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 Rotary Club of Maclean

2012  Tour de Woodford.

From  Dorrigo, Urunga and Bellingen Bicycle Users Group ( a big thanks to George for his weekly contribution)

   See Photos     Bugs group visit to Lower Clarence   /      Killiekrankie Mountain 

The Continuing adventures of the intrepid BUGS ...  After an absence of news there Back..and great to see they are still enjoying them selves.

Sunday 15 March 2009    Confusion reigned on Sunday with bike riders going to meet at different meeting places, unfortunately   only one of the meeting places was correct. Murray Suckling and Geoff Lillyman met after 7am out past Dangar Falls and rode to Megan to meet up with the coasties, who never arrived. This can only be put down to old age and loss of memory as there was confusion over the meeting place and the coasties were waiting in Dorrigo. Murray reported that his ride was terrific ( and the right one ) up to Mt. Moonbill. Don’t think we have ever had a confused ride before and that has taught us the lesson never change from the program. Our apologies to the Dorrigo riders. However, there is some debate as to which ride was the best. Probably Murray’s ride was best as it included Maries cake and coffee which wasn’t supplied on the other ride. Thank you Marie and I am sorry I missed out, I know Murray & Geoff ate my share. The storm having cleared the air, the view from Mt Moonbill was spectacular, often little can be seen due to the haze, well worth the ride. That and how great Dorrigo looks at the moment who could ask for a better place to ride a bike.   

The coasties waited in Dorrigo until 7.30 am and when nobody turned up decided to ride to Murrays, seemed that nobody was home. So the coasties being confused rode out to Old Coast Road and around the loop and down to the little Murray River and back through North Dorrigo. There are few down hills that a bike can go down and do in excess of 65 km/h without pedalling, Dorrigo has several.

When riding in Dorrigo it is always amazing how beautiful it can be and makes one wonder why people can stand living in the city. We coasties have never seen it look so magnificent as it does now. An early morning storm cleared just in time for both rides and it left the air clear and fresh and supplied great riding conditions. The important thing is we all did have a great ride and we all enjoyed what we did, except I didn’t get any of  Marie’s cake & coffee. Next ride in Dorrigo is on the 19^th April an all bitumen ride to Tibbs Tree, may be a little cooler then.  

Next Sunday 22^nd March is a ride along the highway to Woolgoolga for coffee and return to Urunga. Meet at BP North Urunga at 7.30am . 

Easter 2008

Have heard of March madness but didn’t think it applied to cyclists, well it does. Great long weekend get up at 5am for a 6.30 start, travel 140 km go for a 40km bike ride and drive home mmmmmm. Doesn’t sound all that smart, but 16 riders can’t all be mad. To appreciate it you would have to be there and it was worth every minute of the drive and ride. Urunga to Dorrigo by car and then on to Hernani school taking in the magnificent scenery along the way, fog in the gullies and lush green hills.  On the bike and over Bald Hills a great ride, no cars lovely rolling hills and several cattle grids to shake the teeth out. Taking a right on Waterfall Way we headed for Ebor and after a couple of testing hills we then rode to Ebor Falls. Chong Viu was on a test run with his new Recumbent Cycle which did some amazing speeds down hill and some amazingly slow ones up them. Alan Fahey and Judy Chesney are 2 of only 3 regular Bellingen riders and they seem to love Dorrigo and it’s hills. The ride was more a tour of some of the major attractions in the Bellinger area for our visitors and Tony Anderson, Belinder Farley  & Norm Curtis all from Newcastle and Andrew from Sydney were all  enthralled with the scenery. Murray Suckling is the one to blame for all this enjoyment. Many riders have Herb Simpson to thank for getting them educated on correct use of their gears and encouraging them on hills as well as the all important moral support, what would we do without him, thanks once again Herb. Bruce Goodman was under Herbs wing today and is improving with each ride, great work Bruce. Jim & Jenny Farquhar with new light weight straight bar road bikes and being fit makes an awesome combination and they can be seen disappearing out of sight at the front of the group. We are going to miss Bob Cooper in the next few weeks, who is going to tear past us at great speed and demoralise us on the hills. Some try to sit behind Alan Brighton when  we are into a headwind as he is tall and is a great wind blocker, the only problem is we can’t catch him the way he is riding at the moment. 

Coffee & goodies of course at Ebor café was a necessity to give us energy to ride the hills back to Hernani  and then another tourist trip via Tyringham road back to Dorrigo. Lets not fail to mention the great apples at the Armidale Rd turn- off. 

Our Friday ride was one of the best we have had riding Southarm and Northbank and then topped off with a great morning tea, thanks to Bettyanne Austin & Dave Cox you made our day, what a great social event.

Next Sunday 30^th March (end daylight saving ) meet at BP North Urunga at 8am, ride is in the Bongil Bongil State Forest fire trails and the Elkhorn Sanctuary. More info phone 66555355. 

        Sunday 10th Feb 2008     

Dorrigo once again put on a show for us on Sunday, and there was great riding conditions with a cool sunny day and of course it is still looking its picturesque self.  It seemed a little like an autumn day to start with, 10 degrees early in the morning. To ride in Dorrigo is a pleasure for us coasties with very little traffic and views everywhere, always something of interest. The ride through the bush topped off a great day of riding. New rider Alan Fahey was initiated into the Dorrigo Hills and came through with flying colours, some hills test the best of riders.  The ride took us from Dorrigo out along the Megan Rd and then we turned into Lower Bielsdown rd that took us to Rogers Rd West. An unmarked track was taken to Rogers Rd East and to Megan then back to Dorrigo, all up about 40km.          

Mud, slippery hills, bog holes, leaches and black snakes were the interesting part of the ride.  All the black snakes were out sunning and we let them enjoy themselves even if they looked a little sleepy. Except for the quick eye of Dave Supple and Murray Suckling one of us coasties may have ridden over one of them, perhaps with some unwanted results. Tyres are a funny things as Herb Simpson had a road type bike with big 700 x 32 mm tyres with little tread and he manoeuvred through the slippery mud just as easily as the mountain bikes, so much for spending a lot of money on a bike. He was further away from the snakes into the bargain. Bob Cooper didn’t seem to be troubled with the conditions and is becoming a regular rider in Dorrigo, he even talks when riding up some of the hills, something I have not perfected. Geoff Lillyman and Charlie Stockton always make it look easy and it seemed like a stroll down the road for them, don’t think they raised a sweat. Thanks Murray for a great day out.

Saturday  26 jan 2008 ( Australia Day )

I should have been more Australian & known it would be fine on Australia Day. We rode Southarm Rd. it has lost none of its attraction, is a great place to ride in the summer months. Riding it on Australia Day was a great reminder of what a fabulous place Australia is to ride a bike. After turning off  Shortcut Rd into Southarm, the road hugs the Kalang River for some distance. There are some great views, the trees form a canopy over the road protecting riders from the sun, keeping it cool, as a bonus there is very little traffic and the hills are not a major event. Judy Chesney rode most of Northbank Rd to get to our meeting place in Urunga before riding Southarm with us. When questioned about this she said she needed a warm up before our ride. Most of us are bugged just doing our ride. Brett Parker was noticeably not his usual self as he always passes everyone at great speed half way up the hills, but not today. After Bettyanne Austin has passed me at great speed going along the flat, both of these have the effect of destroying my self esteem which usually reaches a very low level. I may join John McCormak and his four wheel bike, John acted as back-up on Saturday and it was noticeable he was always smiling, instead of puffing. Herb Simpson again was seen to have a surge of speed from time to time and shot off into the wild blue yonder. Could it be he is trying to relinquish his position of tail ender. Just remember the sultana toast Herb. Ron Day attacked the Hospital Hill at such speed that he was half an hour early to meet up with us. Just as a suggestion Ron next time you could go back down it and ride up again several times to use up some of the time, we know you have the energy.   

            On reaching Bellingen the Swiss Patisserie could not be passed without a visit, being healthy types most of us didn’t have any cake. We then raced off to the Showground for the Australia Day Celebrations, to hear the Pipe Band, Murray Suckling’s Poetry as well as many other performances by the talented people of the Bellingen Shire.

Well it had to happen, we had a considerable head wind on the way home to Urunga which made us  work. No wonder bikes ride in a Peleton, what a great help it is to have someone out the front breaking the wind, at times you don’t even have to pedal. Of course judgement day comes when it is your turn out the front. What better thing could one do on Australia Day than go for a bike ride.            

            Next Sunday 3^rd Feb. Meet at the Kalang Motel at 8am for a ride along Martells Rd to Bellingen and back to Urunga via Northbank. More information phone Herb on 66556047

Sunday 6th Jan 2008 *** Note The Bellingen River is in Major Flood also the Clarence in Moderate flood ***

A quiet word with above and once again the weather cleared as it usually does for our ride on Sunday. After a week of being kept indoors due to rain & wind, it was a little humid though. Smart move to have an easy ride for the first one of the New Year, we were all feeling the effects of  Christmas & New Year and it’s excesses. The visitors have all gone and now we can settle down to some serious bike riding. There must have been similar thinking by some of the Coffs group as  Wendy Frost, Debbie Meridith and Cheryl Dooley joined us for the 35 km ride, and it was great to have them. Hope we wore them out. Wendy was unlucky enough to meet a road terrorist who drove madly through a pool of water so he covered her with water. How clever & what a mind. Ron Day after having had a spell from riding for several weeks found the going tough, join the club Ron. Ron & Julie Pike drove from Saphire for the ride and Julie wasn’t the only one pleased to get to morning tea, Herb Simpson wasn’t looking all that good either. Betty Hudson once more made some scrumptious cakes assisted by  Bev Brighton & Lynn Cooper for our morning teas. Anyone who doesn’t come on our rides is missing out on some great food ( exercise & company as well ). 

            The ride had to be changed due to Wenonah being under water and the idea of a swim in the surf when sighted, given a miss and of course the river was looking a little muddy, and floating logs a hazard. We did ride through the Macadamia Plantations in Osprey Drive as far as we could and then returned to Urunga. As John Mc Cormack & Brett Parker wanted more we continued on over Urunga Bridge and around Yellow Rock and back to Urunga for the compulsory coffee and cake. A great ride with great company and it is going to be a most enjoyable year of bike riding as was last year.

            Next week is our first ride in Dorrigo for the year. Meet at Urunga at 7am and drive to meet Dorrigo riders at the Top Pub at 8am them ride to the Rainforest Centre and out to the Never Never. Return back to the Rainforest Centre for coffee. More information phone Murray in Dorrigo on 66572139 and 66555355 for transport.   

Sunday 25 th November 2007

Many hour are spent planning rides, checking the terrain, suitability of roads, safety, and many other factors. But the best rides are those that just happen, this is usually because people become involved and decisions are made on the spot. Sundays ride was changed from the program due to several factors and was to be just a ride from Urunga to Moonee.  Some people had second thoughts due to the heavy cloud around, but came anyway & there was a good group of riders. We had one very heavy shower at Bonville on the way into Coffs and that was all. Part of our group attended an election party Saturday night so they rode from Saphire into Coffs Pub to meet up with those from Urunga. We then headed for the Jetty and a much needed Coffee. Ron Pike took over the ride from there and as usual lost everyone, but we did all end up meeting near Pacific Bay ( even if we took different routs ) if not by management but by luck. Julie Pike kept telling us she was slow but always seemed to be at the catch-up stop within seconds of everyone and made good time to Moonee. Jenny Farquhar having just returned from a trip to Thailand must have eaten something there as she led all the way to Moonee, when we tried to pass her she picked up the pace a bit more. Thailand for me next week.

What a lovely spot Moonee is, so we spent some time enjoying the creek and surrounds. It was here that Ron Pike & Jim Farquhar had a brilliant idea. Why don’t we get some meat on the way home and go to Julie & Ron’s place at Saphire for a BBQ. Most were unenthusiastic, but Ron eventually talked us into it with the promise of some sparkling red wine. We never did sight the wine.  Of course when riding we don’t drink so it didn’t matter anyway.

