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 >>>

Those viewing this year’s Tour de France will be aware that many riders are using the event as a warm up for the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, being held in Wollongong in September.

The championships include 11 races over eight days.

Taking in the stunning coastline and dramatic escarpment that encircles the city, just north of Kiama, all Road Race and Time Trial events will unfold within Wollongong city and surrounds.

Kiama BUG will be making places available in their Sunday ride schedule for participants who are preparing for the Championships.

Details and maps of the courses >>>

Need to recuperate on the sofa after a 60km ride on a Thursday morning? How would you go clocking up 5000 kms in 10 days? (Without batteries!)

When 54-year-old Allan Jefferson signed up for the Race Across America — billed as the “world’s toughest bicycle race” – he never expected to win.

The rescue helicopter crewman from North Queensland rode almost non-stop for 5,000 kilometres to cross the finish line after 10 days and 15 minutes.

This year, 33 solo racers took part – but 19 of those did not finish.

“There’s nothing in the book that tells you about how much it hurts afterwards,” he laughed.

Jefferson arrived home in Townsville on Thursday, receiving a hero’s welcome from a legion of supporters who followed his race online.

Read more at ABC News >>>

Planning a cycling holiday? Here is one to jot in the diary…

The Encounter Bikeway, south of Adelaide, is a scenic trail on shared paths quiet residential streets, linking the four coastal towns of Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, Middleton and Goolwa. The distance of The Bikeway is 30km in each direction (60km return).

A range of riding distances are available, making it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

There is also an option (on Wednesday and Sunday) of catching a train back to the start of the ride.

The Bikeway is suitable for use by cyclists, walkers, skaters and roller bladers, and is wheelchair accessible.

Learn more >>>

While the current wet weather here in Kiama has limited our local cycling opportunities, progress has been made in the establishment of a rail trail on the old rail line south of Queanbeyan – a line that we have all pondered from the car on our trips to the Snowy region.

The Snowy Monaro Regional Council has announced it is working jointly with the Monaro Rail Trail group and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council on the next steps towards developing a rail trail between Queanbeyan, Cooma and Bombala. Continue reading Monaro Rail Trail agreement signed →

Members of Kiama BUG have been pooling their knowledge and resources to provide enjoyable rides for local cyclists over many years.

Many of these rides have now been documented with maps and directions, mainly for use by visitors to the local area.

The documented rides are categorised in geographical areas, and many include a link to a GPX file containing GPS information.

These maps and guides are now available at the Ride Guides page on the Kiama BUG web site.