LA GRANDE GITA EVENT INFORMATION

6 November 2024 - Important Rider Update 

SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2024

Bike SA is proud to partner with the Adelaide Italian Festival to bring this wonderfully sumptuous weekend festival of riding.

La Grande Gita is a chance to explore the gravel backroads of the Barossa Valley in a family-friendly environment – from quiet backroad and flat rail trail riding to some of the most challenging gravel and bitumen riding in the Barossa.  All this combined with authentic local produce and wine tastings in the tradition of our European friends. Not into gravel? We have fully-sealed and gravel-lite route options available!

Bring your vintage bicycles and attire, not to mention your simply stunning high heels (channel your Jimmy Choo’s ladies) to celebrate the best that Italian culture and the Barossa Valley has to offer. Yes we know Jimmy isn’t Italian –  but you get the picture…

Prizes on offer for the most exquisitely dressed – from the coolest kids through to the most Milano-esque adults. We want to see UBER style – UBER Italian bike style!

From our event village at Calabria Family Wines you will have the opportunity to ride the quiet gravel backroads of the Barossa, and yes some bitumen too. As well as the sedate off-road Barossa Trail and more. Between riding, our select Italian wineries will open their cellar doors for you to linger, chat with like minded folks, flash your bike bling and taste the bounty of the Barossa – great wines, beers and coffees and of course fine local produce – only to ride on to the next stop. Where does it stop ?

Well, it all stops at the Calabria Family Wines Event Village – which means you can relax and celebrate your ride with a well-earned coffee, beer, wine and perhaps treat yourself to some lunch. 

While the ride is on Sunday 10 November, there will so much more to see, do, eat, drink and experience in the Barossa. This is a must-do quick weekend getaway for the whole family to our most famous wine region. So book in for an overnight stay to ensure you are refreshed for the Sunday ride experiences we look forward to welcoming you to.

La Grande Gita offers routes catering to all abilities – young and old. You can challenge yourself to the 60km Grande , the more sedate 45km Mezzo or the more leisurely, winery lingering 25km Piccolo meander.

PLUS the Mega Grande – 85km: an additional extended distance challenge ride option for those who want more gravel, more elevation and more pedaling. 

Which ride is for me?

• Mega Grande – 85km
  For those who like a real challenge. With all the challenge of the Grande ride option but with extra distance and more elevation to stretch the legs and experience even more of the sensational gravel that the Barossa has on offer. The first 38km section of the Mega Grande is the same route as the Grande option. Then, after tackling the challenge of Trial Hill Rd, the Mega Grande continues further through the picturesque countryside of Pewsey Vale and Flaxman Valley, finishing with a fabulous descent of the infamous Menglers Hill before celebrating a "Mega Grande" achievement back at Calabria Wines.

Click here to view the 85km route online          

Click here to view the 85km route map / notes pdf 

This route involves roads that are 32% sealed and 68% unsealed/gravel

• Grande – 60km
  Don’t let the seemingly modest distance fool you. This route starts with a scenic circuit around Tanunda town and then follows hard-pack gravel roads along the western side of the valley, taking in wonderful views across the Barossa landscape, continuing through to Lyndoch. You’ll have a chance to rest and refresh at Scalzi Wines before the real challenge begins, with more fabulous gravel leading to some serious climbing to take you up to scenic Steingarten lookout for 360-degree views across the Barossa Valley and a well-earned breather. The reward is a fabulous downhill run to Rowland Flat where you can pop in to Lou Miranda Wines for more Italian heritage wine tastings. The run home takes in the fabulous Barossa Bikeway via Jacobs Creek and Bethany before returning to Calabria Wines to celebrate your ride with a well-earned coffee, beer, or wine.

Click here to view the 60km route online

Click here to view the 60km route map / notes pdf 

This route involves roads and paths that are 58% sealed and 42% unsealed/gravel

• Mezzo – 45km
  Don’t like hills? The Mezzo offers all that is included in the Grande ride without the steep climb up to Steingarten Lookout. After a rest and indulgence at Scalzi Wines the route follows the renowned Barossa Bikeway from Lyndoch to Rowland Flat and then back to the finish via Jacobs Creek and Bethany.

