THE DIRTY RIDes:
A fine selection of rides with gravel sections. NB: Not all gravel roads are equal and note that some of these can get adventurous, remote or both.
The Dirty Forks:
introduced in 2021 and heralding the introduction of dirt to 'The Forks'. Mitta (the Siena of the South) is the beginning and endpoint of this stunning loop. Half sealed and half not, the 'dirty forks' takes you through pine plantations, mountain forest, peaceful climbs, broad valleys, and cattle grids before descending back to the smooth valley roads of packed white gravel. Its then back to Mitta where the sprinters should prevail (if they haven't stopped for a latte in Eskdale). A great entry to the world of gravel riding - do-able on a road bike.
Mitta - Yabba creek loop:
A tough variation on the 'dirty forks', the yabba creek loop is half bitumen, half gravel. with an initial Gravel climb of nearly 10km that pitches up to 12-13% at times, this loop is not for the faint of heart. the rewards though are the valley views as you ride the ridgeline down and cross into the next valley. it isn't singletrack, but it is Best ridden on a bike that can handle rough and rocky dirt road. There is a 1 km section through a field without a lot of road, GPS advised. a beer at the brewery post ride is a just reward for your effort.
rodda creek trail loop:
this compact loop is as tough as it is beautiful. the ride takes you into remote country with a number of alternate trails feeding onto and off the route, so pre-load a map onto your GPS/phone so you don't get lost. while the road is mostly alright, from km21, there are prolonged 2-3 km sections on dirt with gradients frequently between 10-16%. the descent between km29 and km32 averages 15% and is rocky - so don't use your road bike and check your brakes before the depart. The rewards are many, especially if ridden early when the birds are in full song.
Mitta - Granite Flat - Dartmouth Loop:
the polite bitumen sections of this road belie the savage gradients and sections where the road simply turns into a cow track (if that). It's pretty, and it is rewarding, but don't attempt it on your road bike. An early morning start will reward with mist and birdsong.
dirty dartmouth dam loop:
A longer, dirtier and higher variation of the Granite Flat - Dartmouth Loop. This ride takes you over a second longer and steeper gravel climb. The rewards are views over the dam and valleys below and a nice descent through some stunning country. Top the work off with a climb up the dam wall before heading back to mitta. Not for a road bike.
Mitta - Mt Beauty - Falls Ck Loop:
Introduced in 2021 heralding the introduction of Forks of Fury fringe rides. This is a monster, with the first 40km on the gravel "short cut" to Mt Beauty and breakfast #2. The remainder of the ride is on paved road but it doesn't make it any easier with 1) the climb from Mt Beauty to Falls Creek 2) A hair raising descent down the back of Falls and 3) The climb up the back of Mt Wills (a LOT gnarlier than the Mitta side). The reward for 183km and 4,000m of climbing in one day is a Pot and Parma in the Mitta pub - It can be done and it doesn't get any better than this.
