11am – approx 3.15pm
Wednesday 21 January

Join riders for a latte or two before they tackle this grueling stage – the longest day’s riding of the whole event. The ever-popular café precinct of Norwood, just east of the city, will be buzzing as riders line up on The Parade for Sign On at around 10.00am, and then travel in race neutral to the official start on Gorge Rd, Athelstone.

This narrow and windy road is a favourite for motorcyclists and motorsport events alike as it twists and cuts into the Adelaide Hills, surrounded by wildlife parks and conservation reserves.

After arriving in the Torrens Valley, a region famous for its unspoilt scenery and historic towns, riders will vie for the first Laubman & Pank King of the Mountain points at Checker Hill near Kersbrook. The race proceeds through Gumeracha past the World’s Biggest Rocking Horse (that doesn’t rock!) and Toy Factory; on to Birdwood – home of the National Motor Museum and the day’s first SA Lotteries Sprint at Mt Pleasant; and then Springton – site of the 300 year old, seven metre wide Herbig Family Tree – to Eden Valley for SA Lotteries Sprint #2 outside the General Store.

For the first time, riders can catch their breath and enjoy sweeping views of the Barossa Valley as they go DOWN Mengler Hill. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the North Para River in Tanunda or make camp in historic Nuriootpa or Seppeltsfield to watch the race pass by. Seppeltsfield’s huge signature palms make a dramatic avenue for the riders as they head to the finish on Main Street in Kapunda.

Back in town, the Adelaide City Council Tour Village opens at 4pm and stays open until 8pm so head to Victoria Square.

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