The Oaks: Woodford to Glenbrook

The Oaks: Woodford >> Glenbrook

Ride Leader: Terry Hatton

Date: Friday 31st October.

Start: 9:00 am at Woodford Station. Finish ride at Glenbrook for coffee/brunch/lunch at approximately 11:30 am

Meeting Place: The ride itself will start at 9:00 am from Woodford Station on the southern side in Railway Parade. It recommended to catch the 8:29 am train to there from Glenbrook (or elsewhere) as the ride will finish at Glenbrook. If driving to Glenbrook there is parking near the station or just up the hill near the shops. Be on Glenbrook Station by 8:20 am if you intend to catch the train to the start at Woodford.

Ride Description: The Oaks Fire Trail through the Blue Mountains National Park from Woodford plus Bennetts Ridge Trail and Euroka Clearing to Glenbrook; about 33km all up. This is a popular mountain bike ride predominantly on (usually) good quality, relatively smooth fire trail plus some single track towards the end. There are expansive scenic views as the trail winds through heath, gradually leading to open forest, the Oaks aka casuarinas and down to Glenbrook Creek. A fun ride with a bit of adventure & challenge through a bush environment.

Rating: Varying from easy to medium grade. You need to be confident off the bitumen on occasional loose surfaces. There are a number of steep hills with grades briefly up to 15% - they can be ridden or walked but an e-mtb is definitely more enjoyable. Overall though there is an altitude loss between the start & finish of more than 400 metres; over 500 metres before the last steep climb up from Glenbrook Creek.

Also note that near the end there is approximately 4 km of single-track riding including about 1.5 km rated intermediate technical difficulty. This can be avoided by following the internal road though most novice riders seen to enjoy the challenge but you can/must of course get off and walk any bit that looks intimidating.

Essential: The Woodford to Glenbrook fire trail takes you through isolated bush. Mobile coverage will be patchy in places. There is no vehicular access to the trail apart from emergency services access. So, a mountain bike in good working order, spare tube etc is essential. Bring adequate water as there is none along the way. Bring snacks as we will make a couple of short stop. Bring sun protection as the route follows a ridge without much shade in many sections.

Contact: If you would like to join the ride, please send Terry a txt on 0429702458 - cement your spot! Terry will then update you with any changes.