The 'brindies' by Ella Bloor

As cyclists, we’re always looking for an adventure. If covid has taught me anything, it’s that my backyard is pretty damn special. Sometimes, you don’t need to travel halfway around the country or to another continent to chase that feeling. The Brindabella’s constantly remind me that I’ve barely scratched the surface of what I have on my doorstep. The route options are endless. It’s a labyrinth of beautiful fire trails that have only stitched me up & left me hike-biking once or twice! This route is ~100kms of bliss (and free of the stitch-up sections I’ve previously explored). I usually put a small handlebar bag onto my Epic, fill it with snacks, some water purifying tablets and an emergency blanket (you know, just in case!).

The route starts at Stromlo, beginning with a descent on tarmac down into the Cotter. Once you make the right-hand turn onto the gravel at Dry Creek Road, the adventure really begins. The climb up to Pipeline road is a bit of a slog, but I’m always so rewarded once I (ungracefully) hurl my bike over the gate & begin twisting along, looking down at the river cutting through the mountain range. Before starting the climb up to Bull’s Head, there’s a river crossing and an opportunity to fill up your bottles (and add the purifying tablets unless you want to take your chances with giardia or something equally as unpleasant!). Once you’re at the top of Bull’s head, there is a picnic area and an opportunity to shovel in some glycogen before tackling Mt Coree. Mt Coree is optional, but if it’s a clear day, you would be crazy not to head up to the summit. It is easily one of the most incredible views that always makes me feel like I’m worlds away from the roundabouts and politicians that Canberra is so blandly known for. The second best thing to the view from Mount Coree is that you’re pretty much descending for the next 30 or so km’s, which is indescribably satisfying having climbed for so long. 

Once you pop back into civilisation and make your way up to Stromlo, a beverage awaits at The Handlebar & is the perfect post-ride park up.

DISTANCE: Approx. 95km

ELEVATION: 2250m

ELLA'S BIKE OF CHOICE: Epic

POST RIDE: The Handlebar Stromlo