Mendooran Food Cycle Update People are starting to ride in. Couple of notes, changes.
PLACES TO EAT FRIDAY
There are two options for places to eat on Friday night in Mendooran: The Royal Hotel or Mendooran Bowling Club.Hours for various outlets over Friday and the weekend are:
Friday and Saturday
Mendooran Café & Convenience 0489 213 51 6am – 6pm; Blue Sky Cheese 0448 344 02 10am – 4pm; Royal Hotel 02 68886 208 11.30am -2pm & 5.30 – 8pm; Hayes Coffee Coffee Van 0423 328 747 8am – noon; Mendooran Bowls Club bistro (02) 6886 1138 6pm-8pm
Sunday
Mendooran Café & Convenienc 7am – 4pm; Blue Sky Cheese 0448 344 027 8am – whilst markets open; Royal Hotel 11.30am – 2pm and 5.30 – 8pm; Hayes & Co Coffee Van 0423 328 747 8am – noon; Mendooran Bowls Club bistro (02) 6886 1138 10am- 2pm
Program Update
Producers Market change: The Saturday evening market at Showground (5pm) has been moved to the Sunday Markets at Bluesky Cheese starting at 8am. Frees up a few producers heavily involved in the dinner.
Rides Sunday j9am start: To allow people to fill up their panniers with produce rides on Sunday are programmed to leave Café Mendooran at 9am rather than 8.15am.
Program – tickets available – accommodation information
Scroll down to program below or CLICK HERE to download a PDF of program which has links to ticket sales. PDF can be handy for forwarding to others who might be interested!
The Mendooran Food Cycle is on again – from Thursday 17 May to Sunday 18 May with riders starting out from various points of the compass some days before as part of the action. A few more additions are coming – we will keep you posted (last updated 15 Februrary 2025).
The Mendooran Food Cycle provides a great cycling event, but there is also plenty for the non-cyclist – town heritage walks, vegetable garden tour and all the buzz last time, bees! The big get together is the dinner at the Mendooran Showground on Saturday – the fire will be on.
Mendooran is not a huge town, and last year we had all the beds booked out. But the strong hand at Mendooran is camping. So come prepared, the Mendooran Showground facilities are just new and there is a stack of undercover space. Plus, there are a number of other camping locations in the town. Hopefully we will have details of a couple of initiatives to make the camping option even easier. Looking at tents for hire.
The other purpose of the Food Cycle is to boost the great little town of Mendooran and to fundraise for the Central West Cycle Trail Inc. CWC takes a bit from each ticket sold to enable it to fund websites, carry insurance, be an incorporated body etc – not exciting but essential.
Program and Tickets
Thursday 15 May
Ride Gulgong to Dunedoo (58km) ‘9.00am join the crew’ heading to Mendooran via the CWC Trail CLICK HERE for route Location depart Coronation Park, Mayne St, Gulgong Organised CWCT Committee but self-guided Cost free CLICK HERE to Indicate intention to ride – THANKS
Ride Ballimore to Cobbora (75km) ‘9.30am join the crew’ heading to Mendooran via the CWC Trail CLICK FOR ROUTELocation depart Coronation Park, Mayne St, Gulgong Organised CWCT Committee but self-guided Cost free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – THANKS
Dunedoo Museum Tour4pm – 5.30pm get to know the history of the area with our local historian. Location: Dunedoo Museum (same building as Library) Bolaro St, Dunedoo Organised Sharon Nott, local historian Cost $10 CLICK HERE to buy ticket
Friday, 16 May
Ride Dunedoo to Mendooran via Cobbora (67km)8.30am ‘join the crew’ heading to Mendooran via the CWC Trail CLICK FOR ROUTE. Location depart White Rose Café, Bolaro Street, Dunedoo Organised CWCT Committee but self-guided. Cost free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – thanks
Dunedoo Museum Tour9am- 10.30am get to know the history of the area with our local historian. Location Dunedoo Museum (same building as Library) Bolaro St, Dunedoo. Organised Sharon Nott, local historian Cost $10 CLICK HERE to buy ticket
Brunch at Cobbora Station9.30am – 11.45am. On your way to Mendooran from Dunedoo one of the iconic stops is Cobbora Station for brunch. Location Cobbora Station”, turn west off Cobbora Rd, 500m from edge of township of Cobbora, 25 km from Dunedoo via CWCT Organised Sally Dent Cost $33 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Saturday, 17 May
Century RideMendooran-Dunedoo:7.30am Long loop ride (120km) to Cobbora, Dunedoo (lunch), then back via Digilah, Route follows the CWC Trail.CLICK HERE for route Location Mendooran Cafe, Bandulla St, Mendooran Organised CWCT Committee but self-guided Cost free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – thanks
Ride Merrygoen, 8.15am short loop (35 km) and long loop (55 km). CLICK HERE for routes Location depart Mendooran Cafe, Bandulla St, Mendooran Organised CWCT members John Fuller & Mick Cooper Cost free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – thanks Ride back into town to enjoy and coffee and support the local town.
