The EC Loop
I've named the EC Loop after the local legend who rides this loop regularly for training. She can smash this out in under 2 hours... as of Sep 2020, my best time is 2:20 so still a way to go to catch her!
Stats
The course has 870 vert metres and my time of 2:20 was ridden at an average speed of 16.9kmph.
Course Terrain
The route takes you through a variety of terrain. The sealed section takes you from the drier bush immediately surrounding Forrest into rainforest. Once you're on Sunnyside, the lush green of the rainforest really begins to shine against the tall gums. The gravel here is well maintained with some clay peeking through sometimes. You will reach a high point where you look over harvested pine plantation, then it's back into the winding rainforest. Once you reach Kaanglang and start descending, the bush returns to the drier bush more typical of Forrest. Kaanglang is another well maintained gravel road, but be mindful that throughout the year, they do top up the gravel. If this has happened recently, you may find patches of chunky loose gravel that will soon settle under vehicles.
Course Route
The course begins on the seal and you follow the Forrest-Apollo Bay road towards the coast. This is almost constantly winding, and the road can be very busy on weekends. Please pop on a flashing rear light to assist drivers to see you more easily.
- Ride the Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd for 13.5km till you see the turnoff for Sunnyside Rd on the left.
- Ride along Sunnyside for 4.3km.
- Follow left onto Benwerrin-Mt Sabine Road for 8km.
- This will take you to the intersection of Benwerrin-Mt Sabine Rd/Kaanglang Rd.
- Turn left onto Kaanglang and ride it all the way back into Forrest.
As you can see from the hill profile, it's the kind of ride where you feel like you spend most of it climbing. Once you hit Kaanglang, however the hard work is done. If you watch the kilometres while you're riding it can be discouraging, however keep in mind that the last 10km go quickly because of the descent. This loop can also be ridden in reverse.
Phone reception is patchy near Mt Sabine.
Forrest to Lorne Return
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 … Read more
Pipeline Track Loop
Pipeline Track Loop The Pipeline Track loop is an easy introduction into gravel grinds in the Otways (when it’s dry). Stats Just shy of 25km, 646 elevation, this loop will take about 1.5 hr at an average speed of 17kmph. Most of the climbing is at the start on Roadknight Creek rd. Course Terrain You … Read more
The EC Loop
The EC Loop I’ve named the EC Loop after the local legend who rides this loop regularly for training. She can smash this out in under 2 hours… as of Sep 2020, my best time is 2:20 so still a way to go to catch her! Stats The course has 870 vert metres and my … Read more
Thompsons Loop
Thomson’s Loop Stats The route is 31km long and has 830 vert metres. At an average speed of 14kmph, it will take approximately 2.5 hours. Course Terrain This loop track will take you right up into the Otway ranges, through the tall gum forests, overlooking steep mountain valleys. The first 13km is a steady climb … Read more
Kawarren Loop AC
Kawarren Loop AC The Kawarren Loop AC takes in a variety of views as you wind out of town through paddocks. Following a section of the Old Beechy Rail Trail, you will find yourself rolling down green gullies and past points of historical interest. From Kawarren East, you head back up into the dry Eucalypt … Read more
Forrest to Apollo Bay Sunnyside Down
Forrest to Apollo Bay – Sunnyside Down This is one of my favourite ways to get to Apollo Bay…. if you haven’t ridden Sunnyside Rd, you need to pop it on the list. The section leaving the Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd is just stunning forest with tall slender gums and ferns everywhere. Once Sunnyside intersects with … Read more
Barramunga Loop
Barramunga Loop This loop takes you out up Roadknight Creek Rd, but from there you head South West on Barramunga-Roadknight Rd till you reach Upper Gellibrand Road. This road would take you to Stevensons Falls if you want, but for the 20km loop, turn left which takes you back to the Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd. From … Read more
Dewings Bridge Rd Loop
Dewings Bridge Rd Loop This loop heads north of Forrest to Barwon Downs and beyond. This loop takes you out into green rolling hills and is a great loop for those seeking less vert. There is one short section on bitumen between the end of the Tiger Rail Trail and Barwon Downs so be mindful … Read more