Annual Bike North Tour de Cowra Event
Gravel ride to depart post briefing and road option departures
Overview:
Cowra to Koorawatha loop with mixed surface including gravel.
Gravel or MTB bikes only.
Features: Glorious Gravel!
Suitability:
• Experienced gravel riders. Minimum skill levels: intermediate/advanced on a gravel bike or intermediate/advanced on an MTB.
• 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 38mm width.
• Riders must be able to navigate their own way around the route and should be familiar with first aid.
Route Description:
• 70/30 gravel road loop to Koorawatha and back
Leave Cowra on Lachlan Valley Way and turn off after 4km. Despite the sign indicating “No Through Road” for vehicles, we will continue through with our gravel bikes. Follow the 4WD track alongside the Olympic Hwy to Noonbinna before starting the gravel proper to Wottamondara and circle Black Butt Hill with a small climb before descending to Bang Bang Rd to Korawatha.
After resting and maybe some refreshments at the Pub if it’s open, cross the highway and return along Pine Hill Rd to Wottamondara where you pick up the outbound track to Noonbinna. Here, divert onto the Olympic Hwy before taking a few back roads to Cowra.
Coffee stop: Possibly Koorawatha pub if made aware in advance
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.
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
• Emergency access: Includes Public Road and Trails, 4WD Access
• Trail type: Wide fire-trail and Local and Busy Roads
• Trail surface: Mostly smooth, well-graded.
• River crossings, if any: Bridges.
• Bail-out options: Return via tarmac at Wattamondara on the Olympic Highway.
Distance: 70.00
Elevation Change: 415
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.