Paul and Robyn Davill are arranging a cycling trip on Kangaroo Island for June 2020. It will be from Monday 22^nd June until we return on Friday 26^th June. This trip was actually being planned before the horrendous fires and we are only riding on the Eastern end of the island so I don’t expect we will see a lot of badly burnt areas. Kangaroo Island is such a gem on our doorstop and it will be extra special to support the tourist economy in our own small way.

We hope to take over two or more vehicles on the ferry, one towing the trailer and both having a full complement of five people in each vehicle. There is room for nine bikes on the trailer without using the extra bike beak at the rear.

We would love to have more people come but they would need to be self sufficient with bike and vehicle and possibly accommodation depending on numbers. The accommodation we have has a limited number of beds so once these beds are booked any other participants would need to arrange their own accommodation. You would still be most welcome and you could extend your holiday should you wish.

We have arranged four rides as follows:

35kms around American River, 65kms on the Dudley Peninsula and 30kms around Kingscote. The fourth ride planned is 55kms out to visit the Eucalyptus distillery and Honey Farm which we may use if the weather is favorable and if the group is keen to keep riding. These rides are based on those recommended by the Kangaroo Island BUG maps. The rides are a mix of bitumen and unsealed surfaces so we could be in for some sand and corrugations in some parts which is also why the distances may seem short. They are designed to showcase some points of interest along the way but as you may guess we are not trying to cover the whole island it is just a short get-a-way to lift our spirits and support the island economy before winter sets in.

We will be staying in a holiday house at American River but will need to provide our own towels and all bed linen, ie pillow case or pillow, sheets, quilts or a sleeping bag. We will be doing our own cooking for three nights and eating out at the Mercure Hotel American River one night. When we know who is coming we will work out three cooking groups one for each of the other nights so we can share communal evening meals.

Accommodation:

A holiday property at American River owned by one of our member’s family which will cost us $20 per person per night ie $80 for each person.

There are actually two houses on the property and the sleeping arrangements are as follows.

Main House:

1 QB in a bedroom
1 QB in a bedroom
1 bunk bed in a room
1 bunk bed in a room
(2 single beds in the lounge) if required

Cottage:

1 DB in a bedroom
2 single beds in a bedroom
1 bunk in a bedroom

Ferry Sailing Times:

Ferry leaves Cape Jervis on Monday 22^nd June at 9am and arrives at Penneshaw at 9.45am. We need to check in at 8.30am at the very latest.

Ferry leaves Penneshaw on Friday 26^th June at 10.30am.
We need to check in at 10am at the very latest.

Costs:

Concession return ferry fare is $80.
Adult return fare is $98.
Vehicle return fare is $196.
Trailer return fare is $196.

Proposed costs based on 2 cars and 10 people with concessions.

$80 fare
$60 for vehicles
$80 accommodation
$16 fuel approximately for non drivers. (see calculation following)

Total is $236 each or $220 for the drivers.

We will be requiring an $80 deposit.

Note: Fuel based on 216kms from Adelaide to Cape Jervis return and 206kms on the island, i.e. 422kms. 8litres/100kms —33litres per vehicle i.e. 66 litres + 20% for one vehicle towing (6.6litres) i.e. 75 litres (rounded). Costed at $1.75 litre makes it $131 total so that is $16 each for the eight non-drivers.

What is required of you if you wish to come.

If you are seriously interested in coming and using the accommodation and/or trailer we need you to email Paul or Robyn on davills@internode.on.net as soon as possible, as we need to book the vehicle and trailer on the ferry.

Have a look at the accommodation options and tell us which bed and bedroom you wish to have and we will lock you in. First in best dressed.

When we receive your email we will confirm and send details on how to make the deposit.

We would love someone to volunteer to bring their car and tow the trailer too so if this is you please let us know. Paul and I are not experienced at this. Eric may be able to do this but is unsure at this stage. It would involve driving from Adelaide to Cape Jervis with 4 passengers and the loaded trailer. Once on the island we only need the trailer for two rides.

Looking forward to another great SARCC trip on South Australia’s own beautiful piece of paradise.

Happy pedalling Robyn and Paul Davill.