Training Log Archive: Yak

Walked from Hanson Bay to Kelly Hill caves in 37 degree temp from 11am.
Had trouble finding the walk start from the beach, even though its part of the KI Wilderness Trek.

Had a river crossing in a boat via a pulley system which was heaps of fun. Some soft sand initially but rest totally rideable (for future reference though not supposed to). Some along the river, then 500 metres next to open land, then I diverted 1km each way to look at the fancy new KIWT campground. Then more than an hour alongside the Grasstree Lagoon and finally a long section of slightly uphill bush. Nice walk but being hot and with dodgy knees made it hard work.

C • I don't remember a boat! 4

early ride from accom at kangaroo Island wilderness retreat.
Lovely bushwalk single track circuit of about 4km and then a bolt down Sanderson rd to the cliff edge at the sea. This rd was hard packed surface and fast as. After yesterday lovely to feel speed.

Evening ride from accom at Seal Bay cabins - it was still plenty hot.
On dirt rds out towards parndana and then back down Hickman rd.
Last 4 kms was on bitumen on main highway in the darkness - no cars, just had to watch out for roos.
Had to divert early on around a fire on both sides of a rd.
Lovely red sunset.

Ride from Cape Borda to Platypus walk in Flinders Chase Nat park.
Rode the 3km "return' walking track initially - this was the best bit!
Playford Highway was really shitty because of surface and that I was going into a huge headwind and averaging only 10kph. Shackle Rd wasn't much better.
Then rode around the platypus loop looking for Susan and did some of the Black Swamp walking track that was very nice riding.

pm Short ride from Admirals Arch to Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat - all bitumen. Some rolling hills, incl Bunker Hil climb.

Short ride on "return hike" down to lookout, cemetery and Harvey's return and back. Much better than road but twisty and turny.

Afternoon Ravine des Casoars walk from near Cape Borda.
I had done this walk about 20 years ago and remembered the caves at the end really well. There are really great caves with stalamites and stalatites - worth taking a torch. I had to watch the water, as had waded into the last one on north side. Small river in gully was nice to have a lounge in.
Beach is a bit dangerous other than a wade.
Recent storms meant that there were 37 trees to step over. Had been an alternative half loop back but that is now closed.
Highly recommended,
My knees didn't enjoy this - not unexpected, esp as I haven't done any walking at all for months.

Walk down Harveys return to the beach.
This is where the boats used to bring provisions for the lighthouse (5kms away) but it required a big hill climb that once had a horse on a whim thing doing circles to drag the stuff up.
Lachy & Susan (been there the week before) had warned me that my knee woudnt like this and he was right. Really slow on descent but luckily I had my titanium poles. Great striped rocks at bottom.
No sand on beach but sometimes there is evidently.

Drove to Stokes Bay via Sheep Dairy & Penneshaw.
Stokes bay beach is accessed by walking thru a rock warren - nice.
Rode Stokes Bay - Cape Borda - very enjoyable.
Several hills - one out of Stokes but another out of Snellings Beach up Constitution Hill into a big headwind at 17%, so I walked a bit.
Snellings Beach is a long driveable beach and really sandy but doesn't get so many people because of dirt rd access. Lovely.
There are about 10 upmarket houses around town that are all owned by 1 company and hired out to rich bods...few locals.
I went on all dirt rds, even diverting as to not do the last bit of bitumen on Playford Highway. The closer I got to Cape Borda the worse the pea gravel got in depth.

Warm day so I wasn't pleased when I found that the small Woodward cottage accom didn't have access to a shower. (Only $50 for 2 beds but had a fridge and microwave) Luckily Rob the relief part-time ranger offered a shower. He then also took us & the family in the big homestead on a lighthouse tour at 8.30pm.
Heaps of kangaroos around - the ones on K Is are very dark brown / black.

Stayed with bike friends at American River - wonderful views though the road up was 20% for a few metres and 12+ for 400metres.
Aimed to a scenic tour.

Started with the cannery walking track (only 2kms or so) but it was not so rideable. It was a one way track but I had guessed there might be a track up to the road about 800metres up the hill and there was. Even saw a heath monitor lizard.
Up to Ballast Head rd (out to end and back) - Redbanks rd - Fleacastle rd (to see the Redcliffs). susan went back from here.
I went on to Min-Oil rd and saw old oyster plots - then out to main rd (Hog Bay Rd) and the bitumen. Called in for water at a farm and had a gd chat to a lady why there was a sign that said "merino free zone." Rd was very busy so I was happy to be able to take a few detours on dirt tracks along the way.
Visited Boomerbark art studio (expensive) then Mitchell Rd (dirt) to Island Beach. Million dollar shacks here. Got invited to come into the house of the small shop owner to make myself a sandwich (3pm lunch). Explored the beach rds and million dollar houses and met a friend on the beach.

Rode down to end of point (Sapphiretown) and looked across at American River just across the inlet ...then rode back. Via Mitchell rd, highway, dirt rd thru Muston...came across a brand new 5km walk/cycle from there into Am River. Great day out.

Drove to Cape Jervois, expensive 50 min ferry ride to Penneshaw.
Would have liked to have ridden today but time was short, and as staying with friends I didn't want to arrive late.
Drove to Cape Willoughby via buying bamboo socks at Dudley Wines and having a bite at Zest & Thyme café - both had great views.
Then to American River. Named as Americans who first went there thought the inlet was a river.

Just the weeds mainly.

Meant to do a long ride but sick as all day - headache, sore glands, lethargic to the max. In bed "til 11am