The closest train station is the Mile End Station on the Seaford and Belair lines. The closest tram stop is Thebarton.
Lunch
We will be grilling sausages for lunch. I’ll be bringing enough sausages for the usual number. If you have a dietary requirement let me know in your registration. I’ll be seeking a small contribution to cover the costs.
22 km loop through Thebarton, Hindmarsh, Flinders Park, Kidman Park, Findon, Woodville South, Croydon Bowden and Southwark. Strava Link GPX Route (to be updated)
We will be on the Seaford Train arriving at Lonsdale 10:41am. We will be boarding at Woodlands Park at 10:15am. Otherwise, there is car parking at the station.
29 km loop through Lonsdale, O’Sullivan Bech, Christies Beach, Port Noarlunga, Huntfield Heights, Hackham West, Morphett Vale. 259 Vertical metres and 10 km or so of gravel, dirt or single track. Strava Link GPX Route
21 km loop through Magill, Rostrevor, Hectorville, Tranmere, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Park, Erindale, Hazelwood Park, Leabrook. Strava Link GPX Route
20Km Loop ride through St Agnes, Ridgehaven, Redwood Park, Surrey Downs, Golden Grove, Wynn Vale, Modbury Heights, Modbury North, Modbury. Strava Link GPX Route
Coffee Stop
Cafe de Grove 1150 Golden Grove Rd, Golden Grove SA 5125
25 km loop ride through Thebarton, Adelaide, Gilberton, Joslin, Klemzig, Vale Park, Walkerville, Medindie, North Adelaide, Bowden Strava Link GPX Route
This month’s ride started at the Brickmakers Arms (new Christmas tradition..?). The weather was destined to be around 23 slightly overcast with potential rain, much cooler than the 30 degrees of the previous day. The Brompton line-up grew larger the closer it got to starting time. As if on cue – rain was thrown down at 11am for at least 2 minutes, scattering everyone to the nearby tree or pub walkway. The 16 Brompton Bike line up shows the variety of ‘Christmas’ inspiration themes. Once the ride briefing was over (and Christmas track selected) we were off… winding our way through Brompton & Bowden towards the path away from the city along the River Torrens.
The cycle path was pretty cruisey, with not too many pedestrians, dogs, or joggers for a Sunday. This was nice for a change! I felt that the group was fairly stretched out, but then suddenly we come to an unexpected quick stop in Underdale. It became apparent that Kym had experienced a sudden chain malfunction, which after some assistance was resolved and we were back on the road within five minutes. Leaving the River Torrens behind we weaved our way through the back streets of Underdale and Torrensville, and a few minor pedestrian crossings to get to Love On Cafe.
It was a great little stop! Perfect for the size of the group, which increased by 1 with Tin joining (the benefits of publishing the route in advance). The coffee arrived relatively fast… and the muffins were homemade (great to see baking on premises).
Before the ride it was suggested one of the prizes would be given to the fastest Brompton unfold – if there were people who wanted to compete. Thankfully there were four individuals prepared to take on the challenge (Peter, Richard, Andrew, and Tin) held alongside the cafe. The winner was Richard with a time of 9.98 seconds – impressive! Well done all!
After this entertainment, we got back on the bikes looping back through Mile End, crossing James Congdon Drive at the new pedestrian crossing, before traversing the parklands round the River Torrens, past Adelaide Oval and slightly uphill to North Adelaide. Of course there were back lanes, with only one wrong turn (Kym must of been enjoying the ride too much), before we headed back to Brompton.
There was a brief stop and photo opportunity at Walter Burley Griffin’s Incinerator (yes, the same person who designed Canberra). While there was the traditional Brompton bike photo – it was great to take one with everyone and their Brompton’s. At this point it was announced that Vanessa had won the best dressed outfit and bike. Vanessa really went all out with a complete Christmas theme outfit of a red reindeer skirt and jumper, bag with Christmas decorations and finished with silver shoes, a true top effort! Special mentions – Alison who dressed as the Grinch; Margaret with the Christmas Stockings across the front of the Brompton Bag; both Fei and Daniel with the Hello Kitty themed decorations (kawaii!); and Richard with the colour themed clothing and bow tie – perfectly fitting the theme of Brompton Cycling. After this it was a short ride back to the Brickmakers Arms, where the prizes provided by Brompton Australia and Treadly Cycles were distributed, prior to enjoying a festive lunch. Below highlights the variety of food enjoyed..
Given its the end of the year, Kym and I would like to thank everyone who comes out on the Brompton rides throughout the year. Whether you’ve been to one, or many – we really thank you for coming. You make Adelaide Bromptoneering what it is… otherwise it’s just me and Kym out for yet another bike ride around Adelaide.
We hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas with their family and friends.. and we will get to ride together in 2026.
The November ride returned the heart of the city. It was a longer but fairly cruisy ride along some of Adelaide’s well known cycling routes. Venturing around road works, track works and suburban wetlands. In total we rode 24.8km with a slight vertical climb of 48m – barely noticeable.
As the photos show, it was a blue sky day and the temp was headed to around 32c. Thankfully the route was largely flat. Following the ride briefing, we headed North taking Grote Street towards the West Parklands towards the loop path around James Coglin Drive towards South Road.
Despite testing the ride just a couple days before, due to the changing nature of the South Road roadworks, we managed to make some quick on the spot decisions enabling everyone to be in the right spot at the right time. Phew… always a sigh of relief. Cycling down the West Side Bikeway towards Glenelg was at an enjoyable relaxed pace. There were only pedestrians and their furry companions for traffic, and crossing minor roads.
The next challenge was navigating around, and crossing the tram works, and heading to the morning tea stop. It was great to join up with Andrew and Lizzie with their cargo bike (made better with a Brompton in the cargo bay), just before the Oaklands Wetland and Reserve.
The morning tea break was fabulous. Huge thanks to Gail and Lizzie for bringing cake and Gail for the additional biscuits, which certainly fed everyone’s appetite up to that point. Top marks to Andrew for bringing along his camping stop and coffee making facilities – that is definitely next level commitment, and great use of camping supplies. There was the obligatory Brompton bike photo set-up on the bridge before we all headed back towards the city.
Leaving the wetlands behind we followed the cycle path alongside the train line towards town. While it’s quite a direct route, it certainly encourages speed. This was something Gail noticed, remarking everyone had increased their speed after the break. While the temperature was on the rise we stopped briefly Woodlands Train station. A few months back they had finished the art which is incorporated into the access tunnels and on the station itself. I think a few passengers on the train were relieved that 15 Brompton’s were not getting on board!
We sped towards the lunch destination at Silver Brewing – and everyone who stayed was pleased to be inside enjoying the air conditioning. Once we all managed to order some food (thanks to Margaret and Ian for ordering early enabling the rest of us to order the food we wanted instead of the mandated platters)… and drinks (yes the brewery was somehow a brewery with no beer of its own!!!).. We were all able to look back and say we enjoyed the ride.
The Adelaide Brompton rides are largely a mix of planing which involve testing routes, finding suitable relaxed food locations for mid-large groups… and a bit of luck. This ride certainly relied heavily on luck – and great company, so thanks to all who came out.
