[/img] At a high point on Red Hill Rd there are some excellent views of the Upper Turon River valley which make the push up one of the steep hills worth the effort.
A steep run down Red Hill Rd with much braking came out to the Turon River. At this point if continuing accros the Turon River would eventually bring you out to either Lithgow or Sunny Corner village depending on which route taken.
I turned left and rode along the Turon River to Sofala.
[/img] Another 11kms along the scenic road to Sofala, there is one river crossing which fortunately was only 200mm deep according to the guage, I could pedal across with nothing more than wet feet. Care should be taken with these crossings as in rainy weather the river levels can fluctuate rapidly.
[/img]Arrived at the Sofala village which lays claim to being Australia's oldest surviving gold rush era settlement and revived myself with a refreshing ale at the hospidable Sofala pub. Total distance so far 60kms, after slaking my thirst rode about 3kms back down the Turon rd to Ration Hill and camped overnight on the Turon River.
A relaxing place after a long ride and bumped into a couple of friendly locals whom were out for their evening walks. Many interesting talks on the old gold rush days and where to go gold panning.
[/img]Day after stopped at Sofala cafe for breakfast, then after began the slow steep push up Whalans Hill back to Bathurst. After Wattle Flat there is a steep windy downhill run to the plains of Bathurst. From Sofala to Bathurst is about 53 kms.
