Cadell Road

The first ever imperial century I rode was in December 1999. It involved a circuit through the Tweed Valley in northern NSW -- some of which was on dirt roads. There was a certain point on the dirt that generally represented the half-way point of the ride, where Brays Creek road met Cadell road near Byrill Creek, just outside Mebbin National Park. In truth, Mebbin National Park (not one of Australia's larger or better known ones) was only declared a matter of months before I started riding here. Yet I was always curious about the dirt road that wound it's way through the heart of it.

After Sunday I need to wonder no more. I knew of the southern link on the Murwillumbah-Kyogle road (despite the "No Through Road" signs), just at the foot of the Nightcap Range. It was from here that I approached it. Initially there is some punishing climbing through some farmlands, up to the view at the top of this post. The road here winds up and down through the forest as it enters the national park, before a couple of screaming descents on the dirt -- one of which I had a bee find it's way into the inside of my sunglasses just as I hit 50km/h.

All in all the ride was an extremely rewarding experience, even if it was a little shorter than I expected. Maybe I'll bring a tent and camp there one night, just to give myself some time to explore the surrounding farm roads.

Of course, the thing about this region is the beauty of the ride to the start...





... and on the way back from the discovery. Total ride distance: 183km.





The flowers in the last shot were blooming everywhere on Urliup Road, where I took my usual temporary refuge from the heat on my way home.

Incidentally, the camelbak made it's debut on this ride. Overall I was quite happy with it, but I need to remember to buy some drinks other than water occasionally -- the taste of water gets a bit old after the first seven litres!