Returning to my bike , the queue for fuel had grown , I pushed my bike away from the bowser , and out of the line of traffic , to commence the process of donning ear plugs , neck buff , helmet , glasses , gloves , and backpack . It ’ s definitely a process !
Mudgee has a significant past , serving as a collection point for gold from the surrounding hills . Established in 1837 , the township boomed in the early 1850 ’ s with the discovery of gold in nearby Hill End , Gulgong , and Windeyer . With a price of $ 2.08 cents per litre for 98 octane fuel , some would argue there is still gold to be found in Mudgee .
Sofala was the next destination , a small , historic , and quaint town – another remnant of the gold rush which gripped Central West NSW in the early 1850 ’ s . Riding from Mudgee to Sofala can be straightforward , along a particularly pleasant and involving stretch of bitumen or , via an exploration of the surrounding hills .
With the roads largely to myself , I ' d pressed on toward Queens Pinch , Windeyer , and Pyramul – small localities more than anything else . Corrugated iron , ubiquitous , and cleverly engineered into small haphazard shelters or impressive modern houses , dotted the roadside . Evidence of exposure to the ravages of time and the elements , dark red rust decorating the exterior , mixed with roughly hewn posts , straining against the forces of nature , leaning in the direction of the most recent windstorm .
Traits of ancient pioneers reflected in the architecture of the newer , modern buildings , mixing the locally sourced rock with timber , steel , and the modern , brightly coloured corrugated iron .
Narrow , meandering streets are a feature of Sofala , a stark contrast to the well signposted , well maintained and incredibly engaging and curving Hill End Road , leading to Sofala . Located about halfway along the main street of Sofala is the Royal Hotel . A local icon , and some would argue of national significance , the Royal attracts it ’ s fair share of characters .
Celebrating his 70th birthday , local resident ‘ Jack ’, guided his mobility scooter to the front door and shuffled a well-worn path to the front bar .
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