Great Turnout for SBUG June Monthly Meeting
Last Sunday a number of cyclists rode a 25 km reverse loop from Culburra to Orient Point. It was the perfect day for a beginners cycling debut, a quiet winter’s day with little or no wind. The cyclists enjoyed refreshments at a newly opened café at Orient Point.
Thursday’s mid week mountain bike ride saw seven cyclists take an easy mountain bike circuit through North Nowra, Cambewarra, Tapitallee and Bangalee, using bush tracks in the Bomaderry Creek reserve, cycle paths along Illaroo Rd and through the Cambewarra estate. We were disappointed to find a section of bush closed off due to property development off Koloona Drive, but we returned via more bush areas between housing estates, with Crefreshments enjoyed overlooking the Shoalhaven River from the Zoo Cafe. The day was sunny and clear, giving sharp pictures of the farmland, mountain ranges and the Shoalhaven River. A very colourful scene!
Last Wednesday the usual Wednesday ride was extended to include the robotic farm, which included a demonstration of a fully automated dairy, and Jim Wild’s oyster farm tour. We got to watch Jimmy open oysters at great speed, then after we all got a taste of Jimmy’s oysters, rode on to Greenwell Point for lunch. Fifteen regular cyclists and a number of spouses/partners participated in this very different and social event. A big thank you to Judi Puru for organising this interesting and enjoyable ride.
Last Wednesday’s monthly members meeting included guest speakers from the Road and Maritime Services who gave a presentation on the proposed new bridge across the Shoalhaven River and discussions about the fate of the 130 year old iron bridge. The pros and cons of removing or leaving the old iron bridge were discussed, and suggestions were given regarding the design of the new bridge and it’s entry and exit points from a cyclist’s point of view.
President Mel is organising an MTB Eurobodalla weekend in August. The program for the three days looks great! For more information go to the UPDATE in BREAKING NEWS on this website’s Home Page.
In October, SBUG are planning a cycling experience in Cowra. This series of rides is being organised by Anne and Les Cornish. Some members have expressed a desire to ride in Cootamundra prior to the Cowra Rides. This is a link to the “Coota Bike Festival” if you are thinking of combining both rides. http://www.cootabikefestival.com.au/
SBUG Rides for this week include:
THURSDAY 11/6/15 – MIDWEEK MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE; – Start at 8.30 am from the Hyam’s Beach turnoff (cnr of Jervis Bay rd and Booderee Ave) / 35+km return / moderate pace / medium difficulty / sealed roads / unsealed roads / bush tracks / Mountain bikes required. Bring camera, snacks and water. This scenic cycle is in the Booderee National Park, riding to Murrays Beach via Caves Beach, the Lighthouse Ruins and Governor head. Refreshments at Vincentia after the ride.
SATURDAY 13/6/15 – NOWRA TO GREENWELL POINT, RETURN; / 40 km / Moderate pace / Medium difficulty / Some Traffic / The ride starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119
SATURDAY 13/6/15 – SATURDAY MORNING MEANDER; / 15 to 20 km / Slow pace / Easy / Some traffic / Sealed roads / Starts at 8:00am from the Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. The ride route varies week to week and is chosen taking into account prevailing weather conditions on the day. The ride is always within the Nowra area. Contact: Tom (02) 4421 6719. Enjoy coffee and a chat at a local Cafe in Nowra after the rides. All welcome
SUNDAY RIDE 14/6/15 – WORRIGEE TO CALLALA BAY; SBUG / 35 km return / Moderate pace / Medium difficulty / Some Traffic / Sealed Roads / Unsealed roads and bush tracks / Mountain bikes are required. The ride starts at 9:00am from the bus shelter on Worrigee Road, just before Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens & Lawn Cemetery. The ride route is through the Currambene State Forest and local streets in Callala Bay. Coffee break will be in Callala Bay. Contact: Judi (02) 4421 5214 or Peter (02) 4446 0119. (Ride Leader; Jan)
MONDAY 15/6/15 – NOWRA TO BERRY, RETURN; / 50 km / Moderate pace / Some traffic. The ride starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. A medium ride with a few small hills. Great scenery. Suitable for riders looking for a medium challenge. Always the option to take the train back. Coffee at a Cafe in Berry. Contact: Peter (02) 4446 0119 or Judi (02) 4421 5214.
WEDNESDAY 17/6/15 – NOWRA TO COMERONG ISLAND FERRY; SBUG / 25 km return / Slow pace / Easy / Flat terrain / Some traffic / This is a relatively easy ride suitable for someone returning to cycling. Starts at 8:00am from Nowra Visitors Centre, Pleasant Way, Nowra. Contact Jim (02) 4423 2943 or Judi (02) 4421 5214.
For information about Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group, including our monthly rides calendar, cycling news, photo gallery, on-line membership application and lots more, log onto our website at www.shoalhavenbug.com.au
A variety of rides are scheduled over five days each week. Our rides calendar is updated weekly and occasionally changes are made at short notice so it is recommended that you check the website ride calendar a day or two before an intended ride. Shoalhaven BUG welcomes all riders on their rides, children 13 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
James Florence
Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group
Acting Publicity Officer