With the regional NSW lockdown permitting outdoor exercise and recreation in groups of two, there's never been a better time to call a friend and go for a bike ride.
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And with plenty of options for road, mountain bike and gravel riders within the Cessnock local government area - and the recent wet weather set to clear up - it's a great time for locals to take up cycling as exercise or a transport solution.
Cessnock Bicycle Company owner Steve Whitby said the local cycling community is doing its best to maintain enthusiasm for outdoor exercise.
"The two-person rule is tough because most of us are social cyclists," he said.
"I do feel that we are privileged to be able to continue our chosen sport while many other sports are involuntarily halted, and we all have to stick to the two-person rule to ensure we continue to enjoy our passion.
"Plus, who are the magpies going to chase if we're not out there!"
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Under the Public Health Order, bike shops are permitted to provide click-and-collect, delivery and contactless servicing.
Despite being closed to the public, Mr Whitby said his store is "busier than ever".
"There's additional work in cleaning the bikes on the way in and the way out but we're keeping the cyclists rolling during lockdown and that's the important thing for us," he said.
Check out the Cycle Hunter Valley map at cessnockbicyclecompany.com.au.
COVID-19 NSW lockdown rules for cycling
Under the current NSW Public Health Order:
- Exercise or recreation outdoors is a reasonable excuse to leave your home.
- Exercise or recreation outdoors is permitted in groups of no more than two (excluding members of the same household).
- For exercise or recreation people must stay in their local government area or, if in another local government area, within five kilometres of home.
- If travelling by a private vehicle to your place of exercise, you must not share a car with people you do not live with, except your nominated visitor ("singles bubble").
- Everyone over 12 must wear a mask outdoors unless undertaking physical exercise, and must carry a mask (unless medically exempt) and ID (if over 18) at all times.
- Bike shops are permitted to provide click and collect, delivery and contactless servicing.
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