Ride around Mendooran (8 km) 8.30 – 9.45am a quiet cycle through the back streets and along the river. CLICK HERE for route Location Mendooran Cafe, Bandulla St, Mendooran Organised CWCT Committee member Sharon Nott Cost free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – thanks.
Heritage and Architectural Walk Mendooran township10am – 11.30am classic examples of Art Deco and colonial architecture, hear the stories. Location, Mendooran Café, Bandulla St, Mendooran Organised Barbara Hickson, Heritage Architect and CWCT, and Sharon Nott, CWCT Cost $5.00 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Black Gate Distillery – tastings 11.00am-11.45am The Black Gate Distillery epitomises Mendooran punching above its weight in the food value adding industry. Meet the entrepreneurs, taste the award winning products. Cost $30.00 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Clem’s Garden Tour12.50 – 2.30pm Introduction to his goats and then stroll around his garden providing the good oil on what and when to grow in the Central West. Clem is a local gardener who grows a very substantial part of his annual food supply needs. Location O’Leary Pavilion, Showground, Mendooran Organised Clem Chapman-local Mendooran gardener Cost $5.00 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Black Gate Distillery – tastings 1.00am-1.45am The Black Gate Distillery epitomises Mendooran punching above its weight in the food value adding industry. Meet the entrepreneurs, taste the award winning products. Cost $30.00 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Life of Bees and Tastes of Honey1.00 – 2.30pm This will get your mind buzzing! An incredible insight into and a taste of the Australian bee industry from Adrian Grew principal of The Bee Farmer. Now includes Dark Sky Meadery. Location 79 Frederick Road, Mendooran Organised Adrian Grew, The Bee Famer Cost $20 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Black Gate Distillery – tastings 3.00pm-3.45pm The Black Gate Distillery epitomises Mendooran punching above its weight in the food value adding industry. Meet the entrepreneurs, taste the award winning products. Cost $30.00 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Life of Bees and Tastes of Honey3pm – 4.30pm. This will get your mind buzzing! An incredible insight into and a taste of the Australian bee industry from Adrian Grew principal of The Bee Farmer. Now includes Dark Sky Meadery. Location 79 Frederick Road, Mendooran Organised Adrian Grew, The Bee Famer Cost $20 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Local Produce Evening Market5pm-6.30pm, A showcasing of local produce where you can meet some of the growers, and a chance to get something to take on the next day’s ride or to carry home. Location Mendooran Showground Organised Carmel Bundy, Dunedoo Coolah Landcare – Cost Entry free
TASTES OF MENDOORAN DINNER6pm onwards. The fire will be alight, whilst the Mendooran Show society provides a multi-course dinner. Vegetarian/gluten free options available. With the baked vegetables you can select from the slow cookers the lamb, the beef, the pork of the district. Then the desserts made from local goodies. Location Showground, Mendooran Organised Mendooran Pastoral Agricultural & Horticultural Society. Cost $35 CLICK HERE to buy ticket (booking essential)
Sunday, 18 May
Ride Mendooran to Dunedoo via Cobbora8.15am and visit Sally’s for Brunch (see below @ 9.30am, tickets and payment) on the way. Location Mendooran Cafe, Bandulla St, Mendooran Organised CWCT Committee but self-guided Cost free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – thanks
Ride Goonoo8.15am forest trails where meeting a vehicle is once in a ‘blue moon’ event. You can either be riding onto Ballimore (60km Mendooran-Ballimore) CLICK FOR ROUTE (to Ballimore) or looping back to Mendooran via Deadman’s Gully (51km) CLICK ROUTE (loop back to Mendooran). Enjoy morning tea on the way, see Café in the Goonoo below. CLICK HERE for route Location Mendooran Cafe, Bandulla St. Mendooran Organised CWCT Committee member Dave Allworth Cost Free CLICK HERE for intention to ride – thanks On your ride, deep in the forest you will find the Goonoo Café, 8.30am-10.30am Coffee, tea, a comfortable seat and more to be enjoyed. Location Denmire Creek, Forest Rd (Mendooran-Dubbo Rd) Organised Mendooran Dunedoo Coolah Landcare. Cost of morning tea $17 CLICK HERE to buy ticket CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – thanks
Ride around Mendooran (6 km) 8.30 – 9.45am a quiet cycle through the back streets and along the river. CLICK HERE for route Location Mendooran Cafe, Bandulla St, Mendooran Organised CWCT Committee Cost free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride – thanks.
