2017 ANNUAL TOUR. Coorong & Lower Lakes of the Murray River

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1 2017 ANNUAL TOUR Coorong & Lower Lakes of the Murray River

2 WELCOME TO THE 2017 ANNUAL TOUR A spectacular journey covering over 500km around the magnificent Lower Lakes of the Murray River, the Coorong and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Plenty of extracurricular activities to entertain you topped off with a night at Monarto Zoo sleeping with the lions! The following itinerary and information will help you plan for each day. There is also plenty of additional information in supplementary documents that you ll find useful, including: MY RIDE MY TRAINING MY GEAR MY BIKE These are posted on our website so make sure you read through them well before the start, so you re fully prepared and can get the most out of your ANNUAL TOUR. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this Ride Guide is correct and up to date. Please be aware some details may be subject to change and further information regarding optional activities will be added as it is confirmed. DAILY ITINERARY A typical day begins with breakfast, then on your bike until a stop for morning refreshments, followed by more riding until lunch. On longer days we keep riding through until afternoon refreshments, then on until the campsite is reached. There you can unwind, socialize, explore your surroundings, sip a drink and watch the sunset over dinner. Later, the stars come out and riders share their stories until weary bodies hint it s time for bed. We hope you enjoy sharing this ANNUAL TOUR with us..

3 DAY ONE SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER MURRAY BRIDGE TO LANGHORNE CREEK COACH TRANSFER DEPARTS FROM: BICYCLE SA OFFICE, 53 CARRINGTON STREET, ADELAIDE REGISTRATION AND LUGGAGE LOADING 7:15AM 8:15AM DEPART PROMPTLY 8:30AM, ARRIVE IN MURRAY BRIDGE 10AM RIDE MURRAY BRIDGE TO LANGHORNE CREEK 12.30PM START: MURRAY BRIDGE COMMUNITY STURT RESERVE - RIVERFRONT REFRESHMENTS 25KM WELLINGTON RD FINISH 47KM LANGHORNE CREEK Welcome to the start of the 2017 Annual Tour! For those taking the coach option from Adelaide, check in and loading of bags /bikes onto the luggage trucks takes place from 7:15am to 8.15am Saturday 14 October, at the Bicycle SA office, 53 Carrington Street, Adelaide. For those driving directly to Murray Bridge, check in will be from 10.00am at the Murray Bridge Community Club, Sturt Reserve on the riverfront at Murray Bridge. You will collect your Rider ID and Welcome Pack at registration. Those who have booked car parking, you will be ed a map showing you the exact location. We suggest you check in your bags with the luggage team and then park your car, and ride your bike the short distance back to the start. Our maintenance team will also be on hand to help with any last minute tweaks to your bike. A light lunch will be available from 11.30am at check-in to fuel up before departure. The important rider briefing takes place at 12:10pm before we head off at 12.30pm and wave goodbye to Murray Bridge. We commence our journey heading south across the fertile flood plains of the lower Murray region to the shores of Lake Alexandrina, where the Murray River sprawls to eventually fill Lake Albert and the Coorong wetlands. We then turn west to the beautiful Langhorne Creek wine region take time out to visit one of the many cellar doors to sample some of these fantastic wines and regional produce. There will also be wine tasting available at our overnight campsite, the Langhorne Creek oval. MURRAY BRIDGE Did you know that the Murray Bridge bridge, opened 1879, was the first bridge to span the Murray River? Also, the Murray River was originally named the Hume by explorer Hamilton Hume in honour of his father in Captain Charles Sturt later changed the name in 1830 to Murray to honour Sir George Murray, Secretary of State for the Colonies in the British Government. However, the Aboriginal name of the river was Millewah. LANGHORNE CREEK Langhorne Creek is regarded as one of Australia s oldest and most significant wine regions boasting a history dating back to With over 6000 hectares of vines, it is known for its cabernet sauvignon and shiraz but also produces exceptional white and fortified wines. Some of Australia s larger winemakers have significant holdings here, taking advantage of the flat river delta landscape to produce excellent soft, fruity medium bodied red wines. However, there are an increasing number of smaller wineries now in the region which have helped make this a 'must on any wine traveller s bucket list! The oldest vine plantings are over 126 years of age and are still producing premium wine grapes for the Metala Black Label Wines. The history behind the name is in remembrance of Alfred Langhorne, a drover who brought his cattle overland to a property known as Langhorne s Station during the 1840s. Where Alfred crossed the Bremer River was known as Langhorne s Crossing which evolved into the name today Langhorne Creek.

4 CHECK OUT In Murray Bridge The Murray River The Bunyip In Langhorne Creek The magnificent River Red Gums on the Bremer River The heritage listed Bleasdale Winery and the redgum wine press Bridge Hotel and the lovely beer garden Art Exhibition at Bremerton Winery or sample one of their regional platters Frank Potts Reserve/Alfred Langhorne Park Bird watching on Lake Alexandrina (24km return ride on Lake Plains Road) Langhorne Creek Wineries and Cellar Doors SERVICES The General Store on the main road has general supplies. The Bridge Hotel has an ATM. Only a few B&Bs available/no other accommodation. Nearest cabins/motel at Strathalbyn 15kms away. More information

