| Harding Lawson Road to Sandy Point
70 Km Medium 20% gravel
This ride takes in the hills of Foster North, along
the Fish Creek Road, past the Hoddle Range, stunning views across the
Inlet and The Prom. On to Fish Creek and Harding Lawson Road, along
country back roads, through prime cattle country, onto Waratah Bay and the
fantastic beach of Sandy Point.
This ride though rated medium is mostly flat to undulating,
the first 5 km are the hardest, the sections of gravel are well
maintained.
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View from Gardiners Road |
| From Foster cycle up Gardiners Rd.
This is 5 km of up, so make sure you have warmed up before
tackling this ride. The stunning views of Corner Inlet will take your mind
off your aching legs. After 3 km the road turns to a gravel track that
winds its way through the hills for a further 3 km until you meet O’Gradys
Ridge Road. |
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Views of Corner Inlet and "The Prom" |
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| Turn left and wind your way
to the intersection of the Foster/Fish Creek Road (6.50km),
turn right. The views along this section of the ride are breath
taking, take the time to stop and enjoy, at (8km) there is a lookout with
tables and chairs. Just down the road (8.7km) there is a turn off to the
left to Mt Nicoll lookout (2km). Steep gravel road but spectacular
views from the top.
Views from Mt Nicoll lookout are worth the climb
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| Continue along the Fish Creek Road.
Fish Creek
Township (14.3km) has a variety of stores and it is a good idea to stock
up with supplies as the next shop is at Sandy Point, 40 kilometres away.
At the end of Fish Creek Township Harding Lawson
Road Picnic Area is a perfect spot to stop.(14.7km) there are picnic
tables and chairs and rotunda. Take time to explore the creek and
walking trail.
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Harding Lawson picnic grounds, Fish Creek |
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| We now leave the main road and continue
along Harding Lawson Road. Harding Lawson Road undulates
through some of the best beef country the area has to offer. The
road turns to gravel at (19.50km). Continue past Evans Road on the
left and finally reaching the Buffalo/Waratah Road intersection (25km). |
Harding Lawson Road
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| Turn left, only five
kilometres down the Buffalo/Waratah Road you come to Summers Road (30km)
on the left, take this turn and continue until you meet the main Fish
Creek/Walkerville Road (36.4km) |
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Take care on the gappy bridges |
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| At the Fish Creek/Walkerville Road turn
left, you are now back on the main road to Fish Creek and if you want to
cut the ride short, Fish Creek is 14 kilometres and the Cottages a further
fourteen kilometers from Fishy.
To continue the ride turn right at C445 Fish
Creek/ Warartah Road (38km)
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Country school bus shelter at C445 intersection |
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| Now for one of the best downhill runs
around, sit back and enjoy the views. The beautiful Waratah Bay on
your right, Shallow Inlet on your left and the majesty of "The
Prom" straight ahead. Pass Soldiers Road (41.8km) on the
left if you wish to continue on to Sandy
Point or you can turn left here and ride back to Foster
(24km) |
Waratah Bay and "The Prom" |
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| Now you are only 7 kilometres from
Sandy
Point Cafe (49km) and a fine cup of coffee, say G'day to Neil for me. |
Sit back and enjoy the views
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