Valley Wheelers' Hawkesbury Ramble- Jan 5 2013
i'm free (and getting paid!) Jan 2nd-5th and i feel like going on a ride.
anyone feel like catching the train, then riding around the hunter, sampling the local produce, staying over night, and maybe doing the same the next day?
i have no idea where to go or what to do, i'm just putting it out there, and i recon you guys will be a wiser vintage.
anyone feel like catching the train, then riding around the hunter, sampling the local produce, staying over night, and maybe doing the same the next day?
i have no idea where to go or what to do, i'm just putting it out there, and i recon you guys will be a wiser vintage.
Last edited by Lizanne on 17 Dec 2012, 13:49, edited 3 times in total.
- JoTheBuilder
- Posts: 1500
- Joined: 19 Feb 2011, 15:32
Sounds great. Unfortunately I can't make it as I'm puppy sitting. You'll have to get a train to Maitland and ride from there as there is no station in Cessnock or the Hunter I don't believe.
And watch out for drink riding... The cops keep a close eye out in that area, especially over the holidays.
Oh, and avoid Broke Rd... Worse than Pyrmont Bridge Rd (if that's possible).
And watch out for drink riding... The cops keep a close eye out in that area, especially over the holidays.
Oh, and avoid Broke Rd... Worse than Pyrmont Bridge Rd (if that's possible).
Great idea. I have to work
I have done something similar. The roads were a bit crap(less of an issue if one is keeping it real). Tyrrell's were the most generous with the samples. And you have to go to the smelly cheese shop.
We camped in the bush and made risotto with fancy cheese and drank cheap wine(from Tyrrell's cause they were nice).
Good times.
Am planning a little 2 day adventure which involves camping at a beach- probably early early Feb if interested.
I have done something similar. The roads were a bit crap(less of an issue if one is keeping it real). Tyrrell's were the most generous with the samples. And you have to go to the smelly cheese shop.
We camped in the bush and made risotto with fancy cheese and drank cheap wine(from Tyrrell's cause they were nice).
Good times.
Am planning a little 2 day adventure which involves camping at a beach- probably early early Feb if interested.
Why not discuss this with the group at Saturday Slowies?
ok so new plan
someone mentioned a gravel road in the blue mountains.
i say early train, scenic riding, coffee, gravel road, wine and cheese, train home
i say a week day would be best, 2nd 3rd or 4th but i'm also free for the saturday
someone mentioned a gravel road in the blue mountains.
i say early train, scenic riding, coffee, gravel road, wine and cheese, train home
i say a week day would be best, 2nd 3rd or 4th but i'm also free for the saturday
Sounds good
do you have a date preference? or should i just pick one. i don't have a family to worry about, and Ben will be working.
and does anyone know the name of the dirt road in the blue mountains? i want to look it up so i can plan a little more
i found Glenraphael Dr, is that the one we were talking about in the cafe? -33.728658,150.294918
and does anyone know the name of the dirt road in the blue mountains? i want to look it up so i can plan a little more
i found Glenraphael Dr, is that the one we were talking about in the cafe? -33.728658,150.294918
Anywhere between about 27th of December to the 1st of January would probably suit me. I might be able to wangle a day in the next week, but two days is probably beyond me.
I'm keen to explore the Hawkesbury north of Windsor, via Sackville, River Rd and Cliftonville Rd (some good gravel here I think) at some time. I'll work out an itinerary and post it when I can. If not for this ride, then for some time next year.
I'm keen to explore the Hawkesbury north of Windsor, via Sackville, River Rd and Cliftonville Rd (some good gravel here I think) at some time. I'll work out an itinerary and post it when I can. If not for this ride, then for some time next year.
ok so, cause no one else commented scully wins and the date will be set for saturday the 5th of jan.
sorry john the dates you want are during the christmas carnivals, but i do like the area you suggested.
places to get food look sparse. so it looks like musettes full of wine, cheese, and baguettes!
sorry john the dates you want are during the christmas carnivals, but i do like the area you suggested.
places to get food look sparse. so it looks like musettes full of wine, cheese, and baguettes!
Lizanne
A choice of 2 rides. Will probably go for both if I can, but will depend on availability.
Worse comes to worse, would it be possible to incorporate them into one?
A choice of 2 rides. Will probably go for both if I can, but will depend on availability.
Worse comes to worse, would it be possible to incorporate them into one?