5 DAY TWO SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER LANGHORNE CREEK TO MENINGIE REFRESHMENTS 34KM WELLINGTON LUNCH 58KM ASHVILLE HALL FINISH 80KM MENINGIE We leave the beautiful vineyards of Langhorne Creek and ride past Boggy Lake (17kms from Langhorne Creek) famous with local windsurfers for its strong and consistent wind and Mulgundawa Australia s oldest salt business dating back to the 1870s (located a few hundred metres up the Brinkley Rd). When we get to Wellington a short ferry ride takes us across the Murray River from where we join the Princes Highway and head south to Meningie, our lakeside home for the next 2 nights. MENINGIE The laidback town of Meningie, sitting on the eastern shores of Lake Albert, is rich in history. Aboriginal tribes were its first inhabitants, living off the fish and mollusks, making bark and reed canoes for their expeditions on the lake. It is widely accepted that 'Meningie' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'mud'. Charles Sturt was the first European visitor rowing his whale boat down the Murrumbidgee and the Murray River reaching Meningie in The district s main industries are irrigated crops and dairy farming and was formerly home to a large fishing fleet catching the famous Coorong mullet. It is a bird and photographer s paradise with the largest breeding ground of Australian Pelicans as well as egrets, silver gulls, sharp tailed sandpipers, red necked stints and many more over 230 species have been recorded in the area! CHECK OUT En route Pink Salt Lakes In Meningie Cheese Factory Meningie s Museum Coorong Wild Seafood Trig Hill Lookout Town Heritage Walk Camp Coorong Aboriginal Cultural Museum & Learning Centre 10kms south east Studio 77 working studio/art gallery SERVICES Post Office, ATMs shops, pub & supermarket in Main Street (Princes Hwy) More information

6 DAY THREE MONDAY 16 OCTOBER MENINGIE - NARRUNG - MENINGIE AM REFRESHMENTS 27KM OLD POLTALLOCH HOMESTEAD LUNCH 46KM NARRUNG / RAUKKAN PM REFRESHMENTS 80KM SEVEN MILE RD FINISH 88KM MENINGIE (VIA SEVEN MILE RD = 104KM) We head back north for a short while before heading west past the cattle properties of Masondrina and Poltalloch. The Coorong is famous, amongst other things, for quality Angus beef cattle production. Just before Narrung there s a small ferry to negotiate the crossing of the channel that separates Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina. The nearby Port Malcolm lighthouse is the smallest inland lighthouse in Australia and was established to help guide paddle steamers across Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina. It s just a short pedal from here to our venue for lunch today - the small aboriginal community of Raukkan at Point McLeay on the shores of Lake Alexandrina. This area is traditional home to the Ngarrindjeri people and is also the birthplace of renowned Aboriginal writer, lecturer and inventor, David Unaipon. His portrait appears on the $50 note. On the return to Meningie we pass through more classic Coorong cattle grazing country and there is the opportunity to take a detour along the unsealed Seven Mile Road that follows the very edge of the Coorong waterway that will add about 16km onto the total ride distance for the day. You can also stop in at Camp Coorong at the junction of Seven Mile Rd and Princes Hwy and visit the indigenous cultural museum. We're now in Coorong country, made famous by writer Colin Thiele, with his award-winning novel and film Storm Boy the iconic Australian movie released 40 years ago. A remake of this wonderful film will be filmed this year somewhere in South Australia and is set for release in CHECK OUT Poltalloch Station Point Malcolm Light House Raukkan community Where is Storm Boy Greg Rowe now?

7 DAY FOUR TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER MENINGIE TO GOOLWA REFRESHMENTS KM TBC LUNCH KM TBC REFRESHMENTS KM TBC FINISH KM GOOLWA Due to the limited seating capacity of the Spirit of the Coorong boat, only half of Annual Tour riders will be taking the cruise option on this day with the remaining either riding/bussing or a combination of both to Goolwa. Seats will be allocated according to the time of your tour registration first in = first boat. The Coorong is internationally significant as a migratory wader and waterfowl refuge, is of spiritual significance to the local Ngarrindjeri people and has archaeological sites attesting to Aboriginal occupation and use of the area over many thousands of years. During the boat cruise you'll get to view the Tauwitchere Barrage that separates the Coorong from Lake Alexandrina before stopping at Godfrey s Landing. Enjoy a walk across the dunes to the open beaches that face the Southern Ocean which form part of the Great Australian Bight. Learn all about the sand dune flora and fauna and how the Ngarrindjeri people lived in the area. From Godfrey s Landing it is a short cruise to Mundoo Channel on Hindmarsh Island where your journey ends and then a short ride into Goolwa. Lunch is included on your cruise. Your bikes will be transported by bus and will meet you when you finish your cruise. Please note the bus departure times! If you are on the first cruise, make sure you allow yourself enough time in the morning to pack/eat/etc! Be ready to board by 7.30am. Breakfast will be extended to cater for all departure times 6.30am 8.30am. Due to limited capacity on the boat making the cruise, there will be 2 separate cruise departures with each departure carrying 50 people as follows: Bus departs Meningie: Boat departs Long Point: Boat arrives Hindmarsh Island: First Cruise 7.45am 8.30am 11.30am Second Cruise 11.45am 12.30pm 3.30pm Those not on the cruise today will need to make the 130km journey around the northern edge of Lake Alexandrina and on to Goolwa. However, there are a couple of options to choose from. 1. Ride the full 130km with the usual support and refreshments enroute 2. Take a bus transfer to Langhorne Creek and ride the final 50km to Goolwa via Milang, Finniss and Currency Creek - the bus will depart from Meningie at 9.00am 3. Have the morning free to explore Meningie then travel by bus the whole distance and enjoy the afternoon settling into Goolwa - the bus will depart at 12.30pm **Lunch will be provided to everyone regardless of your chosen option for the day

