Much like many of the world’s better known alpine region feeder towns and entry points, Jindabyne is the quintessential adventure centre and the perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors.
Comfortably nestled alongside the south-eastern side of the magnificent lake bearing the town’s name, the region is highly regarded for its sensational cycling options that include road, MTB and gravel – as a cycling destination ‘Jindy’ has it all.
Much like its exotic European sister towns, Jindabyne plays a crucial year-round role in supporting Australia’s adventure playground, the Snowy Mountains. It’s also an entrance point to the Kosciuszko National Park, a 7000sq km wilderness destination and home of the nation’s five highest peaks.
After a few days of planning and many nights’ dreaming, the campervan was loaded with bikes & gear as we left Sydney on a warm Friday afternoon. The hot northerlies wind blew hard as we snaked our way out of Sydney on that 36-degree day. A few hours later we were marvelling at the country colours of last light while enjoying a classic pub meal in historic Goulburn. An hour later we pulled into the quaint village of Collector for a night in the campervan. Dawn delivered a temperature of 1.7 degrees – a far cry from the high 30’s just 12 hours before. In the cocoon of the warm Kombi we planned the day prior to heading to Cooma for a perfect cafe breakfast.
Just look at those views!
At 459km, the Sydney to Jindabyne trip is easily doable in a day – but for those with the time, or more interested in the full getaway experience – making an overnighter of it really adds to the experience.
After an hour of being teased and amazed by the fascinating landscape and quaint country villages and outposts, Lake Jindabyne came into view as the road snaked and skirted it’s way toward our final destination.
The dream destination reached, the van was unloaded, bikes checked and adjusted, and gear prepared for what was to be the cycling trip of the year.
Sensational Cycling
The region features some of Australia’s best road cycling including Euro quality climbs and descents. Then there’s the world-class mountain biking along with absolutely endless gravel options. Single trail, bike paths and tracks are visible in many places our the town, with BMX being popular for the juniors.
Track cycling is also catered for, with the proactive Jindabyne Cycling Club hosting their 100-lap track night at the local Sport and Recreation Centre on Wednesday nights. The club also hosts a weekly bunch ride at the civilised (and holiday-friendly) time of 9am each Sunday. Full details at www.JindabyneCycling.com.au
So with the fun compass spinning in all directions, it was difficult to decide on a first destination. Keen on a climb and long-lost altitude, we left ‘Touchdown Cottages’, rolled down Barry Way, turned left, and gently pedalled towards Kosciuszko Road the mountains.
The ride to the ski resorts of Perisher and Charlotte Pass initially follows the shoreline of Lake Jindabyne and is ‘pinch yourself’ cycling. Within minutes you are on the edge of town and passing into the wide-open spaces of sheep farms, rich, lush pastures, and the trout hatchery. As you warm-up, begin to find your rhythm and really start getting into the ride the undulating hills and descents morph into a gentle but consistent climb.
The gradients steadily ramp up as occasional glimpses of distant snow-capped peaks keep you focused, motivated and intent on reaching the top. You start to feel the chill of the cooler mountain air, but that is counterbalanced by your core temperature increasing. Gentle reprieves seem to come at just the right time, a short descent or even a drop of just a few per cent of gradient can do wonders during a long climb.
Occasional roadside signs display the ever-increasing elevation, you glance at your GPS and enjoy seeing the numbers steadily rise and next 100 metres of elevation tick over. The views open up and – depending upon time of year – more and more snow starts to appear. Eventually, you close in on 1650 meters elevation and through the stunning alpine vista see the resort of Perisher – the top of the KOM / QOM and turnaround point of the 170km Snowy Classic course. At this point, you’ve climbed for almost 22km and gained close to 1000m of elevation since leaving Jindabyne.
But this is a reccy ride, the opportunity to really explore the region, so we push on. Just 10km from the historic ski resort of Charlotte Pass, the balance of this iconic out and back ride has been broken. Considerably easier, the road is now more undulating and even includes some gentle and enjoyable descents.
The scenery is simply breathtaking, with snow, crystal clear streams, wildflowers, birdlife and spectacular rock formations. Eventually you come to a short final rise then it’s the end of the road. But here at Charlotte Pass, just like many roads across the incredible Snowy Mountain region, the end of the road is just the beginning.
Snowy Classic Facts
The 2024 Snowy Classic will be held on Saturday, March 23. It features the 110km Challenge Classic and 170km Maxi Classic over fully closed roads. The event starts and finishes on Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne, with full details including course maps here.
Region’s Top Rides – Beloka
The feared and revered Beloka climb.
The region is littered with sensational climbs and made up of predominantly undulating country, it’s not unusual to accumulate 500m of elevation in just 20 or 30km of riding. That said, the ‘must do’ climb of the Snowy Mountain region is the mighty Beloka.
Short, sharp and brutal, Beloka is one of Australia’s most feared and revered cycling climbs. Around 30km out of Jindabyne and 10km from the charming village of Dalgety, Beloka is a pass between flattish farmlands and the main range. A QOM / KOM of the Challenge and Maxi events at the Snowy Classic, there’s around 300m of elevation in just 3km.
Keen to take the challenge and ride the 2024 Snowy Classic? Sign up now! Full details at www.SnowyClassic.com.au
This article originally appeared on Bicycling Australia
