Meeting point; McDonald's M4 west bound Eastern Creek.

When; .

Finish point; Windsor.

Approximate timing; 8 hours including breaks for lunch etc. Plus travel to-from Start-Finish.

Map

The Roads.

The M4 is a quick run even when travelling within tolerance of the speed limit. Watch out for the few idiots who insist that there is no speed limit and think that two metres is enough space at 120km/hr. On to the Great Western Hwy over the mountains and the traffic and lights can drive you mad. Glenbrook information centre on the top of the first hill is an easy re-gathering point when you are travelling in a group. Be careful across the top of the mountains as speeding is easy when the limit changes so often. Down the hill at the other end is a good relief after the stop start across the top. A few kilometres towards Lithgow and you will see the left hand turn towards Jenolan Caves and Oberon. The road to Oberon has a reasonable amount of traffic and sign posted 'over taking lanes' are about 50 metres long so don't wait for them, just use the other side of the road. Following the signs to Oberon you can't get lost. Before long the bulk of the traffic will head for Jenolan Caves while you turn right and head for Oberon. Down the main street of Oberon you will find premium unleaded petrol at the Shell station on the right hand side of the road on a corner. This is about 150 K's from Eastern Creek meeting point and a good time for most bikes to refill.

Coming out of the Shell Station, you could go straight out towards O'Connell but a much more interesting and scenic way is to take the right turn down the road which the Shell station is on. There is very little traffic  and good quality road with only the occasional semi-trailer to deal with. Take note of the signs as there is a couple of turns which may surprise you. Take a left when you get to a 'T' intersection and you will find more of the same type of road. Be careful if it is wet, as there is moss growing on parts of the road and there are a couple of patches where there is lose gravel which may take you by surprise. There is a nice creek on the right hand side which may be nice to swim in but that will have to be left for a more relaxed ride another day. the next 'T' intersection, turn right and you will find yourself in O'Connell which makes a good lunch stop at the bike-friendly O'Connell Hotel on the right hand side of the road. They make a mean homemade meat pie - with real meat! If it is not too busy, you can park inside the beer garden on the left side of the building.

The road to Bathurst is fast, slow down when you are getting closer as we all know what the Bathurst Plod are like on a weekend.Take a left on to the Great Western Hwy and turn right after about one kilometre in Kelso unless you really want to go into the middle of Bathurst. The right turn is at a set of lights and sign posted to Peel, Sofala and Ilford. (see map) Most of the way to Ilford the road is made up of  long fast sweepers, but keep and eye on the signs because there is a climb up a hill with a couple of tricky corners sign posted 25-35km/h. When we did this road in January, there was some road works going on. I would love to hear how these went if anyone goes there soon. Turning right at the 'T' intersection in Ilford, there is a small road stop which is a good place to stretch the legs and have a quick drink.

Between Ilford and Lithgow the road is very fast. To protect the innocent, I have hear that 200+ is possible in relative safety. Slow down once you see the power station as the road degenerates, the traffic increases and your getting close to Lithgow. Turn left on to the Great Western Hwy again for about 7k's to the McDonald's on the corner of the Bell's Line of Road. (LoR) Take the left along the Bell's LoR and there is a right at a set of lights and then a left to follow the Bell's LoR. We stoped at the Mobil on the corner for fuel after 205k's since Oberon. The steep climb up the next few kilometre's is great fun. It was a little spoilt for us as there was some slow traffic before it opened to two lanes. There is a little coffee stop/restaurant which sells Christmas decorations all year round?!? which is a good place to stop for a coffee and a leg stretch. If you would prefer, there is also the Zig Zag railway just down the road.

The rest of the Bell's LoR is fast and fun with lots of ups and downs in amongst the corners. If you value your licence, slow down somewhere between Bilpin and Kurrajong. Keeping to the limit, relax back in to the traffic by laughing at the poor souls who are stuck in the four wheeled cages around you until you reach Windsor. The M2 and M4 are not hard to find from here to make your way home somewhere about 5-6pm.

Thanks to Richard Speedy for the following information:

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