8 DAY FIVE WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER REST DAY GOOLWA Officially this is our Rest Day, but there s plenty to keep you active! Those riders who were not on the cruise yesterday will have the chance to experience the Coorong today with 2 departures from Goolwa Wharf. Boat departs Goolwa Wharf Boat arrives Goolwa Wharf First Cruise 9.30am 12.30am Second Cruise 1.00pm 4.00pm Check out the local shops/pubs and cafés on the main street. Sample some of the fine ales on tap at The Brewery on the wharf. Take a short ride to Port Elliot (15km) along the Encounter Bay Bikeway and lunch at the famous Flying Fish Café (bookings recommended). Or just grab the takeaway option and have a picnic at the sensational Horseshoe Bay. A walk around the spectacular cliff tops is also recommended. Why not jump on the historic Cockle Train and head to Victor Harbor go on a fishing or whale watching boat trip - the options are endless! Go for a ride on the historical horse drawn tram out to Granite Island and walk around the spectacular island coastal track, maybe spot a penguin? CHECK OUT Hindmarsh Island Encounter Bikeway to Port Elliot and Victor Harbor Victor Harbor and the 500m climb to the Bluff for the best view in town Port Elliot Surf beach at Middleton Steam Ranger Cockle Train to Victor Harbor Canoe / kayak trips Fishing & Diving Trips Whale watching/dolphin boat trips Catch a bus to Victor Harbor ANNUAL TOUR TALENT NIGHT Continuing a long-standing tradition from previous Annual Tours, tonight we host our Annual Tour Talent Night - a chance for you to share some of your entertainment skills. Whether you sing, play a tune or possess unusual physical dexterity, we want to plumb the depths of your talent. Imagine a cross between Australia s Got Talent and X Factor. Group entries welcome. Plenty of audience participation. Guaranteed more fun than bingo.

9 DAY SIX THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER GOOLWA TO MT COMPASS TO GOOLWA REFRESHMENTS 30KM MT COMPASS LUNCH & FINISH 60KM GOOLWA Today we ride out to Currency Creek and then turn to the west just after crossing the Finniss River. It s an easy climb as we continue through lush farming countryside to Nangkita and Mt Compass where you can enjoy a lovely break. For those of you who fancy a cheese fix you ll find the Alexandrina Cheese Company in the nearby locality of Mt Jaggad it s about 7km south of Mt Compass and just only 2-3kms off the official tour route. Heading east from the main Victor Harbor Rd our loop ride continues to Mosquito Hill from where we re greeted by a thrilling descent before a short climb up Flagstaff Hill. Your legs will get a bit more of a work out but the views are worth it and it s a lovely downhill run all the way back to Goolwa via the town of Middleton. You ll also have the option to join the Encounter Bikeway at Middleton and ride the coastal trail back to Goolwa. CHECK OUT The Canoe Tree at Currency Creek Mt Compass Alexandrina Cheese Company Middleton great bakery, shops, beach, whale spotting?? Encounter Bikeway

10 DAY SEVEN FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER GOOLWA TO STRATHALBYN REFRESHMENTS 30KM ASHBOURNE LUNCH & FINISH 60KM STRATHALBYN We leave our seaside Goolwa home and head for the hills and the glorious scenery surrounding Ashbourne and Meadows. Stop at the awesome bakeries for one of their delicious pies, pasties or sweet treats. We also ride through the Paris Creek area, home to the award winning organic biodynamic dairy farm, B.-d. Farm Paris Creek. From here it s a pleasant ride down to the beautiful English town of Strathalbyn, one of the prettiest towns in SA famous for its antique shops and historical buildings. Strathalbyn is beautiful to stroll around with the River Angus emerging from the ranges and meandering through its centre. Its banks are a part of the parklands called the Soldiers Memorial Garden which is considered a centre-piece of the town with St Andrew's Church being a prominent feature. Wander the streets and admire the architecture, have a bite to eat or a great coffee at one of the many cafes or dining spots. Or a beer or wine at either of the 4 pubs in town, The Victoria, The Robin Hood, The Terminus or the Commercial Hotel. CHECK OUT En route Meadows bakery, Pik a Pie bakery Paris Creek dairy Strathalbyn Strathalbyn National Trust Museum - open 3pm pm (Fridays by request) Antique shops & Historic Buildings Coffee shops and cafes Soldiers Memorial Gardens Scenic helicopter flights see the mighty Murray Mouth from above

