Kowen Forest Day Ride

Saturday 8 March 2014

This ride is open to TTHRInc club members, ATHRA members and non members, who will be required to pay a Day ride fee of $30 for insurance purposes.

Contact Details:  Hilary Gunn email: higunn@gmail  PH. 62382682 SMS: 0407901328

Trail Boss:  Hilary Gunn

RSVP:  By Thursday 6 March

Ride Register: It is a requirement that all participants sign the ride register upon arrival at the ride base. A parent or guardian MUST sign the register for junior riders (under 18).

Ride Start Time: Sunday 9 March 9.00 AM for a 9.30 AM start. NO LATE STARTERS, SORRY

Directions: Facing East, from Queanbeyan CBD go 1 km turn left at 2nd roundabout into Yass Rd. Continue under railway bridge into Piallago Ave towards Canberra, and turn right into Sutton Rd (approx 1.5 km from roundabout). Travel approx 1.5 km, and turn right at Molonglo Gorge sign. Continue straight ahead 1 km to locked gate. Open padlock using the code (TO BE SUPPLIED) When you have aligned the numbers you need to press the lock  bar to make it open. Lock the gate behind you. Continue 5.2 kms to intersection signed ‘DEPOT’. Continue straight ahead on Seven Mile Rd for 1 km to the ride base at Old Homestead Picnic Area.

Ride Description:   A slow-paced (mainly walking) ride of 14 kms that follows established tracks through the Kowen Pine Forest. The terrain is undulating, and the tracks are gravel, with some rocky sections. There are plenty of watering points for the horses and a lot of shade. We will visit a couple of interesting historical sites in the forest and stop for lunch near the Molonglo River where there is a spot for swimming/cooling off.

Grid/Map/GPS reference: LPI Map 1:25 000 Bungendore

Ride Warnings/Alerts:  Forest is also used by cyclists and motorbike riders.

Ride Difficulty:  Easy.

Horse Fitness:  Horses must be reasonably fit and sound

Estimated Duration: About 5 hours, including stops.

Catering:  BYO morning tea and lunch. Food to be carried in saddlebags.

Equipment:  Bring headstalls for tying, leading horses, other equipment as required by the individual. Swimmers if you want to have a dip in the river.

Horse feed:  Please bring your own.

Water Availability:  We will pass plenty of dams, and river water.

First Aid: A basic first aid kit will be carried on the ride.

Emergency Contact: Mobile phone and hand held radios will be carried on the ride.

Helmets: All junior riders (under 18) MUST wear AS/NZ 3838 or ASTM F 1163 helmets  less than five years old.

Horse Shoes: Horse shoes recommended but not essential. Bring boots for unshod horses as the tracks are quite stony and rough in parts.

Dogs/Stallions: Not allowed

Participants will be required to adhere to the ATHRA Code of Conduct which can be found at: www.athra.com.au. It is highly recommended that you read the Code to keep up to date with all rules and regulations