Hi all,
Sorry about the delay in responding; just bought my first property and had no idea how much work was involved!
Regarding all the advice to go up North instead, as much as I dread and hate the cold I'll be camping out and racing in 3 Ring Circus down in Wingello State Forest at the end of this month so I figured I'd be better off now getting used to riding in this weather. I might have to make some modifications to my tent to make it more wind and chill proof prior to the race however...
I've decided to do a day trip down to Welby (have ridden there before, love it) and Wingello just to sus out the race track, possibly this Sunday.
The following Sunday and Monday 20/21 July (maybe even Tuesday), my mate and I will drive down to and ride around Canberra (Sparrow Hill, Kowen [what's available of it anyway] and Stromlo). We'll be staying at backpackers hostels (any recommendations?) rather than camping as I don't fancy camping in -5C.
I would do Welby on the way. If you are coming from Sydney you will drive pass Welby to get to Wingello, hence the next day you will be going back to Welby ie heading back towards Sydney. If you do Welby first there would be no back tracking. I guess if your going to do the full 50km of the circus though it might be a big day if you follow Wingello up with Kowen.
Three ring Circus track is open - however the yellow (last loop) is not technically marked out. There is a yellow loop in the forest but it is not the same as the punishing hilly fire road 'race' yellow loop.
There has also been some new single track built into the red loop but I rode a week ago and it is not yet sign posted. The red loop is the only loop with single track in it.
As far as I am aware fires are allowed in the forrest, if they arent plenty of people have them going in winter whilst they camp.
Welby is now far better sign posted than it originally was, so its not to hard.
When are you thinking of heading off? I have weekend sport atm which is a killer but do do a late arvo run at Welby once a week...
You sound like you know a lot about the course, we probably won't bother with the blue ring as I believe it's only firetrail. We'll definitely do what is available of the red loop and then I guess the non-race yellow loop (do you have any idea the length of the section as it currently is marked?).
If you're available this Sunday, we'd love to have a guide and I'd happily compensate your time with a 6 pack.