Click here to view the 45km route online          

Click here to view the 45km route map / notes pdf 

This route involves roads and paths that are 75% sealed band 25% unsealed/gravel

• Piccolo – 25km
  A shorter and more sedate circuit exploring the shared use path to Nuriootpa and Angaston with the opportunity to stop and visit various cellar doors along the way. Then returning via the quiet sealed back roads through endless vineyards to the event village finish. A great ride for those that just want to languidly ride and chat with friends and family. But with prizes for best dressed, it’s time to work out what to wear

Click here to view the 25km route online          

Click here to view the 25km route map / notes pdf 

This route involves roads and paths that are 100% sealed

Start / Finish Venue:   Calabria Family Wines - 284 Magnolia Rd, Vine Vale SA 5352.
Distance from Adelaide CBD: 80km
Travel time: Approx 1hr via South Road Superway, Northern Expressway and Tanunda Click here for directions.
Car Parking: Located on Magnolia Rd, nearby to  Calabria Wines entrance

Piccolo (25KM)   $55 Member or $65 Non Member

Mezzo   (45KM) $65 Member or $75 Non Member

Grande (60KM) $65 Member or $75 Non Member

Mega Grande (85KM) $75 Member or $85 Non Member    

Collection of Rider ID and route maps 

All riders must check in at the registration desk at the start venue on the morning of the ride to collect your Rider ID number and ride information.

Your Rider ID number will give you access to all food and refreshment stations en-route and at the finish.
Your Rider ID number should be attached to your jersey or the handlebars so it is visible.
Registrations (issuing of Rider ID) may take between 5 and 10 minutes, so allow plenty of time

Start / Finish Venue Information

Venue:   Calabria Family Wines –  284 Magnolia Rd, Vine Vale SA 5352.
Distance from Adelaide CBD: 80km
Travel time: Approx 1hr via South Road Superway, Northern Expressway and Tanunda Click here for directions.
Car Parking: Located on Magnolia Rd, nearby to Calabria Wines entrance 

Mega Grande 85km
Registration opens 7.30am – you must be registered by 8.15am
Rider briefing 8.15am
Start time 8.30am

Grande 60km and Mezzo 45km ride
Registration opens 8am – you must be registered by 8.45am
Rider briefing 8.45am
Start time 9.00am

Piccolo 25km ride
Registration opens 9.15am – you must be registered by 9.45am
Rider briefing 9.45am
Start time 10.00am

** Registrations (issuing of Rider ID) may take between 5 and 10 minutes, so allow plenty of time

• There are toilets located inside the main cellar door / restaurant building
• Car Parking: there is limited available at the venue and this will be reserved for Cellar Door patrons
• Car Parking: Located on Magnolia Rd, nearby to Calabria Wines entrance

                   Please following the signage and directions of traffic marshals

• Coffee will be available for sale at the start

Road Safety Awareness

• You must obey all Australian Road Rules.
• Be aware that this is an open road event and you will be sharing the road with other traffic
• Ride in single file where appropriate and no more than 2 abreast at any time
• Pass only in single file and only on the right of other riders
• Keep your distance from those in front
• Move off the road before you dismount
• You must wear an approved Australian Standards bicycle helmet
• Use of flashing front and rear lights and wearing bright clothing is highly recommended to improve your visibility to others
• You must ensure your bike is serviced and ready for the ride; limited mechanical assistance is available en route
• Be aware of your fellow riders and other traffic. Indicate and call out your intention to slow down, stop or change direction
• Be sociable and safe. Ride with someone who can tell you to slow down
• Private support vehicles are not permitted along the route. Vehicles belonging to family and friends must use an alternative route

Signage & Marshals

• From start to finish there will be Bicycle SA RED arrows and other signage marking the route. You should however carry a copy of the route map / notes with you in case you become disoriented
• Signs will also indicate when you are approaching a refreshment station
• There will be marshals (wearing fluorescent vests) on the route, riding bicycles and in vehicles, as well as at stationary posts. All volunteers and staff involved in the event will be clearly identifiable. The marshals do not have the authority to stop motorists; they are there for your safety and other road users. Please listen and follow their instructions

Refreshment Stations

Mega Grande 85km, Grande 60km and Mezzo 45km ride
Scalzi Wines in Lyndoch –  located at approx 23km from the start

Grande 60km and Mezzo 45km riders can also pop into Lou Miranda Wines in Rowland Flat, approx 29km / 45km  from the start

Mega Grande 85km riders will have an additional refreshment stop at approx. 50km and 70km

Piccolo 25km ride
Cirillo Estate Wines – just off the Nuriootpa to Angaston bike path approx half way along the ride

Lunch is NOT included in your registration. 

NOTE:

• At each station water and Nippy’s juices will be available. All riders must bring water to the start of the event and we suggest you bring some extra snacks to eat along the way or should you happen to break down

Refreshment Stations are the ideal places to step off your bike for a moment, have a rest, catch up with your riding buddies, enjoy the scenery and importantly, re-apply your sunscreen and make sure that you keep your hydration levels up.