            We spent a most enjoyable 2 hours with Ron & Julie overlooking the South Pacific Ocean and socialising. Of course eventually we had to leave as Bettyanne Austin wanted to complete 100km for the day. We rode from Saphire back to Macauleys Headland, Park Beach and the Jetty and onto the cycleway to the University and eventually to the highway back to Urunga. Both Bob Cooper & Herb Simpson seem to get these bursts of speed, pass everyone and then seem to run out of steam and stop and wait for us to catch up, or perhaps it releasing their frustration at us going so slow, who knows.

18th November 2007

What a week of cycling ! I feel exhausted just writing about it and that is apart from how my muscles feel.  Sunday 11^th  a group of 15 riders drove to Maclean, then rode onto Ballina, we were lucky to have plenty of rain which kept us cool. (and wet )  But the tailwind was acceptable. We lost Brett Parker in Ballina on purpose so that he was able to ride his first 100km. Betty Hudson once again was our back-up driver and morning tea lady, what would we do without her. Sunday night was a tropical dress night and there was some outlandish gear on show. Next day a 60km ride around Ballina and down to Wardell and back through Empire Vale and over the Burns Point Ferry to Ballina. Another 100km or so ride on Tuesday via Lennox Head and up into the hills behind Byron Bay. There are magnificent views from Skinners Shoot Rd on the way down through to Byron .Bay. After lunch back along the coast road against a big headwind to Ballina, some glorious food and sleep.

            Sunday 18^th was a ride in Dorrigo led by Murray Suckling. He always seems to be able to fit a hill into the ride that goes on forever and Sunday was no exception. Dorrigo has never looked better with the good weather conditions we have had during spring. We then rode out through North Dorrigo and Old Coast Rd to Bostobrick and then up and around Mt. Christopherson where there was much camera clicking to take in the rolling hills. We returned via Emersons Rd to the Little Murray River and its never ending hill, then back to Dorrigo. Murray christened his new bike with much dust, it looked old after Emersons. We are all envious. 

Brett Parker tried to outdo other people who have fallen off by going over the handle bars & flying through the air like Superman  Unfortunately, he was seen by other riders flying through the air. Most of us are able jump back on our bikes quickly before anyone sees us, even though there are the telltale signs of blood in various areas. We all hope his face will be back to normal soon. One thing, Brett looked a lot better then Bettyann’s mountain bike after it fell of the trailer on the way home, fortunately she wasn’t on it. Her immediate reaction  ”  Now i will really have to get a new bike “.  What a day ! Lets play marbles next week.

            Next Sunday 25^th is a ride from Urunga through Coffs and out to Moonee and back to Urunga via Bruxner Park. ( dare I mention the name ) Meet at BP North Urunga at 8am. More info on rides 66555355

October 21 2007 

Hills End, Highway to Hell, Chamber of Horrors were but a few descriptions put forward as a name for the ride on Sunday. To put it mildly the day did not go as planed. There were many acts of skill and  bravery, and some just fell off. There were statements of horror, disgust and plain abuse at the ride leader. But as is usual the humour of bike riders. The trouble started right from the beginning when people were late meeting at the Coffs Catholic Club due to the Rugby World Cup. How could that possibly be more important than a bike ride. On reaching the top of Red Hill we turned right & proceeded to get lost, but only twice. This was to be a record low for the day. After passing through several properties we attempted to find Swans rd., this is a fairly simple operation for most but we proceeded to make turn-off errors. We thought Jim had his GPS upside down but later we found out he had dropped it several times. Perhaps we had the wrong Topographical map ?  As it turned out we would probably still be in the forest if  not for Jim’s GPS. Bob Cooper was seen to fall off going up hill which is quiet an achievement, unless the steepness of the hill is taken into account. Herb Simpson took a gouge out of the back of his leg with his bike pedal, we still haven’t worked out how this is possible.  Bettyanne suffered the most and to add to her pain and discomfort we suspected she was suffering from coffee withdrawal, which is not a nice experience. Five hours without caffeine is a long time. We only rode 35km mostly up hill, there was frequent walking up some of the steeper hills, so much so some wondered why they bought their bikes. It was great work out for Ron Pikes new finger. To finish the day off 4 riders took a wrong turn on the way back to the Catholic Club from Park Beach Plaza and were lost for some time. Impossible ? Not with us. Betty and Marie went shopping, what a smart move that was. Julie & Jenny opted for a ride to Moonee not wanting to ride Red Hill, how smart were they.

It was a great day of adventure and challenges and we all finished with a sense of achievement, tired but pleasantly so. I think.

Sundays ride has been changed and is just to Nambucca and back meet at BP North Urunga at 8 am.

More information phone 66555355. 

September 2007

Bike Week finished last Sunday after a great week of cycling activities, which included rides to work, safe bike riding talks at some schools, a maintenance day and a BBQ with a decorated bike competition. Several new riders joined the group and over 60 bikes at Dorrigo Public School had a free service and were checked over by Eric O’Meley’s Mobile Bike Service, ably assisted by Herb Simpson. Murray Suckling & Geoff Lillyman supervised the bike safety riding tests in the school yard.  Many thanks to all the group members who assisted with the activities and also to those who joined in the activities and made up the numbers. Once again our thanks to Lyn Cooper, Bev Brighton and Betty Hudson for the cakes which often attract more people than the bike activities. Betty Hudson was a tower of strength supplying the morning tea on each of our ride to work days, thank you Betty.

The Bike Week Fliers were letter box dropped by Sue & Harry Melville, Alan Brighton and Betty Hudson they now have great sympathy for the people who do it on a weekly basis. Harry said doing it at night on a bike had its hazards. Jim & Jenny Farquhar judged the decorated bikes, this was won by Lilly Osmond. The new bike that was raffled was won by Helen White and it was great that someone won it who wanted a bike. Many thanks to the Courier Sun for their support of Bike Week, nothing was too much trouble for them.

            The last ride of Bike Week was on Sunday from the Catholic Club in Coffs then up Bruxner Park and down through the rainforest, through Bucca and on to Nana Glen for coffee and back to Coffs. Kath O’Meley was pleased to reach the top of Red Hill and look down on Coffs with the knowledge there was only one more hill ( or was it two ). Dave Cox & Bettyanne Austin had a race to the top of Bruxner Park, Dave’s tactics were very sneaky and so he was disqualified. Murray Suckling broke a chain, or so he said, and had to get Marie to come & pick him up. But really I think the hills down here got the better of him.  George Smith & Burnie were both shown a very beautiful area of Coffs they had not ridden before.

Next Sunday 7^th Oct. meet at BP North Urunga at 7.30am, drive to Nambucca and ride with Nambucca Group. More info phone 66556047.

 August 2007

            Urunga has turned on some superb cycling weather over the last six weeks. Now is the time to get on your bike and give it a go before it gets too windy and hot. Many people did just that on Saturday for our monthly easy day ride starting at Yellow Rock. Everyone was so keen they did the extra kilometres & rode to North Beach a round trip of 24km, not bad for an easy day ride. Gwen Duncan slipped her bike into top gear on the way home and left everyone in her dust, Mike Milham couldn’t pass her for the dust. Cherie Hartwig and George Hudson cut their ride short, but made up for it with a political discussion. Herb Simpson & Kath O’Meley did eventually arrive at the Kalang Motel for coffee.

Sunday was an even better day and a large group of riders took advantage of the conditions. A number of riders from the Coffs Group arrived to swell the numbers even further. The  9.00  am start must have been the attraction and this is understandable as a Sunday sleep in is very enjoyable sometimes. Tony Swinburne & Martin Bentley joined the group which is surprising, they both have ridden with us twice before, the last time in mid winter in the rain over Horseshoe rd. Didn’t think anyone would come back after that. Ron Day is always a great supporter of the group and it always great to have him along. Bill Webber from Port Macquarie joined us and often does when he is passing through. Ian Scott is a hard man to catch and took off on the return trip to Urunga via Nortbank Rd. Jo Davidson wasn’t far behind him, with April van Bladel keeping Jo in sight. Our tail end man Herb Simpson stuck with Darryl Parkins as did Kath O’Meley as Darryl was having a bad day. A BBQ in Jarrett Park on the bank of the Bellinger River before returning to Urunga via Northbank was very acceptable. And thank you to Betty Hudson for her Pumpkin Scones. I didn’t get one where did they all go ?  

Next Sunday 19^th meet at the Top Pub in Dorrigo at 8.30 am for a ride past Dangar falls to Murray Sucklings for a real pancake breakfast (not instant stuff ). Afterwards a short ride to Megan and return.  This is an excellent chance for anyone not having ridden in Dorrigo to make a start. It is only 25km, all bitumen and one big hill that can be walked if desired. Transport to Dorrigo available. Phone 6655 5355

April 2007 The range of places to ride, with beautiful scenery, magnificent rainforest and great camping with good facilities in and around the east coast of Australia’s river systems is unlimited. Our group the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group ride some of these areas from time to time and so we did in April in the last week of the recent school holidays. The 500km ride was made easier by being fully supported by a ute with trailer driven by Betty Hudson,  and what a marvellous job she did. This time 9 riders rode the Old Glen Innes Rd. This is the original road that connected the coast to the tablelands before the Gwyder Highway was constructed.

We rode from Urunga ( 25km south of Coffs Hbr. ) to Grafton the first day the longest leg of the ride at 110km. Day two we rode 10km out of Grafton and turned on to the Old Glen Innes Rd. This took us towards Dalmorton, and across the Orara River, which is the only river in Australia that flows away from the ocean. Morning tea was at 28km & then a regroup at 40km at Doboy. This was the start of the hills and the  gravel road.  Lunch was at Buccarumbi Bridge with a swim in the Boyd River. The days ride was 71km and we camped at a National Park Camping area on Chaelundi Rd. Toilets and BBQs were provided and we had another swim in the river. This is a great canoeing area and many take several days to do the trip. 

Day three 24 km to morning tea at Newton Boyd and lunch at 46km at Four Mile Creek and onto the Mann River Reserve and another great National Parks well equipped camping area. We crossed the Henty River and rode 61km for the day. Of course another swim which was a little chilly as we were well into the mountains. 

A great start to day four with a 9km hill with some sections at 10% grading, we all made it, an occasional rest was allowed. This 9km was all bitumen and was done so that logging trucks could get a grip and do the climb. Back to gravel at the top and not long after wards we connected with the Gwyder Highway and bitumen again. Morning tea near the Glen Innes Correctional Centre entrance and onto Mulligans Hut Rest Area for lunch. Great swimming here which we gave a miss due to time constraints. A few hills and then a beautiful 13km downhill before facing the long rolling hills which follow the Mann River to Jacadgery and the Caravan Park for the nights camp. This was a long day with lots of hills and about 100km. It was great to have a hot shower after the very cold ones we had been having.  All these rivers eventually flow into the mighty Clarence River. At this point Lyn & Rob Cooper arrived from Urunga with a home cooked dinner for all nine of us. This included happy hour refreshments. What thoughtful people. 

            The ride from Jackadgery to Grafton was only 48km but there were some long rolling hills that tested us all out. We returned to Urunga with much elation at having fulfilled another dream and seen another beautiful area of Australia which was very lush due to recent rain. Of course we would do it again, what’s next. 

Sunday 29th April

Another perfect day for riding in the valley, the group headed south from the BP at Urunga for a ramble through Urunga streets before taking the Hungry Head road and then through to the highway. Of course, this was only after  a short stop to admire the ocean at Hungry Head, something not to be missed. After riding the highway for a short distance we turned into Moyles road and the Newry State Forest . After all the rain the tracks were a little slippery but not as boggy as we thought it would be. This took us through to Ainsworth rd for a mostly downhill run to Martells rd. We turned off  Martells rd. and rode  up to the old quarry where a lot of rock came from to construct the training wall at the Bellinger/ Kalang river entrances.

