Places to Explore: Local Loops, Rail Trail, National Parks and much more
- Renato Keca
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
Updated: May 15
The Northern Rivers Cycling Club is thrilled to share our local knowledge and help you dip your toes or dive all in: the choice is yours. This digital space is designed to cater to all riders, whether you're someone who pedals seriously, a casual rider eager for new adventures or wanting to start out in cycling. Our goal is straightforward: to unite the cycling communities, offering essential information about much-loved local rides, places to explore, events and more.
Regular group rides
Most mornings you will be able to find some company around Lismore, Alstonville or Byron Bay if you wish to join a group ride. Some rides cater to beginners whilst others will assume some bunch skills and a decent levels of bike fitness. If in doubt please contact us and we will help you decide and point you in the right direction.
NRCC weekday training rides depart 45 Wyrallah Rd East Lismore at 5:15am Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning. Wednesdays the group departs 6am from Browns Creek Car Park. All weekday rides aim to be back in town before 7am.
Monday is generally a rest day. If you'd like to kick start your week Southern Cross University Gym offers a 6am Spin Class (standard gym fees apply).
Tuesday Hills for Breakfast. A steady start along quiet roads followed by a decent climb up Hunters Hill. An early exit option takes you down Duncan Rd (37km/+420m) or the full loop through Dunoon and Modanville villages (42km/+520m).
NRCC riders on their way to Dunoon
Wednesday Intro. An introduction to cycling etiquette. We practice riding formations, signalling and safety. Admire the sunrise over the Numalgi valley, spot baby donkeys and other creatures we encounter along this 20km ride. The start is at 6am from Browns Creek Car Park with access to toilets, ample parking. Cake and coffee immediately after the ride.
Thursday Eltham Train: Satisfy your need for Speed. This mostly flat ride starts together and splits into two group at Bexhill village: Faster, more challenging or Cruise control.
Friday Jiggi: A chance to recover. This easy, no drop ride is great for novice riders or for those saving their legs for the weekend. The group heads out and stays together all the way. Expect mostly flat, scenic roads done at conversational pace (40km/+150).
'Full Moon Ride': This is a regular evening outing along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail on a Friday closest to the full moon. It allows you to see this cycling gem in a different light. This event is often preceeded and/or followed by snacks and bevies.
Follow this link to What's On for more information.
Weekend Rides: Go Long, Go Wild...
Keep an eye on our socials for longer weekend rides. These will often include mid ride stop for coffee and a treat in one of the Hinterland villages: Casino, Kyogle, Clunes, Federal, Alstonville or Newrybar.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Curently you can ride two sections of the rail trail: Murwillumbah to Crabs Creek and Lismore to Casino. These are beginer friendly but enjoyable to all. Murwillumbah sections passes through number of little villages where you can stop for food and coffee. Lismore section is a little more remote and best not done in full summer sun as it is exposed. Soon we hope to have the two sections connected into one continuous trail just over 160kms in length.
Off the Beaten Track
Night Cap National Park and adjacent state forest areas feature a rich network of access and fire roads as well as walking tracks. Venture in from Minyon Falls or Rocky Creek Dam Picnic Areas or stay a night at Rummery Park Camp Site. You will not be disappointed. Click on the link below for some of our favourite loops. Always inform someone if venturing out on your own and check out NSW National Parks website for current warnings.
Follow the links below for some ideas. These are all gravel bike accessable but conditions can vary greatly due to weather. In wet conditions consider tackling these on your MTB.
New Italy MTB Bike Paths
A short drive off the Pacific Highway from New Italy Rest Area you will find a network of flowing MTB trails. Well signed, easy to follow it makes for a great day out. Check out Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels website for more information.
Kyogle Gravel and MTB Club
Well kept gravel roads with numerous creek crossings and easy access to the Border Ranges makes Kyogle an ideal weekend getaway. Here are couple of suggestions: one easy and one of epic proportions. If you prefer to challenge your MTB skillset get in touch with the club via their socials to see which tracks are open.
Idyllic rolling hills and pristine gravel roads
Mix of gravel and sealed roads
Lismore Stony Chute Kyogle Loop(101km/1350m) Sealed roads
Lions Rd from Wiangaree (129km/1964m) Sealed country roads
Sealed country roads
Keep an eye on our neighbouring clubs for comps, events and social rides
For the runners, walkers and aspiring triathletes Park Run is reliably there 7am each and every Saturday. Click here for details.
Hope this introduction will inspire you to hop on your bike and join us as soon as you can
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