EC Loop Gravel Grind

Forrest to Lorne Return

I first completed this ride on 2 Aug 2020. That morning we began to hear rumours we were going into another lockdown so instead of waiting for the doom and gloom to be announced, I got onto my bike and rode over to Lorne for my final long distance ride for the foreseeable future.

This loop takes you up to Barwon Down and up Delaneys Road. From there you get onto Mt Benwerrin-Sabine Road and follow it all the way to Erskine Falls road. Erskine Falls Road eventually switches from gravel to bitumen for a smooth and exciting roll down into the back of Lorne. Navigationally once you're into the houses, any downhill road will take you to the Great Ocean Road and the main street where you can treat yourself to coffee and cake, before you turn around to slog up that descent you just joyously rode down.

Stats

The route is 70.79km long and has 1727 vert metres. My time of 4:46 hours was ridden at an average speed of 14.8kmph.

Course Terrain

There is a short section of bitumen to take you out through Barwon Downs. From there it is gravel until the final leg down on bitumen into Lorne.

Course Route

  • Take the Tiger Rail Trail north out of town.
  • When it crosses the Forrest - Birregurra Rd at the other end, turn right onto the road and ride through Barwon Downs.
  • Turn right at Loves Rd which becomes Delaneys Rd.
  • Follow Delaneys till it hits Mt Benwerrin - Sabine Rd and turn left.
  • Turn right at Erskine Falls Rd. Follow this all the way down into town.
  • Return via the same route.

Tips

Phone reception will be patchy at points.

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