This pristine coastline is perfect for cruising
Article and photo below reproduced from Bicycling Magazine, December 2012 (Ride Maps: Featured Rides)
Cycling on Wooli Beach, NSW, Australia. Photo by James Lauritz.
This pristine strip of paradise on Australia’s eastern coastline stretches along a narrow peninsula partially bordered by the 88,000-acre Yuraygir National Park.
Bike riding isn’t permitted on park trails, but you can spin along the quiet, unpaved road from the modest resort village of Wooli and wind up on 4 miles of smooth sand that are wide open for cruising.
Keep an eye out for pods of migrating dolphins or even a humpback breaching in the turquoise waters.
Quick Tip:
When you’re riding in sand, stay seated and keep your weight slightly back. Rest your hands lightly on the handlebar and allow the front tire some play. Pedal continuously and brake lightly, only as needed.
Ready to move beyond the beach? Here are two more ways to ride Australia’s Clarence Valley:
ROAD
Located 24 miles northwest of Wooli Beach on the Clarence River, the city of Grafton is the de facto road-cycling mecca of New South Wales. Each October, it hosts the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic, a 141-mile, one-day race considered Australia’s hardest.
Hop onto a less competitive ride organized by the Grafton Cycle Club. Routes follow the river all the way to the coast, winding through lush rainforest and wild bushland.
TRAIL
In 2010, local mountain bikers began carving singletrack through Bom Bom State Forest, resulting in a nearly 20-mile network. Gently rolling terrain, hard-packed soil, and the absence of large rocks make the trails accessible to riders of all abilities.
In summer (our winter), the Grafton Cycle Club hosts a rowdy weekly race called the Bom Bom Frozen Chook; the winner is the rider who finishes closest to his or her predicted time.