Our good friends from Bespoke Cycle Tours recently invited us to join them on their Orange Regional Discovery Tour in Western NSW, Australia. Covering some 300km over six days, with a few steep ascents and descents thrown in for good measure, we were somewhat hesitant to join given we are not cyclists. The last time I or my partner had ridden a bike, for any length of duration, was a few years ago over in Europe. But that was on the flats.
However, when it was mentioned that there would be great food mashed in with a few vineyard tastings along with some boutique accommodation, we were in.
Day 1 – Orange to Millthorpe
Commencing in Orange, our first port of call was a vineyard – not a bad way to start. Then it was a fairly easy ride along back roads to Millthorpe, some 33 kms. Relaxing over some more wine and tapas over dinner, you could be excused for thinking this is going to be pretty cruisy. Getting a run down over what to expect over the next few days, my thinking became less clouded. I will have to pedal harder.
Day 2 – Millthorpe to Carcoar
After breakfast, we prepared ourselves for the 63km cycle to the historic village of Carcoar. This was to be our longest cycling day. Better to get it out of the way now than later, I thought.
Unfortunately, the weather gods decided not to play ball. The rain began to pelt down, which was going to make for some uncomfortable riding. Plus having to keep a watch out for trucks travelling at great speed. Being lit up like a ‘christmas tree’ was going to be the order of the day. That and the odd coffee stop or two.
Not being very competitive, I tested my mettle against a couple of pro cyclists. So, going downhill I let it rip. I had to finally slow down when a traffic sign stated ’75km/h ahead’. That and the possibility of receiving a speeding ticket from the local constabulary.
The tiny historical village of Carcoar is amazing. With a one hat Italian restaurant, a local pub plus another quaint cafe that used to be the post office, this tiny town is certainly worth putting on your list for a must visit.
Day 3 – Carcoar to Cowra
After viewing the weather and our intended route along a main road, we decided along with the rest of our group to hitch a lift. With our bikes in tow, we then proceeded to drive the short 12km to our next stop. Judging by all the passing trucks, spraying lots of water as they went along the road, that decision was very wise.
Upon regrouping, we then proceeded to cycle some 25 kms to our next stop – a roadside picnic, resplendent with table cloth, chairs and fulfilling food.
With our hunger and thirst quenched, it was a short ride into the historical town of Cowra. Here, the majestic Japanese Gardens are a must see along with the adjacent Cowra POW camp. This was the site which housed Japanese prisoners of war captured by the allies during WW2. It’s also the site of the infamous Cowra breakout. This occurred on 5 August, 1944 when 1,104 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape. During the escape and ensuing manhunt, four Australian soldiers and 231 Japanese soldiers were killed.
Day 4 – Cowra to Canowindra
Cowra marked the half way point of our cycling odyssey. So, it was onwards and upwards across lovely backroads riding some 45kms to Canowindra. However, rather than a coffee stop, this time we dropped into the versatile and interesting Rosnay Organic Farm and Winery. After sampling organic wines and food, we went behind the scenes to observe wine fermenting in the vats. Of course, another sample or three were to be had. No visit would be complete without meeting the inspiring an enchanting Pennie Scott, aka ‘the bush goddess’. Beware though, if you get into a political discussion with Pennie, you had better come prepared!
Day 5 – Canowindra to Cudal
53kms to ride today – yay. I’m finally getting the hang of this cycling. Coffee, vineyard, flying downhill and then struggling uphill. You’ve got to burn off all those calories somehow. Anyhow, I digress.
Before departing Canownindra, we toured the local wool grading and sales facility located on the outskirts of town. Harking back to my rural days residing in country Western Australia, it was great to be amongst all that wool vernacular again.
The highlight for me and others, was visiting a family farm in Cudal with hosts Jock and Tina, along with their two lovely children and pet kangaroo. To meet this passionate family who care so deeply about the land was such a delight. I wouldn’t be too surprised to hear more about them in years to come.
Day 6 – Cudal to Orange
Final day – 47kms, but all up! The reward for our some 15kms steep ascent was – another vineyard and picnic lunch. Now, I’m not too sure whether it was the wine or lunch or both, but the ‘stroll’ back into Orange felt like a doddle.
So, after six days and some 300kms, we were back to where it started. Sporting a few scratches and counting the bottles of wine we purchased along the way, we settled in to a nice restaurant for the night content on finishing off what was a most enjoyable cycling tour with some new found friends.
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
If you liked this story about our cycling tour, check out this cycling adventure in Dungog, NSW or some of our other blogposts about adventures in Australia.