Autumn Markets at Blue Sky Cheese9.00am onwards Range of stalls from local food producers to those with something interesting to sell. Location grounds of Blue Sky Cheese Shop, Bandulla St, Mendooran Organised Deb Kiem, Blue Sky Cheese Shop Cost Free
CANCELLED – APOLOGIESBrunch at Cobbora Station9.30 – 11.45am On your way to Dunedoo from Mendooran one of the iconic stops is Cobbora Station for brunch. At 40km from Mendooran and another 25km to Dunedoo it is just the right time to stop. Location Cobbora Station, turn west off Cobbora Rd, 500m from edge of township of Cobbora, Organised Sally Dent Cost $33
Monday, 19 May
RideDunedoo to Gulgong8.30am.This is a different route than that taken to go between Gulgong to Dunedoo on Thursday. CLICK HERE FOR ROUTE Location: Depart White Rose Cafe, Bolaro St, Dunedoo. Organised: CWCT Committee, but self-guided Cost: Free CLICK HERE to indicate intention to ride
Accommodation
There is a range of accommodation in and around Mendooran – but for an event like this be early to book. The strength of Mendooran are the camping options – the Showground (plenty of undercover space and hot showers), beside the Castlereagh River,. Use the ‘Accommodation-Tours-Transport’ tab on the CWCT website for guidance, follow the links: CLICK HERE FOR ACCOMMODATION OR refer to the ‘QUICK REFERENCE ACCOMMODATION GUIDE’.
Camping is Mendooran’s strong hand. There is free camping at the river, and the showground has excellent facilities contact Treasurer of the Showground Deb Keim 0448 344 027.
Tent Hire
Dubbo Scouts have been retained to deliver and set up a spacious tent (10ft x 8ft) for Fri 16 May and Sat 17 nights at the Mendooran Showground for $150.At the Showground there are hot modern showers and toilets for a meagre $10 usage charge at the ground.Other camping equipment is also available on request (e.g. chairs, table, lamp, smaller or larger tent, etc), please email us: [email protected]
We recommend you get your order in by Monday 12 May to ensure availability at the showground for you when you arrive. Click Here
Maps – Route Options
For cycling routes around Mendooran CLICK HERE. Route variety will increase as we approach the weekend.
If you’re thinking of driving to a local town and doing a loop ride to Mendooran as part of the Food Cycle weekend but haven’t got time for the whole CWCT there are a range of options available. Contact us for more advice/information: [email protected] or call David Allworth 0408 726 038.
Further information
For further information and updates watch the CWC Facebook site or CWC website News section. On the weekend the Mendooran Showground will be the key location for information.
There will be periodic closures of Scabbing Bridge over the Macquarie River 4 km south of Geurie. Closures programmed for October through to mid-December. The closure dates set by the Dubbo Regional Council should be notified on Live Traffic NSW . The dates known as at 29 October are:
* Tues 29th, to Thurs 31st October, * Tues 12th to 14th November * Tues 26th to Thurs 28th November and * Tues 10th to Thurs 12th December. BUT CHECK LIVE TRAFFIC TO SURE ON THE DAY OR EVENING OF JOURNEY.
Personally hosted mornings teas, lunches or afternoon teas on local farms or a rural village are a unique and memorable feature of the Central West Cycle Trail. Hundreds of cyclists have enjoyed the home-made foods and insight to country living provided by these pre-booked visits. Bookings a must because there are farms to be run, teaching and landcare to be attended to, and the mail to be sorted. Birriwa, call Sue Rains, “Mayfield”, 02 6375 8291; Cobbora, call Sally Dent, 0498 542 689; Wongarbon, call Suzie Gratton, 0422 615 945.
From September for three months, a small number of passengers will have the option of bringing bicycles onto the train when they board a select XPT service at Dubbo or Central, without having to put them in a bike box.
NSW TrainLink’s limited proof of concept trial is designed to provide insights into the operational feasibility of transporting bikes onboard long-distance regional trains.
Please try it out, fill out the Trainlink feedback form and gives us your thoughts at [email protected] or at the CWC Facebook page.
