Riverton - Tanunda 79km

A tough day today. Lots of hills and some rocky tracks that tested my single-speeding legs. Some of the trail routing decisions seemed to be a bit sadistic. The trail would turn up yet another hill avoiding the more obvious flatter roads. But on reaching the top and being presented with the view of surrounding ranges and valleys I'd thank the trail designers for getting me up there, into country I would have otherwise missed.

Was great country in between Riverton and Kapunda, but as I got closer to lunch my stomach was hoping there would be a good bakery in the Kapunda main drag. Turns out there was.

Suitably refuelled I pushed out past the Kapunda mine into more treeless country initially. 32 degrees Celsius was the forecast and I felt it with not much shade on offer.

The trail crossed both the Heysen trail and Kidman trail in places. The Kidman trail would be a good option from Willunga for a future, shorter tour.

Trees and vineyards increased as I approached Nurioopta on summer only tracks - the "summer only" bit seems to have been ignored if the deep wheel ruts and tracks made by the local motor cross enthusiasts were anything to go by. Passed through Nurioopta for a pretty dull ride along the main road to Tanunda where I booked into the caravan park. Plenty of grass and trees, and more juggernaut motorhomes and 5th wheelers.

Wandered back into Tanunda after pitching my tent and stopped in a pub for well earned beers, and was easily tempted away from tonight's freeze dried meal-in-a-bag when I could smell the pub's kitchen firing up.

Last night I rang Mt Crawford forest because I had a niggling memory that camping is banned in the fire danger season (starting on the 1st December). This was confirmed so I'm not going to do that last section this trip as there is nowhere interesting to stop and camp without risking a fine. It's a bit too big a hop to do in one day. I've done the last bit from Lobethal a couple of times and I know what a killer that section is in either direction. So I'll head home via Lyndoch-Williamstown-Kersbrook etc. This shortcuts the day's ride a bit when compared to the official trail, and is a much nicer option than via Gawler and all the Main North Road traffic nastiness.