Mechanical Support En-Route

Limited mechanical support will be available at the start and en-route. All official event vehicles and marshals will have the resources to help with punctures, though riders are responsible for carrying their own repair kits and spare tubes as well as ensuring that their bike is mechanically sound before the event.

If you need assistance, pull your bike to the side of the road/turn it upside down and call one of the support mobile numbers listed on your route sheet/map. There are ride marshals who may be able to assist or the support vehicle can collect you and your bike should you be unable to finish. Please note: we recommend that you carry at least a small tool kit with spare tube/tyre patches and you know how to use them. Please refer to the "Be Prepared" resource located under "Event Resources" located at the bottom of this page for more information on how to making sure that both you and your bicycle are in top condition for the ride.

Extreme Weather

Riders should be reassured that La Grande Gita has in place strategies to deal with hot weather. Firstly the ride is scheduled for early November, taking advantage of the slightly cooler weather of Spring.

There will be refreshment stations en-route, offering water and juice. In addition there will be Ride Marshals and support vehicles en route providing extra back-up.

Each vehicle will carry additional water supplies. Water will also be available at the start/ finish venue.

Extreme weather that may influence any decision to modify, postpone or cancel the ride, would be assessed using the following criteria:

• If three or more consecutive days leading up to the event day experience extreme apparent/wet bulb temperatures
• If the forecast for event day is for extreme apparent/wet bulb temperatures
• Hot / strong winds are forecast

In the event of forecast hot weather during the week beginning Monday 4 November, regular assessments will be made. If extreme weather is expected, the option remains to modify, postpone or cancel the ride, and any such decision will not be made any later than 8am Saturday 9 November. In this case any change would be highlighted on the Bicycle SA website and attempts would be made to contact registered riders by email or telephone.
As detailed in the Conditions of Entry, if the event is cancelled, fees are transferable to other Bicycle SA rides or refundable.

Riders are encouraged to monitor the weather forecast and prepare appropriately. Detailed weather information can be found on www.bom.gov.au

Please get in touch if you would like further information. office@bikesa.asn.au Tel: (08) 8168 9999

Emergency / Incident Procedures

IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 000

In the event of an incident, use the following checklist as a guide:

• Ensure your safety first
• Ensure the safety and welfare of any injured person, any participants, volunteers and/or public
• Contact appropriate emergency authorities, stating your name, location, phone number, role and service(s) required
• Remain at the scene until emergency assistance arrives, unless safe to do so
• Provide all possible assistance to emergency services
• Record all actions and times and details of all involved, including possible witnesses as soon as practical. If necessary / possible take photographs
• Contact Bicycle SA Event Operation as soon as possible on 0427 771 821

Route Support

• SAG WAGON (Follows last rider) 0438 438 846
• EVENT OPERATIONS 0427 771 821

Please note that every attempt has been made to ensure the details contained in this information are accurate at the time of posting, however things can change and we urge you to check the validity of the information yourself.

Why not make a full weekend of it (or even longer) to enjoy the delights of the Barossa Valley. There is a plethora of accommodation options available to suit all tastes and budgets

The Barossa Visitor Information Centre is a great resource for finding a place to stay.  Visit www.barossa.com for more information.

What sort of bike should I ride? 

In short, you can ride anything that you’re comfortable on for the distance you’ll be riding.  La Grand Gita is all about embracing the great union of Italian culture and classic cycling . So it’s time to dust of those vintage steel frame classics that have been hiding in the shed and dig out your retro cycling kit from the bottom of the wardrobe to enjoy a day on the pedals and celebrate “la dolce vita”.  Don’t worry if your “steed” is of a more recent vintage, your welcome to ride on whatever bike you choose.

The classic purists might feel obliged to keep it real on traditional skinny tyres. However, given that the longer ride options include a mix of sealed and unsealed gravel roads plus sealed bike paths, we would suggest that you consider avoiding super skinny, slick tyres and having tyres that are a bit wider and have a medium amount of tread for grip. And don’t forget to bring a spare tube and tool kit, just in case!!

What should I wear?

Its all about showing off your wonderfully presumptuous vintage dress-up fashion style. So search the wardrobe for your pre-loved classic cycling kit and celebrate the fashion and style of times gone by.
Don’t worry if you find that the cupboard is bare – just wear what’s comfortable for you on the bike.
Don’t forget to check out the weather forecast or email updates from Bike SA. It will hopefully be mild to warm but depending on the day the weather can change quickly. Arm warmers and a light rain jacket are great – layering is always useful as the temperature can increase/decrease on the day!

