FORBES NSW
DAY 10
No riding today, instead a day about town.
First stop this morning was Forbes Literary Institute (a.k.a “The Library”) for the usual. The internet is free in Forbes.
I was an early arrival, so waited half an hour or so in the adjacent Victoria Park.
And a hive of activity it was – people everywhere, coming and going.
Anyone would think they are a well-read lot, these Forbians, queuing up for the library with such zeal first thing on a Monday morning.
Not quite as it seems, sadly.
You see, the Library and the Court House are next door neighbours in Forbes.
If I’d not known better, I’d have said they were giving away money in there, such was its popularity.
Perhaps the library could join up, in an attempt to increase its patronage?
I sat in that park for about 32 minutes and would say over 100 people came and went in that time – and anyone who didn’t go, hung around.
Not quite half the town, but gee, not far off.
And if any of the conversation that passed my ears was indicative, an ugly mix of alcohol and violence would seem to have accounted for most of the attendees on this particular morning - given that there are approximately 20 pubs in Forbes, this may not come as such a surprise…..
Aside from the legally challenged locals, Forbes is a particularly tidy town.
Not a big regional centre anywhere near the size of Bathurst or Orange, Forbes could very well qualify its existence on picturesque river banks and weeping willows.
The Lachlan River flows right through the middle of Forbes, as it does my next destination Cowra, providing a recreational bonanza for visitors and locals alike.
Fishing is quite popular – the “lake” is loaded with fat carp I’m told. Just drop a line in and you’ll come up with something.
There is also some history about and in accordance with many central western towns, it is highly respected and important to the culture of the region.
Gold was dug up throughout this region during the 1850’s in great seams – a “gold rush” was declared.
Prospectors came from far and wide – even overseas to find their fortunes – many did and left a lot wealthier than when they arrived.
Or else, liked Australia so much and could afford to stay, so they did.
Concurrently, the legend of the “bushranger” evolved – these were Robin Hood-inspired folk who used shotguns instead of bows and arrows.
Some were even known to wear tin buckets on their heads as everyday work attire.
Controversy rages to this day as to whether these people were the freedom fighters of their time or simply common bandits.
I would lean personally toward the common bandit model, however this has not prevented some off their ilk assuming legend status
The Kelly brothers, Ned in particular and one Ben Hall were amongst the elite of their profession.
Ben Hall is buried in Forbes, where he unco-incidentally was shot and killed.
He also has a motel named after him.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
DAY 9 - FORBES NSW
FORBES NSW
DAY 9
ORANGE – FORBES
120 km (approx.)
Total Time – 07.00 – 13.00 (6h)
Time on Bike – 4h 56m 30s
Max. speed – 70 km/h ++ (approx.)
Av. Speed - 21 km/h (approx.)
Best ride of the trip today folks.
Superb.
Not only was downhill predominant, but there was also a genuine tailwind for the first time and some wonderful Central West scenery to boot.
After a week of pedalling uphill, I think I deserved it.
First of all though, I extend a very big thank you to the Toms and Newcombe families in Orange for 2 days of very comfortable hospitality, and of course the use of a car yesterday.
I resume once again fully fed and rested and ready for what lies ahead.
Now back to today.
I wheeled out of Orange just after 7 am, with the prospect of 120 kilometres to be covered in order to reach my set destination of Forbes.
Topography alone suggested that from 900 meters above sea level, the Lachlan River would not likely be any further elevated than this and by rights I would surely be enjoying some extended downhill flying.
Evidence from the last 120 day would still have me on the road 12 hours later and with Daylight Savings now at an end until October, my intention was certainly not in favour of a repeat effort.
An early start was a good start and after some steep initial climbs out of Orange, I was away with conditions firming in my favour the further I went along.
Cudal marked 40 kilometres and it was behind me by 9 am.
With some plentiful downhill finally coming my way and a healthy tailwind on board, the only thing set to slow me was the odd curious local stopping me the middle of the highway for Sunday morning chat.
