Australian Mountain Bike — December 01, 2017

mountbawbaw.com.au

While Baw Baw might lack the relative glitz and glamour of

its Alpine neighbours such as Falls Creek and Thredbo, it

can’t be beaten for ease of access from the south. Lying just

120km due east of Melbourne you can be attacking the black

diamond DH1 trail just over a couple of hours after lounging

on the beach at St Kilda.

And downhill is Baw Baw’s signature offering – something

you’ll no doubt immediately understand as you drive up the

mountain on one of Australia’s steepest roads which gains

nearly 1,000m in just 12.5kms. Given the fact that what goes up

must come down, the scene is definitely set for some white-

knuckle gravity riding.

The DH1 trail offers numerous lines, but the best and fastest

in the country can descend the full distance (and 300m total

elevation) in around 3 minutes and 20 seconds.

To see some of them in action, pencil in the weekend of 17/18

February in your diary when a round of the Victorian Downhill

Series takes place.

This year, once again, the gravity shuttles run right to the top

of Baw Baw summit which adds black, blue and multiple green

run options. Total descents of 3km are therefore possible by

linking tracks together through the village before joining up

with DH1 itself on the south side of the mountain.

Baw Baw also offers plenty for XC riders and prides itself that

all its trails are man-made without the use of any machinery,

as well as being free of charge to access.

Easy trails such as Beech, LaTrobe and McMillans will appeal

to those with less experience, but more established riders can

get their thrills on the likes of Upper Tyres and Tanked, as well

as the downhill AM1. Expect to find a wide variety of topography

through the snow gum woodlands – from granite outcrops to

lush loamy dirt – with natural features dominating the trails.

Soft wet roots and rocks (albeit with some raised decking in

parts) will offer a challenge to cross-country riders, especially

if you’re coming from interstate where the conditions may often

be much drier and dustier.

It may be small, but Baw Baw is beautifully formed, and offers

a great MTB package for riders of all levels. And all that just a

short drive from the hustle and bustle of inner-city Melbourne.

COSTS

1-day MTB shuttle pass: $60

2-day MTB shuttle pass: $110

EVENTS

26-28 January:

Australia Day Weekend

17-18 February:

Victorian Downhill Series

30 March-2 April:

Baw Baw Classic Road Race

BIKE RENTALS

Check availibility from Baw Baw

Sports in Neerim.

E-MTB USAGE:

Allowed

CLINICS

Learn to Shred -

$39 (+$50 shuttle pass)

Intermediate - $69

Advanced - $69

58 - AMB