Cycling Route 5 - Iandra Castle Route

Length: 57km with 623m of ascent

Riders can start wherever they please on this loop but we suggest beginning at Iandra Castle – links below.

Enjoy this start location, it is another beautiful landmark in the Weddin Shire. To begin, head out along Iandra Rd for the first ~4km and then right on Wirrimah Rd, all paved.

You are predominately climbing (~136m) for the first ~8km, all the way to the first gravel section which commences on the aptly named Scenic Rd. This is an amazing road! They got the marketing right when they named this road, it rolls, twists and descends down towards your right turn onto Crouchdale Rd ~15km.

Follow this gravel road all the way through ~19km and back onto a paved road as you pedal through the town of Bendick Murrell. Soon after the dog-leg, over the train line, you will be back on gravel road and headed in an upwards direction, climbing (~146m) for the next ~6km and back onto Scenic Rd.

This is another magical section along the ridge line and at ~32km you will be at Touts Lookout. It is highly recommended to go into the lookout to appreciate the valley view.

Once back on your bike, head towards the town of Monteagle on the paved road but before you reach ‘town’ you will turn right on Grenfell Rd ~36.5km and then another right onto Jerrybang Lane. This gravel section offers another piece of paradise as you ride parallel Bulla Creek.

Follow this great gravel road until ~45.5km where you will turn right onto Rosewood Ln. This ~5km section takes you back up towards the Castle where you will turn left onto Iandra Rd and ride 6.5km back on paved road to your starting point.

SPECIFICS

Start and finish : Iandra Castle, 870 Iandra Rd, Greenethorpe NSW 2809 – https://goo.gl/maps/8qaLL4MTBctzowBg7
If the Castle is closed, there is ample area to park on Iandra Rd

Iandra Castle is 34km / 26 min drive from 88 Main Street Grenfell – https://goo.gl/maps/EeHYKq8SboaVqFCP6

Bathrooms : Not available at the start if the Castle is closed. There are facilities and picnic tables at Touts Lookout on Scenic Road ~32km.

Phone : Very limited access when you away from town. There is a Telstra phone box in Bendick Murrell ~22km.

Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres

Paved v’s un-paved : 30% v’s 70%

Highest Elevation on ride : 536m above sea-level at 32km

Lowest Elevation on ride : 369m above sea-level at 15km

Rating : 3 / 5 due to elevation

Estimated Ride Times : @ 15kph : ~3:48 hours // @ 25kph : ~2:17 hours

Cuesheet : turn by turn instructions can be found on the Ride with GPS Link

Notes : There are some fast descending sections along the way. Use caution. Make sure you go through the Cycling Check List below.

Cycling Check List

• Your own cycling safety is your responsibility so stay aware and take stock of your surroundings
• Follow the road rules at all times
• Check your bike and equipment before you depart, i.e. tyre condition, well lubed chain, helmet condition etc. Make sure it is all in good working order and if in doubt take it to your local bike shop before you venture out
• Always tell someone where you are going and your estimated time of return
• Check the weather forecast for the area where you will be riding
• Carry maps &/or a well charged GPS device for the area you are riding in
• Phone coverage is not always available, but a well charged phone should be carried in case of emergency
• Carry spare tubes, tyre levers, pump and multi-tool at a minimum
• Always carry enough water, food and suncream as you will be in remote areas
• It is highly recommended that you do not ride alone in remote areas
• Always be aware that roads and conditions regularly change, especially on country gravel roads