18/08/2026
Social Gravel Ride Owen Springs 15th August 2026
How good was that?
Gravel, river crossings, sand, river rocks and brilliant views. Oh, and a bit of rain. And ever dropping temperatures.
The event started 2km off Larapinta Drive with the Waterhouse Ranges in view under a cloudy and dry sky. The riders set off spinning their legs with smiles on their faces. Bruce Owens was tail end Charlie in a useful car – bike rack & passenger seats available. (also, music and good company).
The support driver with super useful bus (Big Thanks to Alice Car Rental) and bike trailer, drove at a steady speed through increasing rain along South Stuart Highway, turned onto the Owen Springs Reserve access road. And stopped. Red dirt plus rain = STOP. Oh well the riders would have to ride a little bit longer.
As the riders started arriving, looking a bit cold and very wet it was quickly decided that lunch would be a shared meal back in the Clubrooms. But Kathy didn’t miss out on the cold wet experience, as she jumped on her bike to ride out to the last riders and es**rt them back to a warm bus. Luckily Kathy had perfect clothing for the ride and never got cold.
In the bus with excellent heating and safe from the continuing rain, towing a bike filled trailer (mountain bikes take up way more room than sleek road bikes) cyclists headed happily to shelter and warmth, camaraderie and coffee, and home for hot showers. (although a couple of riders utilised the excellent facilities at the Clubrooms)
Thanks everyone for a fun day and let’s look for more gravel rides next year.
