Lisa thinks the Great Escapade will be a ball!
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Gear up for the 2008 Great Escapade
By Lisa Dempster
Gear up for an autumn bike riding challenge. Travel from Lithgow on an amazing journey through the Blue Mountains, crossing the Great Divide and cycling through the Hunter Valley before pulling up at Newcastle’s sparkling coast. It's all in a day's work on the 2008 Great Escapade in New South Wales.
Travelling through cracking good riding country, the Great Escapade has plenty of challenging ups and downs - keen to tackle the Great Dividing Range, anyone? - as well as cruisy days coasting through farming regions, wineries and gorgeous tablelands.
The Great Escapade includes two diverse adventures, the eight day Tablelands Way and five day Taste the Hunter Valley - or a mammoth 13 day challenge for those who want to go the distance.
The Tablelands Way will see you pedalling through the Blue Mountains, enjoying breathtaking panoramas along the way, and into NSW's Tablelands, from the staggering Jenolan Caves to charming Scone. Pass the historic Zig Zag Railway, quaint Rylstone and the welcoming cellar doors of Mudgee - there's plenty to see in this picturesque part of Australia and the scenery is ever-changing. One day you’ll be working those legs riding up to the 1100 metre Pearson’s Lookout, savouring the distinctive scent of the Aussie bush, another you’ll be riding along Deadman’s Creek in the heart of mining country. It's about 499 kms of fun riding to Scone, through rural towns and amazing national parks.
Or maybe exploring the renowned Hunter Valley and its gourmet delights is more your thing? The journey is 230 kms and there is plenty of time for taste-testing the fruits of this region along the way. Coast by world class horse studs in the Upper Hunter before entering wine and cheese country. Be wowed by sights of natural beauty, like Lake Glenbawn, cycle along the Golden Highway and let your hair down with new friends along the way. Ride along the Hunter River, taking in spectacular views, and follow the meandering valley downstream to Newcastle's sparkling coastline.
Like all Rides, the Great Escapade is more than about cycling. The entertainment team is on hand to ensure that your journey is full of fun at every step of the way. Fun at the campsite varies from day to day, and include live music, movies, events put on by the communities you ride through – even speed dating! Café de Canvas is a great place to kick back with a beverage and chat to fellow riders, and the much-loved Good Oil ride paper and BYKFM radio will be on site as well. Of course, there’s plenty to do off-site as well, and exploring the local bakeries and pubs along the route is a favourite pastime of many riders. Camping out has never been so much fun!
The Great Rides is once again offering a Sleep Easy option, for those who want the hassle taken out of camping. Fitting two adults, the tents come with a comfy sleeping mat and will be set up when you ride into the campsite each evening and packed away for you each morning. If camping just isn’t your thing, another optional extra is Sam’s Sensational Snooze package, staying in local accommodation along the route.
The Rides team thinks the best way to see a place is from saddle height – do you agree? Come along, join in the fun and find out for yourself. The Great Escapade in northern New South Wales promises to be an unforgettable bike riding adventure.