Ride leaves Maitland for Morpeth, following the river. We then head through dead-flat pastureland at Duckenfield until crossing the river into Raymond Terrace. There will be a morning tea stop at Riverhouse Café. We will also see Raymond Terrace’s famous Jacaranda Avenue in full bloom.
From here we continue to Heatherbrae, Williamtown and Stockton to take ferry across to Newcastle where the ride will end with a cool drink and a cooler swim, if so inclined.
Riders have choice of heading back to Sydney on train or back to Maitland on train (about 30 minutes) to pick up their car or perhaps spend another day in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
Features: Mostly quiet back roads in farm country; flat terrain; riding through Morpeth, Duckenfield, Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae, Williamtown, Stockton and then Newcastle; viewing Jacaranda Avenue; lunch by the river.
Suitability: Reasonable degree of fitness; mostly even gradients; mostly on-road cycling with road crossings; cycling through Tomago and Hexham may have medium traffic, but there is a good shoulder for bikes.
Morning tea stop: Riverhouse Café, Raymond Terrace.
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Other notes
Hazards associated with the route:
• Country roads, some with no marked shoulders (these are quiet roads).
• Pacific Highway roundabouts at Heatherbrae – can be busy. Suggest ride in formation through the roundabouts.
Terrain and conditions:
Mostly quiet road cycling. No significant climbs. The Pacific Highway section has heavy traffic but a good shoulder.
Route variations:
• Could head to Newcastle via Pacific Highway and Hexham. This section has a wide shoulder but the traffic and risk of punctures from road litter makes it less suitable.
• Could loop back to Morpeth after Raymond Terrace.
Capabilities required:
• This is an easy-medium ride at a medium pace. Riders need to maintain an average of 21–24 km/h on the flat.
• Mostly on-road riding, so riders must be comfortable riding in traffic and familiar with road rules.
Suggested precursor rides:
Bays and Bridges, Como Loop.
Duration: Allow 4 hours.
Bail-out option:
• None on ride – could detour to Hexham Station after Raymond Terrace and catch train but would be leaving the ride.
How the ride will be run:
Regular regroup points and sweep.
Rest/toilet stops:
Toilets at Morpeth and Raymond Terrace and Williamtown.
Distance: 58.00
Elevation Change: 286
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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