Last updated April 8, 2024
Ride Profile
Update April 2024. We’ve just completed Barry Roobaix for 2024 on the longer course Mal designed and I have to say I think it’s the best gravel loop in the Orange Region. As a result i’ve updated this route to be the longer version, with a link to the older 80km route that starts from Blayney below.
For me this routes like this are why I own a gravel bike. Beautiful, quiet country gravel roads with stunning views at various points along the way. It features some excellent climbing but isn’t too challenging elevation-wise, plus it encompasses two of the regions most beautiful towns – the historic Millthorpe and Carcoar.
A little different to the other Ride Orange routes, this one starts in Millthorpe – about 25 minutes from Orange.
The landscape in this region is very open and at times sparse, so riding out this way is always a highlight. The climb up Fell Timber Rd is a particular highlight, as is Greghamstown Road and the gravel section Old Lachlan Rd that turns off after Neville.
Gravel roads of course can vary depending on weather, but these roads are traditionally in quite good condition. I have ridden this route on a road bike with 28mm tyres but I wouldn’t recommend it now – better to grab the gravel bike.
This route includes about 62kms of gravel.
Food & Water
Millthorpe: (start/finish) Numerous cafés. Millthorpe Providore is a regular stop for local cyclists. For pubs, there is The Commercial Hotel and the Millthorpe Hotel.
Carcoar: (at 34km) much smaller but a few food options including The Village Grocer, Antica Australis and The Royal Hotel. Hours are limited though so best to phone ahead. See the Carcoar website for more details.
Neville: (at 57km) We stopped at Rustic Nature, which is an excellent café / nursery open from Thursday to Sunday. The Neville Hotel recently re-opened as well.
Blayney: (at 89km) bakeries, cafes, service stations and pubs. The largest town on the route.
Watch out for
Road Condition: bitumen roads are good, gravel roads mostly good, with some rougher sections.
Traffic: generally quiet the whole way round. Hobbys Yards Road on the way back to Blayney can get busy and has little shoulder.
Variations / Extensions
Shorter 80km Blayney Version. Starting in Blayney, the original route is 80km long and includes 1265m climbing.
