TDU 2025 - Adelaide, SA
In 2020 the theme for the TdU rides included short gravel segments . . . and the resultant whinging continued through the COVID years of 2021 and 2022.
In 2023 the TdU theme was to conquer Adelaide's Top 5 hardest climbs.
Last January (2024), the TdU theme was longer rides, with the rider whinging reaching all-time highs.
In 2025 the TdU rides are focused on 'backroads' and cycleways to allow riders to 'enjoy the journey'. Plus, there are optional extras each day, for those keen to stretch their legs with longer/harder routes.
Here is an overview of the ride options for each day, more details are below.
Stage 1 - Norwood to Gumeracha - Tuesday 21st Jan.
The opening ride of the TdU takes in the tranquil climb of Montacute Rd and the Corkscrew decent, before continuing up the glorious Gorge Rd to the Millbrook Reservoir. The Checker Hill Challenge is next before a breakfast stop at Gumeracha. For those riders needing an extra challenge, a lap of the finishing circuit awaits, before watching the TDU race finish in Gumeracha and an easy roll back to Adelaide via the Gorge Road.
- Gumeracha Plus Finish Loop 121Km (epic)
https://www.strava.com/routes/3241681920024865634
- Standard 79Km route (sensible)
https://www.strava.com/routes/3241674619309578106
Stage 2 - Tanunda to Tanunda - Wednesday 22nd Jan.
The traditional looping circuit of Barrosa means a long day in the saddle for PP6:15ers. An easy cruise up the Lower North East Road and Ansty Hill, then the delightful Upper Hermitage and breakfast stop at the One Tree Hill Cafe. Again, following the back roads towards Lyndoch and then on to Tanunda, where riders can relax for the day to watch the race start, and the peloton whiz past several times, plus the race finish. For those keen to stretch your legs, a loop of the east circuit awaits (including the assent of Mengler Hill) prior to watching the race finish and an direct cruise back to Adelaide via the beautiful Gorge Road.
- Full ride up and back 149Km (epic)
https://www.strava.com/routes/3241538405583663064
- Shorter local Adelaide Hills 76Km (sensible)
Distance: 76Km
Elevation: 1,400m
Riding Time: 3 to 4 hours
Strava Segments:
"Greenhill Road" (7.18Km) 615 KOM Tom 27:58
"Norton Summit" (5.48Km) 615 KOM Chris 17:13
"Corkscrew Road" 615 KOM Dave J 10:40
https://www.strava.com/routes/3198576462577340046
Stage 3 - Norwood to Uraidla - Thursday 23rd Jan.
Opening with a Norton Summit challenge (optional assent of the No.1 Hardest Climb in Adelaide - "Coach House Drive and Woodland Way" 615 KOM Dave J 14:36), the day's ride explores part of the TDU route, and part backroads/cycleways. After finishing the southern loop of the TDU, the 6:15ers enjoy a relaxing lunch in Uraidla before watching the race finish and riding back to Adelaide via glorious Greenhill Road descent.
- Uraidla Cruiser 95Km (epic and sensible)
https://www.strava.com/routes/3242346092259351124
Stage 4 - Glenelg to Victor Harbour - Friday 24th Jan.
The traditional cruiser to Port Adelaide via the bike paths and breakfast at the Largs Pier Hotel, before the dash to Glenelg to watch the TDU race start (time permitting). An easy cruise back to Adelaide via the bike paths, prior to lunch to allow a restful afternoon. Several riders will be enjoying a 12:30pm brewery tour at Coopers.
- Port Adelaide via Coach Road 91Km (epic and sensible)
Distance: 91Km
Elevation: 550m
Riding Time: 3:30 to 4 hours
Strava Segment:
"Coach Road" 615 KOM Dave J 11:52
https://www.strava.com/routes/3205093395905178676
- Shorter route via Port Adelaide 65Km (Bakery option)
https://www.strava.com/routes/3242770041612929458
Stage 5 - Mclaren Vale to Willunga Hill - Saturday 25th Jan.
Again, the traditional Willunga Hill pilgrimage, riding up the South Eastern Freeway bike path to Crafers and then cruising the beautiful backroads to Chandlers Hill, with breakfast at the Clarendon Bakery. An easy cruise into Mclaren Vale, to watch the TDU riders on their first lap, then along the TDU course and up Willunga Hill to watch the final laps and race finish. The familiar post-race cruise back to Adelaide via the bike paths.
- Willunga Hill Pilgrimage 128Km (epic, sensible and bakery)
https://www.strava.com/routes/3242771822377978848
Stage 6 - Adelaide to Adelaide - Sunday 26th Jan.
A special treat awaits, with a beautiful loop through the Adelaide Hills, starting with an assent of Greenhill Road, and breakfast at Balhannah. Easy riding is called for through the villages of Littlehampton, Naime, Woodside, Lobethal and Cudlee Creek, before cruising down the Gorge Road and commencing the major event of the day . . . The Corkscrew Challenge. An easy roll back into Adelaide for lunch and to watch the TDU criterium.
- Ride Like Crazy 95Km (epic) includes the Corkscrew Challenge
https://www.strava.com/routes/3242818219817814284
- Local Adelaide Hills 76Km (sensible)
(see details under Stage 2 above)
https://www.strava.com/routes/3198576462577340046
- Adelaide Kicking and Screaming 64Km (sensible distance with some climbing)
WOW. This one will make you feel great after conquering some challenging climbs and viewing some awesome scenery. Warning: could cause some strong emotional reactions.
Start by heading South along Belair Rd, quick photo at Windy Point Lookout before completing the climb into Belair. Next we ride up the charming Sheoak Rd before cruising around the back of Stirling to take on the famous Cherryville Rd. A delightful descent down Montacute Rd sees us on the outskirts of Adelaide ready for one last climb: Kensington Rd. After some photos over Adelaide we cruise back home for refreshments.
Distance: 64Km
Elevation: 1,400m
Riding Time: 2:30 to 3 hours
Strava Segments:
"Sheoak Climb proper" 615 KOM Dave J 17:51
"Cherryville" 615 KOM Dave J 11:43
"Kensington Road" 615 KOM Dave J 8:15
https://www.strava.com/routes/3205090417075954740