Canberra to coast- cyclocross?

[thelittlebattler]

The only other thread I can find on this is 7-8 years old, and not all that helpful anyway. Since that thread, cyclocross or gravel bikes have become an option for long rides on dirt.

Can anyone tell me if a cyclocross bike would be ok for the ride to and from Araluen/coast from Canberra?

Thinking of maybe doing it this weekend. Also how steep is the climb on the return journey? Well for that matter the descent too I guess

[thelittlebattler]

Looks like I can answer the steepness question: this looks like the worst of it http://www.strava.com/segments/1003105" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think it may be manageable, even if I just have to walk some of it. Just depends on the condition of the road

Also mods, please feel free to delete or move into another thread like viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64447" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sorry my google-fu was a bit hurried

[macca33]

I reckon there are not too many passable roads/trails that a CX bike cannot traverse - I've found some interesting stuff in the past 12 months around my part of the world - great fun!

cheers

[Chris249]

I've only driven the road along the Deua River, but I was looking at it with a CXers eye. There's a fairly long stretch that would be very bumpy on a CX bike, but that may be because I'm paranoid about pinch flats so I run unusually high pressure - probably too high. It's definitely rideable but may leave you with a sore bum from the rocks and ridges.

The condition of the Majors Creek climb is, as far as I can remember from a few months ago, worse than most of the fire trails around Mts Majura, Ainslie and Stromlo. We have a Subaru Liberty which normally has no issues on roads around the Brinders, but it scraped once or twice on Majors. The time I did it before that I don't remember it being that bad so they may send a grader through every now and then.

Ps - only just saw that you may already be back!

[WarrenH]

Riders on cyclocross and touring bikes, do this route, not infrequently.

There have been several threads on the route, posted in the Cycle Touring < Touring Australia forum. Including a few posts about the conditions from me.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60626" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A trip report on the route I thought was posted by PRKLCD, who rode the route and wrote that it was no drama and he had a great time on his XC bike. I can't find his trip report yet, but I'll keep looking ... hopefully it is on the forum somewhere in the Touring Section. This is the thread that he started.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64447&p=970903#p970903" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I did a search in the Touring Section for stuff like, Araluen, Deua River, Majors Creek, Wadbilliga Wilderness, camping at Bakers Flat on the Deua, Araluen Valley Hotel and had a few results, mostly from my own posts of the route. So try doing that.

FatGuts aka Karl was a member here, but he appears to be no longer on BNA. FatGuts is a member of The Berm. Here is his February '14 trip report. Days 1 and 2, done on MTBs. Enjoy this while I look for the missing cyclocross report.

http://www.theberm.com.au/profiles/blog ... e=activity" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.theberm.com.au/profiles/blog ... e=activity" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Warren.

[thelittlebattler]

Thanks guys, didn't go this weekend... Instead I ticked off the Mt Coree loop on MTB and then explored some of the Canberra Centenary Trail.

Guess I can't go wrong either way, MTB or CX. My main thought is weighing up whether the efficiency on the nice stuff compensates for the stress on the sketchy bits.

Thanks Warren, I really enjoyed that trip report. I actually have you to thank for getting me on to these sorts of ideas. There was a thread a few years back about road climbs in Canberra, your photos and suggestions in there gave me some inspiration for exploring places by MTB. Otherwise I may still be doing only the skyline loop at Stromlo!

[WarrenH]

I really enjoyed that trip report.

thelittlebattler, G'day. Karl writes very amusing trip reports. Have you seen his trip report on a Wee Jasper Mini Tour. And, if you haven't ridden to Wee Jasper? ... http://www.theberm.com.au/profiles/blog ... Wee+Jasper" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I actually have you to thank for getting me on to these sorts of ideas.

Please send your wife my apologies, if that's appropriate. I wonder what the ramifications are for relationships ... after turning riders to the dark side.


Warren.