Mawson Trail Magic

A quick skip over the gorgeous Adelaide Hills brought me down into the Big Smoke of Adelaide city. I stayed with my mate Simon who was going to ride the first couple of days of the famous Mawson Trail with me.

A few beers multiplied into a few more and we woke up a tad dusty. The good news was there was steep climbing back up over the hills to shake off the hangover. Punchy climbs with stunning views – we were off to a good start.

There are several huts along the the trail that service cyclists and walkers (on the long distance Heysen Hiking Trail). We spent the night at Rossiters Hut. It was lovely to be out of the cold and in front of a warm fire. A few other bikepackers arrived later that evening. I enjoyed chatting with likeminded locals and we agreed I had probably brought too much stuff. My legs are stronger for it now though!

The next day took us down into the wine country of the Barossa Valley – it was a far cry from the heat of January when I was last here a couple of years ago. Simon had warned me about the infamous ‘Mawson Death Mud’ that can be encountered after rain during the first few hundred KMs of the trail. Recent rain left us cautious and we took some minor deviations to avoid the worst of the clay.

Beautiful riding through wine and agricultural country – we arrived at Marschalls Hut for our second night. No expense spared we enjoyed a three course meal of empanadas, curry and chocolate for dinner and pancakes for breakfast.

We hit a small patch of ‘Death Mud’ on the way back to the main road. It was enough for me to take it seriously! 

I said farewell to Simon that morning – huge thanks mate for joining me for a couple of days and all the super helpful information about the trail ahead. You’re a legend!

I was taught a lesson in patience when the trailed followed an old aqueduct – open the gate, roll bike through, close the gate. Repeat 300m later. 

I pushed further north, the trail was convoluted, with sometimes seemingly mindless deviations but others pure magic including a big loop out past Mt Bryan and beyond Goyder’s Line (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goyder%27s_Line). I was met with stunning outback desert scenery – a taste of what was to come. I put my faith in the trail.

I headed back east towards the Southern Flinders Ranges – the first of many spectacular ridge lines coming into view and giving me butterflies in my stomach.

I bivvied in the mountain biking hotspot of Melrose and gave my bike some much needed love at Over the Edge Sports. Massive thanks to Simon and the Team for letting me using their bike wash area and repair stand. Check them out if you’re in the area! (https://otesports.com/locations/melrose/).

Onwards and upwards as they say, I found myself back in Quorn. It was from this town that me and my best mate Tom set off on our Outback Cycling Adventure to Alice Springs a few years ago. My first taste of Central Australia, I have a lot of great memories with Tommo and it was this trip that has brought me back to the Red Centre for more.

I stayed in the luxurious Dutchman’s Hut – electricity (including a kettle and microwave) and flushing toilets! I felt a tad underdressed for the place as I hadn’t packed my tuxedo – fortunately I had it all to myself. 

A massive thanks to all the hard work of the volunteers of the Friends of the Heysen Trail who maintain the hut network (most of which you can stay in for free) and many of the trails. More info here: https://heysentrail.asn.au/

At least once a day I have been experiencing a surge of joy, usually after the first few pedal strokes. I am stoked to be out here, super grateful for the privilege and stoked about how far I’ve already come. 

My excitement continued to build as I had an idea of the stunning scenery that lay ahead. Bring on the Flinders Ranges!