Hunter Valley Cycle, Victoria St Station to Greta via Lovedale Vineyards, 34kms

On this event we will do a relatively easy 34km ride through the Lower Hunter. We will start in East Maitland and ride through historic Wollombi Road to the Lovedale Vineyards and then into Greta where we can get the train back to East Maitland. Please see details below about logisitics and accommodation.

The plan is to arrive at Victoria Street Station at 10.30 AM on Saturday 20 June, If you are coming by train you just need to get the 7.21AM Central to Newcastle service and then change at Hamilton for the Telarah service which arrives at Victoria Street Station at 10.28AM. If you are coming by car just park on the western (New England Highway) side of Victoria Street Station. You can leave your extra luggage in your car or take it to my place which is just around the corner from Victoria Street Station.

We will then commence our ride, firstly along the old road into Maitland, then along the Maitland riverbank promenade where we may stop for a coffee. Afterwards we ride through Telarah and then along the historic Wollombi Road and quiet Majors Lane which after 25km takes us into the Lovedale vineyards where we can stop at a cafe for lunch, suggestions are the French Cafe Brocante or The Deck Cafe. The last part of the ride takes us along Lovedale Road into Greta where we can stop for a beverage at either Greta Workers Club or the Thirsty Horse Hotel.

We will then ride the short distance back to Greta Station and get the 3.58PM train from Greta which arrives back at Victoria Street at 4.21PM or you can get the train back to Hamilton and then get the train to Sydney.

However if you are staying for the Morpeth and Paterson ride the next day it is suggested that you book your Saturday night accommodation in East Maitland at either the Windsor Castle Hotel or Best Western Endeavor Motel or in Maitland there is the more cheap and cheerful Family Hotel or Maitland City Motel. The Windsor Castle Hotel, Best Western Endeavor Hotel and Maitland City Moter all have free cancellation before 19 June if very bad weather looks likely.

We will go out in the evening to Central Maitland for dinner and to see "Luminous", Maitland's version of Vivid!

The ride. We will be on quiet rural roads the whole way. All roads are bitumen. You will need to take about 750ml of water. Please also take a spare tube and a kit for replacing a tube if required. Toilet stops are available in Maitland, Lovedale and Greta. I will take an EPIRP and first aid kit for
Safety. I will also have walkie-talkies for communication.
Any questions please ask. My phone number is 0439543695.
There will be a $5 gratuity for this event.
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Please be mindful and respectful of others and practice safe social distancing.
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