I’d made 80 kilometres by 11 am and with an extended 20 minute rester in Eugowra, Forbes for lunch was now a formality.
Of the 36 kilometres west of Eugowra, 30 of them were dead pan flat, making for a sure lunch date and early shower in Forbes.
So, with a designated camp in the town of Forbes, I shall set about on some explorations tomorrow with the next ride now planned for Tuesday.
NB. In attempting to adjust the time for the end of Daylight Savings on my on-board computer this morning, I successfully reset the entire unit, meaning it will need to be re-calibrated at the earliest possible convenience and statistics for the next few rides will unfortunately be “guesstimations” at best. Sorry.
DAY 9
ORANGE – FORBES
120 km (approx.)
Total Time – 07.00 – 13.00 (6h)
Time on Bike – 4h 56m 30s
Max. speed – 70 km/h ++ (approx.)
Av. Speed - 21 km/h (approx.)
Best ride of the trip today folks.
Superb.
Not only was downhill predominant, but there was also a genuine tailwind for the first time and some wonderful Central West scenery to boot.
After a week of pedalling uphill, I think I deserved it.
First of all though, I extend a very big thank you to the Toms and Newcombe families in Orange for 2 days of very comfortable hospitality, and of course the use of a car yesterday.
I resume once again fully fed and rested and ready for what lies ahead.
Now back to today.
I wheeled out of Orange just after 7 am, with the prospect of 120 kilometres to be covered in order to reach my set destination of Forbes.
Topography alone suggested that from 900 meters above sea level, the Lachlan River would not likely be any further elevated than this and by rights I would surely be enjoying some extended downhill flying.
Evidence from the last 120 day would still have me on the road 12 hours later and with Daylight Savings now at an end until October, my intention was certainly not in favour of a repeat effort.
An early start was a good start and after some steep initial climbs out of Orange, I was away with conditions firming in my favour the further I went along.
Cudal marked 40 kilometres and it was behind me by 9 am.
With some plentiful downhill finally coming my way and a healthy tailwind on board, the only thing set to slow me was the odd curious local stopping me the middle of the highway for Sunday morning chat.
I’d made 80 kilometres by 11 am and with an extended 20 minute rester in Eugowra, Forbes for lunch was now a formality.
Of the 36 kilometres west of Eugowra, 30 of them were dead pan flat, making for a sure lunch date and early shower in Forbes.
So, with a designated camp in the town of Forbes, I shall set about on some explorations tomorrow with the next ride now planned for Tuesday.
NB. In attempting to adjust the time for the end of Daylight Savings on my on-board computer this morning, I successfully reset the entire unit, meaning it will need to be re-calibrated at the earliest possible convenience and statistics for the next few rides will unfortunately be “guesstimations” at best. Sorry.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
DAY 8 - ORANGE NSW
ORANGE NSW
DAY 8
REST DAY
60 km (Hyundai)
I got a car today, courtesy of my hosts in Orange and a good thing too, as I got to some places that would not have been practical on the bike.
First up were the Orange Botanic Gardens – not exactly a rush of adrenaline fuelled exhilaration, but a quiet hour or so of meditative reflection on the trip so far.
Next up, the impressive Mt Canobolas, which sits up 4500 ft off the floor of the plain, was also made possible with the use of a car.
Unfortunately, the Canobolas summit is peppered with a small city of oversized communications towers, but I still made a point of driving to the top and surveying the surrounding landscape – specifically for signs of massive mountain ranges (or else lusciously flat plains) in the direction I will next be headed.
Forbes is the next destination and the news may or may not be good.
In theory, the trip should be downhill – from 900 m above sea level to the bed of the Lachlan River. 120-odd kilometres tomorrow should deliver the verdict…..
Penultimate stop for the day was a lazy hour or so at Lake Canobolas (not far from Mt Canobolas by much at all) and finally some obligatory tastings at some of many fine local wineries…..
DAY 8
REST DAY
60 km (Hyundai)
I got a car today, courtesy of my hosts in Orange and a good thing too, as I got to some places that would not have been practical on the bike.
