You will be picked up in central Adelaide and transported to the first ride spot of the day. You will be provided with a good quality mountain bike with front suspension & disc brakes, and a helmet and gloves, and will set off to explore the area.
You will be taken to absolutely stunning corners of the region that most people don't visit, or even know about! Exactly where does depend a little of the weather and conditions, but you will either explore the Onkaparinga River National Park where you'll have special access along trails overlooking an impressive gorge, or a more relaxed ride in stunning native bush settings of Kuitpo Forest, both of which fringe the McLaren Vale wine region. Kangaroos and koalas are regularly seen on the ride, but very few people.
Next is a lovely descent down Wickhams Hill towards McLaren Vale, which offers stunning views of the Vale below. It's a 4km bitumen descent on a quiet country road. Keep an eye out for Koala's in the trees if you dare, or just enjoy not pedalling for the whole descent whilst taking in the views. When you reach the Vale, it's then a short roll to your first stop, and time for a little wine tasting!
You will then ride through the vineyards and stop at a number of local wineries to sample their fare and perhaps purchase some wine to take home with you. You will normally visit at least 2 wineries on the trip, plus other stops. The tour operator has been careful to pick nice medium sized wineries offering exceptional wines, and a personalised tasting experience. No big wineries with 10 other coach groups fighting for tastings on this tour!
As you ride between wineries you will utilise quiet backroads and private farm tracks and stay off the busy roads. You will also have a few secret shortcuts that only mountain bikes can manage! The riding is fairly leisurely and is suitable for anyone who is happy riding a bike on firetracks and country roads for a few hours.
One of the highlights of the tour is lunch. You will stop at one of the tour operator's favourite wineries, and after another tasting you will sit down for a delicious local produce platter lunch. Feel free to enjoy a glass of wine from the winery too, and buy wines to take home- the tour operator can pick them up later in the van.
In the afternoon it is normally left to the group to decide the final visits- normally the wonderful Goodieson's Brewery wins the vote for a refreshing ale or two, but other options include another winery, a cafe/chocolate stop for a little desert, or if it’s really warm maybe a swim stop at one of the beautiful beaches that fringe the Vale.
Finally, you will be picked up and transported back to Adelaide. Exact details will depend on exactly where you end up, and stuff... it's pretty casual! You have about 45mins for a snooze on the way back to town! The van can also pick up your wine purchases along the way so you don't have to carry them.
