Return to Coolamon

It had truly been some time since I had ridden the loop that takes in the Tweed Coast, the Coolamon Scenic Drive beyond Mullumbimby, and the return via Burringbar and Tomewin. A knee injury had put paid to that plan a couple of months ago, so I decided to return last Saturday. Of course, in the morning I was greeted with a blistering northerly wind, which would mean the traditional headwind coming home, but even this wasn't bothering me too much. Once I reached Chinderah to the south, the old feeling of freedom that accompanies any escape with suburbia filled me with inspiration. It was time to ride.

The Tweed Coast passed easily and quickly, almost in a blur at times. Although a couple of spectacular coastal views and flowers stood out. I sometimes wonder about the future of this region, with the prospect of rampant coastal development, but fortunately it hasn't happened yet. I then crossed the hills and found my way to Billinudgel, and the immediate change that seems to accompany the crossing of the invisible line to the south. The first climb on Coolamon was the winding, switchback road into Mullumbimby. With the northerly wind intensifying the heat and humidity, I took an alternative route south, climbing the range on Possum Shoot Road rather than the "conventional" way. Traffic here was heavier than it had any right to be, but the sweeping views from the top of the range made the effort worthwhile.



After negotiating the rolling hills atop the range, it was time for the screaming descent back to Mullumbimby, and the alternative route home, first starting with the dirt of Billinudgel Road. Here I had to make a decision. Billinudgel is, of course, home to the Humble Pie shop, but 10.45am is far too early for lunch, I pressed on to Mooball with the intention of getting something at the famous Moo Moo cafe. Unfortunately, the cafe has seen better days. Meat pies were about the only thing they could rustle up today, I took two and spent most of the remainder of the ride regretting the decision.



At first there didn't seem to be a problem, I climbed the Burringbar range, and was greeted with an inspirational, torrential downpour. The rain washed away the heat, and for the next 15km, I forgot that I was tiring at all. Unfortunately, the rain stopped around Murwillumbah, and I still had the climb of Tomewin to navigate. The climb offered some spectacular views of the clouds clearing the surrounding mountains, and this was just as well because I had plenty of time to take them in -- 42 minutes in fact, on a climb that I once did in just 22 minutes on the back end of 200km! Something clearly had gone terribly wrong after eating those pies.





Fortunately, the descent of the mountain, along with a couple of muesli bars allowed me to make a recovery of sorts. I even managed an attack or two against the wind on the final stretch of the ride home. In the end I wasn't sure of the total distance, as wireless computers are neither reliable nor durable. I estimate it was in the order of 180-190km, however. Another rewarding day, and hopefully a lot more to come.