Alan Brighton demonstrated his attention seeking skills by falling off his bike and breaking skin, there was blood, but not as much as George Hudson, who didn’t even fall off. Mud was spread over Alan’s bike as he had been able to avoid the mud holes and it was still clean. Ron Day was confronted by a thick branch at speed on a downhill and coped magnificently. We then entered a side track  which brought a chorus of moans from Peter Plunkett-Cole as it didn’t look very enticing. We then came back onto Martells rd and then crossed the Pacific Highway and headed south towards Hungry Head rd. Herb Simpson found his adult son’s Bellinger Junior Rugby team hat, a little tattered after all those years.  Was great that several people abandoned watching the cricket so they could come on the ride. That’s real dedication in my book. The ride was nearly 30km but riding in the bush is always harder and 30km feels like 40 or more due to hills and wild downhills. Back through to Hungry Head and then it was full steam ahead for the Kalang Motel for coffee. What happened to that bridge that used to be at the top of Fitzroy St ?

Due to what appeared at the time very unpleasant conditions the easy day ride in Dorrigo was cancelled on Saturday. Nearly as soon as the decision was made the weather started to clear and it turned out very pleasant. Sorry Dorrigo but we will do it again at 1.30pm  on the 4^th Saturday of next month regardless of the weather.  

Next ride is on Sunday the 6^th May and is a 6.30am start from the Urunga BP and a ride to Coffs to meet Coffs BUG for breakfast at Café Aqua and then do their easy day ride then back to Urunga. 

Don’t forget our rides on Wednesday & Fridays, meet at the BP Urunga at 8.00 am for a ride which is decided on the day. These are casual rides no organisation just turn up if there is nobody there make your own arrangements.

 Sunday 4th March 2007           A 5,00 am start for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group saw a good roll-up of riders, which goes to show we aren’t mad, so many people couldn’t possibly be mad. Beautiful time of the morning to ride, cool, no wind, little traffic. We started early so we could take part in the Coffs Saturday Community Ride which starts at 6.30 am and is with 60 or 70 other riders. Safety was a concern riding along the highway as we rode most of the way in dark. We had plenty of flashing tail lights and powerful headlights, so much so cars were dipping their headlights for us. Bettyanne Austin’s bike looks like a Harley from the front with twin lights and so she led us out to show the way, but also because we couldn’t catch her. Bob Cooper’s bike with a row of lights at the front of his helmet gave good light and it looked like a ‘ B’ Double front on. Dave Cox seemed to have his light up in the trees, perhaps he was looking for Koalas. Herb Simpson with his bright flashing light on the back of his helmet brought up the rear making us very visible. George Hudson’s strobe light helped let cars know something was happening. We picked up another rider Darryl Parkins at Bonville.   Of course we arrived in plenty of time, there was nobody there when we arrived, making us think it had been called off. All within a matter of minutes bikes came from all directions. The ride took us along the link road out around the old and new airport terminal across to the highway and along the cycleway on the highway and into Toormina. As tummies were grumbling at his point we left the group and rode to Sawtell for breakfast. Must have been good breakfast food as Bettyanne set a pace on the way back to Urunga that made us all work very hard. 

            Next weekend lots of biking, Saturday meet at BP North at 6.30am and travel to Megan and meet the Dorrigoites at 8.00am for a ride to Mobong Falls bring lunch.

            Sunday  is a Seniors Day and Family day ride meet over the railway crossing on Yellow Rock Rd at 9.30 am for a short easy ride with morning tea supplied.  More information phone George on 6655 5355

            Nobody could say cycling isn’t alive and well in the Bellingen Shire. Two great rides this weekend, Saturday our Easy Day Ride with over 20 riders and Sunday a ride to the Never Never in Dorrigo with another 20  riders.

 Saturday loomed bright and sunny we jumped on our bikes to ride our second easy day ride, around Yellow Rock Rd . These rides are proving very popular and it is very enjoyable to be able to ride 3 abreast, have a chat and enjoy the scenery all at the same time at whatever speed you want to ride at. Most shire areas were represented, John Creighton came from Dorrigo, Gwen Duncan, Bob Maier and Chris Cresswell and family all came from Valla, Ron Pike from Saphire and of course the Urungaites. Lynn Cooper was the star of the day with her team supplying morning tea at  Norco. Thank you Lynn for all your effort.

Early rain in Urunga on Sunday almost discouraged the coasties from venturing to Dorrigo for the 7.30am start.  Not to be put off by a bit of precipitation they gathered at the Dorrigo Top Pub to join six Dorrigo riders for a tough but enjoyable ride out to the Never Never Picnic Area.

A big welcome was extended to new riders Steve & Ben Vitali, Andrew Hunter all from Megan & also Darryl Parkins from Bonville. As usual Geoff Lillyman & Dave Supple led the downhill dashes to the Never Never as well as on the way back. A much needed rest was enjoyed there then off everyone set for the return ride through the Magnificent cool and misty rainforest back to the Glade Picnic Area. Another star Marie Smith greeted us there with a much appreciated sausage sizzle, cakes and coffee. Betty Hudson assisted Marie, many thanks to both of you. These enjoyable social occasions at the end of most rides provide a great spirit of companionship to all those who participate.  

            Once full of sausage sandwiches and cake we all struggled back the 4km to Dorrigo. George Hudson decided we all needed a rest as he was struggling to keep up with young Ben Vitali so he conveniently broke his chain. The ensuing repairs soaked up another 15 minutes and we all gathered our strength for the return to Dorrigo. Another terrific ride in Dorrigo which was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Murray Suckling & Marie.

            Next week is an Adventure Day ride with Canoeing, Volley Ball, swimming and much fun & games. 

Meet at Yellow Rock Park at 8.30 am bring your own morning tea. More information phone George on 6655 5355 

Sunday 4th Feb 2007            We were early for Pancake Day but we did it anyway and it must have been a good idea because we had 35 riders who came from Dorrigo, Nambucca Heads, Macksville and Urunga. We started from the Kalang Motel and rode along to the headland at Hungry Head, to take in the magnificent view up and down the coastline. We had to restrain some riders from abandoning the ride and going for a swim instead, it looked so good.  Some of the energetic ones slipped down to the Surf Club and used some energy riding up the steep hill to get out of there. We rode past Osprey Drive and out to near the highway and took a bush track to take us down through the Macadamia Plantations, thank you Jenny & Jim Farquhar . This is Wallaby and Kangaroo Country and they just seemed to ignore the riders and laze around like it was a holiday resort. The track led us out onto Osprey Drive and we headed for the Third Headland where there was plenty of socialising and swimming. Bev Brighton, Lyn Cooper and Betty Hudson had worked hard to prepare tea, coffee, juice and other goodies and ensured that everyone was supplied with plenty of riding fuel. The groups chefs Alan and Bev Brighton cooked pancakes which were eaten with bananas, maple syrup or honey. It was necessary to remind some they had a couple of steep hills to ride up to get back to Urunga. It was a great fun day, not a lot of riding but certainly a enjoyable social event. As group leader I would like to thank all the members of the group for their support, wether they manned intersections to direct riders, prepared food, cooked pancakes, or attended to our guests. It is never necessary to ask for help it is always automatically given. .  

            Next Saturday is our second EASY DAY RIDE starting at 8.30am meet at the park over the railway line at Yellow Rock Urunga. Morning tea supplied, riding tips and a bike and helmet if you need it. An all flat ride with back up support to Norco and return. More info phone George on 6655 5355 and ask for a ride program.  Ride is for families, new riders or just to get some exercise and some socialising.   

            Sunday is a ride in Dorrigo, meet at BP North Urunga at 6.30am or 7.30 at Top Pub Dorrigo for a ride to the Rainforest Centre then out to the Never Never. Sausage sizzle supplied for $3 . If you need transport to Dorrigo contact George on 6655 5355.    

 Sunday 27 th January 2007          A big weekend of cycling for the group starting on Friday with an easy ride from Urunga via Perry’s Hill on to Repton and then down to Mylestrom . All people on the ride were requested to bring something Australian for morning tea, these ranged from Vegemite Sandwiches to several variations of Anzac Biscuits. There was a Pavlova which created considerable discussion on it’s non Australian origin. Betty Hudson created an all Australian atmosphere with newspaper tablecloth, a vase of Australian native flowers and of course a Damper. Betty gave a speech and named Kath O’Meley and Bettyane Austin Citizens of the year. with Claire O’Meley junior Citizen and George Hudson Senior Cirtizen of the year.   

            Summer is the time to ride in the bush where it is shaded, cool and very pleasant and we could not have had a better place to ride than we did on Sunday. We started at Urunga and rode along the river  to Repton, then over the hill to Overhead Bridge Rd. Roadworks has not upset Overhead Bridge Rd and from there we ducked out onto the highway for a short distance to Butlers Rd. We turned off Butlers into Keoghs Rd and through a bush track to Gordons Rd which eventually brought us onto Glenffer Rd. This was a very pleasant ride as was the next part of the ride along Gleniffer Rd into Hydes Creek Rd. Bettyanne Austin gained some attention by getting a puncture, this problem was overcome by Herb Simpson and Cory Hughes instructing her on how to do the repair. The two Georges had their usual hill climbing competition and George increased the pace in the final run home to beat George. Ron Day had the wrong bike but only one hill with large rocks gave him any trouble. A very enjoyable weekend of cycling.

            Next Sunday the 4^th February meet at the Kalang Motel at 7.30am for a ride to Wenonah for a Pancake breakfast and swim . More information phone 6655 5355 

 Sunday 26th November           No ride we have ever done has received as much planing, research or exploring as last Sundays ride. Two of us set out the Monday before to explore the ride having carefully done our research. This ended up with us having to turn around as we knew we were way off the planed rout. So on Friday we again set out

armed with more information from our Topographical Map and other research. We even asked two locals for directions and we were given incorrect information and became lost. We still didn’t make it. But there were consolations as we saw many birds including 2 magnificent Lyrebirds, Green Tree snakes, rainforest and great views all within a handful kilometres of the centre of Coffs. .  

            Sunday arrived and we had more plans and were confident we knew where we had to go and so met at 7.30am and rode to Coffs, turned west out through Orange Trees and up Red Hill. We then turned into Mt, Browne Rd. and into Jacaranda Rd. As is always the case we arrived at a T intersection which isn’t on any map, made a decision on which arm to take. This ended up nowhere so we back tracked. Thank goodness for modern technology and Eric O’Meley with his GPS. We found what was shown on the map as a 4WD track that was in fact barely a walking or mountain bike track. It was so steep for 300m we were off our bikes pushing them in front of us and grabbing the brake and pulling ourselves up. This was the lost Boambee Link Rd which led us into Gum Flat Rd and eventually Englands Rd and back to the Pacific Highway and Urunga, a round trip of 75km. For those who missed the ride it was magnificent, the bush & birds, views and downhills made all the effort worth while. Just goes to show that with good planing ( and a GPS ) there are some unbelievable areas to explore. A feature of some of our rides is that they turn out to be as much an adventure as a ride. 

            Ron day will have us in hand next SATURDAY . 2^nd December for a ride up to Fernmount Range Rd. via Mt. Lookout and into Shortcut Rd and back to Bellingen. Meet at BP North Urunga at 7.30am , Bello Post Office at 8.30am. More information phone 6655 5355 

  Sunday 12th November 2006  The weather once again warmed to the occasion for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group and was just right for cycling those Dorrigo hills and enjoying the magnificent scenery. Doesn’t Dorrigo look a picture at the moment. There is no better place to enjoy the views than from the Fernbrook Loop and we rode out there and made the best of it. Murray Suckling advised us there were no hills and he was right once again, some were near mountains. Dorrigo riders are always great supporter of the group and they were out in force on Sunday.

