The Chichester Dam Good Road Ride Distance - 46km with a shorter 22km option (turn back at Bandon Grove) Grade - Medium, a beautiful but slightly hilly ride, to the source of water for much of the surrounding area - Chichester Dam. Starts at - The Dungog Tourist Information Centre Time - Sunday 9.45am

NOTE:
(1) Riders under 14yrs of age MUST be accompanied by a cycling adult on all rides.

(2) The road to Chichester Dam is narrow with many blind crests. Riders are required to ride in single file at all times, especially approaching crests and bends. We will be sharing the road not only with locals who should know better but visiting drivers who are not used to driving on country roads.

(3) Be careful descending the hills near the dam, they are steep and the bends at the bottom are sharp turns. Make sure you are under control as you descend these hills, especially if the road is damp.

Outward Bound!
We pedal off in a Northerly direction out of Dungog turning left at the monument up the hill following the signs to Chichester Dam. Follow the road around the corner to the right at the top of the hill. After a few kilometeres you will come to a left turn to Gresford, DO NOT turn left here but go straight ahead towards Chichester Dam. Look out for traffic emerging from the side road.
As you cycle along the main road toward Bandon Grove, note the remains of the original Chichester water pipeline on the left, now superceded by the modern steel pipeline also on the left. A little further along the road, DO NOT turn left onto the road to Salisbury, but go straight ahead. Once again, look out for traffic emerging from the side road.
At Bandon Grove you will come to a small park on your left by the bridge across the Williams River. Water and toilets are available here. A good place to stop for a quick rest and a stretch while you fill up your water bottle and if the weather is kind, the river is near for a quick dip. Also a good place to turn around and head back to Dungog for those who would like a shorter ride.
Crossing the river and cycling onward from Bandon Grove the road climbs a couple of larger hills gaining height to meet the dam. Stick to the main road all the way to the dam. DO NOT turn off on any side roads! This part of the road is very narrow so be careful. The Wangat Trig Road dirt road will join the main road on the right at the top of a hill. DO NOT turn right into the dirt road but veer to the left following the tarmac road to the dam.
Finally, you enter the Chichester Dam park gate. Dismount to cross the cattle grid in the road at the gate. You have made it! The Hindley Park picnic ground is on the left where you will find our capable helpers dispensing delectable refreshments for all riders. Water is also available here. The top of the dam wall is a little further along. If you are REALLY enthusiastic you may carry on along the road and plunge down the STEEP hill to reach the base of the dam (on the dry side) where there is a very pretty park. BE WARNED! it is a VERY steep climb back out to the top of the dam and the homeward route!

The Return to Dungog.
No problems here, just turn around and head back the way you came. Follow the main road all the way back to Dungog, keeping to the left and taking care on crests and corners. When you get to Dungog, go thru the 50k signs and head downhill to the Monument (make sure you can stop at the Give Way at the bottom!). Turn right around the Monument back to the Dungog Tourist Information Centre and you are home - Well Done! !