Pedal Brisbane

DB

Scenic Gravel Ride

Type:  Gravel Riding
Difficulty:  Medium
Distance: 110km
Elevation Gained: 1,895m
Estimated Moving Time: 5-6 hours
Surface: 30% paved 70% gravel

Summary

This is what dream gravel ride are made of. It was one of the best gravel ride we have done so far. Why? we can give you so many reasons why.

A gravel route created based on lots of online research around the area. There are about 4 Down Burnett series, here is the first one. Starting from a rural beautiful town called Crows Nest (about 2 hours drive from Brisbane City). 

Heading north and within 2 km you will right away be riding on the gravel. Slightly undulating with smooth gravel surface bit sandy but not slippery. As we started riding at 6am, we were welcomed by a beautiful sunrise and an amazing view of the mountains.

We were riding towards Goombungee via multiple gravel road. What makes this really interesting was the different surfaces of gravel that you will get in between Crows Nest to Goombungee. I think there were about 3 – 4 different type of gravel road. From white bit sandy type, red colour muddy type gravel, a brown bit loose gravel and smooth brown gravel road.

As good as it sounds, this route was surprisingly challenging (you can see how undulating the route from the elevation map). We felt like it was always climbing every time we started a new gravel road.

Good thing was the view going to take your mind out of the hills. A quiet road with little to no cars (feels like the road was belong to us).

Once we arrived at Goombungee, we stop at the cafe for a quick refuel before going back to Crows Nest via Plainby and Pechey.

The day is getting hot, and this is where we started to feel the heat and the hills. The hills were harder on the second half compare to the first half, more double digits and bit technical descend.

If you are looking for another stop, Hampton will be a great option (around 93km mark). We saw a cafe and servo around the area for a water refill.

Otherwise, you push through back to Crows Nest for the best sausage rolls yet at the Lily Artisan Bakery.

Overall – if you are looking for a gravel day out outside Brisbane. Definitely put this on your list and you will not regret it at all.

Tips: Not doing it during summer probably better as we can see how hot it can be.