Pt 3. Wungong to Dandalup camp.
We’re going to town today – the historic town of Jarrahdale, a designated resupply stop for most riders on the Munda Biddi.
But not for us. Sandy and I are still well-stocked with food. It’s only been 2 nights on the trail, after all.
From Wungong, it’s a short 14km ride to the town, 12 of which is on the sealed Jarrahdale Road that cuts across the Munda Biddi.
Taking a photo of the photographer
The 12kms of smooth tarmac to Jarrahdale
Half an hour later, we’re at the biggest establishment in town – the Jarrahdale General Store. It also doubles as a cafe inside .
A professionally brewed latte can only make the morning sweeter, so we order 2 and proceed to a table out front on the sidewalk.
Meanwhile, Sandy has wisely decided to send home his camping chair which, seeing as all Munda Biddi campsites are bum-friendly, will probably never emerge from the pannier to see the light of day anyway.
So he goes off in search of a post office to run his errand while I chill on the verandah sipping my latte and watching the world go by.
Sandy comes back a few kilos lighter, and while we continue our coffee break (and waiting for our iPhones and camera batteries to recharge), 2 girls on mountain bikes in full bikepacking setup roll in towards the store. Coffee break must be on their minds too.
The right way to ride MundaBiddi. The 2 girls had just come from the direction of Dandalup, our target campsite for today. We exchange notes and learn that we may be forced to do a detour by workmen near North Dandalup Dam carrying out roadworks.
Riding through Jarrahdale
From Jarrahdale, we head back into the trail not far from the general store. We’re now riding through part of the Serpentine National Park. The 2 yellow signposts ahead indicate the entrance into the Munda Biddi.
It isn’t long before we’re climbing up a slippery pea-gravelled slope. It’s not ridable so we push; not easy with panniers sticking out the side.
It’s hard work. My arms burn from the exertion. But soon, we’re back on easy street, a flat level road passing through some farms (and a bunch of kangaroos, and some noisy birds on a tree), then a sealed road heading towards North Dandalup Dam.
An easy section riding past farms
and roos.
naughty naughty…
Finally, we arrive at North Dandalup Dam. Here, we’re on the embankment with the dammed water on our left. The scenic area below the embankment is a picnic area. Makes you wonder why it’s designed as such…
From this vantage point, we can also see the plains below…I think that’s Dwellingup in the distance.
“Dam, I look good”.
Absolutely no stopping…
…except for photos.
The campsite is not far from the dam, and we’re coming up to where the possible detour would take place.
But wise old Sandy reckons the workmen would have slacked off by now. Heck, it’s 4 o’clock on a cold and cloudy Friday afternoon. Who wants to work?
He was right.
There’s not a soul to be seen, just heavy machinery left unattended. Looks like weekend celebrations are already in full swing, Aussie style.
They’re probably downing pints in a pub somewhere in Dwellingup, the nearest town.
We ride straight into the single-track and immediately it starts to climb. Pushing time again. I’m really looking forward to arriving at the campsite soon.
My arms are killing me. Thankfully the last bit is level singletrack.
Dandalup camp is perched on a hill slope, and through the trees, we can see the plains down below. It’s a beautiful campsite, the best so far.
Dining room with a view
The rains came soon after. Big, angry drops crashing down with a vengeance.
The deafening drumming of raindrops on the metal roof reminded us how lucky we were to be nice and dry and safely under the shelter of Dandalup camp.
Protein replacement after all that pushing up the hill.
and carbs
My little woodgas stove is a very versatile piece of equipment. It’s a clothes dryer as well.
