Orange to Molong
Orange NSW. 24.2°C

Orange to Molong

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Home  -  Things to doCyclingOVBTOrange to Molong

Distance
Distance

55.8 km

Sealed Road
Sealed Road

39.8 km

Unsealed Road
Unsealed Road

15.9 km

Difficulty
Difficulty

2 - Vigorous

Terrain
Terrain

Net Downhill

Time
Time

2.5 Hours

Average Speed
Average Speed

20 km/h

Climb
Climb

9.5 (m/km)

Climb
Climb

530m

Descend
Descend

868m

Min Elevation
Min Elevation

532m

Max Elevation
Max Elevation

1133m

At a Glance

Mount Canobolas is an ancient volcano, with an elevation of 1,395 metres above sea level. The mountain is the highest peak between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean. 

It’s a picturesque ride up to the Pinnacle (1,133m a.s.l.), then a glorious 40 kilometres net of downhill cycling to Molong (532m a.s.l.), through wineries, cideries, orchards and farming country.

Sensory Engagement

Getting riders out of Orange and into the surrounding countryside is the purpose of today's route. Experience the Mount Canobolas high country environment on the first stage of this ride. Travel through typical Central West Slopes rural landscape on the way to Molong.

What’s the best bike for this route?

There are around 9km of unsealed road surfaces on this route, and about 45km of sealed roads.  Gravel and hybrid bikes are probably the best choice for this ride, with most riders choosing tyres above 32mm.  Riders on e-bikes will have an advantage on the climb to the Pinnacle.

Route Difficulty

This ride is rated as 2 on a scale out of 9, or “vigorous” as it is the top end of the easy scale, longer and with a few climbs added for good measure.

Disclaimer: This trail has been developed with the support of local cycling enthusiasts, The Treadlies to showcase some of our region’s most picturesque rides. Orange360 recommends that visiting cyclists review road, weather and seasonal farming conditions before they embark on their ride. Riders embark on their adventure at their own risk.

Something for everyone, on and off the bikes

Orange 360 showcases the natural beauty of this gorgeous Region.  Set in the heart of Wiradjuri Country, people can explore historic sites, wineries, cideries, towns, villages and events all year round.  Catering for all forms of experiential adventurers, there is something for everyone on and off the bikes.

The welcoming warmth of our locals in cafes, restaurants, pubs, B and B’s and farm stays will add to the highlights of your adventures on this route.

Molong has a rustic and interesting museum that is worth seeing. The background to the Fairbridge Farm School and Orphanage is a fascinating story shown at the museum.

Course Notes

There is a cue sheet for this route on Ride with GPS, including cues and distances that align with the descriptions below.

The ride starts at Cook Park. Plenty of off-street parking and space for riders to meet, set up and then farewell their delivery drivers.

Riders leave Cook Park on Sampson Street, which is a lovely wide street with homes displaying period architecture on either side of the road. Just one and a half blocks later riders turn left into Woodward Street, ride south past Pilcher Park, then up and out of Orange on Shiralee Road. This is a little warm up climb before riders get to Pinnacle Road, so leave plenty in the tank. The real climb is coming up.

Turn left at the Pinnacle Road T-intersection (approximately 4.4 km from Cook Park). The Pinnacle route takes riders a further 7km through orchards and vineyards up towards The Pinnacle. Riders need to settle into a comfortable rhythm here as this is a reasonable climb of 210 metres which includes one section of road at 9% gradient.

This climb is worth it on every metre in elevation gained. There are terrific views on this part of the ride, and riders can pause to catch their breath, have a drink and capture that perfect landscape image. At the Pinnacle, there is a car park and then a walking track to the top. Not much good for bikes, especially when loaded with gear for a multi-day ride.

Riders then descend through the Towac Valley past Lake Canobolas (18.1 km). There are toilets and a café beside the lake. Riders continue to the Cargo Road intersection, then turn left (19.5 km) and continue pedalling a further 2 kms before turning right at Borenore Road (21.9 km). There is a good shoulder on the Cargo Road but be aware that it is used by heavy vehicles. The turn to the right is also a little bit tricky, with not much protection for vehicles and riders, so best take care here too.

The Borenore Road is a lovely part of the ride, mostly downhill and past the Australian National Field Days site at Borenore. The old Borenore railway station is no longer in use, but it is worth taking a quick stop here for a photo. At the Escort Way T-intersection (28.7 km) turn left, ride 150 metres then right onto Amaroo Road.

At Pratten Road (35.8 km), riders turn left, and the gravel section commences almost immediately. Riders climb gently away from the bitumen and into farm country. You’ll rise to the crest and be rewarded with a view to the southwest over Cheeseman’s Creek, before turning left again on Rutherford Road (39.4 km).  Riders will continue along Rutherford Road to the T-intersection with Yuranigh Road (45.0 km), where riders turn right.

This is a lovely quiet stretch of road. There’s a gentle climb on recently sealed road, which meanders like a river through remnant eucalypts. At the crest (approx. 45.6 km), pause and take in the near 360-degree views of the area. There’s another glimpse in the distance of Mt Canobolas.

Yuranigh’s Grave is worth stopping at (51.0 km), and for riders to consider the importance of this site to us all. There is a good article about Yuranigh’s grave here.

It’s then a short ride before turning left onto the Mitchell Highway (51.8 kms) and a 3 km downhill ride into Molong to finish the day. This last section of road is also used by heavy vehicles but there is a good shoulder beside the road on this downhill ride into town.

Toilets at Rotary Park on right before you ride over the railway (53.6 km), also in town near the Freemason’s pub. The railway station is closed to passengers and the public.

Total distance is 54.4 kilometres.

Disclaimer:

This trail has been developed with the support of local cycling enthusiasts, The Treadlies to showcase some of our region’s most picturesque rides. Orange360 recommends that visiting cyclists review road, weather and seasonal farming conditions before they embark on their ride. Riders embark on their adventure at their own risk.


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