Gun Routes | ride4rescue

RIDERS ROUTE - GUNS

Day 1

We start the morning at Parliament House, following the shared paths along Lake Burley Griffin. After 15 km, we make a brief stop at Stromlo Mountain Bike Park for morning tea before tackling some of Canberra’s best singletrack. From there, we ride out to Cotter Road and enjoy a fast downhill run to lunch at Cotter Dam.

After lunch, we're greeted by a steep climb out of the Cotter, leading onto a dirt road where the real adventure begins. The road undulates through the countryside, with fun, fast descents and several river crossings along the way.

As we approach the 50 km mark, the unsupported section begins. Over the next 19 km, we tackle a 750 m vertical climb as the road winds its way up through the Brindabella Ranges. Reaching 1,300 m elevation, we're welcomed by the support crew with some well-earned, delicious food.

From here, we follow the ridgeline before descending 700 m down the western side of the Brindabella Ranges to Brindabella Flats. The final 10 km of the day follows the Goodradigbee River, with a gradual climb leading us to Peter and Fran’s, where Day 1 comes to an end.

After an epic day in the saddle, enjoy a refreshing soak in the cold river, take in the stunning views of the Brindabella's, and spend the evening around the fire sharing stories from an unforgettable Day.

Day 2

We say goodbye to Peter and Fran’s and begin the day with a challenging 700 m climb over 16 km. As we wind our way up to 1,400 m elevation, we're rewarded with incredible views back across the Brindabella Valley.

After reaching the high point, we enjoy a short descent to our morning tea stop. From there, the road undulates through the forest before opening out onto vast alpine plains. We then turn onto the Blue Waterholes Trail and, after a short climb, descend 200 m into the spectacular Blue Waterholes valley.

We spend some time exploring the incredible gorges before enjoying a well-earned lunch. Afterward, we climb back out of the gorge and return to the open plains, passing through sections of forest along the way. Reaching our highest point of the day at 1,460 m, we then gradually descend to afternoon tea at Ghost Gully Campground.

After completing 50 km, we continue along the dirt roads until reaching the Snowy Mountains Highway. A short but steep climb awaits before an exhilarating descent drops us into the stunning Yarrangobilly Caves.

To finish the day, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool, reflect on the day's adventure, and share stories from another incredible day on the bike.

Day 3

We set off from the start of Long Plain Road, following the same route from the end of Day 2. Passing Ghost Gully Campground, we begin with a 100 m climb to the saddle of Mt Nattung. From there, we descend 200 m to the shores of Tantangara Reservoir.

Riding through the incredible open plains, we make our way to Currango Homestead, where we'll stop to enjoy delicious homemade scones with jam and cream. Once we're fuelled up, the challenge continues with a tough singletrack climb to Pocket Saddle Road. We follow the road for a short distance before descending to the Murrumbidgee River.

From there, we ride on to lunch at the base of Tantangara Dam, reaching the 37 km mark. After a well-earned meal, we climb back onto the open plains, where the next 16 km gradually gains elevation, broken up by a series of fun descents as we travel through vast alpine grasslands.

At around 1,400 m elevation, we leave the plateau behind and descend towards Anglers Reach. To finish the day, one final short but steep climb awaits before reaching the Snowy Mountains Highway, where Day 3 comes to an end. From here, we'll be transferred to Anglers Reach to relax and recover after another unforgettable day of riding.

Day 4

We begin Day 4 with a short 20-minute transfer to Denison Campground, the starting point for today's ride. From here, we roll across the open flats to the Eucumbene River, where we cross and begin a steady 500 m climb over 20 km.

As we gain elevation, we're rewarded with spectacular views from Queen Elizabeth Lookout, overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Eucumbene. Continuing on for another 8 km, we descend to Barrys Hut, where we'll stop for a well-earned lunch.

After refuelling, a short climb leads into one of the day's highlights—a fun and fast descent down to Eucumbene Dam. From there, we join the main road and follow it for 40 km, taking in the stunning Snowy Mountains scenery as we make our way towards Jindabyne.

Arriving on the eastern side of Lake Jindabyne, we leave the road behind and jump onto the Tyrolean Mountain Bike Trails. Following the trails around the lake, we cross the dam and ride into town, where Day 4 comes to an end.

After another epic day in the saddle, enjoy a well-earned evening in Jindabyne and reflect on the incredible journey through the heart of the Snowy Mountains.

Day 5

The final day begins on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, following the lakeside trails as they wind through Hatchery Bay before joining the Kosciuszko Road.

From here, we begin a steady 15 km climb to Rennix Gap, reaching an elevation of 1,566 m. This is the perfect place to stop for morning tea and take in the spectacular mountain scenery. Leaving the main road, we turn onto Guthega Road, passing Island Bend Campground and riding around the back of Perisher Ski Resort. We then tackle the Link Road climb behind Smiggin Holes, reconnecting with Kosciuszko Road.

Following the road for another 11 km, we arrive at Charlotte Pass Ski Resort, where we'll enjoy our final lunch together before the last challenge of the tour.

After lunch, we leave Charlotte Pass and join the dirt road leading towards Mount Kosciuszko. Passing the headwaters of the Snowy River, we're surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes as we continue climbing towards Rawson Pass. Here, we'll leave our bikes behind and complete the final 1 km on foot to reach the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest point at 2,228 m.

Standing on the summit marks the official finish of the ride and a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable adventure through the Australian Alps.

If time permits, riders will have the opportunity to enjoy the long descent and ride all the way back to Jindabyne, bringing an epic five-day journey to a memorable close.