On the western side of Cattai Creek lies Bali Gardens. Although Pitt Town and Oakville are on another continent to the actual Bali, the start and finish for this lovely local road cycling area is from the rainbow flags at the garden’s entrance.
Cycle west along Cattai Ridge Road for 500m turning right into St. John’s Road, which has a lovely country feel to it. Turn left into Reedy Road, descending to Fisher Road (just before the dip) on the right. It’s a gentle 2km climb back up to Cattai Ridge Road, but now you are nicely warmed up! Turn right at the T junction, then left into Scheyville Road. This road is fairly busy, but to the left and right of it there are kilometres of quiet, tarred roads that link not only local acreages, but entire areas together: ie Kenthurst, Cattai, Freeman’s Reach, Windsor, Maraylya, Rouse Hill, Box Hill, or Annangrove. Enjoy riding any combination of them in any direction of the compass that suits you.
Saunder’s Road is a recommended east to west choice, as it takes you directly to either Pitt Town Road, or to the lesser-known Pitt Town Bottoms Road where you can enjoy big open spaces with the whole road to yourself, on the east bank of the Hawkesbury River. ‘The Bottoms’ will take you back up onto the ridgeline historic Pitt Town is built upon. Take some time to admire the lovely 1858 sandstone Anglican Church complex framed by purple Jacaranda trees every summer. This is the heart of the village- and you might want to stop here for a coffee at either the church or the Vintage Pantry Café.
For a quick return to Bali from Pitt Town, ride past the church and turn left into Bootles Lane which becomes Redfern and then Mitchell Road. Here, you will pass a mixed parade of grand new modern homes and old school 1950’s fibreboard or red brick homes. Cross Cattai Road onto Pitt Town Dural Road with great care, as it is an arterial road with multiple quarry trucks thundering along it in both directions on a daily basis. The gently ascending Pitt Town Dural Road is quiet, however, bordered by Scheyville National Park on the right, and pretty acreages to the left. In just 3.5km you’ll be back at the intersection with Scheyville Road, but you’ll continue straight for another 2.5km to Bali Gardens.
Slow down a bit just before St. John’s Road, where an idyllic paddock and terraced farm dams frame the most beautiful, expansive views of the Hawkesbury River Valley and the Blue Mountains transitioning to sky. Finish refreshed, inspired, and ready to explore another ride option here soon!
CYCLING GROUPS WHO RIDE HERE WEEKDAYS:
Snowbirds: Social women riders: 18km/h avg speed from 8.30am, Bali Gardens (connect via Facebook)
Dreamloop Bunch: Tuesdays & Thursdays Elite & Advanced cyclists only: 35-45km/h avg speed!?! 06H30 sharp from ‘The Cows’ Cnr. Sunnyholt Road opposite Parklea Markets.
WEEKENDS:
Lifestyle & Leisure Bunches: Novice, Intermediate & advanced bunch rides: 18, 25 or 30km/h avg. speeds 06H30 Saturday Mornings from L&L Shop in Vineyard. If you are new, please RSVP to Sam or Cain Norquay (or connect via Facebook)
RACING:
Parramatta Cycle Club: Oakville scratch racing circuits, monthly meeting at Oakville Public School,on Saturdays 1.30 entry/sign-on for 2pm start. 8 June: PCC Club Champs, 22 June: monthly scratch race. (connect via Facebook)
CYCLE HERE ASAP BECAUSE…
Major housing developments going ahead between Maguires Road, and all along Pitt Town Road to Box Hill- with associated increase in traffic, and only token improvement of existing roads infrastructure. Go and ride in this area now before it disappears forever into bland, project home suburbia. Recommended roads for scenic beauty, little or no traffic and good distances are: Midson Road, Maguires Road, Pitt Town Road, Old Stock Route Road, Pebbly Hill Road, Pitt Town Bottoms Road, Pitt Town Dural Road, Oakville Road.
