Cycling Balingup to Nannup, WA
September 26th 2006 11:48
We thought the 41kms along the Balingup-Nannup Road would be a breeze so we took our time departing Balingup. "Just one more carton of Browne's Coffee Chill," I said lazing back in the morning sun. "The road follows the river so it shouldn't be too hard," said my partner knowingly.
We should have known we were in for a bit of a hard day when we saw the treacherous gravel roadworks at the road's beginning. It started to climb straight away then descended then climbed then descended then climbed more steeply then descended and climbed more steeply still. Well, you get the picture. You've got to concentrate the entire way because if you don't, you'll end up in the wrong gear on a very short but wall-like climb.
The route is beautiful with river and forest views on all sides. On the way we were followed by the largest flock of black cockatoos we've ever seen. Thousands flew above us tree to tree dropping the occasional branch and littering our way forward with half eaten gumnuts. We also encountered skittish kangaroos and cows running along our side of the wire fence.
Nannup's supermarket and bakery keep hours that have been described as "unique", "bloody inconvenient" and "inconsistent". Most of the cafes, some of which are excellent, seem to close at around 5pm but there is a Thai Cafe that stays open later. Your best bet for groceries is the well stocked servo on the left hand side on your way out of town towards Pemberton.
The Nannup Campground is next to the information centre by the river. It has pleasant campsites and one $55AUS cabin.
Click here for stories about cycling in WA.
We should have known we were in for a bit of a hard day when we saw the treacherous gravel roadworks at the road's beginning. It started to climb straight away then descended then climbed then descended then climbed more steeply then descended and climbed more steeply still. Well, you get the picture. You've got to concentrate the entire way because if you don't, you'll end up in the wrong gear on a very short but wall-like climb.
The route is beautiful with river and forest views on all sides. On the way we were followed by the largest flock of black cockatoos we've ever seen. Thousands flew above us tree to tree dropping the occasional branch and littering our way forward with half eaten gumnuts. We also encountered skittish kangaroos and cows running along our side of the wire fence.
Black cockatoos stalk cyclists on road to Nannup, WA
Nannup's supermarket and bakery keep hours that have been described as "unique", "bloody inconvenient" and "inconsistent". Most of the cafes, some of which are excellent, seem to close at around 5pm but there is a Thai Cafe that stays open later. Your best bet for groceries is the well stocked servo on the left hand side on your way out of town towards Pemberton.
The Nannup Campground is next to the information centre by the river. It has pleasant campsites and one $55AUS cabin.
Click here for stories about cycling in WA.
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