There were two  break-away groups the first being Marie Smith and Kath O’Meley who were eventually roped in after about half an hour. The second group of  Dave Supple, Harold Winkel and  Geoff Lillyman were only within site for the first 10km after that they either hid in the bush or rode so far ahead they were out of site and disappeared around the Loop. I think the latter. The Dorrigo rides are always great and are often planned with a fair degree of  psychology. They are usually organised so that the ride back to Dorrigo is always pleasant and you forget the exhaustion of the first half of the ride. Sunday was no exception and the ride back took about a third of the time it took to ride out to the loop. We all had smiles on our faces on reaching Dorrigo, we’ll all be back again. Herb Simpson showed his fitness after having just finished the Gong Ride. His position as Tail End Charlie has been restored after a near coo in his absence, you can’t trust anyone these days. Ron Day has this urgent need to ride down the Dorrigo which he did , who can blame him. Great to have Steve Gibson, Peter Milner and Eric O’Meley  back with us again.   

Next Sundays ride is an easy day ride, meet at the Kalang Motel at 9.00 am for a short easy ride and back to the Kalang for coffee. More information phone George on 6655 5355. 

SATURDAY & SUNDAY THE 4TH NOV ;>) When the ride program says the ride is on Sunday 4^th it leads to mass confusion as Saturday was the 4^th. The solution to this is logical of course for dedicated riders. When in doubt ride both days and that is what happened.

Saturday’s ride may not have had the usual numbers we have become accustomed to, as only one rider turned up in the rather bleak conditions.  Some described this rider in not so kindly terms.  The rain and the confusion probably deterred some or that was the reason given. Riding in the rain is enjoyable if the right gear is worn, the working parts ( legs ) don’t get cold unless you stop. The Bundagen, Bongil Bongil trail ride would have been a little muddy and slippery so was abandoned. Both alternate rides remained on the bitumen. Saturdays lone rider rode to Mylestrom in very wet conditions.

The Sunday ride started in sunny conditions, but there was a little pay back to come as a very heavy shower came over and everyone became very, very wet and cold.. A stop over in a handy bus shelter assisted the situation a little. The ride was to  Valla Beach for breakfast. This turned out a great social occasion as well as an enjoyable ride, what more does anyone want on a ride but to be, wet, cold and a have a nice hot breakfast with good company, you can’t have everything. The traffic on the highway was very light and there is mostly some edge on the road on the way to Nambucca Heads. Most rider experience withdrawal symptoms if they don’t ride on a regular basis so the ride so Sunday’s ride prevented this unwelcome disease occurring.  

  Sunday 29th Sept 2006        The weather has been up and down and around lately but always seems to clear for our bike rides which it did again this weekend. Alan Brighton, the ride leader took us on a 60 km ride to Nambucca Heads with a couple of diversions, not a difficult ride. It must have been good as everyone was still smiling at the end. Even then some riders needed coffee long before we got there. Of course, we had a southerly head wind going there which turned into a north easterly headwind to ride home, what’s new. Oh Well. We avoided riding on the Pacific Highway as much as possible, highway riding is never popular but it is unavoidable at times. Leaving Urunga we headed to Hungry Head and a looksee for whales at the Headland, all we saw were a lot of people on the beach enjoying the great weather. Across the rickety railway bridge that has large bolt heads sticking up to create havoc for cyclists. We then turned into Osprey Drive and at the end we took a right and headed out for the dreaded highway, which we rode to Valla Beach. A diversion into Valla Beach Resort and through to the picnic area. Some time since we rode there and Valla Beach and the Resort have progressed remarkably, it’s a nice spot. Mike Milham didn’t think it was nice as he broke a chain on one of the hills. This is not surprising as Mike rides in top gear everywhere, up and down hills, makes no difference. Back out to highway and on to Nambucca Heads for our fix of coffee.

            Nambucca has some cycle ways which are not well sign posted and they cut off a lot of traffic and the rides are very pleasant, suppose the locals all know them. People are very friendly as we asked a couple of walkers for directions and they invited us for lunch if we lost our way, it was very tempting. I don’t think they had any idea of the huge appetite bike riders have. A pleasant ride home via Ospray Drive and back to Urunga.   

            Next week is a mountain bike ride on Saturday 4^th meet at BP North Urunga at 8.00 am . The ride will take us to Overhead Bridge Rd, East and West Peninsular Roads. Clarkes Rd to Tuckers Rock and along the Littoral to Bundagen and back to Urunga.  More information phone George on 6655 5355  

Sunday 24th Sept With about 8 of our regular riders out of town, it was pleasing to see a roll up of 6 for this Sunday jaunt. George Smith from Macksville couldn’t resist after last Sunday’s ride and Jim Farquhar was back from overseas together with Ron Pike from the near far north, Allan Brighton, Trevor Haynes and Herb Simpson made up the group. Onto South Arm rd. almost to Bowraville rd. before Trevor steered us on to the Old Brierfield rd. for a very easy pleasant forest ride across to Marx Hill and down to the Waterfall Way.

  Although the weather had warmed up, the ride was through heavily shaded bush areas free of any “significant” hills, thus maintaining a good pace without overheating. A major tragedy for Herb and Allan was that the Swiss Patisserie at Bellingen had sold out of their swiss vanilla slices forcing them to settle for apple turnovers and fresh cream to have with their coffee.

  Jim was not impressed with the decision to return via Northbank rd. and kept mumbling about getting a tour bus, it won’t be long before he is back to his top riding form.The ride covered just over 45 km. and ended back at Urunga BP at about 11.30am.

 The next ride on Sunday 1^st. Oct. at 8.00am from the BP garage Urunga and may vary significantly from the previously advertised route, please ring George on 6655 5355 for full details.

 the hundred mile ride!! 

Sunday 17th Sept Conditions couldn’t  have been better as the four Urunga riders, Bettyanne, Mike, Eric, and Herb joined by George Smith from Macksville headed off from Nambucca on the first leg of the 100mile ride. Jane and Lee joined us at Warrell Creek for the first leg to Clybucca where Bob and Allan signed on for the major section of the ride. More importantly, Allan and Bob’s wives, Bev and Lynne were there and had prepared a feast of cakes slices coffee and drinks for refreshments at Clybucca and at then at the following rest stops.

       Riding from the highway past Smithtown and Gladstone and along the north side of the Belmore River was very easy with picturesque views of the river and the rural countryside. Halfway to Crescent Head we met up with Bill Webber who had cycled from Port Macquarie to join us for the ride into Crescent Head where we arrived about 15 minutes early. After an energising meal and a quick visit to the local Sunday market by most of the riders, we commenced our return journey this time travelling up the south side of the Belmore River, Allan had to convince George that the road conditions would be acceptable in this side. Again we had easy riding conditions with great scenery, Mike and George made a strong riding pair at the front and en route Bob spotted a rather large black snake which Bettyanne obviously disturbed as it reared up at her as she rode past. 

     Back to our final rest stop at Clybucca where Bev and Lynne had again prepared a great spread to fuel our final leg back to Nambucca. This was a little more difficult with a light northeaster into our faces and heavy traffic for most of the highway section. We seemed to have lost Eric at the end but he had just detoured to get essential goodies, coke and chips, for vital sustenance.  The ride was completed just after 4.30pm. at an average riding speed of 22kmph for the 162km. (100 MILE).

Sunday 10 th Sept Having sorted out that the date was wrong and not the day, six members of the DUB BUG set out from the Ocean View car park via Atherton Drive before taking the Pacific Highway to Raleigh where Shane Burke joined the group on the way to Repton after which Ron Day left the group for a prior appointment. Having reached Overhead Bridge road they turned right, over the rail bridge then left into Burma Rd, which led them to the Elkhorn sanctuary. A brief  rest here then it was back to Repton and into Tuckers Rock rd, once the group reached Tuckers Rock they rode to Bundagen Headland Mike Milham siting the most goannas along the way. After looking at the ocean for some time while Eric O’Meley sent a conciliatory text message to his wife (it was such a lovely day) it was back in the saddle for the most difficult part of the ride. The sandy track south of Tuckers Rock, which was very tricky and some riders did walk, Bob Cooper, Alan Brighton and Herb Simpson to mention a few. At the North Beach Ocean viewing platform the riders were informed by an elderly lady after they had exchanged greetings, that she was 92 yrs old, a remarkable achievement that reminded the riders that exercise, sunshine and coffee are the prerequisites for a long and healthy life . So off they raced to the Kalang Motel to get the last part of the recipe.

The ride today was quite remarkable not only because navigation was spot on but because our intrepid leader George Hudson is in the shaky isles investigating the temperature at which ice forms on cloth. The ride next week is Herb Simpsons 100MILE ride of  legends (TAKE NOTE miles NOT kilometres) Sunday 17^th starting at 7.00AM at the Nambucca Tourist Information centre, for further info ring Herb on 66556047.

Sunday 3rd Sept Magnificent Spring weather and fantastic company are always a winning combination. If you have the opportunity to overlay this equation with some great exercise, you can ask for nothing more. Such was the case for members of the Dorrigo, Urunga and Bellingen Bicycle Users Group on Sunday, 3^rd September.  Having farewelled our leaders George and Murray with wives Betty and Marie, who are off to sample some New Zealand rides, we received some last minute instructions from Herb Simpson, who is in recovery mode from eye surgery. Eric O’Meley also set us on our way before deferring to some Father’s Day celebrations.

 Without further todo leaderless and tailless, we set a cracking pace to Bellingen along Waterfall Way; obviously wind assisted. Our new rider Clare rode strongly, enjoying the rich rural landscape. We met up with Ron Day at the Post Office and set out to Gleniffer, to complete the Promised Land loop. It certainly lives up to its name after a week of rain.

 Coffee was greatly appreciated on our return to Bellingen, where we all recounted the varying vistas most impressive to our differing perspectives. Alan Brighton, Trevor Haines, Dave Cox and Bettyanne Austen were all convinced that it was one of our best rides; well this week anyway! We farewelled our visiting rider Peter, who has been on loan to us from Mittagong, for several months now. We hope to organise a DIB BUG ride in his territory, in the not too distant future.

 Next week’s ride on Saturday 9^th September, is through a variety of terrains so ride your mountain bikes.  You’ll ride from beach scapes to littoral rainforest. It should be a magnificent ride. Ring Eric O’Meley on 6655 6578 for enquiries.

Sunday 27th August Due to reasons beyond the control of the management the usual well planned and organised ride on Sunday didn’t ended up where it should have. This was mainly due to one of the staff ( unamed,  but first name George) ) not planning and organising the ride properly.  From the start he  gave incorrect directions  as early as within the first 10km, this should have been a warning to all. Bob Cooper and Ron Day  took all this with a grin thinking we knew where we were going. We entered Martells rd. and rode and rode and rode until we came to a turn off which we considered was the correct one, thinking full well that State Forests would have named it incorrectly.  They didn’t. This took us up some very step hills with many unnamed roads going off to the left and right. We considered that while ever the sun was on our left we were heading in the correct direction, wrong again. Everyone was aware that when you have to resort to riding by the sun there is trouble ahead. By this time Ron Day had given us away as a dead loss and Bob Cooper was casting sideways glances at the ride leader, wishing he had a big stick. The ride was in beautiful country, the forest, birds and scenery were terrific and the road surface smooth for a fire trail, everyone enjoyed the ride. After riding about 8km or so we came back onto Martells rd about 1km from where we started. This was not the plan and all kinds of threats were made to the disorganiser.  The leader was given advice by Bettyanne Austin, Dave Cox, Herb Simpson, Ron Pike, Alan Brighton and Peter Betts, not all constructive or pleasant. 

However, everyone enjoyed the ride and after coffee at the Kalang Motel all was forgiven.

