The trees whisper, the gravel crunches beneath the tyres no other distractions just you and the thin ribbon of dirt. Its crisp but not cold, a cool reprieve from the effort required to grind up the Mountain. You are here! you have been here before, this after all is your backyard, your local loop, an exploration of the great nearby. The attraction of gravel bike riding is a unique blend of purism of road and the rowdiness of the trail. But we are skipping too far ahead.
You are here! a reference commonly found on any good tourist map, a geographic reference point from where you can navigate an unfamiliar place in a far-off location. More recently though with challenges associated with travel both nationally and internationally, you are here has become a statement of restriction and lack of opportunity. Perhaps though “you are here” is a chance make the most of and explore the possibilities of your own back yard. The Great Nearby:
Jacobs Ladder, with its soaring flutes of dolerite each side of the switching corners of gravel create of an arena of spectacular pleasure and/or pain, in the Australian gravel cycling conscious Ben Lomond needs little introduction and yet there are still a few secrets. This route chosen allows for an interesting variation past The Bens little brother Ragged Jack with forestry roads missing bridges and creek crossings, after all a good adventure is all about layers.
Solo or with mates, summer or in snow (sometimes snow in summer) this is always a memorable local loop and although parts can be completed on a road bike with robust wheels, for this particular variation I would recommend a slightly rowdier rig like the Diverge. There is a stone hut hidden on the mountain for those who are bike packing, looking for solitude of an overnighter in front of a fire. A local craft brewery that is paddock to glass can be found on the trip home. If you know a few locals, you might just find yourself having a cold one under the oak tree. What's it like having a mountain at your gate? You may just have to visit to find out.
DISTANCE: Approx. 150km
ELEVATION: 2850m
SCOTT'S BIKE OF CHOICE: Diverge Pro
POST RIDE: Du Cane Brewing Co