First up were the Orange Botanic Gardens – not exactly a rush of adrenaline fuelled exhilaration, but a quiet hour or so of meditative reflection on the trip so far.
Next up, the impressive Mt Canobolas, which sits up 4500 ft off the floor of the plain, was also made possible with the use of a car.
Unfortunately, the Canobolas summit is peppered with a small city of oversized communications towers, but I still made a point of driving to the top and surveying the surrounding landscape – specifically for signs of massive mountain ranges (or else lusciously flat plains) in the direction I will next be headed.
Forbes is the next destination and the news may or may not be good.
In theory, the trip should be downhill – from 900 m above sea level to the bed of the Lachlan River. 120-odd kilometres tomorrow should deliver the verdict…..
Penultimate stop for the day was a lazy hour or so at Lake Canobolas (not far from Mt Canobolas by much at all) and finally some obligatory tastings at some of many fine local wineries…..
Friday, April 4, 2008
DAY 7 - ORANGE NSW
ORANGE NSW
BATHURST - ORANGE
64.55 Km
Total Time – 08.30 – 12.30 (4h 00m)
Time on Bike – 3h 27m 53s
Max. speed – 72.6 km/h
Av. Speed - 18.6 km/h
I’m beginning to feel a bit like Jack and the Beanstalk.
With a general lack of local knowledge, it has been easy to presume that once the Blue Mountains are crossed west of Sydney, then everything becomes either downhill or at best pretty flat.
The Great Western Highway between Lithgow and Bathurst passes over a 1200 m section of the Great Dividing Range, but there is pay dirt, with a nice 20 km descent into Bathurst, which lies on a fairly flat alluvial plain.
If I’d done a little more research, then I may have known that Orange is almost 1000 m above sea level and from those flat Bathurst plains, you’ve gotta get up here somehow.
I spent 12km and nearly 2 hours climbing the Rocks Pass today, searching for the downhill that never came.
Not that it’s heavily strenuous – just mighty slow and just a little frustrating.
The days’ statistics are actually quite flattering, considering, and the countryside along the way, quite beautiful.
Even better was the cold westerly that has been lashing the Central West for 3 days abated overnight and if anything, swung around today and was giving me a gentle push.
I’ll be staying here in Orange for a couple of days with family friends and rumour has it that I may even have the use of a car tomorrow…..
BATHURST - ORANGE
64.55 Km
Total Time – 08.30 – 12.30 (4h 00m)
Time on Bike – 3h 27m 53s
Max. speed – 72.6 km/h
Av. Speed - 18.6 km/h
I’m beginning to feel a bit like Jack and the Beanstalk.
With a general lack of local knowledge, it has been easy to presume that once the Blue Mountains are crossed west of Sydney, then everything becomes either downhill or at best pretty flat.
The Great Western Highway between Lithgow and Bathurst passes over a 1200 m section of the Great Dividing Range, but there is pay dirt, with a nice 20 km descent into Bathurst, which lies on a fairly flat alluvial plain.
If I’d done a little more research, then I may have known that Orange is almost 1000 m above sea level and from those flat Bathurst plains, you’ve gotta get up here somehow.
I spent 12km and nearly 2 hours climbing the Rocks Pass today, searching for the downhill that never came.
Not that it’s heavily strenuous – just mighty slow and just a little frustrating.
The days’ statistics are actually quite flattering, considering, and the countryside along the way, quite beautiful.
Even better was the cold westerly that has been lashing the Central West for 3 days abated overnight and if anything, swung around today and was giving me a gentle push.
I’ll be staying here in Orange for a couple of days with family friends and rumour has it that I may even have the use of a car tomorrow…..
Thursday, April 3, 2008
DAY 6 - BATHURST NSW
BATHURST NSW
DAY 6
BATHURST & MOUNT PANORAMA
41.7 Km
Total Time – 10.00 – 14.30 (4h 30m)
Time on Bike – 2h 10m 38s
Max. speed – 87.6 km/h!!!
