There is a cue sheet for this route on Ride with GPS,
including cues and distances that align with the descriptions below.
Today is a longer climbing journey with ample time to stop, enjoy
Woodstock and Mandurama, and photograph the beautiful farming country and villages
on the way to Neville. There are some great views, including over the Lachlan River
valley, to Mount Canobolas and Mount Macquarie.
Riders start near the Post Office in Kendall Street, and
ride towards Bathurst. After an easy
roll down the hill, turn right into Fitzroy Street (0.5km) and ride around 400m
then turn left into Broughton Street (0.9km) before crossing the railway line
and heading in an easterly direction out of town on Darby’s Fall’s Road. This is a lovely flat section of the ride with
views to the south over the farming flats next to the Lachlan River.
Turn left onto Porter’s Mount Road (5.8km) and the road soon
turns to gravel. This is a lovely gravel
surface and riders soon climb gently up the hill and are rewarded with views
back towards Cowra. There is a little
left / right shimmy at Kangaroo Flat Road (9.1km) before riders continue north on
Porter’s Mount Road and then turn right onto Woodlands Road (10.8km). This part of the ride is a personal
favourite, where riders cruise down to the causeway, then climb the hill to
reveal a stunning easterly view.
After a quick photo, riders roll down Woodlands Road to Pine
Mount Road (13.6km) and then ride on sealed road through to Scrubby Rush Road
(16.6km) and turn left. Climb up to the
T-intersection at Goodacre Drive (20.0km) and turn left again towards Woodstock. Riders will see some
fabulous views over this 7km part of the ride, before turning left at Reg
Hailstone Way (26.9km) and arriving at Woodstock (28.0km)
Continue straight out of Woodstock up the hill and turn
right onto Sheppey Lane (30.1km). This
is a gravel road with some lovely views to the west. Turn right at the intersection with the Mid-Western
Highway and follow this road for about 1 km and turn left onto Walli Road
(32.7km). This Highway is used by heavy
vehicles, but there is a shoulder for cyclists on this section of the route.
Walli Road includes a moderate 4km up-hill climb, before
riders again return to the gravel by turning right onto Reedy Creek Road
(36.8km). This is another personal
favourite part of the route for riders, as there are some gorgeous views along
this road. Follow this road through to
the Belubula Way and turn right (41.3km).
There are a couple more climbs on this undulating section of road, and
follow it through to Mandurama (61.0km).
This is a resupply village, with Mandurama store stocking
food and drinks. There is also a pub.
Neville Road is adjacent to the store. The 17 km journey to
Neville goes over the foothills of Mount Macquarie. At 69.1km the ascent is
steep for about 2 km. From this point the road is undulating for the next 5 km through
to Neville. At the T intersection with Neville Road, turn right and ride 1km to
the tiny village of Neville (73kms).
Route distance is 77.8 kilometres (and 1,319m of climbing).
There are no public services at Neville, and limited
accommodation. Best plan and book ahead
of arrival.
Neville siding is a unique accommodation spot. The goods
shed has 20 beds in 10 rooms. There is also the option of 16 beds of
accommodation in four adjacent buildings.
Your host will provide dinner to groups. Mid-week bookings suit Neville
Siding as weekends are often booked out. This is the only accommodation site in
Neville. This is an interesting experience staying in a railway station. Bring
your own beverages.
Another accommodation option that will suit bikers who want
to shorten the distance by 8 kms is a splendid farm stay at Hilton homestead.
Hilton homestead is situated at the top of the steep 2 kms climb after turning
onto the Neville Road. The turn-off is on the right, signposted “guesthouse”.
It offers 4-star accommodation.
Disclaimer: This trail has been developed
with the support of local cycling enthusiasts, The Treadlies to showcase some
of our region’s most picturesque rides. Orange360 recommends that visiting cyclists
review road, weather and seasonal farming conditions before they embark on
their ride. Riders embark on their adventure at their own risk.