11 DAY EIGHT SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER STRATHALBYN TO MT BARKER TO MONARTO ZOO REFRESHMENTS 23KM MT BARKER LUNCH & FINISH 64KM MONARTO ZOO Our penultimate day sees us explore a little more of the eastern Fleurieu region as we head north towards the Adelaide Hills. It s a steady climb to Mt Barker where we turn east and enjoy a predominantly downhill cruise to our final night s destination at Monarto Zoo, a 1000 hectare flora and fauna sanctuary and open-plains zoological park. Get up close and friendly with both native and exotic wildlife including African lions, cheetahs, rhinoceros, antelope and bison to name a few. You'll have the option to visit the zoo display on the Zu-loop bus during the afternoon or maybe take a twilight tour of the zoo to check out what goes on as the sun goes down. There's also a guided nocturnal walk option for those who wish to check out what the locals get up to in the bush after dark. More details on visit/tour times will be available prior to the tour. Tonight s special and unique venue is the Indaba bush camp located remotely within the surrounds of the Monarto Zoo. We get back to nature and enjoy a special final night under the stars and around the camp fire. PARTY TIME Tonight is our last night and we ll make a celebration of the fun times we ve had and the kms ridden over the last 8 days a chance to cement new-found friendships over a few wines or beers from the local area. Dress code for the evening will be Black Tie a la Africa so pack some posh duds (with an animal twist?) and be in to win the best dressed prize! Hey, it s our last night together and what happens on Tour stays on Tour.

12 DAY NINE SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER MONARTO ZOO TO MURRAY BRIDGE VIA MANNUM REFRESHMENTS 35KM MANNUM LUNCH & FINISH 68 KM MURRAY BRIDGE Our final day sees us heading north to the beautiful riverside town of Mannum, self proclaimed house boat capital of Australia and the birthplace of the Murray River paddle steamers, including the first ever built, the Mary Ann which was constructed in It s currently home to historic paddle steamers such as the PS Marion and the PS Murray Princess. We make our penultimate crossing of the mighty Murray here at Mannum before returning to Murray Bridge, making a final crossing of the river over the historic iron bridge as we enter town. Sadly it s time to say farewells and head for home but you never know, we may meet again this time next year, on Bicycle SA s 2018 Annual Tour. Whether you re staying on to explore more of South Australia, or returning home with wonderful memories and photos to prove it, we wish you farewell and safe riding. We loved having you with us on our Annual Tour, proving once again that small is beautiful and life is better on a bike. Happy cycling! CHECK OUT In Mannum Mannum Waterfalls Mannum Waterfront/Dock Museum/PS Marion For more information

13 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE ANNUAL TOUR The new day on the campsite usually begins between 6.30am 7am. If you are an early riser we ask you to be considerate of others still in bed by keeping as quiet as possible. We ask all riders to refrain from talking in the tent area before 6.30am so that those who cherish that last half an hour of sleep can rest undisturbed. We don t give wake up calls so it s up to riders to get themselves going and on the road each morning. Before breakfast you may need to freshen up for the day and visit the toilet. The toilet facilities are open throughout the night, and where possible the showers are too. We use on site facilities, which vary from campsite to campsite. Sometimes they re big, plentiful and spotless, and other times they can be football club style. Where possible, we always make sure there are private shower facilities. Breakfast am (unless otherwise stated) If you re new to the Annual Tour, here s how our meal service arrangements work: breakfasts and dinners are served from the big hall (e.g. football club) or marquee (e.g. caravan park) Breakfasts are self-serve, with a selection of cereals, fruit and toast. There s also tea, Milo, instant and REAL filter coffee. Feel free to make fresh coffee in the plungers, but please also empty and rinse out the plunger if you get the final cup. We suggest that you carry your plates, knife, fork and spoon and cup in a shoulder bag enabling you to keep both hands free to carry your food. Don t forget to pack a bag of scroggin for later. Once you ve got your food you can either eat with your group or find a new friend. Bicycle SA is known for its intimate, friendly rides and you will soon find that riders on the Annual Tour are a welcoming bunch. After you have eaten breakfast, it s time to wash up your dishes and cutlery at the Bicycle SA wash-up stand. Before you hit the road, pack your bags and tents and deliver them onto the back of the luggage truck, where our luggage crew volunteers will stack them for you on the truck. Please don t drop off your bags on the ground beside the luggage trucks as these may get left behind. Note: please familiarise yourself with our Luggage Handling policy and be aware of luggage limits as outlined later in this information. IMPORTANT! By the luggage truck there is a check-list with every rider s name. Put a tick against your name EVERY MORNING when you leave, and put another tick EVERY AFTERNOON when you arrive at the next campsite and collect your luggage. In this way, we know whether you re at campsite or en route. An information board is also by the luggage truck, with updated news, local information and is a place riders can leave each other messages. Departing Camp. We understand that everyone has their own morning routine and some take a little longer than others in getting organized. Whatever your routine we ask that you are all packed up and on the road by 8.30am when the SAG wagon will depart (unless otherwise advised) Lunch (approximately 11.30am - 2pm) Lunch is at the designated lunch stop, typically around 60% along the route. Lunch may either be a filled roll or something hot. Bicycle SA uses local providers, such as clubs, groups and restaurants to provide the meal, which means you will always be guaranteed a variety of nourishing local fare.