Here's my suggested route, the Valley Wheelers' Hawkesbury Ramble. From Windsor to Ebenezer and on to Wiseman's Ferry, returning via some dirt roads to Riverstone. About 110 kms, Bikely seems to have exagerated the climbing as there are a number of phantom hills showing in the elevation chart.
Trains are running on Saturday 5th January. The 7:08 from Redfern is probably the best train, getting to Windsor at 8:19.
Trains are running on Saturday 5th January. The 7:08 from Redfern is probably the best train, getting to Windsor at 8:19.
110kms on dirt roads!
No road bike for me. I'm using my fat tyred commuter with panniers.
No road bike for me. I'm using my fat tyred commuter with panniers.
About 15km of dirt, mainly Tizzana Rd to Sackville and Old Leets Vale Rd. Tizzana Rd looks smooth, according to Google. No idea about Old Leets Vale Rd, Mr Google didn't drive there. No downhills on the dirt, which are the real killers.110kms on dirt roads!
No road bike for me. I'm using my fat tyred commuter with panniers.
I thought lunch at Wiseman's Hotel might be the go, menu here. There's cellar door sales at the Tizzana Winery, but they don't open till 12. We can look at the church at Ebenezer (oldest in the country) and maybe cross Wiseman's Ferry to see the lower parts of the Old Great North Road. The second half of the trip is not worked out in much detail, so suggestions welcome.
Early 80s, Reynolds 531, handmade UK-built Bob Jackson 'Super Tourist' with Arabesque downtube shifters. Doesn't look like much but some Jacksons fetch a mint on ebay especially to US buyers.just some dirt roads. not the whole thing.
and is your commuter vintage?
It all sounds good.Now if only there was someone the same size as me with about a million vintage bikes who wanted to lend me one
The plan seems to be coming together. I'm sure we will figure out nice places for first breakfast, second breakfast and elevenses.
Great that Marc can carry all the picnic stuff in his trusty panniers.
It is concerning that the princess would think it necessary to train for a valley wheelers ride. Methinks the lady has been misinformed about the vibe. I would describe the Valley Wheelers as a kind of support group for bike hoarders. The actual riding part is not that important and is not supposed to be fast or competitive. The important rituals seem to be the intense scrutiny of each others bikes and the sharing of fascinating details about the history of every bicycle ever made. All the nerding out must be quite energy expensive as frequent food and beverage stops are required. So tell her to come and that Marc will carry her wine and baguette!!
The plan seems to be coming together. I'm sure we will figure out nice places for first breakfast, second breakfast and elevenses.
Great that Marc can carry all the picnic stuff in his trusty panniers.
It is concerning that the princess would think it necessary to train for a valley wheelers ride. Methinks the lady has been misinformed about the vibe. I would describe the Valley Wheelers as a kind of support group for bike hoarders. The actual riding part is not that important and is not supposed to be fast or competitive. The important rituals seem to be the intense scrutiny of each others bikes and the sharing of fascinating details about the history of every bicycle ever made. All the nerding out must be quite energy expensive as frequent food and beverage stops are required. So tell her to come and that Marc will carry her wine and baguette!!
dastardly shocking defamatory!........ I would describe the Valley Wheelers as a kind of support group for bike hoarders. The actual riding part is not that important and is not supposed to be fast or competitive. The important rituals seem to be the intense scrutiny of each others bikes and the sharing of fascinating details about the history of every bicycle ever made. All the nerding out must be quite energy expensive as frequent food and beverage stops are required.
p.s. that's why we have so much fun
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PUSHBIKE-BIC ... 5899c251adIt all sounds good.Now if only there was someone the same size as me with about a million vintage bikes who wanted to lend me one
needs new bar tape, chain, maybe break pads, tyres and tubes. $20 for a christmas project!
- mikesbytes
- Posts: 6991
- Joined: 13 Nov 2006, 13:48
- Location: Tempe
- Contact:
Cruiser brakes
- mikesbytes
- Posts: 6991
- Joined: 13 Nov 2006, 13:48
- Location: Tempe
- Contact:
Cruiser brakes
i just looked up the winery, and they specialize in red and fortified! i suggest we take the 7:08 train to riverstone, do the reverse route, lunch Wiseman's Hotel then finish the day off with a stop at Tizzana Winery, and a break at the church in Ebenezer.
p.s. i might have to bring a bigger musette, i love reds and ports
p.s. i might have to bring a bigger musette, i love reds and ports
I've modified the Bikely route to start at Riverstone and end at Windsor. I think there's a bit of scope to alter the early parts of the ride.i just looked up the winery, and they specialize in red and fortified! i suggest we take the 7:08 train to riverstone, do the reverse route, lunch Wiseman's Hotel then finish the day off with a stop at Tizzana Winery, and a break at the church in Ebenezer.
p.s. i might have to bring a bigger musette, i love reds and ports
I'd suggest sneaking the red wine/port into Marc's panniers. I'm sure he'd never notice the extra weight.
