Wiangaree

Jason on Causeway 800
This unusual ride took us from Running Creek near Rathdowney, over the Border Ranges to the Richmond River, and then back over the range to our starting point.

I have wanted to do this course for a long time because it closes a large gap in my Ride Network between Rathdowney and the Border Ranges. This “missing link” now completes an unbroken line of riding routes which stretches from Kyogle in Northern NSW all the way up to Rainbow Beach on the Fraser Coast and out as far as the Bunya Mountains.

Interstate Railway Line
We parked the car and started our ride just outside of Rathdowney next to the interstate Railway Line.

Mountain Views, Lions Road
Although the forecast for the day suggested rain, we headed southwards towards the towering Border Ranges under sunny skies.

Glenapp SchoolGlenapp Farmer

A few kilometres down the road we stopped at Glenapp where an old primary school once stood. A friendly farmer pulled up on his quad bike to say “G’day” and tell us about the ruins of an old saw mill in one of his paddocks down the road.

Running Creek

As we followed the narrow road up the valley it crossed “Running Creek” many times.

Mountain Views, Lions Road

The hills slowly grew steeper as we approached the range.

Lions Road
Lions Road

“The Lions Road” is a privately funded tourist road built by the Lions Club of Kyogle in 1971 as a scenic route from Running Creek to Gradys Creek over the Range via Richmond Gap.

Richmond Gap
At Richmond Gap we took a short well-earned break at the Border Gate.

Wayne Pope
Wayne Pope has one of the most scenic views in the area from his front door. Wayne works for the Darling Downs – Moreton Rabbit Board and is responsible for maintaining the “Rabbit Proof Fence” which runs along the state border adjacent to his property.

Border Loop Railway
Before enjoying the long descent down the other side of the range, we stopped at the Border Loop Lookout, overlooking the looping railway line which spirals up the range before disappearing into a tunnel.

Border Ranges
The roll down the other side was enjoyable, but was over in what seemed like a few minutes as we rocketed down the range. I was mindful of the fact that later in the day we’d have to grind back up this big hill.

Old Shed
“Gee that was fun”, I said to Jason when we stopped briefly at the bottom of the hill at Cougal to admire some dilapidated old farm sheds.

Railway Bridge, Gradys Creek
Rather than follow the paved road out of the valley, we decided to take a detour along an old section of Gradys Creek Road following the creek and the railway line.

Causeway, Gradys Creek
This delightful track meanders along the creek, crossing it several times over concrete causeways.

Causeway, Gradys Creek
At one or two spots we made a mental note of where we might stop for a swim on the way back, or on a future ride.

Railway Bridge
Back on the bitumen, we followed the road as it twisted out of the valley and under the railway line several times.

Little House
(Photo: Jason Reed)

Some of the accommodation near the road was a little cramped ๐Ÿ™‚

Simes Road
We left the paved road again as we followed Simes Road towards the National Park.

Simes Road
I’ve driven up Simes Road a few times in a car, but I didn’t appreciate how steep it was until we had to slowly ride our bikes up. The temperatures were climbing into the mid 30’s. Jason and I were both feeling the heat.

Simes Road
Like all tough climbs, our hard work eventually came to an end as we enjoyed coasting down the other side with the cool breeze in our faces and the majestic slopes of the range before us.

Lynchs Creek School
Lynchs Creek School

Lynchs Creek School closed a long time ago, but it is still beautifully maintained by the thoughtful local community as a camp site and picnic area. Right on the banks of the creek, with shelter, toilets and cooking facilities, it is a perfect spot to set up camp for the night.

Lynchs Creek School
The building was unlocked, so I showed Jason some of my teaching skills. I’m sure he was glad that I never got to be a teacher.

Farm Fields, Wiangaree
We followed the road south from the school through farm fields and rolling hills towards the Richmond River.

Richmond River
The traditional owners of The Richmond River Valley are the Bundjalung Aboriginal People.

They have a legend that the Wiangaree Lagoon, on the river near this spot, is inhabited by the spirits of ancient warriors. They say that it is haunted by the spirit of one woman who was killed by an overly jealous husband, and that the sounds of her struggles can be heard in the splashing of the water and the cries of the night birds.

Neil Crossing Richmond River by Jason Reed
(Photo: Jason Reed)

We left this pretty river behind and made our way into Wiangaree for lunch.

Wiangaree General Store
Wiangaree General Store
The Wiangaree General Store and Post Office has everything, including cold beer. Store owner, Trish Wilsom, gave us a huge lunch. Jason and I were impressed by the friendliness of the locals who all stopped to say “G’day”, enquiring about our ride, and wishing us well for the return trip.