14 Morning and Afternoon refreshments. While you will pass the occasional café and bakery along the route, Bicycle SA offers refreshments approximately 20km 30km into each day s ride. There will be water, Nippy s juices, Powerade, tea, coffee, Milo, fruitcake and biscuits plus a few extra bags of scroggin. The same is provided at the occasional afternoon refreshment stations, and you ll enjoy all these goodies when you arrive at each campsite. Dinner 6pm 7.30pm. Each dinner includes 3 courses soup, main and dessert. Each course is served separately. The evening rider briefing is from 7pm between the main course and dessert. A bar will be operating at each of our overnight venues. Sometimes it will be operated by our hosts for the evening and at other times by a local community or sports club. Not all venues will have credit card facilities so it is best to have some cash with you. Each day you will pass through town where ATM facilities are readily available. Riders with special dietary requirements will be catered for. Your ID lanyards have been coded with your special dietary requirements so please present them at meal times. DAILY PROGRAMME 7.00am 8.00am Breakfast (unless otherwise advised) 7.30am Route opens 8.30am SAG wagon departs 9.30am 11am Morning Refreshments 11.30am 2pm Lunch 2pm 4pm Afternoon Refreshments (when applicable) 6pm 7.30pm Dinner 7pm Rider Briefing GENERAL INFORMATION RIDER SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE Rider safety is not only your right, it is your responsibility. This is an open road event - you will be sharing it with other road users. The roads we travel on are generally reasonably wide and in good condition. The volume of traffic they carry is not huge. However heavy vehicles and caravans are not uncommon. Please be aware of your position on the road and be aware of traffic approaching from behind you. To ensure the safety of all riders please adhere to the following road etiquette: Ride single file in most cases, keeping well to the left, when moving out let other riders know and check to ensure that there is not another rider directly behind When passing please let the other riders know by saying, passing right. At no time pass anyone on the left and please keep to the left of the road When stopping please let other riders know by saying, stopping and move a minimum of one metre off the road immediately. Avoid stopping and blocking the road BIKE HIRE OPTION For those riders who want to avoid the hefty excess baggage fees some airlines are charging or the hassle of packing a bike you may wish to simply hire one of our bikes for your Annual Tour. Please contact the office for any further enquiries or bookings Tel: (08) or office@bikesa.asn.au

15 TRAVELLING TO THE START Travelling by air All Australian airlines require your bike to be boxed. Qantas and JetStar will sell you a bike box at the airport while Virgin Blue requires that you provide your own. If in doubt about air travel arrangements for you, your luggage or your bike you should check with your airline well in advance of your departure date. Participants travelling to Adelaide by air in the week prior to the start of the event may leave their clearly marked boxed bikes at the Bicycle SA office, 53 Carrington Street, Central Adelaide from Monday 9 October to Friday 13 October Travelling by car You can drive to Adelaide and take the coach option to Murray Bridge or you can drive directly to the start at Murray Bridge. FOR LONG TERM PARKING: Murray Bridge Arrangements have been made to enable riders to park their cars for the duration of the event in a secure location not too far from the official starting point in the centre of Murray Bridge. The cost is $10/night and must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. Contact Bicycle SA to secure your car park and make payment. Tel: or office@bikesa.asn.au Access to parking will be possible between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm on the first and last day of the tour. Please note that all parking arrangements are at the owner s risk, and Bicycle SA cannot accept any liability for any damage or loss. HOW DO I CHECK IN? For those taking the coach option from Adelaide, check in takes place from 7.00am to 8.15am Saturday 15 October, at the Bicycle SA office, 53 Carrington Street, central Adelaide. At check in you will receive your Annual Tour info pack and Rider ID. You should come dressed ready to ride and drop your bags directly to the luggage truck. If you are arriving on Friday, you will be able to check-in up until 6.00pm that day. You will be able to leave your bike and bags at the office until the next morning. Pack a small bag for your overnight stay and come dressed in your riding kit the next day, and load your bags on to the luggage truck. For those driving directly to Murray Bridge check in will be from 10.00am outside the Murray Bridge and District Community Club in Sturt Reserve. Be ready to load your luggage directly onto the luggage truck when it arrives on site. The important rider briefing takes place at 12:10pm before we head off at 12.30pm and wave goodbye to Murray Bridge.

16 LUGGAGE HANDLING Before loading your luggage bags on Day 1, please ensure they are clearly tagged with airline style waterproof luggage labels containing your full contact details. It is advisable to also attach similar contact details inside your bag just in case the external label comes adrift. To ensure your bag can be easily distinguished, we suggest tying coloured ribbons around the handle. Our luggage truck volunteers will weigh your bags before loading. Luggage ID tags must remain fixed to your bags during the Tour. Only bags with suitable luggage ID tags will be accepted by loading volunteers during the ride. Annual Tour total luggage allowance is 28kg. This must be packed in two bags each weighing no more than 14kg. If any of your bags exceeds the 14kg individual bag limit you will be required to unload or redistribute the bag contents. For the health and safety of the luggage volunteers we will not carry bags weighing more than 14kg. If your total luggage weight exceeds the 28kg maximum you will be charged an excess luggage fee of $25 per kilogram up to a maximum of 28kg ($75) and may be required to re-bag your luggage. If, after redistribution and paying the excess fee, the total weight is greater than 28kg (that is, more than 14kg in each bag), then you ll be required to remove items to bring down the total weight to a maximum of 14kg per bag. Each morning, before loading your luggage, change into your riding clothes and take out any items that you will need with you out on the road, as once you load your luggage onto the trucks you will not be able to get to it again until the campsite at the end of the day. We strongly urge you to take a set of extra-warm outer clothes (it may be cold and windy) as well as any other items you will need with you on the ride. ACCOMMODATION Day 1 Sat 14 Oct Langhorne Creek Langhorne Creek Memorial Oval Murray Rd, Langhorne Creek Day 2 & 3 - Sun 15 & Mon 16 Oct Meningie Meningie Town Oval Narrung Rd, Meningie 5264 Day 4, 5 & 6 Tues 17, Wed 18 & Thurs 19 Oct Goolwa Goolwa Recreation Grounds & Oval Goyder Street, Goolwa Day 7 Fri 20 Oct Strathalbyn Strathalbyn Town Oval Ashbourne Rd, Strathalbyn Day 8 Sat 21 Oct Monarto Zoo Indaba Bush Camp at Monarto Zoo Princes Hwy, Monarto SA 5254

