Wooyung Wanderings
(52 Kms)
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Wooyung - Burringbar
Jonno perused the adventure map to find a suitable route that included quiet roads and at least a few hills. Enough of the cruisy, flat riding which he thinks is a bit boring.
It was very windy as we prepared to leave, and we were concerned that the riding might be a little tough. Rain was forecast for the late afternoon so we were keen to get moving, although still made time for a second coffee.
Ready to ride
We were on the road before 10am, taking pleasure from starting our ride at the campsite. Whilst there was a bit of a headwind on the road to Pottsville, it wasn't too bad and we made good time with Jonno in the lead. We took the first bridge into Pottsville and picked up the start of the Tweed coast cycle path. A quick stop for some fresh bread rolls and we continued the now familiar route to Hastings Point.
We took the Round Mountain Road and headed inland through green, rolling hills and past paddocks with horses and cattle. There was almost no traffic, the wind was barely noticeable, and the sun quite warm, making for perfect cycling conditions
Cruising along Round Mountain Road
Cruising along Round Mountain Road
We crossed the Pacific Highway and the road became dirt, though well graded and easy riding. We enjoyed a brief rest stop at the junction with Reserve Creek Road then took this dirt road down to Cudgera Creek. We were on a sealed road for a while, then the Cudgera Creek Road became dirt. Jonno had just briefed us on what to expect as we crossed the Burringbar Range - being around 4kms uphill, when we reached a sign across our path. Road closed. Local traffic only.
Heading down Reserve Creek Road
Jonno at the junction
View at the junction
We debated the meaning of this for a few minutes, unsure as to why the road was closed. We then decided that as cyclists we didn't really need a road and would be able to get through most obstacles. So we headed on, agreeing that we could always turn back if required.
Should we worry about this?
It was a long grind up the hill and we reached the top to views across to the coast, and no real idea as to why the road was closed.
View from the top on Cudgera Creek Road
The descent was a little rougher, and before long we reached the reason for the closure.
Descending Cudgera Creek Road
A good part of the road had disappeared. There was no way a car could get around it. But no problem for our bikes.
Oh dear!
The wash out
No worries
We made our way around with care, and before long were back on sealed road and riding into Burringbar, a perfect stop for lunch. We took the opportunity to refill our water bottles as it was warm cycling, then picked up the cycle trail to Mooball. This was a lovely alternative to the Tweed Valley Way, but unfortunately only lasted a few kms into Mooball, a town with cow patterns painted on its telegraph poles.
Moo posts in Mooball
We stopped a few kms on at the Crabbes Creek sign, for a photo with Crab who had joined Derek this week on all our cycles.
Photo time for Crab!
We were soon off the Tweed Valley Way and cycling back into Wooyung an easy last few kms. We were all feeling our legs more than usual due to the Mount Warning hike the day before.
We took advantage of our early return to take a walk along the beach, then back for a cup of tea, showers and the construction of the fire to cook potatoes for dinner. Assuming the rain holds off, Jonno will be cooking sausage and bean hot pot.
Wooyung Beach