The Blue Range Panorama is an off-road ride in the Gembrook area taken from the 2nd edition ORCA book. It is essentially a non-technical mountain bike ride, taking in magnificent surroundings of tall timber forest and ferns. The trail is mainly a packed gravel road loop. The biggest climb is at the start, about 5km in the middle ring and occasionally granny ring, then continues along a ridge line with a few ups and downs (great scenic views). There are singletrack ‘cut-through’ options off the loop road which, if accessible, could be fun to explore. Due to recent rain (and snow!) there could be muddy sections, so knobby tyres are an absolute must. You will need reasonable fitness to complete this ride.
Details
| Location | Gembrook |
| Date | Saturday 18th November 2006 |
| Meeting place | Mortimer Picnic Reserve, Gembrook (Melway Key Map page 14) |
| Ride start time | 11am |
| Surface | mainly packed gravel road |
| Distance | 37km loop |
| Suited to | Mountain Bikes - knobbly tires! |
| Fitness level | good |
How to get there
Gembrook is 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne CBD. The easiest way to get there is via the Monash Fwy, taking the Wellington Rd exit, and continue along Wellington Rd through Lysterfield to Clematis (Melways 127 ref A4). At roundabout, proceed straight ahead onto Belgrave-Gembrook Rd and continue to Gembrook. Alternatively, you could travel via Burwood Hwy and Belgrave, but the road is busy and windy (after Belgrave) so travel time may be longer.
Once in Gembrook travel East on the Main St and proceed straight ahead over x-road (Melways 299 ref A10). You are now on Beenak East Rd, continue for approx 1.2km then turn right on to Gembrook-Tonimbuk Rd. Proceed straight ahead until Mortimer Reserve (Key Map page 14) which is on your left before Triangle Link Rd. Parking area is here, by the toilet block.
What to bring
- Water/windproof jacket.
- Clothing appropriate for weather (weather forecast)
- Water/drinks, lunch and snacks.
- Puncture repair kit, spare tube, pump.
- Change of clothing for after ride.
Helmets must be worn on all rides.
Contact/Leader
Please call Ray on Friday 17th November after 5pm for further info and to confirm your attendance.
Phone: 9999 9999, or mobile 0444 444 444.
It’s a good idea to phone ride leaders for confirmation in case the ride has been cancelled for some reason.