17 WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER? The weather in the South East in October is usually mainly fine with generally mild conditions during the day however it can still be quite chilly in the evening and early mornings. We suggest you pack a good warm sleeping bag and appropriate warm clothing both for riding and for the evenings. Don t forget a rain jacket for wet weather protection if needed. OCTOBER MURRAY BRIDGE MENINGIE GOOLWA Mean daily max 22.7C 20.5C 19.1C Mean daily min 9.0C 9.4C 10.7C Mean 9am temp & wind speed Mean 3pm temp & wind speed 16.1C; 12.9km/h 15.6C; 13.7km/h 15.9C; 16.7km/h 21.2C; 16.4km/h 18.7C; 15.5km/h 17.6C; 19.7km/h Mean monthly rainfall 34mm 39.2mm 40.6mm Mean # - rainy days 6.0days 6.1days 8.1days More weather information can be found at ARRIVING AT EACH CAMPSITE Once you have got to the campsite at the end of your day s ride you will probably want to find your luggage, set up your tent and attend to your ablutions before enjoying a well-deserved drink or setting out to explore the nearby locale. But even before that, you must sign in with a tick against your name in the list by the luggage truck. This is very important, as it s our principal way of knowing who s safely in camp and who might still be out on the route and needing our support. Bags from the luggage truck are laid out on the ground in rows. If it rains, the luggage crew will place tarpaulins over the rows of bags so please make sure you replace these covers carefully after you have retrieved yours so that other riders luggage remains sheltered. Generally, you can pitch your tent wherever you like within the designated campsite, though be very aware of any areas marked out as no camping. Often irrigation systems are located near the surface and any tent peg driven through them will leave you very wet and removed from the groundsperson s Christmas card list. By the luggage truck will be an information board with a campsite site plan and general venue information as well as location of water, showers and toilets. Bear in mind that in your tent you have maximum visual privacy but minimal audible privacy, especially if space is limited and we re forced to camp close together. If you are a light sleeper we recommend you select a quiet tent site apart from other campers or bring earplugs. If you are a snorer, be considerate and park your tent away from the others. The loud and lyrical sounds of socializing are focused on the dining area and bar, where you re welcome to stay after dinner and share a natter and drink with fellow riders. Beyond 10.00pm noise and mayhem are not welcome in the camping areas, where tired bodies are snoozing.

18 DELUXE CAMPING Deluxe Camping is ideal for those riders who don't want the hassle of putting up and packing down their tent each day. The package includes a roomy 2-person tent - tall enough to stand up in - plus one air mattress per person. Best of all, we put it up and pack it down for you each day, and even inflate your air mattresses. So, all you have to do is roll out your sleeping bag and relax. Everything is taken care of. The cost includes all of the above and is per tent, so if you're riding alone you can have the tent all to yourself. Couples only pay the single fee for their tents. Air Mattresses We provide 6cm self-inflatable air mattresses which have a high-density foam inner core bonded to a hardwearing outer cover. These mats provide a more comfortable sleep than the older tube style airbeds as well as a better level of insulation against the cold. However, if you are one who feels the cold more easily you may want to supplement your sleeping bag with a lightweight thermal liner. Bring a pillow The air mattresses do not have a pillow attached so you will need to BRING YOUR OWN PILLOW. We suggest using a small lightweight travel pillow that can be easily stuffed in your luggage. Most outdoor shops provide a wide range to choose from. Alternatively, you can bring along a pillow case and stuff your clothing inside to make your own pillow. Tent Allocation You will be allocated a specially numbered Deluxe Camping tent on Day 1. This will be your exclusive home for the tour. If you have any problems at all with your tent or air mattress during the ride please don t hesitate to ask one of the volunteer tent team for assistance. No bikes in or on tents please Our Deluxe Camping tents are for human occupation only. Bikes are NOT PERMITTED to be stored inside tents. Please also do not lean bikes against the tent or tent / awning poles. The weight of the bikes can seriously damage the tents if they fall over especially if the wind picks up. We advise you to place your bikes upside down next to your tent whilst leaving plenty of room for other campers to walk freely along the line of tents. Shoes off inside We also ask that you remove your shoes before entering your tent to help keep the tents clean and prevent any damage to the floors and airbeds especially from riding shoes. Laundry / washing lines. Please DO NOT hang washing lines from your tent as this places undue stress on the tent structure and may cause damage to the tent, especially if windy. Please make use of a nearby fence or tree instead. Daily access Deluxe Camping tents will generally not be available before 2.00pm each day. It takes time to pack down and re-erect the tents each day so your patience is appreciated. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the local surroundings whilst your tent is being prepared. Packing up in the morning On departure morning please do not deflate your air mattress. We ask that you take your air mattress to the mattress truck BEFORE you go to breakfast. We also ask that you have the majority of your bags packed before breakfast so that all you have to do is pack your eating utensils and toiletries before taking your bags to the luggage truck. This will assist the tent team in being able to pack up the tents each day in a timely manner and then move on to the next destination to commence setting up tents again ready for your arrival.

