I had an opportunity to cycle this new and significant NSW rail trail on Tuesday. On a bright & sunny, but windy day.
Could not believe the extent of the destruction from the fires in Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba area.
It was amazing to see how the fire had come up to edge of so many homes and yet the fire fighters managed to save them.
The area has had quite a bit of rain and the regrowth is remarkable. It looked quite eerie with all the new growth on the gum trunks with the commercial pine forest blackened and charred behind.
As a result of all the workers still in the area, it was difficult to find accommodation in Tumbarumba, so we stayed in Tumut. There is some excellent cycling around Tumut as well.
The rail trail is a slight uphill from Sawpit Creek to Rosewood.
We started at Sawpit creek because we didn’t want to do the steep uphill at the end of the ride on in the wind on the return.
We cycled into the wind going to Rosewood and it seemed more difficult than I expected but it is a really gentle climb.
Cycled quite a bit of the ride with this Guy on the Penny farthing.
Don’t know how he managed to do it in the wind, with no brakes or gears and the fact that you cannot free wheel down the hill.
The ride back was fantastic with vistas across to the Snowy mountains (I didn’t notice this on the way up!) and green paddocks with plenty of cute Black angus and Poll Hereford cattle.
I had my first Magpie attack of the season at Glenroy bridge!
I was very impressed with the extensive fencing, culverts and overhead stock passes.
I can see where a lot of the money went. The farmers should be very pleased with their new fencing.
The portable stock/cyclist crossings look like a great design. A design the Brisbane Valley rail trail could use on their rail trail. I hated opening and closing all the gates on the BVRT trail.
We also stayed in Wagga Wagga. Another city that has invested quite a bit of money into cycling
Wagga has grown incredibly. Got stuck in a very big traffic jam when we arrived.!!
We cycled along part of the 42 klms route that incorporates the use of the levee banks that surround the city.
So, if you want a break from COVID Sydney why not visit the Snowy region. There is plenty to see and do. Check out the newest advertising for the region.
https://www.facebook.com/SnowyValleys/videos/600964610600597/