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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Surrounded by World Heritage listed wilderness such as the Wollemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks, the Capertee Valley is the world's widest and longest enclosed valley - 1km wider than the Grand Canyon. Entering the canyon by bike, the spectacular views of the impressive Pantoneys Crown, standing proudly alone, and the rocky escarpment framing the canyon are ample reward for your pedalling efforts. This view inspired Henry Lawson who wrote about the valley in his poem, “Song of the Old Bullock Driver”. Along with the escarpment, the timeless beauty of the valley is punctuated by interesting rock formations including conical volcanic peaks like Tyan Pic. The area is recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a habitat of the endangered Regent Honeyeater. Capertee is within the traditional country of the Wirrdjuri people. It was discovered by Europeans seeking fortunes in the mining of shale oil. The ex-mining town of Glen Davis paints the history of that time and is a worthy diversion on the cycle route.
Leaving the valley behind the route takes you through Kandos, whose limestone became the basis for a booming cement factory in the 20th Century. Continuing on to Rylstone, the pretty main street has gourmet food options, while the nearby vineyards offer opportunity for the tasting of premium wines. The last leg of the cycle is along a quiet, undulating road through classic rural scenes all the way to Mudgee where the trip concludes. At night stay in hand picked premium B&B's for two nights, and a boutique hotel in Mudgee. The accommodation is a highlight of the trip with friendly hosts and great views, ensuring cyclists are well looked after. With your luggage transferred, all you need to do is pedal your e-bike, listen to the birdsong in the air and take in the outstanding scenery.
29kg of CO2-e PP per day
(86kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Mudgee
Make your own way to Mudgee and check in to your boutique accommodation. You can spend the afternoon strolling through the charming streets of town. Mudgee is known for its old world charm, colonial buildings and many fine wineries surrounding the town. It is a wonderful place to explore before your cycling starts tomorrow. Overnight Mudgee.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Transfer to Capertee, cycle through the Capertee Valley (57/67km)
This morning you meet with our local partner and you will be fitted with an e-bike, then transferred to the small village of Capertee. Surrounded by the World Heritage listed wilderness of the Wollemi, the Capertee Valley is the world's second largest canyon. Dominating the vistas are dramatic sandstone cliffs which form the perimeter of the canyon and add to the pleasure of cycling in this valley with a rich birdlife and picturesque rural landscape. Cycling into the valley, the quiet road is ideal for listening out for bird song while catching glimpses of the outstanding views including the Gardens of Stone National Park where Pantoneys Crown stands as a sentinel rising to a flat tabletop. Descending further into the valley, the canyon widens dramatically and flattens out, as you cycle past grazing land. There is an option to cycle to Glen Davis, an historic mining town which at its peak had over 2000 residents (now the number is around 100). Parts of the town stand as evidence of the past with shopfronts showcasing goods available last century, while the setting is impressive literally surrounded by the canyon walls. A picnic area is ideal for taking a rest break. Continuing on the road becomes dirt for some stages (though road work could change this imminently). With the rocky peaks high above the scenery never gets dull as you make your way to your deluxe B&B with a friendly host awaiting. Watch the sun go down from your terrace and take in the night skies before enjoying a gourmet meal. Ascent: 414m, Descent: 674m
Meals: D
Day 3
Cycle to Rylstone for a late lunch, then back to Kandos (45/53km)
This morning takes you on a mixture of sealed and dirt roads, quite potholed so care is required. The route gradually ascends out of the valley before a fabulous stretch taking you all the way to the wide roads of Kandos, set beneath Cumber Melon Mountain. The town was established in the early 1900's around the production of cement, said to be the foundation of Sydney's building boom. From here you follow a dedicated cycle route all the way to the town of Rylstone with its excellent restaurants, wineries and interesting shops. We recommend stopping in Rylstone for a late lunch at the town's renowned dumpling restaurant. Visit Naked Lady Vineyard and the De Beaurepaire Vineyard just outside Rylstone and sample their award winning wines. After sampling the food and wine in Rylstone, hop back on the bike path and return to Kandos. Overnight Kandos.: 480m, Descent: 363m
Meals: B
Day 4
Cycle to Mudgee, trip concludes (60km)
Today takes you along a sealed backroad all the way to Mudgee. Along the route, the rolling countryside will offer a distraction from the small hills you encounter, while the town of Lue is a great midway rest stop, with its classic country pub and soon to be cafe. As you get closer to Mudgee, the farming changes to vineyards, before you roll into the centre of this charming town, where the trip concludes. Please ask us about overnight options if you are planning to extend your stay. Ascent: 330m Descent: 509m
What's included
What's not included
Electric Bikes are included in the trip cost. The electric bikes are built for comfort and for the cycling terrain. With a soft seat, upright riding position and electronic assist, you’ll be riding further with ease.
Most of the route is on backroads which are paved
some sections are unpaved - however with road works currently underway, this could change without notice.
During the trip you will stay in boutique B&B accommodation for two nights. Think bathrobes, comfortable beds, incredible views. In Mudgee, you will stay at a Boutique hotel with a private bathroom and queen or twin beds.
This self guided trip involves 3 days of cycling, on mainly bitumen but some dirt roads and a 7km dedicated bike track. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic. Daily activity is usually between 3 and 6 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike. E-Bikes are supplied which ensures easy ascents on the hills. If you bring your own bike, a discount is provided, but ensure it is suitable for the terrain - road bikes are not suitable due to the dirt sections and at times poor state of the road. Hybrid bikes are ideal. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a good level of fitness, good health and be an experienced cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you, or cycling along a dirt section of the road in wet weather will require extra care.
Per Person, Twin Share
The easiest way to get to Mudgee is to drive. Not all of the hotels that we use have parking on site, but there is untimed parking available on Perry Street in central Mudgee. If you are coming from Sydney the drive will take 3.5 to 4 hours.
It's also possible to take public transport from Sydney. You will need to catch the train to Lithgow, then a coach to Mudgee. More information can be viewed here: http://www.nswtrainlink.info/ This will take between 5 to 7 hours.
Yes, you can bring your own bike if you prefer and a small discount will be provided. Ask our staff for more details.
Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover around 35-70km in a day and you will need to be confident cycling on roads with passing traffic. Some sections are along cycle paths but they do not cover the whole route.
Yes. It is highly recommended (and essential in many places) that you book your visit in advance.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.
Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.
Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.
By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.
Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.
Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
4Days
Moderate
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Introductory to Moderate