The ride travels through Maitland towards Telarah and heads north to Walka Waterworks, a lake and park that is very popular with locals. We then follow the river back to Maitland, cross over, and ride through Lorn to Bolwarra Heights Lookout for a panoramic view of Maitland and its surrounds. We then head to Largs and the flat pastures of Pitnacree towards Morpeth, once a vital inland port and now a charming historic town. We will spend an hour here for lunch and to tour the shops. We then ride the last 11 km along the river back to Maitland.
Features: Mostly quiet back roads in farm country; flat terrain; riding through Maitland; visits to Walka Waterworks, Bolwarra Heights Lookout, and the historic town of Morpeth.
Suitability: Riders with a reasonable degree of fitness; mostly even gradients; mostly on-road cycling with road crossings; cycling through Maitland may involve medium traffic.
Cafe: Morpeth – café of choice.
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Other notes
Hazards associated with the route:
• Country roads, some with no marked shoulders (these are quiet roads).
• At Walka Waterworks, the path along the lake is a dirt surface. If it is not suitable for road bikes, we can walk this section.
• Roads in Maitland may have some traffic – ride single file.
Terrain and conditions:
Mostly quiet and safe road cycling. There are some climbs in the first 15 km but none exceed 40 metres elevation.
Route variation options:
• Could reverse the route.
• Could meet for morning tea at Lavenders Café before the ride.
Capabilities required:
• This is an easy ride at a medium pace. Riders need to maintain an average of 21–24 km/hr on the flat.
• Mostly on-road riding, so riders must be comfortable riding in traffic (Maitland) and familiar with road rules. Most roads are quiet and not main routes.
Suggested precursor rides:
• Parramatta Park Parade
• Concord for Cake
Duration: Allow 3 hours.
Bail-out option: East Maitland Station at 30 km.
How the ride will be run:
• Regular regroup points and a sweep.
Rest/toilet stops:
• Toilets at Bolwarra Heights Lookout and at Morpeth.
Distance: 36.00
Elevation Change: 250
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.
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