(The new Low Rider Speed Record)
Av. Speed 19.2 km/h
I went racing this morning.
Not against anything but my own speed record.
And I won!
87.6 km/h is now the new benchmark and of all places to have done it – Conrod Straight at Mount Panorama – one of the fastest and most famous strips of tarmac on the planet.
My previous best of 86.3 has been eclipsed by a whole 1.3 km/h.
Mount Panorama itself is a world-famous Aussie icon – even if you couldn’t care a fig and half for car racing – the Mountain has an aura of greatness.
And taking the bike around for 2 circuits this morning was just wicked.
To have watched it on television for many years and even having completed circuits on a tour bus does not convey how steep and treacherous the track actually is.
Sure, the top racing speeds are impressive at 300 km/h ++, but the real soul of the circuit (aside from the incredible scenery) are the tight, steep drop-away curves and the impossible inclinations up the side of the mountain.
To come raging over the Skyline at top speed and then to just see the road disappear underneath you…..
Anyway, as fun as it was, there is more to Bathurst than just a racing track.
It is an impressive town, Bathurst.
Not just another hicko small town with a bit of history and some nice scenery.
There is actually something going on here.
It’s a big college town, for starters so the vibe around town is a young one.
There’s a tonne of history - mainly from the 1850's gold rushes - and unlike a lot of other places in Australia, you can actually feel it in Bathurst – in the architecture, the gardens and the culture.
Outside of Europe, Melbourne and Bathurst have the most impressive green spaces in an Australian urban area that I’ve experienced. (Not including National Parks or Botanic Gardens)
The effort has been made to preserve the heritage in Bathurst – it is important to the culture of the region. And whilst I’m sure the locals find reasons to complain, for the outsider it’s one of the first things to be noticed.
My experiences in Bathurst date back to the early 1980’s and to Abercrombie House – a famous Bathurst estate that is still owned by the founder of my former junior school.
Each year, we would board a stinky noisy bus and take a compulsory week-long excursion out into the countryside to stay in the rat-infested dorms at Abercrombie.
It’s been 25 years, but after taking a trundle out there this afternoon, I’d reckon absolutely nothing has changed in this time……
DAY 6
BATHURST & MOUNT PANORAMA
41.7 Km
Total Time – 10.00 – 14.30 (4h 30m)
Time on Bike – 2h 10m 38s
Max. speed – 87.6 km/h!!!
(The new Low Rider Speed Record)
Av. Speed 19.2 km/h
I went racing this morning.
Not against anything but my own speed record.
And I won!
87.6 km/h is now the new benchmark and of all places to have done it – Conrod Straight at Mount Panorama – one of the fastest and most famous strips of tarmac on the planet.
My previous best of 86.3 has been eclipsed by a whole 1.3 km/h.
Mount Panorama itself is a world-famous Aussie icon – even if you couldn’t care a fig and half for car racing – the Mountain has an aura of greatness.
And taking the bike around for 2 circuits this morning was just wicked.
To have watched it on television for many years and even having completed circuits on a tour bus does not convey how steep and treacherous the track actually is.
Sure, the top racing speeds are impressive at 300 km/h ++, but the real soul of the circuit (aside from the incredible scenery) are the tight, steep drop-away curves and the impossible inclinations up the side of the mountain.
To come raging over the Skyline at top speed and then to just see the road disappear underneath you…..
Anyway, as fun as it was, there is more to Bathurst than just a racing track.
It is an impressive town, Bathurst.
Not just another hicko small town with a bit of history and some nice scenery.
There is actually something going on here.
It’s a big college town, for starters so the vibe around town is a young one.
There’s a tonne of history - mainly from the 1850's gold rushes - and unlike a lot of other places in Australia, you can actually feel it in Bathurst – in the architecture, the gardens and the culture.
Outside of Europe, Melbourne and Bathurst have the most impressive green spaces in an Australian urban area that I’ve experienced. (Not including National Parks or Botanic Gardens)
The effort has been made to preserve the heritage in Bathurst – it is important to the culture of the region. And whilst I’m sure the locals find reasons to complain, for the outsider it’s one of the first things to be noticed.
