This week I investigated the question “Do you need a bicycle to go bicycle touring?”

The answer is a resounding “yes”.

However, it does not have to be your own bike! To make a point of this (and arguably because I am a bit strange) I borrowed a 3-speed City Bike from BikeSA (http://www.bikesa.asn.au/AdelaideFreeBikes), strapped some gear to it and headed off towards the Barossa Valley.

Attached to the back I have a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, warm jacket and a spare shirt. In the basket I have water bottles, snacks, camera, phone and wallet.

From North Adelaide, I travelled North-East along the River Torrens Linear Park, which twists and turns it’s way from the Adelaide Hills to the coast.

Lower NE road has a bike path, but North East road has no shoulder near Tea Tree Gully and should be avoided. Lower Hermitage Road is a fairly magical trip through a valley, with creeks running all around. A friendly dog of the road said Good Morning.

Some tough hill climbing (I was walking) around Mount Gawler Native Reserve and although Google maps indicates you can travel to the Barossa Goldfields on Glenburne Rd, it is private property. I had to lift the bicycle over a gate and continue across an open paddock.

The property owner was a friendly guy, especially considering he found me wheeling across his paddock on a ridiculous bicycle. He showed me a private ford which I used to cross the creek.

Back on the road, I headed to Cockatoo Valley and Sandy Creek. The Jack Bobridge trail (http://www.barossa.com/visit/attractions/experiences/cycling-tours-and-trails/jack-bobridge-track) is a dedicated bike path from Gawler to Tanunda and makes for stress free cycling amognst the vines. If you can’t cycle all the way from Adelaide, catch a train to Gawler and ride this trail from there!

There are a few caravan parks in the Barossa (and a plethora of hotels and B&Bs), but if you ask really nicely, you might be allowed to stay at Barossa Backpackers and party with the working travelers.

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You don’t need a good bike to go cycle touring. You don’t need your own bike to go cycle touring!

Beg, borrow or rent a bicycle and get out there. Catch a train part of the way if you aren’t a strong cyclist. Rest every few kilometers with a glass of wine or craft beer. Snooze under a tree.

Even in the Wintertime, the living is easy.