Outback Odyssey 2013 Day 1

Outback Odyssey 2013

Day 1

Well! What a great day so far. 

Up early so we could ride the 4km from Rosie's place to the city. Dad followed us with the bags a little later but we got there very early. 

Checked in got our bags, maps and ride jersey. Seemed to be a little bit of franticness going on around the office, people seemed to be still putting bikes together. I am very glad we had a week in Adelaide first to get sorted out and do some rides. 

Dad arrived with the bags and we load onto the trucks. After a bit more standing around it was time for the rider briefing. There was a small change to the plans for today because of fires burning in the Adelaide Hills. The 600m climb up in less then 10km on a gravel road was no longer... This was met with a cheer from a few in the crowd... I guess they have done this road before and it's a bit hard... 

So we have ended up doing an extra 8km to the original maps... But I am not at all worried about it! It was a very good ride. 

We started from the Bike SA office in the city of Adelaide, then down to the river Torrens, mum and I had already ridden this on Thursday, so up to the end we knew what the track was like. It's just a nice easy winding track along the river up to the base of the Adelaide Hills. Once we got tot he end of the track it was out onto the main road for about 4km to the first stop of the day at 23km. Just a quick drink stop with a bit of fruit cake... However not really well catered for as by the time we got to the stop there was no poppers left.... With only 125 riders I would have thought this might have been better arranged. But I also think we might be thinking too much like Bike QLD from 2009 with 1000 riders! 

Anyway, we get underway again for the next part of the day, another 10km down the road was another drink stop... This was not on the map so unplanned, but we stopped and had a small rest and this time a popper.... (Nice) 

So with still another 15km (ish) to go we hop back on the bikes... 

The country we have ridden through is just amazing, the leaves on the trees have all changed colour and are about to drop for autumn. I forget living in the Territory that the trees do this... 

For most of the way up the hill we crisscrossed the River Torrens. There is a massive dam about 1/2 water up the hill with very little water in it. We did stop at the look out for some pictures and a nice older guy and took his picture for him. Mum just said it was called Kangaroo Reservoir. 

So we get the the little sign that said 5km to Lobethal. #yay I thought.... Not that it was a long day... But mostly up hill coming from flat as a tack Darwin... The riders map neglects to tell you that it's 5km up hill (UP HILL!!!) to Lobethal. Ok not really! 4.5km up hill and 500m of rolling hills to the town. 

We find the Lobethal Football Club, our camp for the night... Coming into the camp ground we can see the speedy people have already got tents set up and beers in hand. Mum and I are in the deluxe camping this year... Out tent and air mattress are already set up and waiting for us. We check in and get our tent and play swaps with another couple so mum is away from the perfumes and smells of others... And we end up with a tent close to the toilets. (Yes, very helpful for both of us) so we collect our bags, put our stuff down and head to the club house for lunch. Cold roast chicken and salad.... So very nice... Oh and a pastry left over from breakfast. 

After lunch and a shower and a bit of an unpack, we head into town to have a look around. We find a few second hand shops, wineries, and a little mixed market. We also found a garage sale... Back at the camp grounds now we have (I have) my cameras plugged in for recharging and mum and I have had a few games. We are ready for dinner and small drink and bed I think. 

We only have 57km tomorrow. Here to Chateau Tanunda... Sounds very fancy indeed. Tomorrow is a black tie dinner and mum and I have outfits from the second hand shop... We had a $20 budget.... I think we will be wrapped up warm so I don't think it will really matter what we look like... 

Ok must sign off for now. 

See you all tomorrow.