Day 12 Burra to Clare, 48.5km, 2.57:39hours, 16.4kmh ave, 471m ascent, 490m descent, Max speed 42.33kmh, 13.3 degrees C, 11km/h wind form NE left at 9.42am
Great sleep last night and take the most of the room knowing the IGA shop doesn't open till 8.30am. I head down the road for breakfast at an ecclectic book shop who confuses me with the tea pot and cup sitting underneath it, as I ask for a cup. Then off to reload the supplies knowing though I will be in Clare and can get to a Woolworths again.
I follow the walking /cycle track by crossing over the walking bridge near the CP and follow it down a little then get confused on where I should go so back over the bridge and along a road. Once out of town where you star tot head south the gate is closed and no entry sign up, so a detour back is required. Along the main road out knowling the Mawson meets up with the Barrier Highway again past that block. Its busy but feel safe. Once the trail hits again from the left you trvel off right down a gravel road that runs parallel to the main road for awhile. Its generally staraight along this Manilla Road until you reach the Camel Hump Range with various road conditions form good gravel to rough tracks. Once you climb the saddle you can view both sides of the valley you've come from and the Clare Valley in front.
You are slowed down on the descent by having to open and close gates, the first gate I have no idea how to close properly as I didnt look at how it was set up in the first place, or remember. I worked it out on the second, so I hope no sheep left their paddocks.
Onto Angas Court Road where I have lunch on the right side of the road in the shade. One car comes towards me slows down and stops and the passenger suggests I sit in fromnt of the bike with my bright yellow top as they didn't know what it was. I think about it for a second and continue eating. They were the only car that I had seen come towards me since the main road of Burra and they should slow down on country roads. Me so high and mighty. Suggest to self get off road if car still travels fast straight at me
Another 5km I arrive at White Hut and all of a sudden Im on th eReisling Trail heading into Clare. The Reisling Trail is a gravel "rails to trails" dedicated cycle trail. I'm looking for Woolworths and the Mawson takes a different approach and go past it so back up the main road a tick. Big shop here and 3km more on the main road to the CP. Why not take the rail trail was too far 100m to the left. Its an expensive campground unpowered and they put me as far away form the kitchen as possible too. But i take advantage of the power to recharge and eat most of the afternoon away and evening. Cheese and crackers and fruit, chocolate and Maximus drink to rehydrate. They have the bigges toutdoor TV I know near the kitchen I take control of the controls to watch the news and weather updates. More rain to come.
Caravan Park $41