            Next ride is on Sundays the 3rd September ride is around the Bellingen area meet at Bellingen Post office at 8.30am, Urunga riders 7.30am at BP North.  More information phone Bettyanne on 6655 6074

  29th July          Saturdays ride was a typical recreational bike ride and Bettyanne Austin took advantage of the magnificent weather and good conditions to set the pace for most of the 65km. While this was happening Herb Simpson was  down the back involving himself in the important task of offering moral support, assisting with breakdowns and punctures and generally keeping everyone in a good humour. Meeting at Urunga we rode the old highway through Raleigh then the old, old highway through Repton and to Overhead Bridge Rd. and to Pine Creek. Unfortunately, we didn’t ride the tracks we were going to, due to the recent wet weather and the bush  being very muddy. A short run down to Butlers Rd., and a little gravel and onto Gleniffer Rd. and then we turned off into Crossmaglen Rd.  Crossmaglen is a well kept secret and what beautiful country it is around this area. Jim Farquhar was starting to feel the effects of  his Angourie Riding Sickness about this time and the only thing that kept him going was that Jenny assured him there were no more hills (yet ) and there was coffee on the way (1hour ). Jenny has a lot to answer for. Kath and Eric O’Meley were non starters on the ride due to this same riding sickness. We backtracked along Crossmaglen and did a right into Glenniffer Rd and then turned into Hydes Creek  an area which is still as attractive as ever even though it is winter. On to Bello for guess what, and then via Northbank Rd to Urunga as a cool down ride home.   

With encouragement from  Allan Brighton, Bob Cooper ( hereafter called two Bob ) joined the ride and we look forward to him being a regular rider with the group, welcome Bob hope you enjoyed the day.

I can’t seem to get away from Allan Brighton, every time I think I have lost him this bike creeps up beside me and passes me with a rider not puffing as much as me. Now he has brought One Bob with him to keep the pressure on. Sabotage seems the only remedy. 

Next Sunday 6^th August is another great ride, meet at the Coffs Catholic Club at 8.00 am or BP north Urunga 7.30am for a ride to Glenreagh Steam Railway via Coramba & Nana Glenn.  Maybe a ride on “Betty “ the steam engine if we are lucky. Anyone wanting transport phone George on 665553555.

Sunday 23 July Recreational cycling is never dull, but sometimes it is more stimulating than others. Murray Suckling’s ride in Dorrigo on Sunday was no exception. We started from the Rainforest Centre  at 8.30am and headed towards Dorrigo where Murray took us over the only two cycleways in the Bellingen Shire, one of these we named the Lance Armstrong hill. Marie Smith suggested we ride straight through North Dorrigo and onto Paddy’s Plains and return via Old Coast Rd. so we did. After the first hill (mountain ) everyone was avoiding Marie and hoping she made no more suggestions, so she had to drink her coffee by herself. The first delay was George Hudson breaking a chain. Turning into Paddy’s Plains we followed the ridge through for a few k’s and then turned around and rode back to Tyringham Rd. Who said Dorrigo was not as nice in the winter, the views are still spectacular with the Cypress trees, newly ploughed red soil paddocks, green improved pastures and the brown of dead frost killed grass. Bettyanne Austin’s bike was the second disaster getting a puncture, a spare tube with a hole in it & a pump that sucked the air out of the tube and no tyre levers. John Gray came to the rescue with a pump & tube a decision he was to regret later. It took the resources of John Gray, Herb Simpson and Allan Brighton to deal with this major calamity with Bettyanne giving moral support. Dave Cox waited patiently while this was going on. Why so much labour was needed was a mystery to the rest of us. We turned into Old Coast Rd and then rejoined Tyringham Rd. Marie was forgiven as Old Coast Rd is mostly downhill in this direction. Back in Dorrigo and during coffee Lee Callingham and Allan Brighton decided to ride down the Dorrigo Mountain  We returned to the Rainforest Centre for the cars, this was good until we realised John Gray was missing, he was back in Dorrigo with a puncture no spanner to remove his wheel and of course no spare tube as he had given it away. All these problems were overcome and part of a terrific fun filled day. Don’t forget to check your tools and spare tubes etc for next week. .

            Next ride is Saturday 29^th July meet at BP North Urunga at 8.30am for ride to Bundagen, Gleniffer rd, Crossmaglen and over to Bellingen. More information Phone Harry on 6655 1036, Murray on 6657 2139 or George on 6655 5355.    

Sunday 25th June  It was Recreational Cycling at its best on Sunday for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group. With a 9 am start from Urunga in nice cool weather and some hills to warm the body up. Due to a late start we rode Waterfall Way instead of Northbank Rd to Bellingen and met up with Ron Tailight Day, Mountain Murray Suckling and Marie Smith at the Post Office.  We were also joined by some of the Nambucca & Coffs Group at this stage. The winding hill up to the top of Rose’s Rd slowed some down but they picked up speed on the downhill into Gleniffer. A catch-up stop and some socialising there before doing a half Promised Land Loop and back for a BBQ lunch at Gleniffer.

 Betty Hudson once again excelled herself and catered for a BBQ lunch for 12 hungry riders  As usual Betty had thought of everything  and left only 2 things for her husband ( name withheld ) to load in the car, he forgot both. Thank you Betty and  also Marie for the cake. Ron Day’s week didn’t get any better as a BBQ plate was accidentally dropped on his leg increasing his number of scars for the week to just under 20. This didn’t stop him disappearing into the distance way ahead of everyone on the way home. It was interesting riding beside Jim Farquhar and hearing the unusual noises coming out of the gears on his bike. The ride was also interesting for Darryl Parker as he forgot to refit his front brake pads and only had a rear brake. Jenny Farquhar has come to love the off-road part of our rides as she now knows that the pain eventually goes away after a few days or so. Herb Simpson is persisting with his new method of riding up hills, which consists of an out of control downhill that gets him halfway up the next hill. Now all he has to overcome is the near stall that occurs when the speed has all been wiped off and he has to pedal . We rode back to Bellingen via Gleniffer Rd and  Northbank Rd to Urunga having covered 60km. 

            Next week is a ride on Saturday 1^st July from Urunga to Bowraville via Martells  Rd and Bowraville Rd to arrive there for lunch. Meet at Kalang Motel at 8.00am . 

More information phone George on 6655 5355

Sunday21st May  Any bike ride that starts off with an experienced rider leaving their helmet and glasses behind and having to ride up a steep hill to get them is not off to a good start. Of course the 7.30am start and a 70km drive to the start of the ride to inflict pain on ourselves didn’t help matters. Harold Winkel was our ride leader for the day and most of us were sitting on whatever was soft on Sunday night, after the ride, wondering how we can get back at him. Some of the ideas were a little extreme. We can’t wait for his next ride. We now have two people in Dorrigo telling us about their nice little hills and flat rides and competing for how they can inflict the most discomfort on us soft coasties. We can’t wait for Geoff Lillyman’s ride. 

            The ride had everything, a rider lost for an hour with people going in various directions trying to find wheel tracks, mobile phones doing overtime trying to get a signal and sending SMS’s. Large uphills, long downhills, logging tracks with rocks on them the size of footballs, crossroads every kilometer or so, one wrong turn and we would spend the night in Mt. Hyland Nature Reserve in very cool conditions. Some of the very large horns on the even bigger steers staring at them as they rode through farms was not impressive to some , and there were a few anxious glances over the shoulder to make sure they weren’t being followed.

But the big plus was a tour of the area like no other, with the country just starting to feel the effect of cooler nights it was still looking good. Starting at Hernani School we rode along Marengo Rd through Hyland State Forest and into Mount Hyland Nature Reserve and onto point Vista. What great names of places were on the signposts, Blicks Forest, Dundurrabin, Chaellundi, Marenoo, Chimney Rd and Dalmorton. The view from Point Vista is one that could not be surpassed anywhere in the world and was worth the ride just by itself. Going through the farms on the way back was a bike riders dream, a smooth flat dirt road meandering through the trees, small water crossings and heaps of cattle grids to make the teeth chatter. Thanks Harold for a great ride and thank you to Murray, Marie, Harold and Dell for the morning / afternoon tea, I can assure you it was  consumed very quickly by a very hungry group of riders. 

Next ride is a Kath OMeley easy day on Saturday 27^th meet at the park over the railway at Yellow Rock at 9.00 am.  More information phone Kath on 6655 6578.         

Sunday 22nd April  Several members of the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group joined Nambucca Group on Saturday to ride in their "Bike Bash " which was held in conjunction with the back to Bowraville Week Celebrations. This was a very hard 6 hour 80km ride to out the back of Taylors Arm and back through the hills to Congarinni and then Wilson road back to Bowraville. Trevor Haynes and Alan Brighton made a poor decision and swapped the 45km ride they were going to do and took on the 80km one instead, this inflicted much pain on their bodies. Herb Simpson broke his rule of riding at the back of the group and showed how good a rider he really is by keeping well up with the group. They were all very experienced riders and rode very hard. Eric O'Meley was able to listen and have grin on his face when hearing about George Hudson's tale of woe and his punctures on the Bowraville ride.     

Herb Simpson and Bettyanne Austin spent most of  Friday doing an exploratory ride in the Bongil Bongil National Park. Promptly getting lost and riding through bogs, creeks, high grass and trying to find tracks that were on the topographical map but not in the forest. Thank you Herb and Bettyanne.

            Unfortunately, due to the hard ride on Saturday there was mutiny and a decision was made to shorten the programmed and surveyed ride so expertly explored by Herb and Bettyane. We will keep this trek up our sleeve for a future date. By the sound of it, maybe far in the future.

            Two visitors joined the ride Maryanne Bianchin and Austin Lawrence. The group were able to show them some of our beautiful area viewed from the seat of a bike. This is by far the best way to explore and enjoy the area. Both rode very well, took up the challenge and fitted in very nicely with the group and we all had a great day. Of course the inevitable coffee and socialising at the Kalang Motel was an important part of the day. Ron Pike was expecting a hard ride but with only 32 km covered he didn't even warm up. Sorry Ron.

            Next Saturday is an easy day ride starting with breakfast or just a cup of coffee at the Kalang Motel at 8.00am with a ride after to wherever the group decide. More information phone Urunga6655 5355, Dorrigo 6657 2139 0r Bellingen 6655 1036 

         Sunday 16th April   Well Dorrigo lived up to it's magnificent self  on Sunday for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group. As usual Murray Suckling organised a great ride which included some testing Dorrigo hills, adrenalin pumping down hills, rainforests tracks , fire trails and superb views.  Thank you Murray. Starting at Dorrigo's Top Pub at 8.30am and into the hills on the way along Coramba Road to Leigh where we turned off into Lower Bielsdown Rd. Then off the bitumen onto the gravel of Rodgers Rd West and we rode until the road disappeared into a fire trail. A few logs to jump over, plenty of branches, moss making it difficult at times to get traction on some of the hills and i1m high grass. It was imperative that hanging vines be avoided as these have a habit of making a rider come to a sudden halt if caught in the pedals or around the neck. We didn't go into Lost Bridge Rd. but one of the bridges did look like it would be lost soon. This took us into Rodgers Rd East and to the quiet village of Megan and onto Coramba Rd with about 12 km to Dorrigo and some nice little hills to greet us at the end of the ride.

Kath O'Meley and Marie Smith were still smiling at the end of the ride and so they should have been as they both took the varying condition in their stride and rode very well. Jim Farquar received a reasonably easy introduction to the Dorrigo hills and showed his fitness after completing 1200km last week on the Poly ride. Eric O'Meley showed his skill in repairing punctures, he did the second one in half the time of the first, which still went flat so he settled on pumping the tyre up every couple of kilometres. Fortunately there were plenty of pumps available for him to borrow as he didn't have one. Andrew Hunter joined the group for the first time at the Bielsdown turn-off and rode well with the group, unfortunately he left us at Megan and missed the coffee. Alan Brighton seems to always be out the front and it seems like I will soon have to resort to evil measures to keep up with him. Well, what would we do without Herb Simpson at the back encouraging everyone, handing out advice and also supplying us with the statistics of the ride most of which we don't want, thanks Herb. 

