Annual Bike North Tour de Cowra Event
Gravel ride to depart post briefing and road option departures
Overview:
Cowra to out around Conimbla with mixed surface including gravel.
Gravel or MTB bikes only.
Features: Glorious Gravel! Short ride around Conimbla for some simple classic gravel.
Suitability:
• Intermediate gravel riders. Minimum skill levels: intermediate on a gravel bike or 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:
• 60/40% gravel or tarmac mixed surface loop to Conimbla and back
Clockwise loop taking in some classic Cowra gravel. Leave Cowra via some back roads before a short stint on the Olympic Hwy. Start your gravel hit by turning right onto Elsie Vale Road, cross Chiverton Road and turn onto Back Creek Reserve Road. Care over the creek crossing which might have water in it after rain. After that it’s all simple riding.
Cross the Mid Western Hwy onto tarred section before more gravel on Conimbla Road which you follow, bearing right eventually back to Lachlan Valley Way.
A short ride on tar before turning left of the main road onto a gravel back road before again returning to the highway briefly, then it’s back onto Gem Road, going straight on to a 4WD section into Cowra.
Note if this last section is too muddy or impassable, bear right on Gem Road back to the hwy, then turn left and return to Cowra.
Coffee stop: No Coffee stop along this route. Take sufficient refreshments.
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, driveable, easy access
• Trail type: Wide fire-trail and Local and Busy Roads
• Trail surface: Mostly smooth, well-graded.
• River crossings, if any: Bridges, and shallow, smooth causeways or stream crossings.
• Bail-out options: Make way back to Mid-Western Highway.
Distance: 40.00
Elevation Change: 270
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.