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On the Road – Distance 133km / 83mi Elevation 1649m / 5410ft
Today’s ride was a a big day and it was a magnificent excursion into the heart of Tasmania’s Southwest Wilderness area and has been regularly in Lonely Planet’s best rides in the world.
Unfortunately we had off and on rain for the first 90km and then solid biting rain for the last 43 km…and lots of wind. The west coast of Tassie is living up to its reputation. All said, it was a fantastic ride and could see why it is rated so highly!
We cycled through buttongrass plains and temperate rainforest but didn’t get to see some great mountain vistas along the way, including a wonderful glimpse of the fabled and remote Frenchmans Cap due to the weather. At least it was not cold!
After crossing the Franklin River, a long gradual ascent led to the Nelson River drainage and down to the large impoundment of Lake Burberry. Today’s great riding involved a short climb before the tortuously twisty descent into Queenstown – once the world’s richest mining town where we lunched before the final push across to our first rest day on the wild west coast of the island.
By now the route had left the buttongrass behind and is immersed in regrowth rainforest. It’s was engaging, windy, and in solid rain, up and down pitchy 5% rollers where I could often – but not always! – keep momentum over short climbs. Then a great 6 kilometre long descent made even more challenging due to rain to sea level and the historic fishing village of Strahn. The sun started breaking though just as I reached the village, thoroughly drenched but great to be finished for the day. Hot shower and a great dinner.
Scallops in puff pastry, steak and desserts!
Life is Good in Strahn…