My experiences in Bathurst date back to the early 1980’s and to Abercrombie House – a famous Bathurst estate that is still owned by the founder of my former junior school.
Each year, we would board a stinky noisy bus and take a compulsory week-long excursion out into the countryside to stay in the rat-infested dorms at Abercrombie.
It’s been 25 years, but after taking a trundle out there this afternoon, I’d reckon absolutely nothing has changed in this time……
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
DAY 5 - BATHURST NSW
BATHURST NSW
DAY 5
LITHGOW - BATHURST
83.11 Km
Total Time – 08.40 – 16.10 (7h 30m)
Time on Bike – 4h 34m 57s
Max. speed – 77.4 km/h
Av. Speed 18.1 km/h
Something happened today.
As unfathomable as it may have been, I so nearly got on a train and came back to Sydney.
I know in my heart that it wasn’t because I had the shits and was just about to give up so soon.
Not at all.
It’s just that I was confronted with a problem that seemed to literally have no solution and given that it was not able to be solved, there was no other way of continuing.
Had things come to this, it would not have been game over – just a major setback and well…..
With the bike back in working order, the trailer was also due some attention as it is just as important for this to be working as one with the bike.
Each step of the process offered an improvement but delivered nothing.
I could see there was something wrong – back to front - with this stupid piece of aluminium on wheels and this was the fundamental problem.
Bad design or maybe the wrong piece of equipment altogether – an impasse was at hand.
Stuck in Lithgow and going nowhere – except with a one-way ticket to Sydney in my mouth, fuddling this way and that on the platform with my troublesome equipment.
The longer I looked at it, the more I could see what was wrong – IT was wrong, but what to do about it?
Sure enough, returning to my buddies at Insane Cycles down the way and telling them what I thought was wrong.
Could they fix it? It wasn’t conventional, but still worth a shot.
10 minutes later, hey presto – it might just have worked. Pretty Zen, but Bathurst was still on. I had to give it a go.
Back up to the train station pleading my case and a full refund was granted. I didn’t need to go back to Sydney after all.
And the bike and trailer just sung through to Bathurst.
DAY 5
LITHGOW - BATHURST
83.11 Km
Total Time – 08.40 – 16.10 (7h 30m)
Time on Bike – 4h 34m 57s
Max. speed – 77.4 km/h
Av. Speed 18.1 km/h
Something happened today.
As unfathomable as it may have been, I so nearly got on a train and came back to Sydney.
I know in my heart that it wasn’t because I had the shits and was just about to give up so soon.
Not at all.
It’s just that I was confronted with a problem that seemed to literally have no solution and given that it was not able to be solved, there was no other way of continuing.
Had things come to this, it would not have been game over – just a major setback and well…..
With the bike back in working order, the trailer was also due some attention as it is just as important for this to be working as one with the bike.
Each step of the process offered an improvement but delivered nothing.
I could see there was something wrong – back to front - with this stupid piece of aluminium on wheels and this was the fundamental problem.
Bad design or maybe the wrong piece of equipment altogether – an impasse was at hand.
Stuck in Lithgow and going nowhere – except with a one-way ticket to Sydney in my mouth, fuddling this way and that on the platform with my troublesome equipment.
The longer I looked at it, the more I could see what was wrong – IT was wrong, but what to do about it?
Sure enough, returning to my buddies at Insane Cycles down the way and telling them what I thought was wrong.
Could they fix it? It wasn’t conventional, but still worth a shot.
10 minutes later, hey presto – it might just have worked. Pretty Zen, but Bathurst was still on. I had to give it a go.
Back up to the train station pleading my case and a full refund was granted. I didn’t need to go back to Sydney after all.
And the bike and trailer just sung through to Bathurst.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
DAY 4 - LITHGOW NSW
LITHGOW NSW
DAY 4
REST DAY
I woke this morning with Elephantitis in my lower lip and my right eye half closed.