I asked local farmer, Andrew Adcock if he thought we’d get a storm this afternoon.

“Without a doubt” he replied.

When it comes to weather, you can’t get a better forecaster than the bloke who works the land, so Jason and I decided to take the quick route back, and hope to avoid the approaching storm.

Summerland Way, The Risk
We followed “The Summerland Way” out-of-town as we headed home. Although it’s a major road, it has wide shoulders on either side, which gave us a comfortable buffer from traffic.

The Risk Hall
“The Risk” is one of the unusually named places in the area. We stopped by the Risk Hall shortly after turning back on to the Lions Road, and admired its galvanised iron walls.

“That would get hot in summer”, Jason Said.

Fleeing the Storm
Farmer Adcock’s predictions came true as billowing storm clouds gathered behind us, chasing us up the road.

Fleeing the storm
The temperature started dropping, and the wind picked up. Distant thunder rumbled behind us. Despite the deteriorating weather, the coolness was refreshing.

Railway Bridge
Wooden Bridge, Gradys Creek

The earlier section of our ride seemed to play out in reverse as we rolled under railway bridges, and over creeks on our way back to the start.

Railway Tunnel, Border Loop, Cougal
Halfway up the hill the rain started falling gently as I made out a tunnel opening on the distant railway line. It’s funny how much easier it is to notice interesting things while riding a bike – things you’d miss while driving a car.

Border Gate
A small amount of gentle rain was all we got.

There were no storms.

As a precaution against the dim light, Jason and I both switched on our lights to make sure we were visible on the road.

Border Gate
The cool breeze and slight dampness felt perfect as we crested the range and made our way down the other side back towards Running Creek.

Running Creek Road
Wisps of cloud, and wet roads suggested that heavy rain had been here before us, but it had missed us.

Running Creek Road
The roll back along Running Creek Road was much easier – the gentle gradient pushing us along the road.

Running Creek Road
It was a cooler damper country – totally different from the landscape we’d left that morning.

Running Creek Road
The storm clouds passed over us, leaving us alone as we rolled back towards the car.

Were we charmed by some sort of magic spell that protected us from the weather and gave us yet another stunning ride?

I think not.

One lesson I have learned about good rides is that the secret of success is to turn up on the day.

It’s the same with most other things in life.

It might rain – it might not. The bureau forecast for the day showed 100% chance of rain. We could have stayed dry at home, but the only way we could have had any possibility of a good ride was to show up, hope for the best, and be prepared to alter our plans as the circumstances changed.

That’s exactly what happened.

Cheers
Jason packed a cold esky with beer. What a pleasant way to finish a ride!

Total distance: 93.31 km
Total climbing: 1854 m
Average temperature: 30.4
Total time: 07:16:34
Download file: activity_640642985.gpx
More data
All up we rode 93km in just over 7 hours with about 1,500 metres in vertical ascent.

I burned about 3,500 kcal.

I’ll rate this ride 8.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. There are a couple of steep bits, but logistically the shop at the half-way point makes it an easy ride.

Now that I’ve joined this network up, I’d like to find a pleasant off-road route between Kyogle and the Coast. So perhaps we should go back to this beautiful part of the world for another ride!

Thanks, Jason, for another fun day on the bikes.

Boxing Kangaroos

4 Replies to “Wiangaree”

  1. Very interesting read Neil. The pics of course bring it to life. Looking forward to doing this route myself on the motor. Doesn’t look like too much dirt. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Chris Grant (Harteveld)

    1. Thanks for reading the article, Chris.

      On a clear day, it’s well worth going up to The Pinnacle lookout, on Tweed Range Road. I’ve done it in our 2WD Camry Sedan before – it’s a gravel road but it’s smooth. The views are breathtaking. The route we took in the car is at the end of this article:
      http://nbe.me/3975

      If you do go, I’ll be really interested to hear what you think!

      Neil

  2. Chris, thanks for the article, and particularly all the pics! It was great to show my friend why taking the Lions Rd (lower section with creek crossings) is so much more fun way to travel across the border, for an upcoming fwd family holiday travelling from Brisbane to Scotts Head for a week. I am 50 now, and knew this road from when it was first opened in 1971, we travelled it every year (sometimes slipping and sliding in the mud to get up to the border!) before it was bitumen. Bit terrifying when I was small! Your pics do this road justice… THANK YOU SO MUCH! ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Hi Frances
      I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. We love travelling on the Lions Road – you’re lucky to have experienced it so long ago.
      I agree – some parts must have been frightening in wet weather when it was unpaved.
      BTW, my name’s Neil, not Chris. But you can call me “Chris” for short if you like ๐Ÿ˜‰
      Neil

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