Next Sunday is a Herb Simpson mystery ride meet at the Ocean View Hotel at 7.30 am where all will be revealed . More information phone Herb on 6655 6047. Those joining Nambucca on Saturday will be contacted during the week.    

Hi all, this sounds like a great ride and your group makes the rest of us younger one seem boring and lazy AAhhh!  Keep up the fantastic rides

Simon      

           Sunday 9th April  When the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group thought bicycle riding couldn't get any better, over the weekend, it did just that. Unbelievable weather, a well organised ride, magnificent scenery, terrific company are but just a few descriptions of the weekend. Starting at 7.00am on Saturday the group met at Urunga and headed off on a 100km ride to Crescent Head,  staying overnight and returning on Sunday. By far the highlight of the weekend was for one of our riders to ride her first 100km. Kath O'Meley achieved her 100km and did it in fine style. On the return journey on Sunday afternoon Kath led us all into Urunga along Hungry Head road at a pace few of us felt like riding at after a 200km ride. Not only that she was very willing to ride a lot further when asked how she felt. Alan Brighton and Herb Simpson both assisted Kathy by keeping the pace at a reasonable level and assisting her to make efficient use of her gears. This was celebrated at the end of the ride with Champagne all round.    

            Our back-up of Betty Hudson and Bev Brighton were really the foundation of  the ride, without them

we would not have had such an enjoyable weekend.  There were morning tea stops at which we were fed the best of home cooking by Betty, Bev and also Kath and Bettyanne Austin. At times these stops were so enjoyable it was tempting to forget the ride, and just continue enjoying the food and company.

An enjoyable nights entertainment was had on Saturday night where we found we had two talented dancers Dave Cox and Bettyanne Austin in the group. They can ride a bike as well.

On Saturday we rode through Macksville, Clybucca and turned off the highway at Gladstone with a stop off at the Old Lodge. We then rode the south side of the Belmore River to Crescent Head. On the way back we rode the north side. This is a very picturesque area and is pleasant riding, hardly a hill . We will  be doing it again when we do Herb Simpson's hundred mile ride later in the year. ( whatever a mile is )

Next Sundays ride is in Dorrigo , meet at the Top Pub at 8.30am or Urunga at 7.30am. BP North. Ride is to Megan, Lower Bielsdown Rd,  Rogers Rd., Fire Trails and back to Megan. More information on all our rides phone George on 6655 5355 

Sunday 2nd April What a great weekend of cycling for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group and a great start to Seniors Week. Saturday was an easy day ride around Mylestom . Most of the riders rode from Urunga and ended up doing about 40km . Once at Mylestom Jenny Farquhar joined the group and we backtracked to Repton to extend the ride. A swim was inevitable as the surf looked promising and the sea temperature was still high even if the seaweed was thick . Coffee at the Kalang Motel finished off the day very nicely.

            The Norco Pauls Seniors Ride Day was initiated by the Department of Aging and Bicycle NSW to promote cycling and to encourage seniors to get out and about. .The ride started at the Urunga Information Center with 26 riders signing on. Some had not ridden a bike for a lot of years and didn't even own one, others had only ridden a couple of kilometres. Bev Flowers, Jude Roseth, Heather Chapman, Leonie Rolands and Annette Guteridge had not ridden Yellow Rock before and some had not ridden 16km since childhood. All made it, still in good shape on bikes and helmets supplied by members of the Bicycle Users Group.  Herb Simpson drove the chuck wagon and Eric O'Meley supplied the back-up vehicle with Ron Day picking up those without transport to Urunga. With catering by Betty Hudson and the ladies in the group a scrumptious morning tea after 8km was supplied at Raleigh where there was much socialising .

            The celebrity on the ride was Peter van Hoeck at 83 and he extended his ride to Mylestom to get a better work out, riding all up about 30km . Peter is famous for riding from Gleniffer to Bellingen 6 days a week for the last 17 years. Thanks to Harry Melville for bringing him to the ride. Sixteen Kilometres for three very little grandchildren on very small bikes was a magnificent effort by Jordan and Jade Cochran from Dorrigo and Trent Timms from Yellow Rock. I think they were fitter than some of the rest of us at the end of the ride. Another rider Claire O'Meley joined the ride at Yellow Rock and showed us oldies what youth is all about.

All agreed that this should be a monthly event and efforts will be made to have more similar rides in the future.  

Next ride is Sunday the 9^th April an Eric O'Meley Mystery Ride meet at the Ocean View Hotel Urunga at 7.30am details on the day. Also there is a 2 day ride to Crescant Head meet at Hickey's  Garage at 7.00am on Saturday  more details phone Bettyanne on 6655 5074.

           Sunday 26th March It would seem that the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group has some very important people on its side as the weeks heavy rain cleared away just in time for the Sunday ride. This is not the first time this has happened, we have never had to put a ride off due to weather conditions. An early start of 7.30 am saw a smaller than usual group meet at Urunga ( some thought it would rain) and Bettyanne Austin set the pace for us out through Hungry Head and onto the highway south. At this point 2 new riders Jim Farquar and Peter Michenhall joined us for the 100km round trip to Scotts Head. Welcome to new members and experienced riders Jenny and Jim Farquar hope to see you often. Ideal cool riding condition enabled us to set a good pace with the Sunday traffic being fairly light. Peter Michenhall took off and we never sighted him until Valla. A catch up stop at Valla and then onto Nambucca and a well deserved coffee stop and socialising at Macksville. Just before Macksville there is a great little cycle way, away from traffic, great views beside the river and this led us under the road bridge and safely over it.  Scotts Head is only about 20km from Macksville and we arrived an hour before the planed lunch stop,  so we had lunch anyway. What a lovely little spot Scotts Head is, We all wished we had brought our swimmers, skinny dipping was considered but after looking at the various body shapes this idea was abandoned. I have mentioned before what a great group of people recreational cyclists are, it is always a pleasure to ride with them.

            Two rides next weekend one on Saturday, either meet at Mylestom at 1.30pm or Urunga at 12.30pm for an easy family day ride around Mylestom. Bring your swimmers.

            Sunday is our much publicised SENIORS DAY RIDE. Don't forget daylight saving stops. Meet at Urunga information center at 9.00 am. If you need a bike or to be picked up phone George on 6655 5355. Make this the start of new exercise plan. Cool drinks supplied by Norco Pauls along the way with morning tea at Raleigh. Ride 1 km or as many as you can. Pick-up vehicle to follow riders who have done enough.

See you there.     

            Sun 5th  March Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group had two rides at the week-end, the weather conditions making no difference. Riding is an all weather sport. in fact most people like riding in the rain. The majority of other sport was cancelled .

The first ride on Saturday afternoon was partly in the rain and as there were no new riders Bettyanne Austin and Mike Milham set a fast pace with the aid of a tail wind along the highway to Perry's Hill and then down though Repton and along to Mylestom.  Mike seldom gets out of his big chain wheel and it is some achievement to keep up with him. Herb Simpson usually rides well within himself and he and George Hudson tagged along behind. The ride home around Yellow Rock was interesting with a strong head wind and a lot of time spent dodging the debris, slosh and pot holes. This was our easy day ride but we gave the usual swim at Mylestom a miss due to the big surf.

Sunday was an early 7.30am start in the rain from Urunga and there was a good number of cyclists  to ride into meet Coffs Group at the Jetty and join them for their easy day ride. It rained for most of the ride to and from Coffs which deterred nobody. The Coffs riders decided not to ride so we had a bite to eat and a ride around the jetty and along the Jetty itself and then headed home. Ron Day has upped his fitness and is riding very well on his new bike and set a good pace on the 60 km ride to Coffs and back to Urunga. Few over seventy year olds and many much younger riders would be happy to be riding near as well as Ron . We are all hoping the widening of the highway through Pine Creek is going to give riders a little more verge to ride on, fingers crossed.  Herb Simpson did not have a good day with derailleur problems and a computer that didn't like the rain.  Herb is a very important person in the group as he is happy to ride as our tailender and keep an eye out for other riders,  often helping with breakdowns or people taking wrong turns. Thanks Herb.  Bettyanne Austin expressed the view of all the riders,  "who would want to be doing anything else but riding in the rain on such a great day" Bettyanne is always our most positive rider.

Next Sunday is a Ron Day easy day mystery ride in Bellingen. Ron unfortunately is our only rider  from Bellingen, why that is so is a mystery as we have a lot of riders from Urunga and Dorrigo. The ride will be easy and to suite everyone . So why not join us , meet us at the Bellingen Post Office at 8.30am.  

A combined group of riders from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Urunga and Bellingen rode together on Sunday for a great ride out around Dairyville. The ride started at the Coffs Catholic Club and went out through Orange Trees and then  up Red Hill. This hill made Murray Suckling's heart rate monitor head up the scale. But I don't think it raised the heart rate of Gary Paskin and Dale Casley any more than a couple of beats. We rode quickly past the Lawn cemetery and turned off at Karangi Shop, over Wongiwomble Bridge and on to Karangi Dam to see how full it was. Bettyanne Austin, the speed hog, was fully focused and flew down the hill missing the turn-off to the dam and had to ride back, so much for being focused. We gave Cochranes Pool a miss but it was very tempting to take a plunge.

The rolling hills suited John Grey and Alan Brighton and they were spurred on by the smell of the coffee being brewed at Ferndahl. Riding on we rode through Upper Orara, passed the Dairyville turn-off and then turned into Island Loop Road where Marie Smith on her new Avanti made short work of the rolling hills. What a great ride this is and what great views around the hills and dairy farms and the company was good too. Crossing Dingo Creek we headed on towards Friday creek and our coffee stop at Ferndahl where we were made very welcome and supplied ice cold water and refilled our empty water bottles. From there a short ride through Mount Browne and back into Coffs. Herb Simpson the speed hog had a grin on his face all the way down Red Hill and tried to beat Eric O'Meley's record for the decent, next time Herb. 

Next week-end there are rides on Saturday and Sunday. Saturdays ride is at 1.30pm meet at Ocean View hotel Urunga for an easy day ride, do as many kilometers as you like. Sunday's ride meet at BP North Urunga 7.30 am . Ride to Coffs and join their group for an easy day ride with lunch at the Sawtell Hotel.

More information phone George on 6655 5355.  

Don't know what the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group would do without the support of Betty Hudson who is our regular back-up driver and together with Marie Smith and Kath O'Meley supplying the group with coffee and home cooked cake on our longer rides, as they did on Sunday. Thank you .

            Bettyanne Austin, Kath O'Meley, Marie Smith, Murray Suckling, Herb Simpson, Eric O'Meley, Ron Pike and George Hudson did a very hard 95 km ride from Tyringham to Nymboida  and back on Sunday .

A 6.00am start from Urunga and a drive to Tyringham for a 7.30 am  meet-up with the Dorrigo riders started the day off.  The conditions were cool and very pleasant on the ride to Nymboida including the ride up Vinegar Hill and a morning tea stop at Clouds Creek . Ron Pike set the early pace and was out the front for most of the way. The down hills to Nymboida were great only spoilt by the thought that we would have to ride up them on the way back

After a short lunch break at Nymboida we set out on the return trip to Tyringham. The heat tested everyone's endurance to the limit, and the Tyringham Store couldn't come soon enough. The long hills stretched the group out over 500m and the tree cover we had in the morning was replaced with direct sunlight. Bettyanne Austin setting the pace up many of them.  The tree cover that we had in the morning was lost to direct sunlight. Of course Murray Suckling being used to Dorrigo Hills couldn't see what the fuss was about and Herb Simpson and Eric O'Meley cruised along at a steady pace. At one stage a big storm threatened but as is often the case it went somewhere else.  It was a great day and I am sure everyone slept well Sunday night.

Next Sunday is another enjoyable ride out through Mount Browne to Ferndahl for coffee and around the Loop through Dairyville and Karangi then back to Coffs. Meet at the Coffs Catholic Club at 8.00 am, if you want transport phone 6655 5355.

