THE MAWSON TRAIL
The Mawson Trail – created in 1990 and named in honour of explorer Douglas Mawson - Is a 900km ‘dirt-road’ cycling trail from Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges on little used country roads, forest trails, farm access tracks, and other unmade roads. The Mawson Trail traverses the lands of the Kuarna, Ngadjuri and Adnyamathanha people – from Adelaide to Blinman – and is a ride is varied, challenging, dusty, and not for the light hearted – indeed it offers a challenge for even the most experienced cyclists.
From the very first day the Mawson Trail beckons riders forward with constantly varying terrain, road surfaces, scenery and wildlife. It’s a perfectly paced adventure, opening up the landscape day-by-day with new sights that provoke a sense of wonder and awe. While the cyclists fatigue from their exertions, they are nonetheless motivated day-by-day to escape, endure, and explore…
Escape
Strade Sterrate rides are all about turning your back on the daily grind... closing the office door behind you and making your escape... on two wheels! The departure from daily life is gentle at first – cycling through the populous Adelaide Hills (the incline is not so gentle!), and then winding your way through the vineyards of the Barossa Valley. But as the days progress the terrain gets less and less forgiving, and the vegetation grows more and more sparse. The Flinders Ranges is a stunning destination in itself - but to arrive there after seven punishing days on a bike it is nothing short of breathtaking. By this time your daily routine will be world away.
ENDURE
Not for the recreational cyclist, nor for the light hearted, our Mawson Trail tours are designed to push the endurance level of the athletes participating. The seven days of cycling average 125kms per day over what can only be described as challenging terrain... back roads, forest trails, sheep tracks, steep inclines, gravel/ rocks/boulders, dust and/or mud...
Tours are guided by experienced ride leaders with first aid qualifications and mechanical experience. Ride leaders are equipped with first aid kit & EPIRB (satellite emergency beacon), and the group is accompanied by a motorbike and 4WD to provide water & nutrition – essential in the desert.
The tour is only available to small group sizes with a professional support crew ratio of 1 support to every 2 riders. Every need is met from daily cleaning of bicycles, to an energy rich diet, and laundering of cycling kit.
To balance the demanding days, each evening is inclusive of gourmet food and luxury accommodation – private chef, local wines, heritage venues, comfortable beds.
EXPLORE
Throughout the tour, riders will explore the best of the regions from the Adelaide Hills to the Flinders Ranges.
The Mawson Trial is a true adventure. From the suburbs of Adelaide to the gourmet wine regions of the Barossa and the Clare Valleys. From the forests of the Wirrabara Range to the desert landscape beyond the Goyder Line. And from the quaint townships such as Melrose and Quorn to the ancient rocky mountains of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
An experience not to be forgotten with Instagram worthy bragging photos!
