meander

we left adelaide optimistically with the knowledge that we had a tough day ahead of us. we knew there was some steep climbing that would push our rested legs, but we didn't really know the depths that it would push us.

the journey began with easy riding through the back streets of adelaide then along the torrens river. we hit the start of the mawson trail about 11am so we stopped for first lunch. this turned out to be a great idea as we needed the lunch energy early on.

we rode along gorge road (with lots of roadies wizzing past) feeling content as it was an easy 3% gradient then we turned onto the dirt and went up, straight up! the hills were steep and relentless. it hurt. helen gave in and started pushing when he front and rear tyres started slipping and sliding. dyon managed to keep riding through most of it, only having to push once or twice when it was so steep (23%). but pushing for dyon was bad news as he tows the trailer, it needed both of us to get him going again.

about half way through the climbing we ran out of water. :( from then on it was a battle against thirst as well. we decided to bush camp at the top as a previous sign had said there was water at a carpark (for mountain biking in the area). dyon pushed on ahead to get the water while helen waited with the gear. it was an unfortunate sight when dyon returned empty handed, the map was incorrect. so we pushed on to lobethal (with the knowledge of a bierhaus waiting for us) with dry bottles and dry throats.