Postby QuangVuong » Sun Oct 06, 2013 10:35 am
Ive been up and down the rail trail so many times, so I know it well. However, the turn offs could get some signs. First time I was at the Yennora intersection, I wouldnt have known the way to go if it wasnt for some rider that I was following. Then comes the Fairfield section where the path disappears. If i didnt know the Fairfield roads well, I would have no clue on where the path resumes. Then I got lost again at the Canley Vale intersection at Johnson Park. One way goes back home(Carramar way), one to the Orphan School Creek path, and the other to Cabra. After Cabra comes the gravel path which the first time through doesnt seem like the right way. Singnage needs to be at the Guildford turnoff towards the dam as well. But once on that path, it is very straightforward.
Another gripe I have is the Governor Macquarie Dr at Warwick Farm. On Google maps, it says its a bicycle friendly road. So I went that way once, and prob will never go ever again. Its a 2 lane road, with no shoulder, meaning cars were passing closer than I would have liked. However I came 2nd on the Racecourse Dash West segment which was unexpected.
To get to Parra park from the rail trail, either I go to the other side of Merrylands station though that tunnel, then all the way up Pitt St. The traffic is fairly low until you hit Parra, but at that point, there is a bike path. If its heavy around Merrylands, the foot path that goes by Holroyd Park is very very wide. Or I go to the very end of the rail trail, then head onto the Woodville Rd bike path that connects to Church St. From there you can follow the bus lane towards Parra park.
Another option is to go onto Woodville Rd then turn off onto the M4 path and follow that all the way to the end and hit M7. However, I have not gone this way before.