[GRAVEL] Riverhead Forest Social Ride 36km

36kms, 580m elevation, allow 3.5hrs including stops PLUS option of a ~20km route if there is interest - please indicate in comments if you'd like this shorter option so that we can prepare for it. This route is a good introduction to Riverhead Forest, using the more well-ridden gravel roads. There are no mountain bike trails involved. Hills are hard to avoid at Riverhead, so riders should be expect up and downs and very little flat terrain. Finishes at the Beekeeper’s Wife cafe just past the start point, so everyone’s welcome to have coffee together before heading home. ROUTE: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53057940 START LOCATION: Carpark at Riverhead War Memorial Park. Toilets at carpark. https://maps.app.goo.gl/NzRENFmvikaP1piB8 PACE: Social, no drop. Faster riders, expect to wait at the top of hills, or just chill. SKILL LEVEL: This group enjoys a mix of riding abilities from very experienced to gravel newbies . This is a chance to get used to the sensation of riding on a variety of gravel surfaces – smooth, loose and chunky patches. SUITABLE BIKES: Tyres need to have tread, so road bikes are unsuitable. 35mm wide tyres are the recommended minimum width but it will be quite uncomfortable. Hardtail mountain bikes, flat bar and drop bar gravel bikes are most suitable. WHAT TO BRING: Water, snacks, puncture repair kit and a spare tube, rain jacket if weather looks uncertain. WEATHER/RIDE STATUS: Check back here the night before if in doubt.