I wasn’t expecting to do a blog entry covering our 83km ride through Dubbo Gully and parts of the Old Great North Road. I mean, looking back over my previous blog entries there wouldn’t be any thing new to add. And while this ride covered the same 40-50 kms of “always keep your focus” “rough as, rock garden” “fast, curving, dry, hot Aussie” single track we’ve ridden before, this ride did have some unique moments.
We hadn’t spotted any wildlife in the first 12 kms when we heard the squark of a parrot. We kept riding, thinking it was that common Australian larrikin, the Sulphur Crested White Cockatoo. But when it made a different sound, a bell of recognition chimed. Jumping on the XT brakes we brought our bikes to a rapid halt, I snatched the video camera (aka iPhone) from my pocket and recorded evidence of being in the bush with one of my favourite parrots – the Gang Gang!
OK, I know, from that distance those birds could be any small parrot but their cute little creaking door squawk – unmistakable. (ed note: my Nanna used to breed parrots and as a young fellow I loved visiting her and admiring all the colourful variety of parrots she had in great big cages on her property. When I first met a pair of Gang Gangs they became instant favourites!)
Plaque at the Mt Manning intersection of the convict built Old Great North Road
Almost half way – significance on this day was that Paul took a detour and I waited here long enough to devour some sustenance while the mosquitos and march flies devoured me. Just as I was wondering what my next move should be, Paul turned up. (He’ll do anything to squeeze in a few extra kilometres that boy!)
There was some controlled burning planned for this particular day apparently, but somehow the fire fighters had let us two bike riders slip onto the track. There were about a dozen “fireries” at this spot getting ready to “ignite the action” but most of them vanished when my camera came out!
This sign and road block was set up way too late for us Central Coast keen riders. Our ride was out and back – all clear on the way out, and fire trucks plus helicopters dropping off big red bags of water everywhere on the way back!
Pushing up a steep little rock ledge I heard a “clunk” behind me then the ceasing of rolling wheels, Yep, Paul’s “strongest ever” chain had snapped under the harsh rock garden conditions (again)!
Too Much Fun!!
By the time the running repairs were complete, the controlled burn was underway. We promptly headed south, feet ward!
Despite carrying 4 litres of fluid in my new larger Deuter back pack it wasn’t enough. Paul always carries enough water and was kind enough to fill my empty bottle from his bladder – I mean, the water bladder in his back pack!! Umm, I sat the bottle on the ground to put the lid on and it promptly fell over. Nothing for it but to fill it again. Oh, and despite two electrolyte tablets I thought I was drinking Ninja blitzed rubber. I won’t be buying a bladder anytime soon – I’ll stick with my Camelbak bottles, thanks any way Paul!
Of course he won’t ride over this largest of the several fallen tree obstacles we encountered – but he will pose for a photo …..
… and in the process he will lose his balance. Paul only ever has soft landings when he falls off his bike …
… all sorted now and ready to set the pace for the rest of the single track.
Having ridden 70 kms in 32 degree heat 4 litres of water was not enough to replace the sweat. So this sweet tasting tank water at 10 Mile Hollow was ….
… irresistable!!!
It wasn’t till we were about to ride off to enjoy the Simpson track downhill run with our water bottles full that we noticed the sign. Pretty sure it’s a new addition since last time we rode these parts!
Old settlers cemetery alongside the fire trail we rode along
Paul deciding between joining the folk in the cemetery or the less attractive option of riding his bike up the last 2km ascent
Gang Gangs, a puncture, broken chains, separation of riders, firemen running controlled burn offs, water not meant to be drunk, couple of goannas climbing up trees – add all this to nearly five hours of cycling in fabulous Aussie bush on unique convict carved trails and you’d have to call it a pretty memorable ride!
lifesmorefunona29er 
Nice creative writing. You turned 5 hours of sweaty pleasure and absolute excitement into quite the bush adventure. Good memories.
Thanks Paul. It certainly was a rush doing this ride – I reckon I was still on a high from the ride at tennis the next morning! Good memories are much richer when they are created with others! Thanks for the ride!
Nice that a convict trail is still creating fresh memories. Wonder if the road builders were also visited by Gang Gangs!
Mmmm. Good point. I suspect one of the few pleasures during their time there would have been visits from the black cockatoos and the gang gangs – but probably not the self same ones we saw!!!
that’s an impressive ride Lester… You’ll totally own the Convict 100