MERIDA News & Events

Riders Blog - The Murray River Weekend

25-Jun-2012

It is particularly on the longer rides that the benefits of a good bike frame, well fitted to the rider, really come to the fore. My biggest ride of the summer was a 400km overnight ride through the South Australian riverland. With a couple of ride buddies, I left Adelaide on Saturday morning and rode North through Kapunda to reach the Murray at Morgan. We followed the rivers clifftops down through Blanchetown to the Swan Reach hotel for the night. To avoid carrying overnight clothes in a backpack, we had sent bags on ahead; they were waiting for us at the hotel. Day one: 250km in an Adelaide heatwave. The temperature on the road reached the high 40's with a headwind most of the way.

Day two was a little easier. South along the river banks to Mannum and then back home through the Adelaide hills. Only 170km for Sunday. 

Mad? Probably. But what a ride. And about the Reacto? Sure the legs knew they had done some work, but otherwise not an aching bone in my body. The frame soaked up the worst of the country roads, but did not compromise the efficiency of my ride one scrap. 

I'd do it all again, but maybe without the heatwave next time.

Cheers
Don