La Grande Gita is a celebration of all things Italian

La Grande Gita is a family-friendly weekend which celebrates all things Italian, including cycling. This event is based in the Barossa Valley, a popular location for tourism in South Australia. It’s like a Gran Fondo, which is a celebration of cycling and community.

This event is partnering with the Adelaide Italian Festival, a popular annual event with fantastic food and entertainment.

You’ll find 4 events to suit cyclists of all ability. The 25km Piccolo, the 44km Mezzo, and the 60km Grande.

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!

Mezzo – 44km. 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 Gods Hill Wines the route follows the renowned Barossa Bikeway from Lyndoch to Rowland Flat and then back to the finish via Jacobs Creek and Bethany.

Grande – 60km. For those who like a real challenge. 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 family’s God Hill 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, wine or perhaps treat yourself to an optional lunch at the acclaimed Harvest Kitchen restaurant.

Mega Grande – 85km. New in 2022, this is an additional extended distance challenge ride option for those who want more gravel and more pedaling. 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.

This looks like a great weekend away for the family.

You’ll find other cycling events, like the La Grande Gita, in our online Cycling Event Calendar. Enjoy!