Mapleton to Cooloolabin dam ride report

Ride report Wet Weather alternative ride

 Mapleton to Cooloolabin Dam . 9/2/2020

February is a month we are considering removing from the Australian calendar… too hot, humid, wet, fires, storms and unpredictability, although the Bushrangers had a cunning plan to fend off the weather gods by having 3 great ride options.

With Toby showing off the Maroochydore to Coolum coastal paths and scenic Emu mountain national park, avoiding excess water and mud in sensible style.

Graham taking the scenic tour around Ewan Maddock dam and surrounds with some enthusiastic new members. See the earlier posts for details.

The other ride was the Highland tour from Mapleton to Cooloolabin dam via the gravel road along Mapleton forest drive. Total return 29km.

With 11 unsuspecting riders leaving Mapleton under gloomy skies dodging recently formed potholes out towards the Mapleton day use area where we picked up Jason.

From here we were all lead into a false sense of security with some gradual downhill followed by Steeper downhill, then tight steeper corners, loose gravel and more downhill through thickening forest ravins. Brake levers gripped cautiously trying not to over cook it and lose the whole show sideways. Bit like Mulga Bills Bicycle…….. although we had disk brakes Ha Ha and no Wombat holes to dodge!!

Stopping at a scenic palm lined creek with western views and waterfall allowed the rotors to stop glowing and sweat beads to be wiped away,  Back on track with some steep climbs and effort we arrived at the Cooloolabin dam wall before doing a stint through some leafy single track to the end point before the return.

From here we knew that all the down hill glory had to be repaid, with some great climbing by everyone back up to the day use area. The Strava map gives you an idea of the efforts achieved and “Watts burned killing gravity”. Sounds like a good name for a cycling book.

Just rewards of coffee and Cake Yet Again!! were scoffed down with delight at the local Café keeping the inner glow alive, completing the Happy Hippie Highlands Ride.

Great to see the smile on the dials of those who recently come back from some big falls last year, well done you.

Keep your eye on facebook for next week’s ride as more wet weather is predicted.