DAY 32 - RUTHERGLEN

This was our second day touring the Rutherglen wine country. We started riding in mid-morning in quite a heavy fog. We went first to The Wicked Virgin, intending to sample their olives and olive oil. When we arrived we found they were closed for crushing (despite their listing on Google indicating that they would be open). Although not exactly crushed ourselves, we were certainly disappointed, as we had identified this establishment as a potential highlight of the day. 

Cyclists looking downcast at missing out on the Wicked Virgin
We compensated for our disappointment with a wine tasting at the nearby Chambers Rosewood winery. 
Cycling to Chambers in the fog
Wine tasting at Chambers
Suitably fortified, we rode in to Rutherglen to find a local business to support for lunch. We found one. 
This one
After lunch, some of us cycled up to Gooramadda Olives, about 16km from Rutherglen. The road was largely flat, with little traffic and attractive farmland on the sides of the road. 
Pleasant cycling towards Gooramadda 
After riding up a rather steep driveway, we were treated to a mouth-watering and informative tasting of olives and olive oils at Gooramadda Olives. This somewhat made up for missing out on the Wicked Virgin this morning. 
The driveway up to Gooramadda Olives was steep . . . 
 . . . but worth the effort
Once again the visit to the olive place (successful this time) was followed by a visit to a winery. The road to the Morris winery was quite scenic, especially as we came across vineyards still in full autumn display. 
Scenic cycling towards Morris winery
Autumn colours at the Morris vineyards
At the winery, some indulged in wine tasting, while others relaxed in a rather comfortable lounge in the tasting room. 
Everyone was happy at Morris Winery
The winery was about to close, and the sun was about to set, so we left to head back to Rutherglen. Not before taking a few more photos of the autumn grapevines, though. 
A few more photos of the autumn grapevines
The ride back into Rutherglen was again very enjoyable, with wonderful scenery and a magnificent sunset accompanying us on the way. 
Enjoying the scenery on the way back to Rutherglen 
A sunset to guide us in to Rutherglen 
And of course we took a few bird photos along the way
Day:  32
Distance: 47.93 km
Cycling time:  2 hrs 26 mins
Elevation gain: 944 metres
Cumulative Distance: 1513.83 km
Day 32 - Elevation profile 

Day 32 - Route 

Comments

  1. Anonymous30 May 2022 at 17:52

    Hi Russell, I hope you arrived safe and warm at Lake Mulwala Resort before it really turned nasty ... it rained all the way back to Canberra. btw your last bird photo is a Hoary-headed Grebe - I suspect this might be a new one for your trip. Murray

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath and Russell30 May 2022 at 21:05

      Our accommodation let us in early and we have clothes festooned all over the room drying. Thanks for the bird tip, we haven't had a hoary-headed grebe before... you're not making it up, are you?

      Delete
  2. Anonymous30 May 2022 at 19:20

    Fine wine, fine friends, fine food, fine riding, fine photos and fine weather for the weekend. We also had a lot of rain on the way home, but we were encouraged to enjoy the rain after seeing a couple of fine bike riders waving in the rain between Corowa and Lake Mulwala. We hope it was waving and not a rescue wave....The Howies

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath and Russell30 May 2022 at 21:07

      Indeed it was not a rescue wave, but we were encouraged by your friendly wave out the window as you motored past!

      Delete
  3. Anonymous30 May 2022 at 19:21

    From Victoria:
    I'm glad the hoary-head didn't come across the unreliable wicked virgins. I've been watching too much trashy TV!!
    Wonderful photos and looks like a fabulous time.
    Hello to you all from us up in QLD.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath and Russell30 May 2022 at 21:12

      We had a great time and wish you could have made it too! Perhaps you'll make it to the next 30 year reunion? We thought we could ride motorised scooters instead of bikes then...

      Delete

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