Overview:
Enjoyable gravel and road ride along picturesque trails and fire roads in the Parr State Conservation Area. The starts and finishes at Wisemans Ferry.
Gravel or MTB bikes only.
Features: Views, challenging uphill and thrilling downhills, beautiful quiet road hugging the Hawkesbury River
Suitability: Suitable for novice riders with reliable and well maintained gravel or mountain bikes. Rides must be able to navigate their own way around the route and should be familiar with first aid.
Route Description:
The ride begins at Wisemans Ferry and heads west crossing the Hawkesbury River on the Webbs Creek Ferry. After leaving the Ferry you head up the gravel Bicentenary Road which climbs up to meet Wheelbarrow Ridge Trail high up overlooking the valley below. A decent down Wheelbarrow Ridge Road takes you to Lower Portland where there is a toilet stop. We turn back around and head along the north side Hawkesbury River following the Bicentenary Road back to Wisemans Ferry.
No bailout options available.
Coffee stop: A Choice of Cafés in Wisemans Ferry at the end of the ride.
Important Considerations:
• Carry ample water, as there are no refilling options.
• Bring snacks and a first aid kit.
• Ride with a safe stopping distance, especially on downhills.
• Do not rely on riders ahead to choose the correct line or speed.
• Hazard calls for obstacles such as rocks and sticks may be too frequent, so stay alert and scan the trail ahead.
• Trail surface may have changed due to wet weather, erosion and maintenance.
Other factors:
• Trail type: Wide fire-trail and Local Roads
• Trail surface: Mostly smooth, well-graded, bare rock in parts, large potholes in parts, loose and steep in some places. Narrow quiet Roads are Tarmac.
• Emergency access: Public Road and Trails, 4WD Access
• Phone reception: Limited
• River crossings, if any: New bridge over the Colo River, Webbs Creek Fery.
• Bail-out options: None.
Regroup Points:
• Intersection of Bicentennial Road and Wheelbarrow Ridge Trail 8.5km
• Intersection of Wheelbarrow Ridge Trail and Wheelbarrow Ridge Road 17.5km
• Lower Portland Ferry
• Intersection of Bicentennial Road and Wheelbarrow Ridge Trail 32.2km
• Webbs Creek Ferry
Check the National Parks and Wildlife website to ensure the track is open and accessible: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/parr-state-conservation-area
Distance: 41.00
Elevation Change: 760
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of
harm. Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an
inherent part of cycling, and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others
into danger. By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe
and responsible manner and to obey all Australian Road Rules.
All riders must wear an approved helmet and carry water, at least one spare tube plus a pump.
Health Warning
Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
Social media
While on Bike North rides and activities, you may be photographed or videoed. Photographs and videos
may be used by Bike North for social media or promotional purposes. If participants do not wish to be
included in social media, they should make it known at the beginning of the activity or as soon as possible
and other participants must respect their wishes.