The first section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which opened on the 1st March, has apparently been targeted by people who aren’t so keen on the new trail.

The local council said the trail had drawn more than 8000 users in its first two weeks, prompting local businesses along the trail to extend their opening hours and offerings to cater for demand.

But councillor and Chamber of Commerce chairman Warren Polglase said someone was trying to spoil the party and had thrown tacks and nails on to the trail three times since it opened, puncturing tyres.

Polglase said some Tweed residents had opposed the project because they wanted to save the track and return it to the provision of rail services. Passenger trains stopped running in 2004.

Read more (SMH) >>>

Kiama BUG travellers now haver another rail trail to explore – the scenic Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, in northern New South Wales, opened on 1st March 2023.

Extending through 24 kilometres of countryside in the lush Tweed valley, the Tweed trail connects via the townships and villages of Crabbes Creek, Mooball, Burringbar, Stokers Siding, Dunbible and Murwillumbah, all once key train station stops along the original railway line, built in 1894.

The Tweed trail is the first section of the full 132 kilometre Northern Rivers Rail Trail to open and welcomes walkers, runners and cyclists to breathe in nature, explore country towns and immerse in the region’s rich agri-tourism offerings, from farm-gates to foodie hot spots.

Read More >>>

Attention all those keen cyclists who were planning to travel to Bowral for the ride to Berrima and Moss Vale on this Thursday (2nd March)…..

Due to roadworks, Macquarie Pass will be closed from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday. OK for us to travel up to Bowral in the morning, not so easy to return in the afternoon – until after 3:00 pm!

Consequently the Thursday ride has been re-organised to commence at Port Kembla Pool, riding to Thirroul (8:00 am start)

More details on Ridewatch >>>

The cool folks of Dubai have dreamt up just the thing for bike riders who want to chill out in a hot city on the edge of the desert.

A 93 km air-conditioned bike lane.

Called The Loop, the climate controlled structure would connect major landmarks and attractions throughout Dubai, while better integrating bike riding infrastructure with public transport.

Read the full story >>>

Monday March 27th – Thursday March 30th 2023

It’s on again!

Kiama BUG members are invited to join our cycling tour of the the nation’s capital, Canberra.

Three rides have been organised over three days during the last week of March – Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th March. All rides will be starting from the ALIVIO Tourist Park at 20 Kunzea Street, O’Connor. 

You will need to organise your own accommodation. The ALIVIO Tourist Park is an ideal place to stay, and has a wide range of accommodation available – Villas, Cabins and powered van sites. Information and  online bookings are available at the ALIVIO web site:

aliviogroup.com.au
or call (02) 6247 5466.

Note: If you register as a ‘member’ (prior to booking) you will receive a 10% discount when you book.

All rides will take advantage of Canberra’s extensive network of bike paths.

Rides are planned for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Our first ride will commence at 8:00 am on the Tuesday morning, so it is recommended to book accommodation from the evening of Monday 27th March. The park has a very good restaurant for a Monday night meal, and a glorious pool area, if the summer weather continues.

The schedule will be similar to previous years – ride in the morning, afternoons free, then meet in the evenings for a meal.

A more detailed programme of the rides and evening meal arrangements will be sent out closer to the event.

If you will be joining the trip, it is essential to complete our RSVP form before Tuesday 28th February. This will assist with our catering bookings and ride organisation. It is also recommended to book your accommodation as soon as possible. (The ALIVIO park is a popular venue.)

The RSVP form and other information is available at: KBUG Trips Away >>>

A contest between heritage train enthusiasts and cycling advocates could derail plans to transform the old railway lines from Bombala to Queanbeyan (via Cooma) into the Monaro Rail Trail.

The NSW government introduced a new law in September to make it easier for community groups to take up thousands of kilometres of disused track and turn the old rail corridors into walking and bike paths instead.

At least a dozen rail trails are in the pipeline across the state. Once completed they would allow locals and tourists to walk or ride between towns, passing through tunnels and old railway stations and on restored bridges.

• Read more about the planned Monaro Rail Trail >>>
• Read about the Monaro Trains v Cyclists discussion  (SMH) >>>

Keep pedalling – to the Kiama BUG Christmas function….

• Where: Sebel Restaurant 1871
• When: Tuesday 20th December, from 5:30 pm.
• Cost: $30 per person
• Menu: Finger food platters
• Drinks: From the bar

There are two steps to follow if you will be attending the Christmas function….

Step 1 – Transfer $30 pp to the Kiama BUG bank account….

• Account name: Kiama Bicycle User Group Inc
• BSB: 032-689
• Account No: 135138
• ‘To’ Description: Include your name, followed by the code CF22 (eg F Nurk CF22)

Step 2 – Let the caterers know you will be there….. Click/tap on the Kiama BUG Christmas wheel below to go to the RSVP form – before Tuesday 13th December…

RSVP

An invitation to Kiama BUG members …….

KBUG member Elaine Fotu is heading off on a 75th birthday adventure – cycling 1000 kms to raise funds to purchase a Trishaw for the Illawarra chapter of Cycling Without Age.

1000 kms | 3 States | 30 Days

Elaine will be heading off on the first leg of her ride on Tuesday 1st November 2022, and you are invited to join Elaine on her ride from Wollongong to Sydney.

Continue reading Join the Big Ride with Elaine →

Chances are if you’re driving across the Nullarbor, linking Western Australia and South Australia, you will see cyclists making the arduous trek on two wheels.  

Out in the elements on one of the most isolated highways in the world, most of the cyclists are young and fit, making the journey for charities or the record books.

For New Zealanders Del and Cindy Henley, the trek is about taking time out from their retirement village south of Auckland.

Both are a spritely 81 years old.

The pair are on their second Nullarbor pilgrimage, but it’s not their longest Australian bike ride.

“We took up cycling when we were 70,” Mr Henley said.

Read the full story (ABC) >>>

Always dreamed of crossing the finish line like a World Champion?

Now’s your chance!

The Wollongong 2022 Community Ride on Saturday 17 September, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a segment of the 2022 UCI Road World Championship course for yourself, and to ride under the finish arch right next to Wollongong beach – even before the professionals do!

Registration is free and all ages and abilities are welcome.

The 3.9km Foreshore Circuit takes in the spectacular scenery of the Wollongong coastline and will be fully barricaded and closed to vehicles, providing a safe and simple course for riders to navigate.

Learn more, and Register for the ride >>>