Barossa’s Best

Blending undulating climbs and flat sections through vineyards and rolling farmland makes cycling in Barossa region, just north of Adelaide, Australia, a unique opportunity for both the training-focused and sightseeing cyclist.

“My favourite ride links the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley,” says Craig Grocke, who works with the Barossa office of Regional Development Australia. “It’s two distinct landscapes with lots of punchy climbs where a rouleur might sneak away from the pack.”

The Tanunda Bike Hub, located 76 km north of Adelaide, serves as the starting point for rides through Barossa. It has free showers, public toilets, bike-maintenance stands, drinking water and staff with cycle-focused visitor information all within walking distance of Tanunda’s best restaurants and coffee shops.

The route is a counter-clockwise loop from the Bike Hub through Lyndoch, Williamstown and Springton, before entering the Eden Valley. The Seven Steps Road, which i ncludes seven steep interval-length climbs, leads cyclists to a similar style descent down Flaxman’s Valley road to Angaston. From there, the route winds back toward Tanunda.

Grocke admitted it was tough to link it all together, but recommends using Strava’s heat map to see which roads stand out among the local cyclists.

“The best months for this ride are either September to December or March to May,” Grocke says. “It’s best to ride early to avoid the heat. The early start will have cyclists back before lunch, unless they get stuck at Yalumba with a food platter and bottles of wine.”