Normally, I would need to have picked a fight with someone a lot bigger and meaner to earn these trophies, but no such melodrama, I’m afraid.
To be truthful, I really don’t know why my face had suddenly taken on this unusual complexion, but suspect the sun, wind and general dirtiness of life on the road had just got the better of me and this is way it chose to express itself.
Either way the signals were there, and it was time for a rest.
Lithgow wasn’t exactly the location I had in mind, but I have made the most of it.
Firstly, I took the opportunity to get the brakes on the bike fixed and they are now of required snappiness for the ride to Bathurst.
Secondly, it was time to attend to an issue of packing obesity and remove some excess weight from my groaning trailer bag.
There is a reason why the trailer has been bottoming out all-too-regularly and I’m hoping this will at least address the problem in the short term.
The bag I posted back to Sydney today weighed nearly 3 kg – life is difficult enough and I do not believe I will miss whatever was in it.
These are the things that needed to be done and with them out of the way, I afforded myself a few hours to engage my surroundings.
Lithgow is a very quiet and unremarkable town and this is the longest I have ever spent here.
Don’t get me wrong, it is quite nice – surrounded by rolling hills and a crisp, clear but very dry climate – cheap for Real Estate too, if that’s what you’re into.
$150 000 will acquire a spacious 3-bedder house with a tin roof and no more than 5 minutes from the action.
If you have no real problem with everything closing at 8 pm or no particular desire for a 6-figure salary, then Lithgow may indeed be the lifestyle alternative for you.
In 2008, the glory of mining wealth is long past and I am fairly sure the Small Arms factory is now a museum.
Most local folk survive most likely by farming or by working along the main commercial strip in town and there would also be a certain breed who commutes to Sydney on a daily basis.
Slow but sure, Lithgow trundles on, tucked away safely in its little valley behind the Blue Mountains and generally accepting its place in the big wide world.
Anyway, thanks Lithgow and I’ll never say a bad word about you again.
DAY 4
REST DAY
I woke this morning with Elephantitis in my lower lip and my right eye half closed.
Normally, I would need to have picked a fight with someone a lot bigger and meaner to earn these trophies, but no such melodrama, I’m afraid.
To be truthful, I really don’t know why my face had suddenly taken on this unusual complexion, but suspect the sun, wind and general dirtiness of life on the road had just got the better of me and this is way it chose to express itself.
Either way the signals were there, and it was time for a rest.
Lithgow wasn’t exactly the location I had in mind, but I have made the most of it.
Firstly, I took the opportunity to get the brakes on the bike fixed and they are now of required snappiness for the ride to Bathurst.
Secondly, it was time to attend to an issue of packing obesity and remove some excess weight from my groaning trailer bag.
There is a reason why the trailer has been bottoming out all-too-regularly and I’m hoping this will at least address the problem in the short term.
The bag I posted back to Sydney today weighed nearly 3 kg – life is difficult enough and I do not believe I will miss whatever was in it.
These are the things that needed to be done and with them out of the way, I afforded myself a few hours to engage my surroundings.
Lithgow is a very quiet and unremarkable town and this is the longest I have ever spent here.
Don’t get me wrong, it is quite nice – surrounded by rolling hills and a crisp, clear but very dry climate – cheap for Real Estate too, if that’s what you’re into.
$150 000 will acquire a spacious 3-bedder house with a tin roof and no more than 5 minutes from the action.
If you have no real problem with everything closing at 8 pm or no particular desire for a 6-figure salary, then Lithgow may indeed be the lifestyle alternative for you.
In 2008, the glory of mining wealth is long past and I am fairly sure the Small Arms factory is now a museum.
Most local folk survive most likely by farming or by working along the main commercial strip in town and there would also be a certain breed who commutes to Sydney on a daily basis.
Slow but sure, Lithgow trundles on, tucked away safely in its little valley behind the Blue Mountains and generally accepting its place in the big wide world.
Anyway, thanks Lithgow and I’ll never say a bad word about you again.
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