Yesterday myself, Andrew F, Paul & Nerilee C joined me to do the Clarendon to Mclaren Vale ride via Blewitt Springs.

It was my first time up Bains and boy it felt tough. Had to stop twice for a breather up Bains, but got up it and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the hills. I also missed the Magpie there thankfully. He gave me a squark but left me alone.

The bike handled the hills well. On the down hill runs, I was able to get up to 70kph. Which is fast for me.

The choice of fuel I used was a Winners energy bar and powergel and it certainly helped with some of the climbs. I went thru both bottles of water as well as a powerade too. So fluid was definitely high on the usage agenda.

The roads were super busy with all the wine-o's boozing up for the long weekend. We got a few toots from some impatient passersby, but generally most traffic was patient and we gave them the courtesy of ensuring they had plenty of room to pass. Heaps of motor cyclists out too. Was a treat to hear some of the latest rides hoot on past.

Weather was sublime, and the temperature was right on the money. Not freezing but not boiling hot. The shade of the trees along the roads helped with direct sun, and really made the trip enjoyable. Plenty of photo ops but I kept them to a minimum. Andrew on the other hand took most of the happy snaps, so I recommend checking out his blog for the latest. http://www.cycling.vetech.org/

I love this ride, and it wont be my last. It could almost be a possible Summer P ride suggestion if peeps were keen on a half dayer. But you would need to allow a good 4-5hrs for catch ups, stop offs etc. But if you have not done this ride already, your fitness is of good quality to tackle the medium hills, I totally recommend it.

Check out my stats on the link below.

Mclaren%20Vale%20via%20Bains%20road%20by%20mrshav%20at%20Garmin%20C...