Ten riders met at the URUNGA BP at 8 a.m. to begin a 114 km ride from Urunga to Coffs, up Bruxner Park, out to Nana Glen, back through Karangi, down Red Hill, into Coffs and home to Urunga! It was a great preparation for those riders keen to complete the 228km Grafton to Inverell in late February and for those touring New Zealand in late January.
Not all riders completed the full distance for various reasons. Some simply road to Coffs and returned to Urunga, as they were recovering from injuries. Others joined the ride at Home Base Coffs Harbour and some at the base of Bruxner Park.
Sadly the rider sporting a brand new RED Specialized was the only person who fell victim to a puncture. However, a new rider to the group, Wayne had the tyre off and repaired in a twinkling. Dave Cox was good enough to inflate the tyre to near 110 psi and the road train rolled off again.
The ride up Bruxner Park always affords panoramic views and the ride down through the cool rainforest is refreshingly cool. On the Bucca Road Bello Dave suffered a broken spoke but Kirk’s quick thinking generosity ensured that he could continue on. Kirk nursed the weakened wheel back to Coffs, having lent Dave his bike. The Kookaburra Café replenished our burnt calories and thrilled our tastebuds. We were also surprised by the arrival of Kirk and Kerrie in Kirk’s van. Riders are very keen to eat and socialise.
The ride home is always more challenging as the heat of the day and muscle fatigue set in. Four riders completed the full distance and deserve J stickers: Tim, Phil, Deb and Bettyanne.
Next week’s ride ‘The Upper Warrell Creek Wander’, begins at the Macksville Pool at 8!