Social Ride Invitation – East and West Branches of Brisbane River

Would you like to join us for a fun social ride exploring the source of the Brisbane River at Mount Stanley?

When: 8.30am, Saturday, 16 April 2016.
(We will aim to get back by about 12.30pm, to give you the option of ordering lunch at the Linville pub by 1.00pm)

Meeting point: Corner of Western Branch Road, and Eastern Branch Road, Mount Stanley, 24km north of Linville.
Google Map Ref: https://goo.gl/maps/4NyWgMh5tX22

NOTE: It takes 2 hours to drive here from the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane, allow 2.5 hours if you live closer to the city.

You’ll know when you’re at the start point because you’ll see this sign:

Park on the grass near the big sign.

Approx distance: 48km with about 970m of elevation. We should be back by 12.30pm. Tough-o-meter score: 6.

Features:
Stand on the exact spot where the Brisbane River Starts.
Ride up the Western Branch Valley crossing the river about 20 times.
Climb up through Elgin-Vale State Forest.
White knuckle descent down to Wombi Creek. From the summit it’s over 25km, mostly downhill (with a couple of pinch climbs) back to the starting point.
Ride down the Eastern Branch Valley crossing the river about 20 times.
Stop at “Barrow Annie” one of the biggest river boulders you’ll ever see.
If it has been raining you’ll get wet feet.
Option for free camping at Linville the night before.
More adventurous camping at Wombi Creek (20km upstream on the Eastern Branch)
Lunch at Linville Pub

Route:

Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0_cdVp26EjQ.k6eygP82KM24&usp=sharing

~~KML & GPX files will be published closer to the ride date.~~

KML: (link)

GPX: (link)

Bike Route Toaster: (link)

We will ride clockwise: North up Western Branch Road, East into the state forest, South down Eastern Branch Road

I have ridden this route several times in both wet and dry weather. It is one of the few routes that actually improves after rain. There is nothing more pleasant that to spend a day riding through crystal clear river crossings.

Notes:
Social pace. We won’t leave anyone behind.
There are no refill points. You must carry enough water for 4 hours. In dry weather the river water is not pleasant to drink.
There is one steep climb.
There is one steep descent.
There are one or two places you might get your feet wet.

Bring:
Bike in good condition
Plenty of water (3 to 4 litres) and snacks
Tools / Repair kit
Sunscreen
Sense of humour.

Whether you’re a novice or a ninja, this is an iconic ride. There are few people who can say they’ve seen where the Brissie River starts. This is a beautiful part of the world, well worth visiting.
If you feel like having a fun day out with a large bunch of fun loving mountain bikers, this is the ride for you.

SIGN UP HERE:
https://www.facebook.com/events/998695583544963/

DISCLAIMER
Mountain Biking is a dangerous sport. You ride with us at your own risk.

Happy New Year!