Murwillumbah loop via Fernvale & rail trail

This is the THIRD of a series of 6 separate consecutive rides.
TRANSPORT: You are responsible-for your transport to and from the rides.
ACCOMMODATION: You are responsible-for your accommodation.
ALL other rides start and finish in MURWILLUMBAH
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
Ride 6 – Sun 10 August – Urliup road loop.

This specific ride: 49 klms (~ 4 hours plus stops) Muster at 9.00 am at the Murwillumbah train station for departure soon after. We head north to Quarry Rd, turning right and looping east then south. We go along the main road for a 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 for 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.