Cycling in the Adelaide Hills: An Autumn E-Bike Adventure with Scenic Views & Gear Tips

We started the morning with a coffee and bagel at Same But Different, a local favourite on Hahndorf’s bustling main street. Great coffee, friendly service, and the kind of pre-ride carb fix that hits just right.

I’ll be honest — despite the chill vibes of our breakfast spot, I was already feeling nervous. I hadn’t been on a bike in about a year, and the thought of navigating traffic and maps had me spiralling a bit. Michael, on the other hand, was cool as ever and ready to roll.

We hired our bikes from BikeAbout, a local company recommended to us by several of our Birds on Bikes customers — and now I see why. Dan was incredibly helpful when I called, and everything was prepped and waiting when we arrived. We opted for a self-guided experience, giving us the freedom to take the day at our own pace.

The main street of Hahndorf is beautiful — but busy. I was still quite anxious as we set off, dodging traffic and trying to remember how to clip my helmet on properly. Michael found it all cruisy, which only made me more aware of how much my confidence had taken a backseat. I was definitely in “fake it till you make it” mode.

Once we turned off the main road and hit the quiet backroads, everything changed. The noise faded, the scenery opened up, and I started to relax (a little). We rode past vineyards, farms, and tree-lined lanes, stopping here and there to check the map, catch our breath, and just take it all in.

The route was a mix of surfaces — bitumen, gravel roads, bike trails, and winding paths — some flatter than others, some a little bumpy, but all of them beautiful. The occasional hill popped up, but our e-bikes made it feel manageable, even for someone a little out of practice (ahem, me). Cycling in the Adelaide Hills really does offer something for every skill level.

This time of year, the Adelaide Hills are a visual feast. Golden and red leaves drifted across our path like confetti, and every turn revealed another postcard-perfect view. We don’t get this kind of autumn up north in Queensland, so I was soaking in every minute of it.

The weather really turned it on for us, too — a sunny sky, cool breeze, and that glorious “not too hot, not too cold” kind of day. Absolute magic.

For the ride, I wore our Birds on Bikes Unders — discreetly padded and perfect for rides where you’re not in full kit. I had them under a pair of hiking shorts (not BoB… yet!), and they made a huge difference in keeping me comfortable without bulk.

I teamed them with our new Tech Tee , which was light, breathable, and just the right layer for a sunny autumn day. And I can’t forget to mention our new cycling snood — I wore mine as a headband and pulled it over my ears to keep the wind noise out on the downhill runs. It was surprisingly effective! There are so many ways to wear a snood — around your neck, over your head, across your face — it’s one of those small pieces that makes a big difference.

This ride convinced me once and for all: e-bikes are amazing. If you’re a casual rider, coming back from a break, or just not keen on big hills, this is your best friend. You still pedal, you still feel the wind in your hair — you just get a little push when you need it most.

It makes cycling in the Adelaide Hills accessible to so many people. Whether you’re chasing scenery, challenging yourself, or just soaking up the peace and quiet, it’s all possible with a bit of pedal assist.

After a solid few hours in the saddle (with plenty of stops), we finished the day exactly how we started: with something delicious. This time, it was a cold beer and crisp cider at a local pub, reflecting on the ride, the views, and the fact that we’d made it back in one piece — happy, slightly sore, and very satisfied.

Every ride teaches you something — and this one definitely gave me a few lightbulb moments for future adventures. Here’s what I’ll be packing (or doing) next time:

📷 GoPro or bike camera – For capturing those beautiful backroad views without needing to stop every five minutes.

🧤 Cycling gloves – I forgot mine and really noticed it. My hands get sweaty and slippery, so gloves would’ve made a big difference for grip and comfort.

📱 Phone mount – Holding your phone to check the map gets old real fast. A mount would’ve made navigating the self-guided route so much smoother.

Bonus tip: always pack a little snack — even when you think you won’t need one!

This ride wasn’t about speed or stats. It was about getting out there, pushing through the nerves, and reconnecting with something I love. I was anxious for most of the ride — but I did it anyway. That’s the part I’m proud of.

So here’s to falling in love with cycling in the Adelaide Hills, to building back confidence, and to creating more space for joy (and snacks) on two wheels.

Planning your own adventure? Don’t forget your Birds on Bikes Unders, Tech Tee, and our new cycling snood — designed by women, for women, right here in Australia.