Where does La Grande Gita start and finish? 

Calabria Family Wines, located in lush vineyard surrounds between Tanunda and Angaston, is the venue for the start and finish of each La Grande Gita ride option.
The address is 284 Magnolia Rd, Vine Vale SA 5352.    Car parking for the event will be available in a special area just west of the Magnolia Rd entry to the property.
Distance from Adelaide CBD: 80km    Travel time: Approx 1hr via South Road Superway, Northern Expressway and Tanunda.  Click here for directions.
Car Parking: there is limited available at the venue and this will be reserved for Cellar Door patrons.
Car Parking for La Grande Gita participants is located on Magnolia Rd, nearby to Calabria Wines entrance

When do I collect my Rider ID number?

All riders will receive their Rider ID number when they check-in at the start. You’ll also be able to collect a copy of the route map and route notes with emergency contact numbers.

What time does the ride start? 

The Mega Grande 85km ride will start at 8.30am.

The Grande 60km and Mezzo 45km rides start at 9am.  

The Piccolo 25km ride starts at 10am.

What time do I need to register by on the day?

Check-in for each ride is from 1hr prior to the ride start.  Collect your exclusive La Grande Gita Rider ID from the registration area and attach it to your shirt or your bike. This will enable you to access the refreshment stops and is yours to keep as a memento your ride.

There will be a rider information & safety briefing 15 mins prior to the start.

Am I able to change my ride distance option on the day?

If you have registered for the longer 85km Mega Grande or 60km Grande ride and don’t think you can make the full distance with the short but steep climb up Trial Hill Rd, you can simply follow the 45km route from the refreshment stop at Gods Hill Wines in Lyndoch. Similarly if you’ve registered for the 45km ride and find that your riding well on the day, you can choose to continue on the longer routes if you think you’re up for the challenge.

If you have registered for the 25km Piccolo ride and wish to ride one for the longer distances starting at 9am you’ll need to pay the $10 price difference when you check in at the start.

What sort of food/drinks are included?

Coffee will be available for purchase at the start and when you return to the finish.

A refreshment stop will be located at Scalzi Estate / God’s Hill Wines in Lyndoch for the Mega Grande 85km ride, the Grande 60km ride and the Mezzo 45km ride. This is located at approx 23km from the start.  

Grande 60km and Mezzo 45km riders can also pop into Lou Miranda Wines in Rowland Flat, approx 29km / 45km  from the start.  

Mega Grande 85km riders will have an additional refreshment stop at approx. 50km and 70km.

Piccolo 25km riders will be able to access  refreshments at Cirillo Estate Wines, just off the Nuriootpa to Angaston bike path.

There are also many other wineries / cellar doors along the way where you will have the opportunity to pop in for a visit if you wish.

Lunch is NOT included in your registration. However, lunch options will be available on the day.

What if I have mechanical problems?

Pull your bike to the side of the road/turn it upside down and call one of the support mobile numbers listed on your Rider ID or your route sheet/map. There are ride marshals who may be able to assist or the support vehicle can collect you and your bike should you be unable to finish. Please note: we recommend that you carry at least a small tool kit with spare tube/tyre patches and you know how to use them. Please refer to the Be Prepared resource for more information on how to making sure that both you and your bicycle are in top condition for the ride.

Are the roads closed?

No – La Grande Gita is an open road event. Depending on the ride option you have chosen you will be riding on a mix of sealed and unsealed gravel roads plus sealed off-road bike paths.

You will be sharing the road with traffic – so usual SA Road rules apply including riding no more than two abreast and then only when safe to do so. Otherwise ride single file, particularly on narrow and winding roads. Be aware of your position on the road and how visible you are to traffic – both oncoming and approaching from the rear.

The route is clearly marked with Bicycle SA red arrows which are easy to follow. Copies of the map and route notes are available at registration and in the interests of your safety, please take a copy with you.

Be rider aware and warn your fellow riders that you are overtaking – a simple comment “Passing” is recommended. Please do not litter – take your rubbish home with you!

Do I need to let you know when I have finished or if I withdraw during the ride?

Yes! So we know not to send out a search party for you, please sign back in when you return from each loop. This will enable us to keep track of how many riders are out on the circuit and help ensure everyone has returned safely. If you decide to withdraw part-way through the ride and go directly home or have someone collect you, please call the telephone number for the Event Operations number which will be printed at the bottom of your Rider ID and the route notes.

La Grande Gita Terms and Conditions