SARCC PERFECT Ride – Sunday 22nd June
On the shortest day of the year, five hardy riders set off from Cambrai bound for Moculta. It was a bracing morning — just 8°C — with a fresh northerly wind keeping us honest. Recent rains had rejuvenated the landscape: lush green grass stretched to the horizon, as we crossed several creek beds beneath towering red gums. A bright blue sky and fast-moving clouds overhead made it feel like we were riding through a giant open-air art gallery. The route was rich with the history of the region. Ruined outstation buildings — echoes of a bygone era — were scattered along the way, with Kevin B and Peter H sharing stories and local knowledge as we rode. After 20km of gentle riding across the undulating piedmont, we turned towards the hills and tackled Pipeline Road. Don’t let its FIETS rating of 1.09 fool you — that’s for bitumen. On gravel, it felt double that. It was a real test of legs and lungs! We refueled with lunch in Moculta, then took on the obstacle course that is Narol Road. From there, it was a scenic return along the range tops to Pine Hut Road. With dry stone walls, windswept trees, and views of flat-topped hills, the landscape evoked the English Pennines.
There were a few challenges: Peter B had a puncture, and Peter H ran out of battery. But all in all, it was a rewarding ride — long, at times tough, but thoroughly enjoyable and memorable.