Normanville to Willunga

FF Day 2: Normanville to Willunga 47 kms

Just when I thought we couldn't go any steeper, our first hill out of gorgeous Normanville had a gradient of 13.9%. Luckily it was the first hill and we had fresh legs for the climb. There were many hills to follow over the next 20 kms but the views were spectacular. We did our fastest speed of the trip at 59.6 kph. It just goes to show how big those hills were. 

An unbelievable happening occurred going up the hardest hill. We overtook another rider. Ok, he was walking his bike up the hill, wearing gum boots, and was probably 100 years old, but you take what you can get. 

After the 790m of climbing, it was practically all downhill to Aldinga Beach where we stopped for lunch. This sun was out, the sea was crystal clear and shiny blue. Nobody was in the water. If only I had my togs and towel. 

We rode on another 14 kms on a bike trail to our lovely cottage in Willunga. What a difference to our accommodation of the night before. A fresh loaf of home made bread, fresh fruit and a coffee machine awaited us. Situated in the Main Street, we won't have to ride to dinner, and all that for $32.10 less. Needless to say, Ray has a smile on his face today. 

Tomorrow will be the last day of riding for the entire trip. So far we have travelled 1,070 kms, about 50 kms to go. I can't wait.

Pics

Steepness cannot be determined by photography at road level.

We were down there only a couple of hours earlier.

Those rolling hills look like a series of bums of giants doing a little sun bathing. A more accurate description would be ogres, since they are green.

Another Dam wall done and dusted. Myponga Resevoir services the peninsula and Adelaide as well. It is really big.

More rolling hills.

Ogres' bums

How now brown cows on a Bald Hill

We climbed quite high on a couple of very steep hills. More sun bathing ogres.

Some temple being built. We were so interested we did not bother checking what it was. It's bloody massive.

Our climbing of big hills are finished and now we are on the way down the last one. A view of Aldinga Beach and beyond

Great beaches and crystal clear water. Unfortunately it is freezing!!!!! This is Aldinga Beach

Does anyone know how much hay is produced in this country - it is everywhere.

Olives (and vines of course) are ubiquitous in the Fleurieu Peninsular

 

Bikes are still basically the same as this.

I'm half the man I used to be. I was just trying to get a little reflected glory from the exploits of the Aussies on Willunga Hill (Richie Porte and Sarah Gigante), when Brenda snapped this classic.

Ride Notes

• This starts off with a pretty stiff climb out of Carrickalinga but the drivers were respectful and the road was good
• Resevoir Road was a little narrow at times but again, never felt in any danger, except when some idiot decided he would have some fun and deliberately speed within about 30cms of us.
• But you can find those idiots on any road. All other drivers gave us plenty of room
• The ride down the main highway was ok. There was plenty of traffic, but it had a decent verge for the majority of the descent.
• There was a bit of crap, eg stones, branches and other obstacles which made us a little cautious, especially with big trucks and the like travelling alongside.