            Feb 5 2006  A ride to Blicks River near Tyringham was the destination for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group and a swim in its pristine, cool water. We are all about recreational cycling and enjoying ourselves and Sunday was an excellent example of just that. Vehicles left Urunga at 6.30 am, and some riders were picked up along the way up to Dorrigo to meet with riders from there at the top pub.

There  could not have been better riding conditions, a light fog and some clouds kept the air cool as we set out towards North Dorrigo and then turned into Old Coast Road. Murray Suckling our Dorrigo leader always takes us along this road knowing the views along it never cease to impress the coasties. Turning back onto Tyringham Rd. we headed for that great downhill to the Little Murray River . The view out over the escarpment seen when riding down this hill is as good as any in Australia. Eric O'Meley didn't see much of the view going down as at 70km an hour it is necessary to keep your eyes on the road and the gaps in the bridge at the bottom. A catch-up at Bostobrick where Herb Simson kept us up to date on his heart rate for the 50 th  time (who gave him that thing )  and supplied us with liquorice. He now has so many dials on his handlebars that he hasn't time to watch the road and of course the inevitable over the handlebars is the result.

With Tyringham in our sights we lost 3 riders who later admitted to stopping and picking wild blackberries and  rasberries. The water was beautiful in the river but all attempts to get Bettyanne Austin in failed and Eric viewed the whole scene with suspicion and just took photos. After drying off on the rocks in the sun we reluctantly got back on our bikes, had an ice cream at Tyringham and then set off for Dorrigo 34km away. Dave Cox went ahead at a cracking pace so he could get back to meet with his dad, John just out from England, we never sighted him  It was still cool and the riding conditions perfect. Having ridden the Little Murray Hill on several occasions we have decided it is a good hill, not too steep and just a slow easy climb and time to take in the views again. There was a rider in the form of Harold Winkel who was seen driving up the Little Murray, shame . Coffee at Dorrigo before heading for home to see the Queen's Baton making it's way to the Commonwealth Games.

Our next ride is an easy Day Ride on Sunday February five. These rides are to assist people to get on their bike regardless of their fitness level or riding skills. Everyone is welcome, it costs nothing, meet at the Kalang Motel Urunga at 7.30am. Some will have breakfast there before the ride others will just come for the ride. Bring your swimmers. More information phone George on 6655 5355        

What a way for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group to finish a great riding year. The weather conditions for riding were perfect, the ride was a cyclists dream and the scenery, as usual for Dorrigo was superb. Leaving Dorrigo we headed west along Waterfall Way and turned off after a few kilometres into the Deervale Loop Rd.. This is a climb up to 1100m on a mainly gravel road but because it is so gradual it is hardly noticeable and we were able to select a fairly high gear and make good time without a major amount of effort. Of course Geoff Lillyman, Harold Winkel and Murray Suckling flew up there leaving us coasties in their dust. It is beautiful country and Deervale itself is a very beautiful area. On arriving at Deervale we were welcomed by Marie Smith with morning tea which had to be eaten fairly quickly before the flies beat us to it.  Thank you once again Marie. Bettyanne Austin on her mountain bike was pleased when we arrived back on the bitumen and was even more elated when we received a strong tailwind on the way home, we don't often get a tailwind. Alan Brighton wasn't looking forward to the ride thinking it would be another tough one but the ride from Deervale to Dorrigo changed that when he realised it was predominantly down hill. What hills there were, were made easy due to the 50 to 70 kms an hour that could be done on the downhill, allowing for riders to nearly top the hills with little effort.  Eric Omeley on his road bike touched 76 km/hr at one stage without very much pedaling. Thank you Murray Suckling for organising another terrific ride in Dorrigo. I once thought Murray selected scenic areas to ride but I have now realised everywhere is scenic in Dorrigo  Contrary to common belief I don't think Murray has a new bike. Ron Day travelled to Dorrigo with us and rode down the Dorrigo mountain and back to Bellingen, what a buzz, but no morning tea for him.

            A bit of a break over Christmas and then back into it again on Saturday the 7^th January.  Meet at Ocean View Hotel Urunga at 7.30am for a ride through Tarkeith State Forest.  More information phone George on 6655 5355.       

NOT A RIDE FOR THE FAINT OF HEART (story Below)

Sun 4th Dec Killiekrankie Mountain was the goal for the two day ride with overnight camp by  the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group. An indication of the difficulty of this ride is that on Saturday after  entering Horseshoe Rd. from Waterfall Way, 25km from  Urunga we covered 37 k with a riding time of about 5 hours, an average speed of 7km an hour. On some hills we were in "Granny Gear " doing 4 to 6 km an hour, walking up some hills was not an option but a necessity, the legs just gave up.  We often rode up 400,500 and 600m hills and occasionally to 800m then a fast run down into the gully only to have to climb back out again .An indication of height is that  Dorrigo Mountain is 700m so Killiekrankie at 850m could only be described as extreme.  We set up camp at Killiekrankie and then walked 750m up to the peak of Killiekrankie which was another 100m on a walking trail.  W e then sat around eating and restoring our energy for the next day, ( we all slept very well ) which at the beginning had peaks of 900m, but the eventual run into Bowraville was downhill much to our relief.  Bowraville was reached by 1 pm with an average speed of  15km an hour. We enjoyed a meal at the Pub to restore our energy for the 40km ride back to Urunga in 30 degree heat and a head wind. .

            Our hero was Ron Day who drove the back-up vehicle with all our gear and supplied us with cool water and food every eight kilometres on the difficult parts. Thank you Ron for all your assistance without you the ride would never have happened.  The scenery was magnificent over the rolling hills and through the rainforest sections, an indication of this was that Bettyanne Austin said she would do it again. Often Bettyane was still on her bike up hills when the men were walking. Eric O'meley showed bursts of energy that proved he had plenty in reserve. The two old men of the ride Herb Simpson and George Hudson both over 65 were still there at the end pedaling away. We won't forget this ride for some time. On reaching Valla we were met by Betty Hudson who had cold fresh water, coffee and goodies this enabled us to ride to Urunga, thank you Betty.

            Next Saturday December 10^th is an easy day ride, meet at BP North Urunga at 7..30am , this ride includes breakfast at the Kalang Motel. More information phone Allan on 6655 6018. 

The object (get to that Mountain)                                Looking back from the Mountain

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 Sun 20th Nov           Murray Suckling did it again and took the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group

on another 60km tour of the magnificent Dorrigo area . Words are useless in describing Dorrigo you have to ride there to see the best of it. Starting at Dorrigo we rode out towards North Dorrigo turning off into Old Coast Road and then down over the Little Murray River and onto Bostobrick where we had a catch-up stop. Turning into Muldiva Rd. we rode through the Muldiva Narure Reserve and up towards Mt. Christopheson and through Muldiva Downs property, thanks to the owner Rick Seakes-thanks Rick. The views back towards Dorrigo and over to Deervale are indescribable. Thank you to Carl Garson and George Watson for allowing us through the property which enabled us to connect with Harness Cask Rd. A welcome site was Marie Smith and Betty Hudson who drove all the way from Dorrigo to supply us with  morning tea complete with home made cake, thank you Marie and Betty. The  plan was to have a swim at this spot but with a storm threatening and the possibility of hail or worse we continued on. Harold Winkel and Callum Lawrenson tried to beat the rain but got wet for their trouble. Harold's new bike was sworn at many times, a few adjustments coming up I think. Was it a rough track ? Bettyanne Austin when interviewed said, no it wasn't,  if you could dodge the rocks , branches, cow stuff and black snakes on the track and if your brakes held down the steep grades.  Herb Simpson broke his saddle bag which we think was done on purpose as Murray carried it on his rack for most of the ride, smart move. Peter Milner had an event free day, his bike performing as required although not having ridden for a while his body found the going tough. Most of the rain missed the rest of us although we were all mindful of the recent lightning strikes.  We returned to Dorrigo via the same route and of course we all enjoyed the inevitable coffee and socialising there.  

12 Nov  As a result of the overnight weather conditions and some thoughtless prior commitments, it was only Mike Milner and Herb Simpson  that cycled north from the BP Urunga at 7-30 Sunday Morning. We were soon joined by Ron Day waiting patiently at Mailmans Track road and then Allan Piggott like a shining beacon in his new riding jersey, met us at Lyons Road. Allan guided us on a very muddy scenic detour around the back of the racecourse to the Coff’s Jetty area.

  As usual the Coff’s BUG had finished their breakfast and left the Foreshores café before we arrived but we joined them as they were waiting just on the ocean side of the rail crossing. Another member of our group, Ron Pike, was with them and without delay we headed off  for a very pleasant and peaceful ride along the track around Coff’s Creek, the sun had emerged  by this time and riding conditions were almost perfect.

    With Ron Day chafing at the bit for a cup of coffee we headed for Sawtell, but again were diverted to inspect the new veledrome at Toormina, no rides were permitted at this time  and all we invited to attend the opening ceremony next Saturday. Finally arriving at Sawtell we were joined for coffee by Erica, Julie and Max and over fine food and drink it was revealed that Allan had forgotten, in one instance and in view of the Coff’s riders, that his feet were clamped to the pedals and ended up horizontal on the road, it must run in the family.

  Mike, Herb and Ron encountered winds and rain on the return journey but dried out before getting home an enjoyable ride and good day was had by all. 

The ride for next week on Saturday 12 nov, will be a family day ride along Yellow Rock Rd starting from NORCO any bike anybody, also an easy ride for the more adventurist to Tuckers Rock via Overhead Bridge rd. Hope to see you there. For more information ring George Hudson 66555355.

A great roll-up of riders for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group Sunday ride up the Dorrigo Mountain from Urunga a round trip of 85km. Most were happy to see the top and get to the Rainforest Centre for breakfast before the heat arrived although it was very humid. Once again the traffic was considerate, gave us plenty of room  for which we were grateful.  The Dorrigo contingent of Murray Suckling, Marie Smith, Geoff Lillyman, Dave Supple, Craig Robertson and Peter Milner rode down to meet the Coasties  Herb Simpson, Alan Piggott, Eric O'Meley, Ron Day, Ron Pike, Mike Milham and George Hudson. The Dorrigo riders Craig Robertson, Geoff Lillyman and Murray Suckling  made it look easy, something I don't know anything about. Geoff Lillyman's bush track to the Rainforest Centre was welcome, cutting of a couple of steep hills and considerable distance.. 

It was Alan Piggott's birthday and he had to ride up the mountain to get his birthday cake, and as we rode up the mountain as well, we helped him eat it and all the other goodies Erica Piggott supplied. Thank you Erica and to the staff at the Rainforest Centre. Erica's musical skills enabled her to conduct the singing of happy birthday to Alan and Ron Day who had also had a birthday during the week, I think they should all stick to riding and forget a singing career. The ride down as always was a buz with several rider clocking over 7okm an hour it all ended far too quickly. Fortunately the rain held off until we arrived in Bellingen and the cooler air was very acceptable. Spring is the time to ride to Thora along the river, the green countryside and through the grove of Jacaranda and Flame Trees, very pleasant.

Next weeks ride is a joint ride with Coffs, meet at BP North Urunga at 7.30am to join with Coffs at 9.30am. for their easy day ride. Meeting place in Coffs is at the end of the Jetty at 9.30am and ride around Coffs Creek and out to Sawtell.  More information phone Bettyanne on 6655 5074.

