By Jordan Martin
If you are coming to the Clare Valley to ride or watch the Clare Classic this April, there is no shortage of things to do! Here’s our list of all the Clare Classic events on over the weekend and how to make the most out of your time in the region.
FRIDAY
Make the trip up to the Clare Valley in the afternoon. Allow plenty of time to check-in to your accommodation and maybe try a winery or two.
Call into the Clare Valley Wine, Food and Tourism Centre for maps, suggested itinerary options or even join them for Friday Night Drinks from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, featuring wines by Sussex Squire.
There is also a ‘Twilight Event’ at Taylors Wines in Auburn from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm for wine and canapes on the lawns to start your weekend right. Be sure to book in for this one!
SATURDAY
The inaugural ‘Dirty Clare – Gravel Ride’ is an 80km loop for riders to ‘get off the beaten track’ and explore the Clare Valley. It’s packed with all the challenges and enjoyment of a classic country ride. This event kicks off from 7:30 am from the Clare Town Oval, taking riders around tough terrain and beautiful scenery of Spring Gully Conservation Park before heading down to Hoyleton and around through dirt track in a gorge and several creek crossings. Riders will end up on the Riesling Trail to make their way back to the Clare Town Oval to relax at the event village.
If you’re not participating in the ‘Dirty Clare – Gravel Ride’, start your day off by joining Eldredge Wines for their Bottomless Brunch. Starting at 7:30am until 11:00am. It is the perfect location to sit back and watch as the riders go past, whilst you enjoy delicious breakfast and bottomless mimosas, Bellini’s, juice and coffee.
If you want to join in the fun, why not participate in the free Riesling Trail Ride/Walk? Two start times, between 9:30 am and 10:30 am to head north to Barinia (16km return) or between 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm to head south to Sevenhill (14km return). There will be activities for children and fun competitions throughout the trail. Both courses will begin and end at the Event Village at the Clare Town Oval, a great place to join in the fun and welcome back riders of the Dirty Clare Gravel Course as they finish.
To finish off the day, join the Clare Valley Community at the ‘Clare Classic Street Fair’ from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with pop-up cellar doors, food trucks and live entertainment at Ennis Park to mingle and enjoy the surrounds. Experience country hospitality at its finest and take the time to really capture life in the Clare Valley.
SUNDAY
The main event, what we are all here for. Cheer on the riders as they begin their course in the Main Street of Clare. Riders will gather here, with the Maxi Classic kicking off at 7:30 am and the Challenge Classic and Social Classic right behind them to start their journey.
Welcome the riders to the finish line at the Event Village at the Clare Town Oval. Here you will find food trucks, a pop-up bar, live music and a relaxing atmosphere to reflect on and enjoy the Clare Classic, a fantastic event and a tremendous achievement for all who participate.
