by Matthew (two dogs) Marshall on -
Another great ride report Don:-)
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