9th March 2014 – Mount Brown Loop

Ride Report 9th March 2014
Ian Scott

With ominous black clouds on the horizon and light rain, 7 riders converged on the start point for today’s ride at Coffs City Centre Mall ready for a wet ride around the Mount Brown loop. As we headed of along Harbour drive towards West High Street, the rain and clouds disappeared making for perfect riding weather, light clouds and temperature around 20-22 degrees.

Riding along Coramba Road we started the long slow lung busting climb up Red Hill. After a brief rest stop to recover at the top, we continued along Coramba Road towards Karangi. Turning left into Upper Orara Road for a pleasant undulating ride through light forest and open farm land then right at North Island Loop road through open farm land.

Continuing on along South Island Loop road we start the slow climb back up the hills towards Mount Brown road. Having reached the top of the hills we are ready for the long bone shaking downhill descent towards Coramba road. The very rough surface means the adrenaline junkies will have to wait for Red Hill for their thrills.

Turning right into Coramba road we are on the home stretch. We climb to the top of Red Hill and then the long down hill run back into Coffs. Back at the City Centre we stop for the very welcome coffee and refreshments break.

Although this was a short ride of 42kms everyone agreed it was a very pleasant ride (not sure of the agonising Red Hill climb!) through undulating forest and farm land.

Next Sunday’s ride is from Urunga to Gleniffer, Thora, Bellingen back to Urunga. Moderate to Hard 80kms with some gravel. Contact Phil Jones 0408652103