Annual Bike North Tour de Cowra Event
Gravel ride to depart post briefing and road option departures
Overview:
Mixed surface ride to Mt Collins.
Gravel or MTB bikes only.
Features: Glorious Gravel! An alternate gravel-based way to get to Mt Collins and back with minimal tarmac and great views.
Suitability:
• Minimum skill levels: Intermediate or experienced on a gravel or MTB bike.
• Only suitable for reliable and well maintained ‘gravel’ bikes or mountain bikes (MTB).
• Do not attempt this ride on a road bike or with tyres less than 32mm width.
• Riders must be able to navigate their own way around the route and should be familiar with first aid.
Route Description:
• 18/82 gravel/tarmac ride.
Leave Cowra on Lachlan Valley Way and turn onto Reid’s Flat Rd after approx. 5km, then turn agin onto Badgery Rd at approx. 12 km from the start. For her the ride becomes more and scenic and more hilly! Once you cross the intersection with Neila Rd it is not long until the gravel road begins. Take care as the change occurs on a steep decent and the gravel is almost the same colour as the sealed road, so it can be easy to miss.
The road is now windy and hilly with several creek crossings, all of which are cemented and easy to ride. There are two stock grids to cross. Take care whether riding or walking them; in bike shoes they can be difficult to walk. One of them has an easily ridable bypass if the gate is open.
The final climb to Mt Collins is quite long and includes several steeper sections. At a approx. 25 kms from the start the sealed road returns and soon afterwards you’ll meet Battery Rd, take the right onto it and it is now a short ride to the Mt Collins turning point (T intersection) where you can stop for a well deserved break. All the hard work is now done!
Now take the right turn onto Reid’s flat road and return to Cowra beginning with a long downhill run, all sealed. The intersection with Morongla road has been altered in recent times, make sure to stay on Reid’s flat road, take the right turn. Continue until you reach the Lachlan Valley way (turn right) and it only about 5km back to the start.
A GPS unit or printed map is strongly recommended for this ride.
The gearing of the bike needs to be matched to the terrain and the rider’s ability on multiple steep climbs. Nearly every climb on this ride is 9% grade, some a little more.
There are no water refill points or toilets. Phone reception may be weak or non-existent. The weather may change, so ensure you have suitable clothing.
Coffee in Cowra at ride’s end.
Important Considerations:
• Carry ample water, as there are no refilling options.
• Bring snacks and a first aid kit.
• Must be able to perform repairs such as punctures and slipped chains.
• Ride with a safe stopping distance, especially on downhills.
• Do not rely on riders ahead to choose the correct line or speed.
• Hazard calls for obstacles such as rocks and sticks may be too frequent, so stay alert and scan the trail ahead.
• Trail surface may have changed due to wet weather, erosion and maintenance.
Other factors:
• Phone reception: Limited (therefore may be nonexistent)
• Emergency access: Includes Public Road and Trails, drivable, easy access
• Trail type: Wide fire-trail and Local and Busy Roads
• Trail surface: Mostly smooth, well-graded.
• River crossings, if any: Shallow, smooth causeways or stream crossings.
• Weather may change so ensure suitable clothing.
• Bail-out options: Return same way as went on the tar.
Distance: 51.00
Elevation Change: 552
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of harm.
Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an inherent part of cycling,
and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others into danger.
By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe and responsible
manner and to obey all road rules and other legal requirements.
All riders wear an approved helmet and carry water, at least one spare tube plus a pump.
Health Warning
Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
Social media
While on Bike North rides and activities, you may be photographed or videoed. Photographs and videos
may be used by Bike North for social media or promotional purposes. If participants do not wish to be
included in social media, they should make it known at the beginning of the activity or as soon as possible
and other participants must respect their wishes.