WHAT a farce and a disgrace last Sunday’s Gunnedah to Tamworth Cycle Race turned out to be for the drivers on the Werris Creek-to-Tamworth section!
While driving to Quirindi during the morning, we came across many cyclists heading towards Tamworth, some in dribs and drabs, but there were quite a few groups riding five abreast, with many cyclists in each group and, at times, a car slowly leading each group and another car coming up at the rear! Never, ever did we think on our drive back to Tamworth that we would come across an even worse situation.
We did see some organising happening at the Quipolly turn-off, between Werris Creek and Quirindi, which must have been the officials waiting on the Men’s Race coming through from Gunnedah, but, just after driving through Currabubula, it became an absolute disgrace!
On occasions, we came across female cyclists standing with their bikes, or walking with them, but still standing on the road, not attempting to move over! The fastest speed anyone could travel was 55 km/h and the line of traffic went on for kilometre s.
As we had a commitment for early afternoon in Tamworth, we did turn off at Duri (as many did) and come in along Warral Road – thank goodness as, near Lions Park on Werris Creek Road, the road was completely closed off and traffic diverted through the South Tamworth area, heading out towards Longyard.
What if there were people or animals in cars that needed urgent medical attention, or had broken limbs that needed to get to
Tamworth urgently?
I’m not saying that there should not be a cycle race, but next time, please have some manners and consideration for the motorists!