Dubbo heads to Coona

22 June 2009

This year riders had the option of four distances, with the inclusion of the return ride into town.

The Saturday morning ride around the country roads, followed by coffee was very enjoyable. The afternoon was filled in with a trip out to the Pillaga Pottery for lunch and a look around. This is a really novel place out in the bush from Coonabarabran, and is well worth a visit, if you are out in that area.

On Sunday morning, as we faced the tough ride out to the Warrumbungle National Park, we were greeted by dark and threatening clouds overhead. Being bike riders and made of sterner stuff we were not deterred, and dutifully lined up at the visitor information centre for the start. As we left the flats around Coonabarabran and headed to the national park, the clouds opened and as happens to bike riders, the wind started to blow. When riders finally made it to the top of Blackburn Hill, a tough one for everyone, nothing could be seen below us, but rain and mist.

One rider who shall remain nameless, but who comes from Dubbo, turned tail on his bike and headed back to Coonabarabran to pick up his car. The rest of us were undaunted and headed on into the mist. Several riders at this stage declined the option of riding up to the Observatory, and continued on out to the park.

Those who toughed it out to the Observatory, were rewarded with hot coffee and a warm seat before their final push to the Park. Naturally, once all the riders had made it to the finish at the park, the sun came out and the wind dropped. Once the barbeque and presentations were over, those doing the long course got on their bikes and headed back to Coonabarabran, enjoying the now good riding conditions.

A big thank you to Milton and Jane Judd and their band of wonderful volunteers who put this event on each year. If you are looking for a good weekend away, with good riding make a trip to Coonabarabran next year.