Details of the trial are contained in the two links below:
Trail guide, memento or inspiration to ride is the new 22 page Central West Cycle Trail book. The new edition has a foldout A3 size map. Each of the 10 legs of the 400km has a separate map, photos, key features and direction notes. Photographs have been contributed by numerous of the riders of the trail over the last three years. Although we live in the wonder of the electronic age a publication for browsing or reading jointly with others provides a special joy. Cost is $20.00 (postage included). Go to: CWC Guide Book – Central West Cycle Trail
The Central West Cycle Committee, Bicycle NSW and Rail Trails NSW have put out a pre-election call for there to be deletion of the rule requiring the boxing of bicycles on regional trains and Trainlink coaches.
Committee members of the CWC have developed a detailed document (13 pages) about the changes that can be made at low-cost to allow cyclists to roll their bikes on and off regional trains and coaches. See Bicycles on Regional Trains. A good coverage of the issues is on the Bicycle NSW news site.
Dismantling, boxing and weighing bikes just to board TrainLink is a major deterrent to regional tourism. Cycle tourism will continue to prefer Victoria, NZ and Europe over NSW because the outdated TrainLink policy doesn’t support Roll-On Bikes on All NSW Trains.
Taking bikes onto trains/coaches needs to be a customer friendly experience.
The second half of 2022 is typified by rain -unprecedented amounts.
Before venturing out on any day check theCWC Facebook (tap on FEATURED icon) and other links listed below for road/trail conditions. We strongly recommend support vehicles should plan on limiting themselves to the use of sealed (bitumen) roads.
The Facebook rather than the website will be the vehicle for the most up to date information known to the Committee because of the ability to quickly make updates from the field, through a number of observers. But riders/support teams are finally responsible for decisions as independent travellers about the route they take and whether to proceed.
Circumstances can change before warnings can be posted, as such people have to make their own assessment of risk and be sufficiently prepared with supplies to not have to take risky options. It is our local experience that roads can become impassable due to bogging and fast or deep water well before there is signage erected by authorities.
Signage and maps
Do not depend on signage alone to navigate the CWC – following a map is essential!!
The CWC has tried to place oval signage on all major intersections to assist navigation. But there are gaps!
The BLACK arrows depict an anti-clockwise route, and the WHITE are clockwise. The directional stickers are all black arrows regardless of direction.
We are only allowed to place oval signage on traffic information signposts and not traffic control posts and as a result are limited where they can go, so if there is no suitable post there won’t be a sign. Note there are no oval signs in the Goonoo Forest as we can’t get approval from National Parks only the black arrow stickers in both directions.
Recent rains have created challenges for riders. Below are some alternatives for known problem areas. We are looking to expand our range of options available to cater for adverse weather. Meanwhile, do not hesitate to call any of the contacts listed on this website for advice.
1, Wellington-Dubbo
Recently routes can be cut between Geurie and Dubbo both on Old Dubbo Road and roads out of Wongarbon to Dubbo.
Alternative route is “Dubbo-Wellington sealed”– south of Macquarie River 59.8km mapped by Mick Cooper.
Main trouble arises on this route at Uamby Creek about 10km from Goolma on the Uamby Rd towards Wellington. The alternative route to Goolma is to follow 12 Mile Rd and miss Uamby Rd.
Because of recent roads works at a causeway there was another ‘road closed’ section 5km along Mebul Rd from the Goolma end. This is not expected to be a long-term problem. However, whilst work happens in May and June 2022 problems could arise if heavy rains occur. People have been forced onto the Goolma-Wellington Rd which is not pleasant. We are looking at alternative options.
General experience across the CWC has been that troubles arise within the 12 to 24 hrs of heavy rains – with most creeks receding quickly without further rain and gravel roads drying. Being able to alter timetable with a Plan B is very valuable.
The CWC is characterised by quiet gravel roads and creek crossings without bridges – either a concrete causeway or stream bed itself. This means you enjoy many many kilometres of quiet cycling. The flip side is there is no ‘big road’ engineering to protect you from the effects of heavy downpours.
The CWC website now carries mapping for utilizing the option of going between Dubbo and Geurie via Old Dubbo Rd, distance 32 km. This route option creates a loop for those going into Dubbo on their way between Geurie (Wellington) to Ballimore. Previously the route into Dubbo from Wongarbon was very similar to the onward leg to Ballimore from Dubbo.
The trail option is in the Map section of the CWC website is listed as 6a in the PDF and RideWithGPS links. The new route is also covered in the trail description on the website in the Dubbo-Geurie section. On route you will go by the Pioneer Cemetery and the Dun Lah Café 0419 981 626 (check opening hours on its webpage). The loop Dubbo – Old Dubbo Rd – Geurie – Wongarbon-Dubbo is a ‘day trip’ option if you stay over in that part of CWC region. A little insight from Mick Cooper at (14) Central West Cycle Trail | Facebook.
