Grade:M-XXX
Distance: 40km + 1200m climb. Add 60km to get from Canberra to Cotter
Road Conditions:Good standard fire trails.
Route: A steep climb to the top of the range, then down into Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve through the eucalypts and back to Cotter through the pine forests.
Maps: 1: 25 000 Cotter Dam, Tidbinbilla.
Starting Point:Cotter.
Description:
This ride features magnificent views over Canberra from Mt Pierce; a great downhill run into Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (watch out for families strolling up the hill); lots of koalas, birds, roos, etc. to say hello to in the reserve.
Head South from Cotter on Paddys River Rd. At 752868 turn right into Laurel Camp Rd and follow this for approximately 3 km to 745841, bear off due South and proceed to 744835 then turn West uphill along Tidbinbilla Range Rd (there are alternative routes to get to this road if you want to be different -- look at the Cotter Dam map). This road climbs to the top of the range, runs South through Mt Pierce (726802) (great views!) and then skirts Camels Hump (719789) before dropping off the Eeast side of the ridge into the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
To return home take the bitumen road from the koala enclosure toward the old visitor centre and reserve exit. At 738742 turn North and head through the middle of the radiata to pick up Gilmores Rd at 738766 (read your map carefully in this area - there are numerous roads running through this forest). Continue North, through the short stretch of eucalypt forest, to meet Oakey Creek Rd at about 748790. This road takes you more or less due North through the forest, continues to become Laurel Camp Rd which then leads onto Paddys River Rd and back to the Cotter Reserve (the last few kilometres of this ride consist of a fastish no-brakes-required downhill roll - excellent! !).