Route Notes  (PDF file 21kb. Download using Acrobat Reader)

This ride samples the pretty country traversed by quiet backroads in eastern end of the large region covered by the Goldenfields Water County Council, so named because of the predominance of wheat growing.

The ride starts in the small town of Binalong, about 100 km north of Canberra and 35 km from Yass. Binalong has been settled since the 1830s, and is known partly for the demise of the notorious bushranger Johnny Gilbert in 1865, whose grave is nearby.

Depending on the distance option chosen, the ride takes in the following towns:

* Boorowa, known for for its fine wool sheep and the 'superb parrot';
* Galong, with a striking monastery nearby, and an interesting town cemetary
notable for its spires; and
* Harden, a twin town with close neighbour Murrumburrah that is the centre
of a flourishing mixed agricultural district.

See route map and written route instructions for available services. The route follows quiet sealed backroads, apart from two sections of hard shoulder on the Burley Griffin Way..

The countryside is mainly gently undulating in the area between Binalong/Boorowa/Galong area, with a few modest hills. There are a few more hills in the section from Galong to Harden, followed by mostly short rolling hills on the return leg from Harden to Binalong along a wonderful, almost traffic free backroad. The terrain is similar on the last section on the Burley Griffin Way, with a nice 4km downhill on the run-in to Binalong. Then there is the opportunity to relax in the Glass Teapot Café in Queens St.