When it comes to Australia, Adelaide holds a significant place in cycling culture. With a unique mix of scenic roads and iconic climbs, club racing, home grown coffee and beer, and of course, the Tour Down Under, it is a city steeped in Australian cycling folklore.
Andrew Rogers, A.K.A ‘Fame and Spear’, is a globally recognised and acclaimed photographer - and one of MAAP’s own. Andy decided to make the move from Adelaide to open up a new chapter in his life - shooting, riding and living in Tassie.
To celebrate, we got the gang together, for one last time to ride the Adelaide Hills.
Suiting up, throwing a leg over and heading up the driveway not far from Stirling, we set off for coffee at Dawn Patrol, before settling in for a day of great riding.
A quick descent followed by some more undulating terrain and we found ourselves looping around Mt Bold Reservoir for some sight seeing and a halfway carb load.
From there it was off the pavement and onto the white dusty roads of the eloquently named ‘Saddle Bags Road’. Whilst this name is likely a reference back to the horse riding days, it was rather fitting as a puncture towards the end of this stretch had us reaching for our own spares.
A final climb back to our base near Stirling via some winding back roads doused in greenery was a welcome finish parade - with post ride beverages squarely on everyone's mind.
Day 1 Route
Distance - 76.8km
Elevation - 1,656m
Surface - Road, Gravel
Cyclists and road workers alike would agree that there’s a formula to the perfect gravel roads. Adelaide seems to have got this equation nailed as we took our slick tired steeds off the pavement onto the buffed out white clay roads again. Space out for a moment and you’d swear you’re riding The Strade in Tuscany, rather than local farm roads 10 minutes away from Norton Summit.
A quick traverse through Cherryville and we found ourselves descending (and then climbing again) the infamous Corkscrew Road. A photo opportunity here was obligatory of course!
The Cudlee Creek Cafe provided some welcomed beverages at the end of the day.
Day 2 Route
Distance - 54.9km
Elevation - 1,248m
Surface - Road, Gravel
The final day saw us take a shorter, but no less punchy route (an approach which Andy is well known for by now!) Time bound, we set off determined to make the most of our last morning in the hills together.
Dorset Vale Road looped around preserved parklands, making for a stretch of road we had to ourselves… aside from the odd tractor.
Before we knew it we were rolling back into the town of Stirling one last time, our three days of riding had come to an end.
Day 3 Route
Distance - 42.3km
Elevation - 911m
Surface - Road, Gravel
Whilst this is the end of Andy’s chapter in Adelaide, there was not a sad soul in sight. We’re all too keen to catch up with Andy for the next ride, maybe next time in Tassie.
