Published on November 14, 2021
Ride Profile
Sweeping views… This is a classic Central West loop. From Orange a largely rolling downhill (admittedly with a few steep pinches on the way) takes you out though Nashdale and Borenore then down to Molong via Amaroo Road.
There is a about a 10 min section of highway which is best ridden single file and on the small shoulder. Once you are through Molong, the towns get smaller as you head on quiet roads to Manildra and then Cudal, with a nice steady climb in-between.
Food and coffee options are available in all three small towns.
From Cudal it’s reasonably flat until you come to the bottom of Bowan Park Road climb, when the hard work starts, roughly half an hour that steps up in sections and gets steeper as you go. The views at the top back down the valley are stunning.
Cargo Road greets you at the top and again single file is safest. This section is very up and down with the brute that is Lidster Hill (1.3km at 9%) waiting for you on the way.
Traffic can be aggressive on Cargo Road so ride with caution. There isn’t much shoulder except around Nashdale. You can turn off to Lake Canobolas and head back via the Pinnacle to take the quieter option.
Food & Water
Molong: A number of cafés, supermarkets and pubs.
Manildra: water at the rest stop on the main street. Coffee on Kiewa is a well stocked café, fast food and convenience store.
Cudal: Platypus is a great little café on the main street. Water at the public toilets opposite Platypus.
Vineyards (and Breweries) en Route
Borenore: Small Acres Cyder.
Bowan Park: you’ll need to turn right on to South Bowan Park Road (off Bowan Park Road) to visit Pioneer Brewing which is often open on weekends for tastings.
Boree Lane: left off Cargo Road not long after BPR, includes Strawhouse, Stockman’s Ridge, Boree Lane and Canobolas Smith.
Lidster: Break up the climb with a stop at Cargo Road Wines.
Nashdale: A lot of Orange wineries are located around Nashdale on Cargo Road, including Rikard, Dindima, Nashdale Lane, Rowlee, Printhie and De Salis. Montoro is on Cargo Road closer to town.
Watch out for
Road Condition: Quite good, but as per all our roads, rough and patched in sections. Always watch for potholes, especially after rain.
Traffic: Be careful on the Mitchell Highway from Amaroo Road to Molong, and on Cargo Road – both roads should be ridden single file only. There is minimal shoulder, traffic can be heavy and is fast moving on both. Otherwise the roads are quiet.
Variations / Extensions
Add on Mt Canobolas. If you’ve still got the legs after you’ve climbed Bowan Park Road and Lidster Hill, take the next right on the descent and head up Old Canobolas Road to the top of Mt Canobolas. See Old Canobolas Road route for more information. Head back to town via the Pinnacle. Extends the route to about 130km / 5.25hrs / 2,200m of elevation.