19 SECURITY AND SAFETY ON THE CAMPSITE Bicycle SA is committed to best practice workplace safety and event management procedures for the comfort and safety of our riders and volunteer personnel. Please help us by following these few simple points: Sign out and in at the luggage truck. Put a tick against your name when you leave each morning and another tick when you arrive at each new campsite in the afternoon. This is our roll call in case we need to check who s on site and who may still be out on the route or in town. Lock your bike. Never leave your bike unlocked on the campsite. Many of our sites are unfenced and we depend on riders to be vigilant and help maintain good security for all. Secure your belongings. Reduce the risk of theft by keeping all your belongings inside your tent. Keep an eye out. Good campsite security depends on all riders being watchful and observant. Report any unusual incidents to event personnel. Except for Event Village braziers / campfires organized by Bicycle SA, no fires are permitted anywhere in the camping areas for safety reasons. Tent material can be highly flammable. This prohibition includes candles, fireworks, sparklers and camp stoves of any type. Camp only in the areas indicated. Check with luggage truck personnel regarding any no camping areas, or areas marked with underground irrigation. Please keep out of all work areas marked by traffic cones or bunting. Experienced personnel undertake specific activities in these areas. The campsite is a quiet area between 10.00pm and 6.00am. Tents have thin walls and we ll all be tired at the end of the day so please ensure you are quiet after 10.00pm. If you are returning from town late, please do not talk in the tent area. Alcohol free campsite. The dining area and bars are the only parts of the campsite where alcohol is permitted. Campsite evacuation. In the unlikely event of an emergency site evacuation you should leave your tent (and any luggage as well as your bike!) and go immediately to the evacuation assembly point, which is by the logistics truck (the biggest truck on site). The signal for an emergency site evacuation is a continuous car horn sounded for a minimum of one minute and repeated 15 seconds later. Event volunteer personnel will assist you in the event of an emergency evacuation. Please follow their instructions and do not attempt to return to your tent until you have been advised that it is safe to do so. Emergency procedures have been designed for your safety and the safety of all riders and crew. GENERAL INFORMATION The luggage truck can be a quick source of information. It s where you ll find campsite details and messages from other riders. More information, such as details about the locale and tourism attractions, can be found inside the big hall or marquee or on the Information Table near the tea and coffee servery. Generally Lost Property will either be at the luggage truck or on the Information Table. You can also put your name down for activities on the lists on the Information Table.

20 Toilets and Showers There are usually plenty of toilets and showers at each campsite and we will also be travelling with a mobile toilet/shower facility. However, you may still have to wait your turn, depending on when you want to perform your ablutions. Predictably, toilets are busiest in the mornings, while the showers get used most in the mid-afternoon / early evening when riders come in from a day in the saddle. If you plan around these times, you often won t have to queue at all. Note: The hot water supply is often limited in many locations so please keep your showers short so everyone can have a warm shower 4 minutes is more than adequate. The number of toilets and showers, and their location, varies during the ride. Local facilities always factor, and sometimes these are augmented by hired portaloos or showers. The campsite map by the luggage truck indicates where these are. So, if the local facilities are being used, you might like to check out any hired facilities elsewhere on site. Showers in the mobile facility will close at 9.00pm each night. When staying on sports grounds, the showers are almost always football club communal style. One of the changing rooms will be set aside for men and the other for women. Sometimes there are additional, more private club showers on site. IMPORTANT: Water is a limited resource in some areas. Please limit your shower to two minutes in order to save water and energy and also ensure that all participants have a hot shower Mobile phone charging, internet access and banking You should be able to charge your mobile when we have access to sporting club grounds. Other nights, when we dine in a big marquee, mobile phone charging will most likely not be available. It s a good idea to carry a small rechargeable power stick with you in case you get caught out. Mobile phone coverage is fairly good along the route however it can be patchy in some areas. Telstra offers the best overall network coverage along the route. It s a good idea to carry your mobile phone as a precaution, and may be handy if you break down or are involved in an accident. You should also carry some change if you need to make a call from a public landline. Banking and limited internet access is available at Meningie, Goolwa and Strathalbyn. There are no facilities on the final night at Monarto Zoo. ATMs are available in all the towns but again may not cope with the demand of 200 people all wanting to withdraw $100 so make sure you have enough cash to get you through the week, especially for the cash only bars that will be available in some venues. EMERGENCY 000 APP FOR YOUR PHONE We recommend that you download this app to your smartphone, as a permanent safety feature. The Emergency+ app is free, and was developed by Australia s emergency services, the Government and industry partners. The app uses GPS functionality to help a Triple Zero caller provide critical location details to mobilise emergency services. You may not have mobile phone range throughout the tour, so it is worthwhile having this on your phone.