....... ahemI'd suggest sneaking the red wine/port into Marc's panniers. I'm sure he'd never notice the extra weight.
Did I hear someone say free lunch for Marc?
Thought some of you may find this article from the Illustrated Sydney News (26 July 1888) interesting. It gives quite a detailed description of a cycle touring trip to Windsor. I am not that familiar with the itinerary of our proposed trip next Saturday (5th January) but would be nice if we find ourselves travelling through the same area and sights, but a 125 years later.
--------------------------------------
"Windsor seems to be the favorite country run, probably on account of the shortness of the trip (34 miles) which enables cyclists to leave the city at 2 p.m. and have tea in Windsor. Besides this, the road after leaving Parramatta is usually in a good condition, and mostly composed of soil of a gravelly nature which forms a nice smooth surface so dear to the heart of a cyclist.
After leaving Parramatta a straight road is followed over Baulkham. and Rouse Hills, which are the "pons assinorum" of a young wheelman. When he has successfully ridden over these hills he may fairly consider himself a good road rider.
The district all round this neighborhood is covered with orangeries ' and orchards, and many" is" the basketful of oranges . that has gone to assuage the phenomenal thirst peculiar to cyclists who have ridden twenty miles over dusty roads.
The entrance to Windsor from this direction is across a bridge which spans the river Hawkesbury, and a more old-fashioned appearance could scarcely be imagined. On the right are situated the police barracks, which were formerly the, military barracks of the 5Sth Regiment, and were erected in the year 1820. At the rear is the old Government House, which in its time was the favorite residence of Governor Macquarie. It is a wooden building, ...and is in a fair state of preservation, even at the present time. Near the railway station and over- looking the river is the residence of Mr. McQuade. It is surrounded by a magnificent parkland has attached to it a cricket ground, which is in great request, and round which it is probable a bicycle track will be formed at an early date.
Adjoining the park is St. Matthew's Church, the foundation stone of which was laid by Governor Macquarie in 1816. A Spanish dollar valued at 6s 3d was placed under the stone, and was a few.nights afterwards stolen by convicts; another was placed there and also disappeared.
In the cemetery surrounding the church are some of the oldest monuments in the colony. Amongst these is one erected to the memory of Sarah Freebody, who died, in 1803, aged 102. Windsor is next to Parramatta the oldest town in Australia, and its rural appearance, combined with its peculiar -climate, makes it resemble some of the old villages in England.
Four miles further on is the pretty little town of Richmond, which lies snugly at the foot of the mountains, and as the terminus of this branch of railway;-. Proceeding on through 'Richmond to Enfield and "Wheeney the road becomes too steep for a bicycle to be ridden. The machine must be either left, or wheeled up the many hills to the top of the Currajong Mountains, distance from Richmond about 8 miles. It is a somewhat arduous task, but the beauty of the scenery fully compensates for the trouble. On a fine day a view can be obtained for 30 miles round, and the town of Penrith, with the Nepean River, can be clearly distinguished, although 15 miles distant. The whole of the mountains abound in beautiful natural scenery, and some of - the finest ferns may be had for the picking. The farmers and settlers all along this route are of a most hospitable nature, and cyclists are often indebted to them for many kindnesses shewn.
--------------------------------------
"Windsor seems to be the favorite country run, probably on account of the shortness of the trip (34 miles) which enables cyclists to leave the city at 2 p.m. and have tea in Windsor. Besides this, the road after leaving Parramatta is usually in a good condition, and mostly composed of soil of a gravelly nature which forms a nice smooth surface so dear to the heart of a cyclist.
After leaving Parramatta a straight road is followed over Baulkham. and Rouse Hills, which are the "pons assinorum" of a young wheelman. When he has successfully ridden over these hills he may fairly consider himself a good road rider.
The district all round this neighborhood is covered with orangeries ' and orchards, and many" is" the basketful of oranges . that has gone to assuage the phenomenal thirst peculiar to cyclists who have ridden twenty miles over dusty roads.
