Saturday 21 January TDU Stage 5 McLaren Vale – Wilunga [SST Tour Adelaide-McLaren vale via Belair & Clarendon 50 Km]

It was a 6.30ish roll out from the apartments this morning to the base of the climb at Belair. Belair is in my opinion one of the best climbs out of the city with some wonderful views over the city from fairly early in the ascent. There are two climbs in total before the descent into Clarendon. The first up Belair is 3.8 km long and goes up about 750 ft or 230 metres [7.6% gradient] followed by a steep descent down Murrays Hill before climbing up Chandlers Hill to descend again into the main road to Clarendon.

Gen & Michelle, abandoned the tour this morning in favour of some shopping in the Hyde Park & Unley district. In their absence they were nominated to lead the ride to Glenelg on Sunday morning [and back home again I reckon too!!].

The bunch this morning consisted of Oliver, Jane, Annie, Kaz, Marcelle & Wazza. At the bottom of the hill Marcelle opted for a ride up in the bus with Sue K and Princey and when we stopped at Windy Point for a photo opportunity she was glad of that decision! It was blowing a gale! If we had launched a kite and tied the string to the van & trailer I’m sure they would have lifted off! We were worried about the effects of the wind on Jane, but she soon appeared at the top and was still smiling, although very hungry!

There were several other small groups of riders climbing Belair this morning and some pleasantries were exchanged with them on the way up. Our group all rode very strongly and it was really great to see how well they were climbing so late in the week. Annie was really flying, evidence of the two days spent resting her legs! Once at the top and reaching Blackwood we made a short stop at the Wild Bean Cafe [BP servo] for some sustenance. Annie then swapped the bike seat for a nice soft seat in the back of the van.

After descending Murrays Hill, and climbing again [#*!k] the highest point of the ride was reached at the junction of cherry garden road and main road. Marcel was then put out again for the descent to Clarendon, and Janey got in for a well earned rest. After a short stop for most welcome coffees at Clarendon Kaz joined the bus with the others leaving Sue and Wazza to have a good hit out after climbing out of Clarendon along the rolling hills to Kangarilla.

At Kangarilla everybody was back on the bikes for a fast ride to McLaren Flat and then on to McLaren Vale.

At McLaren Vale we found a good park for the bus & trailer and watched some of the riders sign on for stage 5 and be interviewed before the start at 11.10 am. There were people everywhere and as usual the lines for coffee were extremely long. One cafe had a sign advertising a 1 hour wait!

During the race a nice lunch was had at Magnums bistro and the staff recommended a nice wine to enjoy whilst watching the race unfold on the big screen TV. The tour riders today did 3 loops through McLaren Vale and Jane & Sue K managed to get some good shots of the riders coming round a tight bend onto the bottom end of the main street [No carnage!].

We even managed to find time to squeeze in a visit to www.robermenz.com.au [a rather large chocolate factory & emporium] for some samples and purchases. Another fantastic day!