Detours to the Wintersun Run (longish)

There are some interesting detours worth consideration for those fortunate
enough to be heading to the Wintersun Run:

From the south:

1. Coming north along the Sunraysia Hwy, at Woomelang turn left towards
Hopetoun. Turn left onto the Lascelles/Hopetoun road after about 23km, then
turn right after a couple of km and head north towards Patchewollock and
about 10km past Patchewollock veer right towards Ouyen. It's a very scenic
road by Mallee standards, and I've never seen a policeperson on it.

2. Heading north on the Calder, turn right about 60km north of Ouyen
towards Colignan, then left at the Murray river. Stop at Nangiloc Tavern
and have a beer out the back (Colignan and Nangiloc are palindromes, in case
you hadn't noticed) then continue along that road until Red Cliffs. It's
fast in most parts, open, but watch out for the undulations which can hide
oncoming traffic.

3. At Red Cliffs, take any road east (right, towards the river) then work
your way north. This area is called the Spider's Web because the roads
twist and turn (partly) following the irrigation channels, which in turn
follow the contours of the land. (Any road anywhere which is called Channel
Road is worth riding, in my experience). Even if you lose your bearings,
the river is on the right, and the Calder Highway is on the left, so you
can't go far wrong.
If you stay close to the river you'll end up on Cureton Ave, a great road
with plenty of sweepers which follows the river most of the way into
Mildura, or at Kings Billabong you can turn left onto 11th Street and follow
it about 11kms straight west to the rally site (but you'll miss a fine
ride).


From Swan Hill:

Take the Woorinen road from Swan Hill then left 5km past Woorinen. 30km
straight west to Chillingollah, then turn right (north) to Chinkapook and
Manangatang, then continue north through Annuello to Robinvale, over the
river to Euston, and back across the river at Buronga into Mildura.

From the Riverland:

Just under 30km east of Yamba roadhouse, turn right (south) to Meringur and
check out the historical museum. From Meringur head east through Werrimull
towards Red Cliffs. This is a fast road, runs parallel to the Sturt
Highway. About 40km east of Werrimull there is a left turn towards Cardross
and from there you're only spitting distance in to Mildura or you can go
into Red Cliffs then do the Spider's Web.

From Broken Hill: (for adventurous types)

Rather than do the drudge ride from Broken Hill south to Wentworth, you can
head eastsoutheastish to Menindee on good bitumen, then south to Pooncarie.
Some local enquiries might be beneficial before doing this bit - it is
unsealed can vary enormously depending on circumstances. Ring the Menindee
copper. From Pooncarie there is a good sealed road south to Wentworth, or
you can turn left about 20km short of Wentworth on the magnificent
Fletcher's Lake road to Dareton then follow the river in to Mildura and on
to the rally site.

All the roads mentioned were good quality bitumen last time I rode them
(except Menindee - Pooncarie).
The Manangatang copper used to be fairly keen.
Some of those place names give me a horn.

 

Thanks Coney. Might have a look at some of those on the way up (and/or
back)


Moike

 

Have we worked out a friday morning meeting point?
We need another heads up on who is going.

 

Never heard of 'em.


Postman Pat

 

I've done this bit, the other way. Interesting country. The curious Wemen
mine is in this area. From Annuello people can also head west through the
Hattah-Kulkyne NP to the Calder.

Thanks, Fred!

Gary

--
Wealth without Work
Pleasure without Conscience
Science without Humanity
Knowledge without Character
Politics without Principle
Commerce without Morality
Worship without Sacrifice

The Seven Deadly Sins of M.K. Gandhi

 

Usual time, usual place.

Nev..
'03 ZX12R

 

You're a big help

 

conehead said....

I'll be fortunate enough to be working nightshift on the Queen's
Birthday. That'll pay for two new tyres so I can then think about going
on rides like the Wintersun....

 

Google broken?

Nev..
'03 ZX12R

 

Nah more a case of can't be fuckedlookingatgoogleitis