Sunday 16th Oct Not good bike riding conditions on Sunday, in fact being curled up with a good book was very attractive, but nothing seems to stop the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group. The ride started at Urunga and we rode to Coffs and onto Saphire to meet up with Ron & Julie Pike. Ron had been planing this ride for some months and I suspect there was a little bit of sadism attached to it as we have given Ron some hard times over the last couple of years. He found steep hills that mountain climbers avoid and found many rideable off-road tracks that practically joined up the strip from Diggers Beach through to Moonee with no more than 1km of riding on the highway, no mean feat, I don't know how he even remembered all the little tracks. From Saphire we rode through Opal Cove and around all the houses and Golf Course. This is where Erica Piggott had her first fall ever off her bike, fortunately with no damage to the bike, then onto Kororo Bay where Erica Piggott had her second fall off her bike. Alan Piggott kept encouraging Erica to remount her bike which was becoming increasingly difficult.  On through to Pacific Bay, a great sight seeing tour of Coff's Coastal Strip and not to be missed, what incredible development. On the way back we crossed the highway and rode Old Coast Road and parts of the old highway where there are some magnificent views. This led us back to Ron & Julies for morning tea which resembled a banquet and with the rain starting most were prepared to curl up. But Ron drove us onto our bikes, rain and all and took us through Split Solitary Caravan Park and eventually into Hoy's road and in and around Moonee over the footbridge and up onto the headland. Yes Erica fell off again and unbelievably still no damage to the bike but a little lump on Erica's shin where there seemed to be many other scratches and bruises. Back to Saphire where Ron  & Julie then surpassed the previous banquet and supplied lunch where there was considerable chatter and a lot of eating. The sticks that caused Erica to fall off by this time had grown into logs. Ron Day found the hills a little steep for his road bike and pulled out.  Alan Brighton, Dave Cox and Herb Simpson were looking a little wet, cold and bedraggled by this time. Bettyanne Austin was keen to ride back to Urunga instead loading our bikes onto the back-up vehicle being driven by Betty Hudson. Thank you Ron & Julie for one of the most enjoyable days riding & eating & socialising we have had.

            Next Saturday is our first family day ride starting at 1.30 pm. Due to Yellow Rock being closed we changed the program and will now meet at Norco Factory. Everyone welcome any type of bike any age, young or old, ride at your own pace to enjoy yourself. Afternoon tea supplied.

            Sunday is a ride in Dorrigo to the William Jolly Memorial Grove don't miss this magnificent area. Meet at Urunga at 6..30 am and Dorrigo Top Pub at 7.30am . More information phone 6655 5355 

Sunday 9th OctThe Kempsey Riders Group organised a great bicycle ride last Saturday and the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group joined them and Nambucca Groups at  Fredrickton for the start of the ride. It was a great ride and an afternoons entertainment and included hills, gravel roads, picturesque scenery and by accident some wild wind and rain. At one stage there were branches falling out of trees and it was prudent to watch the sky rather than the road.  Bettyanne Austin missed a branch falling from the sky by a few centimetres. At the start we were given two pages of cryptic questions which related to various items which had to be found along the road, in peoples gardens and sign posts etc. The comment was made that we were not used to using our brain as well as our legs when riding. This of course takes the mind off riding and the hills and distance lose a lot of their impact.  Most of the ride was centred around Collombatti, an area none of us had visited before. There were many stops and starts, deep discussions on some of the answers and a lot of rubbing out. But the watchful eyes of  Kath and Eric  O'Meley and Bettyanne Austin searched out many of the hidden clues. George Hudson interpreted the questions, followed the map and wrote the answers and he surprised everyone by not getting them lost in his usual manner. We never did find out whether we had all the answers correct or not but in our minds we were winners. Only 35 kilometres were covered but it felt like a lot more with all the stops. 

The Group also travelled to Dorrigo on Sunday to listen to the Bush Poets who were involved in the NSW Bush Poetry Competition. Two hours of laughter ensued to finish off  a great riding and social weekend .

            Next Sunday the 16^th is also going to be a great ride & social event as we will travel to Saphire to do a 40km ride organised by Ron and Julie Pike around the Moonee area. A BBQ to follow at Ron & Julies. We will drive to Saphire so if you want transport phone George on 6655 5355, numbers are required for BBQ so let me know. W e will meet at 7.00 am at BP North  Bring you own meat and refreshments.   There is a new six monthly ride program out, if you need one phone Harry on 6655 2036, Murray on 6657 2139 or George on 6655 5355

Sunday 2nd Oct   Well what great weather for cycling with the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group, a nice fresh morning with the ride being completed before the sun made full strength. An easy day ride was needed after the 3 days of long rides at Iluka during the week and that is what we did. The ride was the first one on the new ride program that came out last week and there are some good rides coming up. After leaving Urunga at 7.30 am Trevor Hayne led the group most of the way to Bellingen with Alan Brighton doing the rest. George Hudson left home without a helmet and soon returned as fortunately not far down the road a Magpie attacked giving him a gentle reminder of what was missing. Ron Day rode part of the way to Urunga to meet up with the group and we all then rode to Bellingen Post Office to meet up with Bellingen and Dorrigo riders. A quick zip back down the road to the Butter Factory for breakfast and then back on the road again. Ron Pike was feeling the effects of not riding for a couple of weeks but we had no sympathy for him. Bettyanne Austin led us back to Urunga with her usual enthusiasm and once wound up she sets a good pace

and we all have a good work-out.  

            An examination on the way back to Urunga of several very narrow sections along Waterfall Way was made where there is no shoulder at all. This is particularly apparent up some of the hills where traffic cannot pass or cross the double line and have to stop and cyclists have no where to go.

            Next week is a ride with the Kempsey Group, meet at Urunga Ocean View Hotel, time will be advised during the week. and we will drive to Fredrickton.

Mid-week ride will be on Tuesday afternoon meet at the BP North at 1.00 pm destination to be decided on the day.

Thanks for dropping in and saying hello and we hope you enjoyed your visit to the Lower Clarence.

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Sunday 25th Sept Well a weekend of mass confusion for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group fortunately it finally worked out okay in the long run as everybody did what they wanted to do, not such a bad idea. The ride ended up after various changes to the program with a ride from Urunga to Bellingen and return, only short but most enjoyable ride as both Waterfall Way and Northbank are looking very lush and green at the moment.  The surface of Northbank is now mostly bicycle friendly particularly some of the hills. There were some rumours that there was vast quantities of Swiss Vanilla Cream Slices consumed with coffee in Bellingen but it was only a rumour. I can't imagine people riding for fitness and a healthy life style attacking such things. Dave Cox and Bettyanne had to have a ride after Dave's Birthday during the week and rightly so. Mike Milham was the only one on the straight and narrow and I am not sure about Herb Simpson.

            We will be able to make up for the weekends confusion with the three day ride we have planed for  this coming week to Iluka and surrounding area. Don't forget your sheets and pillows and of course your bike. Meet at Urunga at 6.00 am  for an early start .

Our new ride program for the next seven months is being printed at the moment and will be posted and e-mailed out to people this week. Our first ride of the new program is an easy day ride starting at B P North at Urunga at 7.30 am and we ride to the Bellingen Butter Factory for breakfast, a short ride for those living in Bellingen but we will make up for it later.

One of the features of the new program is the inclusion of a family day ride once a month the first one being on Saturday the 22^nd October at 1.30pm starting from Yellow Rock. These rides will be open to any family and specially those with children of any age, ability or type of bike. The idea is to get everybody out on their bikes to enjoy themselves and just ride as far and fast as they are able on quiet roads with little traffic and as a group.        

There are many other rides in the program catering for different abilities in each of the major towns of the shire, Dorrigo, Urunga and Bellingen. If you would like a program phone George on 6655 5355 Murray on 6657 2139 or Harry on 6655 1036             

18th Sept  It seems that the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group have control over the weather. The weekend before last we missed the rain in Dorrigo and this weekend the strong wind on Saturday had abated and we had ideal riding conditions for Sundays ride. After a late start of  8.30  am we rode for a short distance along the highway to Waterfall Way and to Bellingen. Picking up the remainder of the riders in Bellingen we headed off to Gleniffer and then along the loop to Ralph and Trish Mumfords residence where we were treated to  a magnificent morning tea. Trish had spent considerable time cooking cakes and they were demolished with enthusiasm by the group. I went to a lot of  trouble and bought sweet biscuits and carried the heavy load in my back pack only to have them ignored as Trish's cake took precedence. The last time I will slave over a hot Super Market.  Thank you Trish and Ralph it made the day. We had obtained permission to travel through Walter and Carol Martyn's property  which was a much enjoyed ride as all the group would rather ride tracks than on bituman. Thank you Walter and Carol, another great addition to our ride. On returning to Gleniffer we turned into Timboon Rd and then into Little Hydes Creek Rd. a great track away from traffic. On reaching Hydes Creek Rd. we headed south towards Bellingen and into Northbank Rd. and back to the old highway and home. Always good to have visitors along, this week Herb Simpson from Sydney and Peter Brett from Mittagong. Bettyanne Austin has decided to bring a secretary with her in future to answer the phone and handle her SMS messages. Who had another puncture no names  but this is the first time for this bike, so there is no penalty. Trevor Hayne had his first long ride with us, he went very well and we hope he will join us more often. Alan Brighton and Mike Milham both enjoyed the bush tracks and being away from traffic. There are some great off-road rides around Bellingen.

            Next week is a Sunday ride with Nambucca Group from Macksville to Bowraville and to Hanging Rock. Meet at Ocean View Hotel at 6.00am to drive to Macksville for a 7.00am start. More information phone Harry 6655 1036, Murray 6657n2139 or George 6655 5355. 

Sunday 11 Sept A ride on Sunday in the Januy Juluum Nationa;l Park was just what was ordered for the Dorrigo Urunga  Bellingen Bicycle Users Group. Although the wind was strong we seemed to get it in the right place  just when it was needed. It is highly unusual to get the wind in your favour. Although, on the way home on the 3km down hill where we didn't want a headwind we got it and it held us back to a sensible speed. The rolling hills and the views on 10km ride from Dorrigo out towards Megan to the turn off to the National Park was as usual breathtaking. Once in the remnants of the warm temperate rainforest, of the National Park of course it rained,  just as it should in a rainforest. This only added to the enjoyment of the day and kept us cool on the long hill climbs. Again the birds, rolling hills and views were up to expectation and after half an hour the rain stopped for good. Our Destination was Tibs Tree one of the few Big Tallowood Trees left in Dorrigo. A short walk through the rainforest to the tree was a must.

Geoff Lillyman was our Ride Leader for the day which was much appreciated and we all spent a lot of time trying to catch him, which we didn't. We each rode with him from time to time in an effort to wear him down, what a useless exercise.  Eric O'Meley suffered a slow leak in the rear tyre  but made it home after pumping it up every few kilometers, he needed the extra exercise. Alan Brighton seemed to make the hills look easy which they weren't. Bettyanne Austin did a superb job of towing the bike trailer and parking it as instructed, her first towing job, well done.

Next Sunday the 18^th is a ride with the Coffs Group, meet at Urunga at 8.15 am or the roundabout at North Bellingen at 9.30 am . The ride is to the Promised Land so don't miss it.

More information phone Harry on 6655 1036 in Beiilingen, Murray in Dorrigo on 6657 2139 or George in Urunga on 6655 5355. See you there.    

Sunday 4th September:Although a short ride of only 20km for an easy ride day it was very enjoyable for the Dorrigo Urunga Bellingen Bicycle Users Group on Saturday. Easy day rides are very social, slow and casual, with people finding plenty to talk about as they ride, time is unimportant. The faster riders slow their pace or wait for others to catch up . For new riders testing themselves out it is good for them to know their limitations and get off and walk up hills or stop when they have had enough. Rosemarie Krocker with a single gear bike rode very well even up most of the hills.  From Urunga we rode to Hungry Head where we had a catch up at the headland and enjoyed the view then on through the Macadamia Plantation and down to the beach at Wenonah, We had to hold Ron Day back to stop him jumping into the cold surf but it was inviting. After a walk on the beach we headed back to Urunga and to the Kalang River Motel for a magnificent breakfast. There was much socialising again and having taken an hour for breakfast the keen ones worked it off with ride to Mylestom and did another 30km. It was really an enjoyable day and we should have more. 

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Last modified: May 04, 2012