The entrance to Windsor from this direction is across a bridge which spans the river Hawkesbury, and a more old-fashioned appearance could scarcely be imagined. On the right are situated the police barracks, which were formerly the, military barracks of the 5Sth Regiment, and were erected in the year 1820. At the rear is the old Government House, which in its time was the favorite residence of Governor Macquarie. It is a wooden building, ...and is in a fair state of preservation, even at the present time. Near the railway station and over- looking the river is the residence of Mr. McQuade. It is surrounded by a magnificent parkland has attached to it a cricket ground, which is in great request, and round which it is probable a bicycle track will be formed at an early date.
Adjoining the park is St. Matthew's Church, the foundation stone of which was laid by Governor Macquarie in 1816. A Spanish dollar valued at 6s 3d was placed under the stone, and was a few.nights afterwards stolen by convicts; another was placed there and also disappeared.
In the cemetery surrounding the church are some of the oldest monuments in the colony. Amongst these is one erected to the memory of Sarah Freebody, who died, in 1803, aged 102. Windsor is next to Parramatta the oldest town in Australia, and its rural appearance, combined with its peculiar -climate, makes it resemble some of the old villages in England.
Four miles further on is the pretty little town of Richmond, which lies snugly at the foot of the mountains, and as the terminus of this branch of railway;-. Proceeding on through 'Richmond to Enfield and "Wheeney the road becomes too steep for a bicycle to be ridden. The machine must be either left, or wheeled up the many hills to the top of the Currajong Mountains, distance from Richmond about 8 miles. It is a somewhat arduous task, but the beauty of the scenery fully compensates for the trouble. On a fine day a view can be obtained for 30 miles round, and the town of Penrith, with the Nepean River, can be clearly distinguished, although 15 miles distant. The whole of the mountains abound in beautiful natural scenery, and some of - the finest ferns may be had for the picking. The farmers and settlers all along this route are of a most hospitable nature, and cyclists are often indebted to them for many kindnesses shewn.
Dunno about the bike track. Had a look on google maps and there is a McQuaid's Park, obviously the site of his old home. St Matthew's Anglican Church is still there next door to McQ's Park. Googled this and it's local graveyard is notorious for paranormal activity. Maybe worth a visit?
People! So many emoticons! Such passion! So many opinions. I can't concentrate that long.
Can someone tell me the plan in 5 dot points please? Each of 25 words or less. I'm with you in heart but "in training" for the ACE so probably will have to be faintly thoughtful about what I do that weekend.
And whatever it is you're up to, can I do it fixed?
Plus I'm only going if Lindsay does.
Can someone tell me the plan in 5 dot points please? Each of 25 words or less. I'm with you in heart but "in training" for the ACE so probably will have to be faintly thoughtful about what I do that weekend.
And whatever it is you're up to, can I do it fixed?
Plus I'm only going if Lindsay does.
I've modified the Bikely route start via quieter roads through Riverstone and Scheyville.
Starters so far are Lizanne, Dayna, Marc, myself, Peter, Karzie, Linda and Bill K with Camilla and Jo as possibles. Lindsay will probably be in Grafton, so he's out.
Train is 7:08 from Redfern, so you could go there with Slowies. I'll be getting on at Burwood.
Weather forecast is clear skies and 28 degrees. Looks like a nice day out.
Starters so far are Lizanne, Dayna, Marc, myself, Peter, Karzie, Linda and Bill K with Camilla and Jo as possibles. Lindsay will probably be in Grafton, so he's out.
Train is 7:08 from Redfern, so you could go there with Slowies. I'll be getting on at Burwood.
Weather forecast is clear skies and 28 degrees. Looks like a nice day out.
- JoTheBuilder
- Posts: 1500
- Joined: 19 Feb 2011, 15:32
Sorry for the late notice all but I'm out... Committed to painting bathroom ceilings.
Someone will do a ride report, maybe me ...... but just to wet your appetites, we had a good ride. The group was cohesive. And I did hear Lizanne say we averaged 39, or was it 44!
Well it was hot, damn hot. The Sydney forecast was 29 degrees. Unfortunately the Richmond forecast was 37 degrees (which turned out to be an underestimate).
On the train someone asked what the bail out options were. I told them that the only one available was getting out at Riverstone and catching the next train back to Sydney. We then stopped for coffee in Riverstone, before heading out into the heat-haze.
