February, 2012
In world geography this is the Atlantic-Pacific junction between North America and Russia. Hard to complete before nuclear submarines.
In local MTB terms it is a route that last year John, Amador and I tried to take from Mount Airie, over Mount Cressy and Leith Hall Gap and then down into the Wataru Coffee Farm valley and thence to the Brandon Hill road and civilization. We failed mainly because of a scary landslip, even on foot, no way with a bike. That is why we called it the "North West Passage".
Being an Anglo-Saxon, there is no such thing as defeat and Boogie’s arrival was the spur to try again.
The circuit we covered from Mount Airie was about three hours, virtually all rideable on double track, but with a testing stony climb of about an hour out of the valley and then a “bushy” trail to get to the ridge and the Leith Hall Gap road.
Here is the route:
From Mount Airie climb up on the normal road and descend until you see the sign for the Dyoll Coffee Factory (plenty of locals to ensure you don’t miss it).
Just a little problem on the main road, before you get to the turn off, there is a serious landslip and you have to take a little, steep path to get back on the road.
Down the coffee farm road, which descends, nothing serious and plenty of room until you get to the river. It is wide but not too deep and you can ride across.
Then you turn left and the serious climb begins. It is varied with flat pieces (almost) and steep, short ramps, we only walked twice. Scenery improves as you gain height.
You then come to a ”Private” sign and instead turn right onto a “bushy” track, mainly flat with a couple of grades that you can ride. I sent Boogie in front and he cut through the light bush!
The you hit a double track and turn right, this is the track we took last year and had to double back. It takes you to Leith Hall Gap, with a serious climb to get there, I walked about 50
At the Gap it is mainly downhill, with several fords and waterfalls and the trail is wet with puddles but easy to ride.
You cross the river again and there is the last climb up to look down on and descent to Mount Airie and cold beers!
Mission accomplished and a good ride for fit bikers.
By David Linehan
