Day 15 – Gawler to Clare 95 K / 59 Miles

We met Aarol and Janece as we were walking our bikes across the parking lot at the Clare Valley Motel this evening. They asked if the could help us. We were looking for room #23 and it was dark after having arrived sometime after 5:30. They pointed out our unit then asked about our ride….

Today started out hectic in Gawler. We had to contend with a lot of traffic and our maps were of little help. We were to head north toward the wine growing region of the Clare Valley. One of the attractions was the Rattler and Riesling rail trails. The two trails join in Auburn to for a continuous trail of 54 miles of traffic free riding through the wine-growing region of South Australia.   The traffic out of Gawler finally dissipated 25 K north of town. From the way our legs felt, we seemed to be climbing all morning. This was confirmed as we came across several nice downhill runs.

Following a stop in Talee, our plan was to go to Auburn where we hoped to connect to the Riesling Trail. Just out side the town of Rhynie, David heard a telltale clang from his rear wheel. His suspicions were confirmed when he found 2 broken spokes. We set to work making a roadside repair. What had been a respective start to the day had seemingly deteriorated. Often broken spokes can be repaired with out removing the tire, one of the spokes had broken flush with the spoke nipple so the repair was going to be a bit more time consuming. I know how many people detest Clichés. But sometimes they are so appropriate. As we were tending to the repair, I had the opportunity to just look around at our surroundings. It was rural, sheep pastureland. I noticed a small bridge in the distance, and noticed what appeared to be a railroad grade approaching the bridge. The size of the bridge was much to small to accommodate rail equipment and it appeared to have some sort of railing. Then it hit me that it must be the southern end of the Rattler Rail Trail. Looking a bit farther north I could see that the road ahead came near to the grade. We were still several miles south of Auburn but if we could get away from the traffic this would be an added bonus. We accessed the Rattler Trail and the next crossroad.

Having lost time with the repair, the rail trails were a godsend. We could take our time, enjoy the beautiful countryside not available via the highway, and we would have little worry about riding after dark.

Standing in the dark parking lot of the Clare Valley Motel, Aarol and Janice seemed very interested in our ride as well as the cause. These sorts of circumstances are what are so captivating and motivating, the outright generosity and kindness of perfect strangers. We had met Aarol and Janece just a few moments earlier, now they were inviting us to their restaurant, “on the house.”

Many blessings to count today.