I navigated us out of Riverstone all the way to Cattai Road with only one wrong turn. We then headed north along Wisemans Ferry Road to Cliftonville Road. Karzie discovered he had a magnetic attraction for bogan utes. One swerved across from the other side of the road just to be near him. A stop in the shade near the river and then we continued along River Road to Wisemans Ferry for lunch at the pub. Several of the bar staff told Lizanne that you could buy bikes with engines in them. Who'd have thought?
We wended our way back along River Road and had a break of an hour and a half on the river, waiting for it to cool down (or not, as it turned out). Then on through a wilderness of melting tar and cicadas. I struggled manfully up to top of the last big hill, only to find Lizanne at the top saying "Oh was that a hill, it didn't seem very steep to me." While waiting Lindsay found a tea bag in his musette and made a very passable cup of English Breakfast with the water out of his bidon. While getting on the Sackville Ferry Alister asked if the iceblocks the ferrymen were eating were for sale.
We stopped for drinks at the Ebenezer store. Second funniest moment of the day was watching Marc buy a 2 litre bottle of Fanta. Funniest moment was realizing that after he'd drunk his fill and topped up his bidon that there was none left. When we came out of the aircondtioning I was was surprised to find that it was still hot outside. I'm not sure why Dayna found that funny? Linda, Lindsay and I formed the rearguard as we straggled into Windsor.
My personal highlight was seeing the entire bunch at the Windsor pub, still talking to each other and no-one having collapsed from heatstroke. Several had completed their longest ever ride.
Personal bests:
3 schooners of beer and 3 schooners of cider. This converts to a ratio of standard drink/10kms of about .8*
A score of 28 for the group measured on the Flatulometer™ (equivalent to 5.4 on the Richter Scale)
Saying "It's hot, damn hot!" at least 26 times (on average at least once every 4 kms).
46 degrees in the sun and 42 in the shade (according to Lizanne's Garmin).
Beating Marc up several hills.
Having developed a proper cyclist's tan, complete with oval tanned patches on the backs of my hands.
*Mandatory health warning: cycling with the Valley Wheelers may damage your liver, please consult your GP.
On the train someone asked what the bail out options were. I told them that the only one available was getting out at Riverstone and catching the next train back to Sydney. We then stopped for coffee in Riverstone, before heading out into the heat-haze.
I navigated us out of Riverstone all the way to Cattai Road with only one wrong turn. We then headed north along Wisemans Ferry Road to Cliftonville Road. Karzie discovered he had a magnetic attraction for bogan utes. One swerved across from the other side of the road just to be near him. A stop in the shade near the river and then we continued along River Road to Wisemans Ferry for lunch at the pub. Several of the bar staff told Lizanne that you could buy bikes with engines in them. Who'd have thought?
We wended our way back along River Road and had a break of an hour and a half on the river, waiting for it to cool down (or not, as it turned out). Then on through a wilderness of melting tar and cicadas. I struggled manfully up to top of the last big hill, only to find Lizanne at the top saying "Oh was that a hill, it didn't seem very steep to me." While waiting Lindsay found a tea bag in his musette and made a very passable cup of English Breakfast with the water out of his bidon. While getting on the Sackville Ferry Alister asked if the iceblocks the ferrymen were eating were for sale.
We stopped for drinks at the Ebenezer store. Second funniest moment of the day was watching Marc buy a 2 litre bottle of Fanta. Funniest moment was realizing that after he'd drunk his fill and topped up his bidon that there was none left. When we came out of the aircondtioning I was was surprised to find that it was still hot outside. I'm not sure why Dayna found that funny? Linda, Lindsay and I formed the rearguard as we straggled into Windsor.
My personal highlight was seeing the entire bunch at the Windsor pub, still talking to each other and no-one having collapsed from heatstroke. Several had completed their longest ever ride.
Personal bests:
3 schooners of beer and 3 schooners of cider. This converts to a ratio of standard drink/10kms of about .8*
A score of 28 for the group measured on the Flatulometer™ (equivalent to 5.4 on the Richter Scale)
Saying "It's hot, damn hot!" at least 26 times (on average at least once every 4 kms).
46 degrees in the sun and 42 in the shade (according to Lizanne's Garmin).
Beating Marc up several hills.
Having developed a proper cyclist's tan, complete with oval tanned patches on the backs of my hands.
*Mandatory health warning: cycling with the Valley Wheelers may damage your liver, please consult your GP.
Great report John, thanks for putting it up.
Must say, wish I was there! Next time for sure.
Must say, wish I was there! Next time for sure.
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