Mapleton to Point Glorious Plus 6/3/2022
Ride Report Mapleton Point Glorious Plus. 6.3.2022
Due to the massive amounts of rain in the last week our only option to get dirt under the tyres was the fail-safe Mapleton ridges and beyond.
22 riders with serious cabin fever prepared for a range of ride options suiting a diversity of riders.
Group 1: Tour de Mapleton rookie/injured group of 4 stayed on moderately level ground with a scenic tour of the town incorporating Lillyponds wood features out in the lake then along Mapleton forest drive down cedar creek rd past the day use area. Followed by a history tour of Mapleton cemetery looking for Bushranger relatives but none to be found, only a few scattered spokes..
Mapleton falls looked spectacular with mountainous back drop and misting waterfall. 24 Km and 400+ meters of climbing. Great to have Katherine along for the ride on a sweet looking Kona Unit X bike.
Groups: 2 & 3 headed for Cooloolabin dam rolling at mega speed down the gravel hills then changing gears ascending the notorious aptly named section signed as “Change gear hill North”. On the fly bike seat tuning helped a new rider achieve happier hill climbing efficiency.
Resting to take in the industrial view of Cooloolabin dam wall & not satisfied from lack of mud most headed through the single track along the dam for splash therapy. Group 2 headed back to Mapleton enjoying the satisfaction of achieving big climbs in the forest.
The remainder set off for Point glorious, humidity on the rise was relived on arrival with the cool updraft. Keen to put the big climbs behind them a huge effort ensued back towards Mapleton, glimpses of sun had helmet temps on the rise, water bottles dropping fast and legs on the limit towards the end. 42+km and 1000+ m.
Kudos to all who journeyed out and especially new riders showing some true Bushranger grit.
All global problems were solved at La Botiga Café with the best food and beverages in town!!