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Where to go for an all day ride within 3 hours drive of Sydney CBD
I have no plans for Anzac day so was going to go for a decent ride.
My criteria are, around 3 hours drive max from CBD, a decent loop (50km +) available without repeating lots of sections and preferably somewhere I've not been before.
Current thoughts are Kowan Forest, Great north road or Nowra.
Any suggestions/opinions would be appreciated and if anyone wants to join me I'd be happy for the company.
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I think alot of people would say Northern road.
First thing to pop into my head when i read all day ride was the 6 Foot Track
I havnt done it but from what I have read, you need to do your homework before attempting this unless you have a guide who has done it before.
If you like flowy singletrack and dont mind the three hour drive each way then I can recommend east kowen with its 31km signed loop (with heaps more available not on the 'main' loop) and link it up with another 25ish on the main loop across the road at sparrow hill.
Probably the most fun I've had on my bike
This site has some info on both trails - more detailed info can be found at pedalpower.org.au
Great Northern Road starting from Wisemans Ferry gives you the opportunity to do a whole heap of riding. It is remote and no phone reception once you're a bit in to it so bring a friend.
On your way back go down Shepherds gully for a fun downhill run. After that run down go left and follow the road for 8ks and you're back at the ferry to take you back you your transportation.
It is remote and far from anywhere. If anything happens it is a looooong walk back so bring spare tubes and all other standard bits'n bobs one brings on a big ride and that includes a riding buddy.
I enjoy that ride but I have not been there in a year or more and don't know if it has changed a lot. I doubt it has as a lot of it is covered in Convict100 or Dirtworks as it was once called.
This would be a good one for a go. Park at Megalong valley and the return ride to Jenolan caves is about 55 km. The way there has a nice big climb, I think about 500 m. The good thing is its a bridal track so it wouldn't be like a fire trail with unridable gradients.
Have never done it though - just on the personal wish list.
Thanks for the recommendations, I like the sound of Kowan and Sparrow Hill for the singletrack, but also 6 foot track for the adventure. Time to do a bit of research....
My favourite:
McPhails + Meryla Pass loop, starting and finishing at Fitzroy falls. Clocks in at about 50km of riding and take 3-4 hours.
Only 90min drive too.
With the exception of the start at Explorer Tree, how much is rideable? I thought sections were closed to bikes.....?
Hope I'm misinformed!
Kowen/Sparrow for sure.
Sparrow is now around 37km on the main loop and the Kowen 30oddkm is great.
On The SFT best to start at the other end at Black range (First bit from Jenolan no ride and all up hill stairs to black range anyway).
Single track down to swing bridge and the bridge itself (Neither part of the original SFT) is no riding. As is the last section up to Katoomba (Most people ride out via Blackheath) Its a long car shutter, otherwise you can make a long loop by riding out via Lowther Fire trail and back to Black Range
Another option for all day riding is Newnes Plateau
Looks like Sparrow Hill/Kowen it is. I'll let you know how I get on or if anyone wants to join me, you're more than welcome.
6' track is on the bucket list though. I'll keep an eye out for future ride meets there.
I've done the GNR to Claire's bridge a couple of times so I'm keen to try something new.
I've not heard of the Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley ride before, so thanks for that recommendation. I'll do that soon hopefully.
I just came back from a 3 day hike from Green Gully and over the 6 ft track from the Cox's River camp site. There were 12 mountain bike riders at the camp site who had ridden from Oberon and on their way to Gosford. I've walked the 6 ft track a few times, it has some beautiful natural scenery and there are some sweet single track sections, also some fire trail, but be prepared to get off a few times to carry your bike.
I have ridden from Jenolan Caves to Blackheath and back via the six foot track. I had the misguided perception that most of the track would be six foot wide when in reality a lot of the track is single trail and there are lots of unrideable places especially near the Cox river, which has lots of sharp rocks you need to carry your bike over.
The total distance for the round trip was 116km with 4,107m of elevation gain and 4,097 of elevation loss. I didn’t get back to Jenolan Caves guest house until after 10pm so lucky I had the foresight to pack a bike light as after dark it was pitch black and foggy even though it was summer.
It was still an adventure that I won't forget anytime soon.
That sounds like a great day out. Let me know if you're up for doing it again.
How do you carry enough water ?
I would be up for that too. I bought the map and it suggest the start from the Megalong Village. This cuts out the sections which are not open for cycling, but reduces the distance significantly and may cut out some of the best sections. Mates a bit more heroic than me have just hiked and ridden from Blackheath and done the return trip in a day.
The map can be bought on-line:
http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/about_recreation/walk...
I carried 3ltrs of water in my Camelbak and there is water at the Black Range campground and at the Coxs river campground.
You also need to carry enough food for the day and prepare for the weather to quickly change.
Hey Pete which day are you planning to ride Kowen? I'll be there on the weekend also and am up for a biggish ride on the Thurs
- adam
Hi Adam, sorry, only just noticed your post.
Got down there around 9:30 this morning and after a bit of trouble finding the trail head (the rides page on this site needs updating), I headed out and did the 36km Sparrow Hill loop, followed by the 25km Kowen loop and finaly did the 14km S.H. loop as I really enjoyed them first time round. I had a great day riding some of the best single track I've been on. I'll definitely be back soon.
Thanks everyone for the recommendations.
No worries, that's some good distance on some cherry trails