Blayney (tourism website, Wikipedia entry, second tourism webpage) is a town of 2700. It has a small shopping centre with some food outlets, two bakeries, a Supa IGA supermarket and a caravan park. It is is serviced daily by Countrylink rail.

Orange to Blayney    36.8km - 150m climb - 150m descent - sealed - map
This is a relatively flat cycle along the tablelands at an altitude of around 900m. About 4km from Orange and about 1km off the route lies Gosling Creek Reservoir (see also this pdf document). The reservoir and surrounding land has recently been developed into a recreational area with picnic facilities and cycling paths, and may be reached by turning west into Bloomfield Road from Huntley Road, some 3.8km from Orange train station. Don't confuse this dam with Spring Creek Reservoir, which lies to the east of Huntley Road.

The route skirts around Orange Airport (12km from Orange with regular flights to Sydney on Rex Airlines) before passing through the village of Spring Hill (16.5km from Orange). The Spring Hill Heritage Trail explores the history of the town. Spring Hill has a pub by the railway. It is serviced daily by a Countrylink coach.

Millthorpe (tourism website, Wikipedia entry) lies 24km south of Orange, has a population of about 700 and is classified by the national trust. With historic buildings and some cobbled streets it is, in my view, one of the most picturesque villages in the region (photo). The village has a number of fine restaurants. It is serviced daily by a Countrylink coach. From Millthorpe it is a predominantly gentle downhill ride to Blayney.

Blayney to Perthville    37.3km - 266m climb - 456m descent - sealed - map
This route follows the main western railway line, traversing mostly treeless moderately hilly terrain along quiet country roads. The village of Newbridge is about 15km from Blayney and has a pub, railway station (not in use), payphone and park. Between Newbridge and Perthville the route descend steadily, losing 280 vertical metre. Approximately 3.5km before Perthville lies the village of Georges Plains, boasting a railway station (no longer used) and a cemetery.