A ride of approximately 27 kms, over the rolling hills of the south coast of NSW, amongst the bush setting of the Pacific Highway, between two coastal icons of Merimbula and Eden.  Sounds perfect.  Sometimes, it best not to judge a book by its cover.  I found the challenge of the hills just enough for my current level of conditioning  (or more accurately – lack of).  At no more than 9%, they are very enjoyable to ride.  Bellbird Hill, on the outskirts of Eden, is long and just topped off the trip. Ripping down the backside of the hill at 70 odd km/h,  it looked considerable steeper and I thought to myself how hard a slog it would be on the return climb – and I was right.

Now, back to that perfect ride description.  In reality,  the stress of the trucks and buses on the Princes Highway detracts a lot from this ride.  There was heaps of wildlife to be experienced on the journey.   Mostly squashed flat if you could see it, smelling to high heaven if you couldn’t.  The bush setting provides shade, but particularly through Jigamy Creek, it gets quite dark on a twisting part of the highway with little shoulder.  If you’re a bit jittery around traffic and don’t enjoy the delights of roadkill, this may not be the ride for you.

I was done coming into Eden and my thoughts were of rolling into town for a leisurely coffee; maybe drifting down to the wharf for a gander.  My expectations were a bit askew.  The steepest part of the ride is in Eden itself.  The town is built on a plateau.   When your legs are mentally attuned to a rest, the 11% climb onto the high street is a bit of a shock.  If you are keen to see the wharf,  which I was and it’s well worth seeing, be prepared for a grind to get back to the shops.  At 14%, I felt it today.   Today’s refreshments were at Cuppaz.  In fact, I went the milkshake and muffin.  Nothing better than a milkshake for re hydration and the blueberry muffin was pretty fresh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I was going to do this ride again, I would do it in a group for visibility on the highway,  or at least with one other.  Have you done this ride before?  If so, let me know about your experience.  Whilst looking for feedback, what do you think of the photos?  I’ve been critiqued by my brother on the need to improve the composition.  Scenes must have a 1/3, 2/3’s rule applied, both vertically and horizontally, with a  foreground that is simple and it must lead the viewer’s eye to something.  I quite like the the one with the upturned tinnies.   What do you think?