Grade: H-XXX
Distance: 71km + 1800m climb return. Add about 80km to get from Canberra to Naas via Tharwa and return
Road Conditions: The surface is generally good but there are some steep rough sections along the Naas River. Good dirt and then bitumen on the homeward leg.
Route: A hard day ride up the Naas River valley to the Boboyan Road. Return via the Old Boboyan Road.
Maps: 1: 25 000 Colinton, Bredbo, Michelago, Yaouk. Environment ACT map of Namadgi National Park
Starting Point:Naas (about 10km south of Tharwa Village).
Description:
The ride features magnificent country! The outward leg to 'Mount Clear' passes through superb enclosed eucalypt spur/gully terrain. The return leg is through more open country which gives great views of the mountains (Mr Gudgenby, Yankee Hat, etc). Horse Gully Hut is in very good condition and is located in a beautiful spot. Lots of river crossings. The ride has the ultimate ending - fly down Fitzs Hill to your car!
Set out S from Naas along Naas Rd. After about 3 km turn left (868555) and cross over the Naas River. This road takes you in a more or less southerly direction, following the River, for about the next 20 kin. Just after crossing the River for the last time, Horse Gully Hut is found at 865334. After about another 4 km the open paddocks of 'Mount Clear' property are reached; from here the road continues to meet the Boboyan Rd at 807293.
Turn left and go south along the Boboyan Rd for about 1 km and then turn right at 798290 to join the Old Boboyan Rd. Ride along the road to 767330 and then head N (this turn-off is not very distinct - the road more or less lies in the middle of a very obvious gully system, so use the topography to aid in your navigation). This road takes you through the Boboyan Forest and joins the Boboyan Rd again at 804432. Still heading N, the bitumen starts almost immediately and leads you to your car which is sitting at the foot of Fitzs Hill.