Australia Weather News

More than 100 cyclists touring South Australia's storm hit Mid North have seen the worst of weather but the best of country hospitality.

Bike SA's nine-day annual tour has attracted riders from as far away as Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand.

They have ridden from Clare to Burra, Jamestown, Orroroo and Peterborough, but the storm hit when they arrived in Melrose.

Neighbouring farms were hit by a tornado, which toppled over the high-voltage electricity pylons.

The same system blew the cyclists' tents across a park and even into a tree.

"I've been on a number of Bike SA rides and this would have to be the most extreme weather conditions we've had," cyclist Karen Richardson said.

"Nonstop rain, hail and wind — everything you can think of, we've had it."

The cyclists have swelled the population of Melrose, but found dry places to sleep.

"Some people were speaking on the hotel dining room floor, some were staying on the institute floor," Ms Richardson said.

"We've been warm, we've been dry, we've been well fed."

Rider Avis Pearce, 76, is keen to continue riding if the weather improves.

"We've never had weather like this before, but everyone has been so terrific about it."

Organiser Russell Miatke said the tour had been memorable.

"Like the rest of the state we got slammed, and there was a bit of carnage in the campsite when we lost a few tents," he said.

"We're doing okay and the local community here have been fantastic, even when the Melrose guys have had their own issues to deal with."

Bikes and luggage have been loaded up on a truck for a trip down to Crystal Brook, where they hope to continue riding if the weather improves.

A Queensland cyclist joked he would like to continue riding in the wind and rain as he had seen it all before.