Only three riders set out from Norton Summit at 8:00am this morning. The weather was a bit discouraging, 5–10mm of overnight rain and still spitting as we left, which may have kept a few away. But it dried up quickly, and by the time we reached Mount Lofty Summit (with a “feels like” of only 6.5°C!) we were ready for a hot coffee and cake to revive us.
Refuelled, we enjoyed some great single track through Cleland NP, plus a new-to-us track dropping down to Piccadilly Road. Then came a fast run down Old Mt Barker and Old Carey Gully Roads (3 km at –3.5% average) with a helpful tailwind, before hitting a favourite gravel section on Gully Road.
Next was the challenge of Knots Hill via Range Road. The day had finally warmed up, so we shed our outer layers before the climb. The return to Norton Summit took us along Monument Road, across open fields and single track, navigating four gates and five stiles along the way.
Great company, plenty of good banter, and we even finished 10 minutes ahead of schedule. All in all, a cracking ride.