Parkes = Gravel Heaven
Time for a weekend away in Perfect Parkes
Head out towards the centre of NSW to explore Parkes and surrounds on your gravel or MTB : Other options listed below
Route 1 : Bumberry Dam Loop
Distance and Elevation : 18km with 143m
Difficult Level : 1/5
Style of Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres
Summary : Take it easy on this leisurely 1.5 hour return trip out to the picturesque Bumberry Dam. Suitable for beginners and families. Perfect for a picnic lunch and bird watching.
As you leave the departure point, ride ~2km along Bindogundra Rd before turning left on Cashmere Rd. This great stretch of gravel road turns to the right and then zigs and zags before changing to Lake Metcalfe Rd at ~5km. Continue along this gravel road past some very typical Australian farms all the way until the T-Intersection and turn left on Bindogundra Rd which takes you out to the picturesque Bumberry Dam ~10.5km. Once at Bumberry Dam, take in the beautiful surrounds and enjoy the picnic area.
On the way back to your car, the course does not follow the same route as the one you rode out to the Dam. There is no need to turn onto Lake Metcalfe Rd or Cashmere Rd, just continue along Bindogundra Rd, returning you directly back to your starting point.
Click here to open our PDF giving you more information on this and other rides in Parkes NSW
Route 2 : Route 2-1 > 2-4 : Parkes/Cookamidgera/Mandagery Loop
Style of Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres
Summary : There are four loops which we have created in one of the most amazing areas in Country NSW for gravel cycling. They range from 60 to 117 kms and take in the Cookamidgera and Mandagery areas. There are two options for the start location either in Parkes (for the long course) or in Cookamidgera for the other three.
Click here to open our PDF giving you more information on this and other rides in Parkes NSW
Route 3 : Parkes to Forbes
Style of Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres
Summary : This loop can be done as two rides, breaking up the adventure with an overnight in Forbes OR for the more committed, as an epic one-day-loop. See below 3-2 for more details if completing this as a one-day loop.
Click here to open our PDF giving you more information on this and other rides in Parkes NSW
Route 4 : Bogan Gate Loop #1 & #2
Style of Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres
Summary :
Loop #1 - Time to explore more of the Parkes Shire - jump in your car and drive out to the tiny village of Bogan Gate (BG). This loop is a family friendly - CARE must be used when crossing Henry Parkes Way.
Loop #2 - From Bogan Gate riders will head in the other direction from Henry Parkes Way and begin riding on gravel almost immediately. Enjoy the quintessential Australian bush which lines the gravel roads. Soon you will be on Leafy Tank Road and enjoying more quiet country roads.
Click here to open our PDF giving you more information on this and other rides in Parkes NSW
Route 5 : The Dish Loop
Style of Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres
Summary : Visit the CSIRO - Parkes Observatory aka 'The Dish', aka Murriyang. This 64-metre radio telescope is famous for many reasons including its lifespan of +60 years! It is one of the largest single-dish telescopes in the southern hemisphere and it is dedicated to astronomy. Open 7 days a week, it is worth the ride to check-it-out.
Click here to open our PDF giving you more information on this and other rides in Parkes NSW
Route 6 : Peak Hill Loop
Style of Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres
Summary : Yet another option to explore more of the Parkes Shire - jump in your car and drive out to the village of Peak Hill (PH). Please do not ride out along Newell Highway to PH. There is an option to ride there via the quieter roads. The suggested route for this is ~66km with 380m of ascent : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41286815 : ONE WAY.
Click here to open our PDF giving you more information on this and other rides in Parkes NSW
Route 7-1 > 7-3 : Parkes/Trundle/Peak Hill Loop
Style of Bikes : MTB / Gravel / Flat Bar / e-versions of these bikes with suitable gravel tyres
Summary : This is the first part of a great BIG loop, taking in some of the best and open gravel sections in the Parkes Shire. Stopping in pubs and motels along the way, you can really experience a great escape on your bike with this three-day loop.
Click here to open our PDF giving you more information on this and other rides in Parkes NSW
