DAY 31 - RUTHERGLEN to RUTHERGLEN

Continuing our run of very slow travel days, we rode with our friends and family along the rail trail, bike paths and quiet country roads around Rutherglen and Wahgunyah. A commemorative selfie at the start of the day's ride seemed appropriate, so we took one. 

A selfie seemed appropriate
We made our way down to the start of the Rutherglen to Wahgunyah rail trail, and pootled along at a gentle pace. With eight of us in the group there was plenty of opportunity to mull over all manner of important topics as we ate up (very slowly) the kilometres. 
Discussing the important issues, eg "is pootling really a word?"
It wasn't all about the cycling, of course. There were frequent stops to examine scenes of interest. 
A trailside teddy bears picnic was an early highlight
We highlighted our slow travel credentials by being overtaken at one point by a jogger. It appeared to be a highlight of her day - she commented that she had never overtaken a cyclist before. 
Being overtaken by a happy jogger
From Wahgunyah we headed on a scenic bike path alongside the Murray to the picturesque setting of  All Saints Winery.  
A scenic path along the Murray
All Saints was very impressive with its long entry avenue against a background of autumn leaves. 
There was a bit of a hill to climb before we got there. 
All Saints Estate
By this stage, there was a feeling among the group that a chocolate break was in order. So we headed across the river into Corowa in New South Wales, and made our way to the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate building. We sat down to a hot chocolate, while two of the group indulged in a whisky tasting. 
We rode across the state border
To the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate building
Then it was lunch in the park (purchased at the Corowa Bakery, continuing our tradition of supporting such establishments during this trip). Lunch was followed by a short hop back across to Victoria, where we rode another riverside path. 
Lunch in the park,  Corowa
Back to Victoria
Another riverside path
The next stop was a winery (Pfeiffer Wines) for a spot of wine tasting. 
Heading for Pfeiffers
For a spot of wine tasting
It was then just a matter of turning eastwards, and returning to Rutherglen with the sun setting behind us. 
Returning to Rutherglen
Some birds from today's ride
Day:  31
Distance: 36.14 km
Cycling time:  2 hrs 25 mins
Elevation gain: 631 metres
Cumulative Distance: 1465.9 km
Day 31 - Elevation profile 
Day 31 - Route 

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