Mudgee Biking Weekend

outside Bliss cottage in Mudgee

Henry Lawson memorial Henry Lawson drive

tors at Lowes Peak

"so many towns... which one will we go to?"

small "l" llama

road to Windeyer

"Rockdale" woolshed near Windeyer

another eccentric mailbox at Windeyer

goat herd on Windeyer road

Mudgee Rail Station - classic country NSW design from early 1900's

lunch at the Butcher Shop Cafe

A great weekend of cycling, eating, drinking and generally chilling out in the NSW Central western town of Mudgee. This event usually occurs just at the start of spring and replaced our tradional weekend of cycling in Dungog (Pedalfest) which we have attended non-stop for 7 years since 2003. This year and last we have opted for Mudgee to allow us some flexibility in meals/accommodation and local rides. We stayed at "Bliss" Cottage in Mudgee township this time, different to "Protea Farm" last year (12kms out of town). The cottage was comfortable and very well equiped and has the best shower head (huge rose with steaming hot water from the ceiling). The weather was kind although the mornings were very cold (4deg Sunday at 630am). Choice of rides included some short outings to give everybody a chance to test their legs and a longer ride (Windeyer) on Sunday morning. Food was good at Eltons Cafe on Sat evening followed by coffee and dessert at Mudgee Brewery. Butcher Shop Cafe definitely has the best coffee, and great value lunch, in town. Here is Garmin link Windeyer Lowes Peak Rd Rocky Waterhole Rd

Berowra rear derailleur smash-up

'round and 'round the cluster...

"call in the team car..."

broken derailleur hanger

the hands of Elly examine the damage

with Wheelers - this ride came to an abrupt stop on return from Brooklyn at the twin servos Berowra. Leaving the lights at the station I changed to the big ring for the twin servo sprint. My rear derailleur jammed and the chain wrapped around the cluster and into the freewheel hub. After my first reaction of "what the...!" I looked down and saw the chain off and pulled hard back against the pedal, and a further glance back along the chain stay revealed a total mess of derailleur, chain, broken dropout and hanger. Thanks to Wheelers for stopping to assist and, in particular, Elly whose considerable skills for roadside bike repairs were unable to get me mobile again. An expensive trip this morning.. ah well, at least the wind has dropped and the sun is shining...
Update 28/8 I took his mess to Northside and after musing on it for over a week, they rang to tell me that they couldn't repair as they had no account with Avanti to order the parts (drive side dropout) needed. They referred me to Supreme Cycles Narrabeen who are an Avanti dealer. Thus may take a while to sort as the repair to frame has to be done in Melb. Still don't know the cost (hopefully it will be worth repairing as I don't want to ditch the frame).
Update 31/8 Supreme advise that Avanti Aust. do not have the part (dropout) and neither of their frame builders have the part required. So its time for plan "b".... new bike (or at least, new frame).

Update 11/9 After a chat with Peter Jones he suggested I contact Stan a frame builder who works with Bik Addiction at Manly. I have sent pictures of the damaged part to them and asked if they think Stan can help. Meanwhile I have a loaner bike Specialized Tarmac from Northside to ride this week and compare to Mike Ford's roubaix which he has kindly lent me for a while until I get my own bike sorted (or a new one!!) 

on the road again

new dropout and derailleur fitted by Stan at Bike Addiction