Grade:M-XXX
Distance: 55km + 1500m climb. Add 60km to get from Canberra to Cotter
Road Conditions:Mostly well formed dirt roads with a few rough steep ascents/descents and fiver crossings.
Route:A ride on fire trails from Cotter, through some magnificent eucalypt forest to one of Canberra's water supply dams, and return. This is quite a long ride so allow plenty of time.
Maps: 1: 25 000 Cotter Dam, Tidbinbilla.
Starting Point:Cotter.
Description:
This ride features beautiful eucalypt forest, interesting bird life, an attractive picnic spot at the dam. The dam and the pipeline which the route follows for long stretches are major components of the Canberra water supply system.
Note: If water is spilling over the dam there's a fair chance that it won't be safe to cross the river.
Head South from Cotter on Paddys Crossing Rd. At 758887 take the road through Pierces Creek Forestry Settlement to pick up Vanity Crossing Rd at 739874. Follow this across the Cotter River (check the water level - if it's running fast be prepared not to be able to use the Pipeline Rd!). Pick up Warks Rd at 697869, turn South and follow this to the Bendora Rd at 658814. Take this road to the Dam.
To return, cross the Cotter River about 100 m downstream from the dam. This road crosses the river a few times but generally keeps to the East of the Cotter. Follow this North to join up with Burkes Creek Rd at 674796 (this junction is not marked on the map) and continue until you meet the Pipeline Rd at 693824. Stick with this road back to Pierces Creek Settlement and then on to Cotter.