Murwillumbah loop via Fernvale & rail trail

This is the THIRD of a series of 6 separate consecutive rides. Please register separately for each of the rides.
You'll need to bring good LIGHTS for the tunnel on the rail trail.
Don't forget to book your accommodation early.

Summary of the whole tour
Thanks for considering this tour. FYI - The dates are outside NSW school holidays, NSW public holidays and coincide with a full moon. ALSO you are asked to provide a mobile phone number so that we can set up a WHATS APP group for use before and during the tour.
TRANSPORT: You are responsible-for your transport to and from the rides. NB There is a train to Casino but you will need to BOX your bike then get to Murwillumbah from Casino (buses only). Some of us may have space on vehicle racks. Contact fellow attendees to organise.
ACCOMMODATION: You are responsible-for your accommodation. There are various motels, pubs and caravans parks to choose from as well as short stay options (Stayz, Air BnB, etc) in both Casino and Murwillumbah or nearby locales. You are urged to book and confirm accommodation early.
SUGGESTED TIMETABLE:
Travel to Casino. Suggestion: Depart Sydney Monday 4 August – Drive to Casino NSW (approx 8 hours non-stop via Pacific Highway).
Check into your accommodation in/near Casino and get ready for a ride the next day.
Rides 1 and 2 start / finish in CASINO - need accom in / near Casino for at least 2 nights (Mon 4 and Tues 5)
Ride 1: Casino - Lismore return. Tuesday 5 August
Ride 2: Rambaldinis Road loop. Wed 6 August 3 hour ride in the morning. After the ride, pack up and travel to Murwillumbah (90 minute drive / 5 hour bike ride)
Wed 6 Aug. Check into your accommodation in Murwillumbah and get ready for a ride the next day.
ALL other rides start and finish in MURWILLUMBAH - need accom in / near Mur’bah for at least 4 or maybe 5 nights if attending all rides (i.e. Wed 6, Thurs 7, Fri 8, Sat 9 and maybe Sun 10)
Ride 3 – Thurs 7 August - Fernvale and rail trail loop
Ride 4 – Fri 8 August – Tyalgum loop
Ride 5 – Sat 9 August – Full moon ride + dinner from approx. 5pm.
Free time during the day (suggested day rides available).
Ride 6 – Sun 10 August – Urliup road loop. (Returns early afternoon, so enough time to pack and depart)

This specific ride: 39 klms (~ 3 hours plus stops) Depart 8.00 am from Murwillumbah station then head north to Quarry Rd, turning right and looping east then south. We go along the main road for short stretch then through back streets and some light industrial then residential areas through shaded hills, with plenty of big undulations and hills before we eventually hit the rail trail at Stokers Siding where we stop of a coffee at the general store. Then an easy ride to the end of the rail trail at Crabbes Creek where we will go to the general store for another snack and a sticky-beak then head back. NB we will go thru 2 tunnels twice. Suggest we have lunch at Burringbar on the return journey. You may choose to divert to the Tweed Regional Gallery at South Murwillumbah just before finishing at Murwillumbah.

Some of the early roads could be busy, but will soon thin out to be low speed, narrow roads through hilly country mainly servicing residences. This is a regular route for local cyclists. There is one stretch of about 500 metres along Tweed Valley way which often has 80 kph traffic, but it has good aprons.
Not a lot of services along the way till Stokers Siding where we will stop for a coffee. NB there are 'honesty box' produce stalls at Stokers if you want to stock up on some fresh fruits (Bring a pannier bag and cash). Also bring plenty of water, sun block, etc. You MUST have GOOD LIGHTS for the tunnels too.
All the usual stuff - bring & wear a helmet, spare tyre tube, tools & pump. Sun block and a sense of humour. If feeling unwell before the ride please don't join the ride. Give pedestrians (and any horses) a wide berth before passing them at low speed and give them a friendly warning call as you approach.