It’s no secret that I quite like this climb, so I think it’s time to give it a proper description, blow by excruciating blow! Anything that has names like ‘The Great Wall of Bellthorpe’ or the ‘Col du Gabion’ (I came up with that one, I reckon it has a nice ring to it) deserves plenty of pictures
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Yesterday I parked at the intersection of Nonmus Rd and Kilcoy-Beerwah Rd, but that doesn’t really allow for a warmup, so for those on the Sunshine Coast I would recommend riding from either Peachester, or maybe Beerwah so you can enjoy the great downhill from Peachester on the way back. For Brisbanites Woodford would make a good starting point.
From the start of Nonmus Rd you go a kilometre or so, past the Woodlands poultry fram and when the road takes a turn to the left you are on Bellthorpe Range Rd (there is a big green sign to say as much so getting lost is pretty much impossible!).
Just after that turn you cross Running Creek, this is a great spot to refill your water bottles if you need to (or if you forgot to fill the bottle before leaving home
).
From the bridge you have another kilometre or two of rolling road, if you spot this sign, don’t be disturbed, you’re unlikely to see more than 1 or 2 cars and I haven’t had trouble from anyone yet.
After crossing a couple of little gullies keep an eye out for these signs on the left, and then get ready,
Because just a little further on at this little creek is the start of the climb.
It’s possible to hit this in the big ring but you’re likely to get bogged down, if you take it in the small ring you can keep the cadence up a little, remember this is a long climb by Sunshine Coast standards!
At the top of that first rise you will see this corner which leads into a downhill S bend, take the opportunity to pick up a little extra speed along here but don’t push too hard as the climbing starts again just around the next corner.
That rise leads you to this gate, which marks the point the climb starts to get really serious.
At this point I’m in the 39-26, and won’t be able to change any higher for a LONG time!
The climb from that gate to ‘The Great Wall’ is quite consistent, but has a couple of little variations that can allow the cadence up and down a bit, try to control that as any little acceleration will take away power that you will need later on.
There are 2 ridges to get around, this one a little way up from the white gate,
and this one around that corner (it’s hard to spot but the road goes off up to the right through the trees).
On rounding that corner The Great Wall will appear in front of you, don’t hurt your neck trying to take it in!
The grade after the first guardrailed corner picks up a bit and you will probably need your bottom gear from there to the hairpin.
The grade eases up a little between the hairpin and the 2nd corner afterwards, but then kicks up again so enjoy the rest and take in the views while you have a chance.
The rise up to the next hairpin is pretty tough, and by comparison the next section doesn't look as bad, but don’t be tempted to click up a gear as you will most likely blow up.
From the last guardrail above the 2nd hairpin it eases again before this ramp,
And after a little flat this next pinch marks the beginning of the end. You may just be able to make out the letterbox on the right, this is the first house since the white gate
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Now given the sky showing between the trees and the crest at the top of that rise you will probably be thinking the pain is over.
No.
“But Ldr” you say, “it’s going downhill!”
But that last rise is much easier than what you’ve just done, and is easily achievable in the big ring.
After that there is just this little downhill/flat to the white house and you’re done!!
In all, you’re looking at 4.7km at an average of 8.3%. From the top if you want a loop you take Campbells Rd/Gap Rd to Maleny or turn around and go back down.
Be aware, the descent needs A LOT OF CARE! I wouldn’t call it dangerous, as long as you take it easy it should be fine, but the grade demands a lot of very heavy braking, the road is a little rough in sections, the majority is coarse chip with the usual loose gravel and some of the corners are very tight.
My ride there yesterday morning went well, on my first run up it was clear doing 5k down the bottom wasn't enough of a warmup, and halfway up I needed to stop to adjust one of my cleats (still haven’t got it quite in the right spot) but still managed a reasonable time somehow.
After riding back down to the bottom I felt a lot better and then gave it a red hot go, managed to take a whole minute off my previous best, and moved up to 2nd and 3rd on the two Strava segments! I’m still well off my best so I think the KOM is achievable
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I had intended to do at least 3 runs but the combination of waking up a little late, replacing my bald rear tyre, adjusting the cleat and taking all those photos on the 2nd run down had me short of time. The next time I’m out there I’ll give it a proper going over
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. I've barely even got started on building up the miles and it's too much.