21 The Handle Bar Each afternoon and evening you can relax in the campground and enjoy a drink from the Handle Bar. At most of our campsites the local clubs and community groups will run a cash bar, selling wine, beer and soft drinks over the bar. At other places, Bicycle SA will operate a cash bar providing cold beer, cans of soft drink, plus white and red wine (by the glass or bottle). Where possible, the Handle Bar will be open from 2.00pm, but never later than 5.00pm. Note that alcohol can only be consumed in the Handle Bar and the dining area. BYO is welcome when Bicycle SA is running the Handle Bar, but not permitted at venues where the locals are running the club bar. Massage Hazeline and her associates will provide massage services each day during the Annual Tour. There will be a comfortable, quiet place in each campsite, where you can be healed and pampered. Whether you need a quick going over of the leg muscles, or want to indulge in the luxury of a full-body massage, they are happy to sort you out. You will need to book ahead, as their diary fills up quickly, especially at the peak times (pre-dinner) Hazeline and co have a schedule of applicable fees, depending on the duration of massage provided. Fees are payable directly to them. Annual Tour photographs It s always great to see photographs from the Annual Tour. Some evenings, where possible, we may show riders photographs on the projector screen. You can help us by providing your edited photographs on a memory stick, but we can show images direct from your digital camera if you have a cable. Following the tour, we hope to bring together riders photos into a compilation of images from the Annual Tour for everyone to enjoy. Details will be made available during the ride. Acknowledgements: We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the following regions and organisations for their assistance and support in developing and delivering our Annual Tour ride. Rural City of Murray Bridge, Coorong District Council, Alexandrina Council, Goolwa Visitor Information Centre, Strathalbyn Visitor Information Centre, Langhorne Creek Sporting Clubs, Langhorne Wine, The Lakes Hub, Meningie, Meningie Progress Association, Meningie Netball and Football clubs, Raukkan Community Council, Spirit of the Coorong Cruises, Goolwa Oval Committee, Goolwa Football Club, Goolwa Lions Club, Strathalbyn Oval Committee, Strathalbyn Football Club, Monarto Zoo, Long Island Caravan Park - Murray Bridge, Genesis Tour & Charter, Roof Rack City SA,

22 TOURISM Adelaide Murray Bridge Visitor Information Centre 3 South Tce Murray Bridge SA 5253 Telephone: (08) visitorinfo@murraybridge.sa.gov.au Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine PO Box 78 Langhorne Creek South Australia 5255 T: info@langhornewine.com.au Meningie Tourist Information Centre 14 Princes Highway Meningie SA 5264 Ph: (08) Goolwa Visitor Information Centre cnr Cadell Street and Cutting Road, Goolwa SA 5214 Tel: goolwavic@alexandrina.sa.gov.au Strathalbyn Visitor Information Centre South Terrace, Strathalbyn SA 5255 Tel: strathalbynvic@alexandrina.sa.gov.au Monarto Zoo Princes Highway Monarto SA 5254 Tel: Mannum Visitor Information Centre Randell Street, Mannum SA 5238 Phone: Notes

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24 Contact information Russell Miatke Event Manager Maureen Merrick Volunteer Coordinator and Catering Ray Merrick Sag Wagon Christian Haag CEO Bicycle SA office Open 9am to 5pm 7 days (08) Keep trying these numbers until you make contact. Do not rely on messages through a third party. Once contact has been established this representative of Bicycle SA will assume coordination of the incident and all further communication should be directed via them. First Aid is available from qualified volunteer personnel (identified with First Aider on their ID), but with general non-urgent health issues see Maureen at the campsite. Please ensure you inform us of any preexisting medical conditions before the start of the Annual Tour Emergency contacts. Your mobile phone is the most direct way for family and friends to contact you, provided that there is mobile phone reception along the trail or in town. As most riders do not reach the day s campsite until mid afternoon, it is best for people to phone you in the late afternoon or early evening. If you can t be contacted directly, your family or friends should phone Russell Miatke, Maureen Merrick or the Bicycle SA office (numbers as above) and leave a message for you to ring home. If something happens to you on the ride we will phone your nominated emergency contact person. Please ensure this information is accurate at the date you depart for the ride. For more information go to or office@bikesa.asn.au

25 Contact information EVENT MANAGER Russell VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Maureen SAG WAGON Ray SIGNAGE Nigel AM REFRESHMENTS TBC LUNCH Lesley PM REFRESHMENTS TBC CATERING SUPPORT TBC MASSAGE Hazeline, BIKE MAINTENANCE TBC ROUTE SUPPORT Chris B RIDE MARSHALS TBC EQUIPMENT LOGISTICS Paul FURNITURE TRUCK Peter G LUGGAGE TRUCK Norm DELUXE CAMPING Ranald LET THERE BE COFFEE Rory BICYCLE SA CEO Christian BICYCLE SA OFFICE (7 days) (08) POLICE (non emergency) AMBULANCE / POLICE (emergency) 000 FIRST AID, MEDICAL HELP AND EMERGENCIES In the event of an emergency or incident, please use the following checklist as a guide: Ensure your safety first; Ensure the safety and welfare of any injured person, any riders, volunteers and / or public; Contact appropriate emergency authorities dial 000 stating your name, location, phone number, role and service(s) required; Remain at the scene until emergency assistance arrives unless it is safe to do so; Provide all possible assistance to emergency services; Record all actions and times and details of all involved, including possible witnesses as soon as practical. If possible / necessary, take photographs; Contact Bicycle SA personnel as soon as possible: