Cycling the Riesling Trail

A group of Melbournites set off cycling the Riesling Trail in the Clare Valley South Australia over the October long weekend 2014. See what they discovered in this pictorial blog.

First a brief rundown of the cycling tour itinerary:

Cycling the Riesling Trail Day 1

Adelaide to the Barossa Valley.  Jump on our bikes and cycle through vineyards along the paved and off road Rail Trail to the beautiful Yalumba winery for tastings, and then to SA Food & Cheese store for a scrumptuous platter lunch, with wine of course!  Drive to Auburn at the start of the Riesling Trail and stay overnight at the historic Rising Sun Hotel, with fantastic meals and rooms conveniently located out back.  A brilliant first up day.

Cycling the Riesling Trail Day 2

A hearty breakfast before a brief bike fitting session and some instructions on cycling the Riesling Trail.   Then we are off! The navigation is simple with well placed signage all along the Riesling trail.  After a couple of cellar door wine tastings, we head to Skillogalee for a long lunch.  And it’s worth it!  A short burst of energy after lunch up hill to get us back onto cycling the Riesling trail, and we arrive into Clare itself, where we are staying overnight.

Cycling the Riesling Trail Day 3

Another sunny morning greets us with so much bird activity along the rail trail. Today is an easy ride as the Riesling Trail is largely downhill from Clare.  A couple of cellar door visits, a steep climb to the scenic Quarry look up (optional!!) and then to the fascinating Sevenhills Church and Winery.  A brief section cycling the Riesling trail again before we hit our lunch stop at O’Leary Walker winery, with stunning views over the Clare Valley.  It’s a short roll back into Auburn and sadly the end of our tour cycling the Riesling Trail and exploring the wonderful Clare Valley.