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Nambucca Heads (NSW) to Repton (NSW)
38.50 kms
8th November 2014
How the day went:
A leisurely start this morning as this is deemed to be our first “rest day” - even though it will be the 8th day in a row on the bike! I thought we had between 35 and 40 kms to ride – and it turned out to be 38.
Having climbed a pretty steep hill to our airbnb accommodation last night, it was great to start with a long downhill run and what seemed like a long way from the main road last night appeared a whole lot shorter this morning!! So before we knew it we were off and bowling along on the highway. Again lots of road-works. The good thing is that the traffic is slowed down too – the main upsetting thing was the roughness of the surface and the need to avoid potholes and bumps and debris on the shoulder, as well as concentrate on the traffic.
A van stop 20 kms into the ride at the top of the main hill of the day, was good, but we had no sooner left than the call went out to stop – and the second puncture of the journey – Don had struck the double!!
A roadside tube change and a call for the van to return with the big pump and it wasn’t too long before we were on the way again. Nice long downhill had us arrive in the small town of Uranga. The Informaton Centre was open roadside and the nice ladies in the shop suggested we take the quiet route from here to Repton - Yellow Rock Road - which winds around beside the river.
What a splendid suggestion this turned out to be! We no sooner crossed the bridge than we veered right and continued along Yellow Rock Road. It started out as more like an English Lane with its lovely trees, lots of horses in roadside paddocks and a feeling that we were miles away from anywhere!! So much more peaceful than the main highway!
The road deteriorated to the extent that we had to concentrate on dodging potholes, but it was beautiful and peaceful and no other traffic to be seen. Several cattle grids had to be crossed as we followed the contour of the river. It brought us around to an even smaller town – Raleigh, home to a dairy factory, – and after crossing and curving around to the other side of the Bellinger River we were soon in Repton. We made our way up a hill, to a wonderful airbnb stay. Mike and Jilly were super hosts who went out of their way to ensure our stay was very comfortable. They also owned a gorgeous staffie named – Bronte! She could have jumped in Jucy and come home with me!!
Mike and Jilly gave us very accurate information on an area of Australia I was totally unfamiliar with – but in one day of exploring have discovered it to be an absolutely fabulous spot!! You can certainly zoom up and down the Sydney to Brisbane highway and not realize what lies just off the main road.
After showering and relaxing we took up on their recommendations and drove to the nearby town of Bellingen. Defintely a place to re-visit!! Quite an “arty” town and there had been live music that afternoon but we were a little too late for that – sadly. Kindly one guy who had pretty much packed up all his gear got his flute out and played for us - great!!
On our return to Repton we continued along to Mylestom and a beautiful long white sandy beach spread both north and south. We were delighted to watch a whale at play out at sea – what a bonus - fabulous!!
It is hard to believe we are only about 25 kms from the hustle and bustle of Coffs Harbour - I know where I prefer!!!
We wandered back to our “home” at Repton – and enjoyed another home cooked steak by Don (now I know why we brought him along!!!!!) – and delicious "Annmade" salad.
Wonderful "rest" day!!
A leisurely start this morning as this is deemed to be our first “rest day” - even though it will be the 8th day in a row on the bike! I thought we had between 35 and 40 kms to ride – and it turned out to be 38.
Having climbed a pretty steep hill to our airbnb accommodation last night, it was great to start with a long downhill run and what seemed like a long way from the main road last night appeared a whole lot shorter this morning!! So before we knew it we were off and bowling along on the highway. Again lots of road-works. The good thing is that the traffic is slowed down too – the main upsetting thing was the roughness of the surface and the need to avoid potholes and bumps and debris on the shoulder, as well as concentrate on the traffic.
A van stop 20 kms into the ride at the top of the main hill of the day, was good, but we had no sooner left than the call went out to stop – and the second puncture of the journey – Don had struck the double!!
A roadside tube change and a call for the van to return with the big pump and it wasn’t too long before we were on the way again. Nice long downhill had us arrive in the small town of Uranga. The Informaton Centre was open roadside and the nice ladies in the shop suggested we take the quiet route from here to Repton - Yellow Rock Road - which winds around beside the river.
What a splendid suggestion this turned out to be! We no sooner crossed the bridge than we veered right and continued along Yellow Rock Road. It started out as more like an English Lane with its lovely trees, lots of horses in roadside paddocks and a feeling that we were miles away from anywhere!! So much more peaceful than the main highway!
The road deteriorated to the extent that we had to concentrate on dodging potholes, but it was beautiful and peaceful and no other traffic to be seen. Several cattle grids had to be crossed as we followed the contour of the river. It brought us around to an even smaller town – Raleigh, home to a dairy factory, – and after crossing and curving around to the other side of the Bellinger River we were soon in Repton. We made our way up a hill, to a wonderful airbnb stay. Mike and Jilly were super hosts who went out of their way to ensure our stay was very comfortable. They also owned a gorgeous staffie named – Bronte! She could have jumped in Jucy and come home with me!!
Mike and Jilly gave us very accurate information on an area of Australia I was totally unfamiliar with – but in one day of exploring have discovered it to be an absolutely fabulous spot!! You can certainly zoom up and down the Sydney to Brisbane highway and not realize what lies just off the main road.
After showering and relaxing we took up on their recommendations and drove to the nearby town of Bellingen. Defintely a place to re-visit!! Quite an “arty” town and there had been live music that afternoon but we were a little too late for that – sadly. Kindly one guy who had pretty much packed up all his gear got his flute out and played for us - great!!
On our return to Repton we continued along to Mylestom and a beautiful long white sandy beach spread both north and south. We were delighted to watch a whale at play out at sea – what a bonus - fabulous!!
It is hard to believe we are only about 25 kms from the hustle and bustle of Coffs Harbour - I know where I prefer!!!
We wandered back to our “home” at Repton – and enjoyed another home cooked steak by Don (now I know why we brought him along!!!!!) – and delicious "Annmade" salad.
Wonderful "rest" day!!
PICTURES FROM THE DAY:
