Mapleton to Cooloolabin dam Wet weather alternative 26/7/2020
Well it looks like La Nina might be on its way as our planned ride was foiled by the MTB weather gods, possible due to riders not spending enough time kneeling & cleaning bikes??, this has now changed with recent rains/mud…. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/updates/articles/a020.shtml
So, the Mapleton highlands were called upon, Launch point Lillyponds, 10 devout riders gathered in the mist headed North on Mapleton forest drive through tall timbers and subtropical rainforests.
The challenge was to avoid the tyre grit when descending at high speeds, you know what its like riding with one eye shut and the other blurry with eye watering speed Yaaah Hoooo & hang on tight to the bars, corner what corner???. Down towards Cooloolabin dam stopping to show newer riders some of the scenery. Lots of side tracks and potential loops for later exploration were passed up before arriving at the Dam wall for mandatory photos and linguistic exercises (possibly called Bull shiet).
A different loop was put into action for the return climb, cutting back through Baronga rd then heading into the labyrinth of aptly named fire breaks starting at Python Break… nice techy downhill. Before climbing the rocky step ups of (death) Adder break with fantastic scenery before joining back to the Cooloolabin-Mapleton rd. The Magic Mile single track was ridden back up to the day use area, traction control and double diff locks were activated on slippery ascents with everyone smiling as the sun came out…..it can’t rain forever. 28Km and 730m elevation scared off the demons for another week.
Post traumatic coffee, sausage rolls, cakes, shakes and snakes were gleefully consumed at the bakery in good old Mapleton. Edward Kellys (Ned’s) name was mentioned a few times as the club was started up in this town back in 1993. Mega Kudos to all who rode today, great time was had by all and sundry.
Trail care next Saturday Parklands 1:00pm, bring your Boots and Trail care crafting skills. Trails don’t maintain themselves they need your input (you ride you dig). Looking forward to seeing you there more details on Facebook. https://www.redbull.com/au-en/mtb-trail-etiquette-dos-and-donts
