Surf Coast Cruising with Byron Davy
Welcome to first-time contributor, Byron Davy!
This week, we take a trip to one of the most picturesque regions of Australia, the stunning Surf Coast town of Lorne.
Lorne plays host to some of Australia’s best Gran Fondos including the seminal Amy’s Gran Fondo, a weekend of racing that unites over 5,000 riders from around the world.
This collection has some of the best climbs in the region, plus a few hidden gems that we’ll be sure to visit time we’re down the coast.
You can find all these rides under NEW in the FulGaz App.
Image via: Visit Melbourne
SKENES CREEK TO SUNNYSIDE ROAD
For many, Sunnyside Road is "Where the post box is on the Great Ocean Road" but it is also a punchy, serpentine climb providing vast views along the coastline of the Otway Ranges. This ride winds along the Great Ocean Rd before an ascent of the Sunnyside Road climb. Soon after 6Km, look for the wallaby foraging on the side of the road on the climb before it bounds off!
More InfoBENWERRIN CLIMB
A popular climb out straight out the coastal town of Lorne this is a steady climb up through the Otway Forest Park. As the first climb for the annual Amy's Classic the pace up here can be frenetic on ride day though this time it's a quiet early summer morning enjoying the bush and birds.
More InfoERSKINE FALLS
Not as well known as the Benwerrin climb out of Lorne, Erskine Falls is a steady climb with pinches in the early sections. This road leads to the site of the world famous Falls Festival and during festival season this road is full of partygoers. For the rest of the year though it's a quiet tourist road with almost no traffic.
More InfoLORNE TO AIREYS INLET AND RETURN
Starting from Lorne we head north to Aireys Inlet in the morning light. After the climb to Cinema Point and descent through to Eastern View, the view opens out to the Surf Coast. At around the 12Km mark the famous Pole House in Fairhaven on the left comes into view and soon after we approach the Aireys Inlet Lighthouse for our turnaround point. As we descend from the lighthouse we take in some gravel (watch out for the dog!) before passing the beach house featured in the iconic movie Mad Max on the left. We return to Lorne for coffee, riding through the bustling town before finishing at the town pier.
More InfoLORNE TO CAPE PATTON
Starting at the Lorne Pier this ride takes you along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road to the Cape Patton lookout. This is a destination road for cyclists around the world and the site of the Amy Gran Fondo.
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