The wet conditions did not deter eleven Dorrigo, Urunga and Bellingen Bicycle User Group riders, from setting off on two alternate adventures, on Sunday. The organised ride was close to 100 kilometres and took in some hilly terrain, so some of our members opted for a shorter excursion, only riding with the group to the second regrouping point, at Coffs Harbour. Allan, Herb, Margie and Lee felt that they had deserved their coffee stop at this point and were happy to then return to Urunga, having completed 50 kilometres of highway riding.The rest of the group continued on through Coffs Harbour, where the rain began.
Having negotiated several “Wide Load” semi-trailers as we passed through the CBD and out past the Big Banana, we were relieved to turn off at Bruxner Park. Here we met some of our riders from the Northern Beaches and ED met his puncture! The climb up the Bruxner Cutting is long but steady and usually affords some spectacular views, but with the cloud cover and rain closing in, our visibility was quite poor. The descent down Bruxner to Bucca T Intersection was a little slippery so caution was required. However, the ride down through the magnificent rainforest is always spectacular; the highlight being one of the biggest flooded gums in NSW, The Vincent Tree. The group rode strongly out to Bucca T, over several one-lane bridges, which were thankfully in safe condition. At the intersection we negotiated a U-turn and back we went up Bruxner and back down the highway side; which we had climbed a lot more slowly, earlier that morning.
Our spirits and appetites were both charmingly replenished at The Clog Barn, where Michele and Bettyanne continued their campaign in attaining a chai tea of their liking. After admiring the miniature Dutch town, thirty-six years in the crafting, we were on our way back to Urunga having farewelled the Northern contingent of, Michele, Don and Steve. Phil rode strongly home slipstreaming ED, Mark and Bettyanne, until she managed to fall victim to the second puncture of the ride. Phil was very quick in righting this issue, Bettyanne’s only contribution being to supply hand wipes.
Next week’s ride leaves from Urunga North BP at 8 am and involves a ride to Coffs Harbour and a trip along the Coffs Creek Cycleway.