Road works - Lynton to Belair trail
I noticed they've had the concrete saw out and are ready to replace the cracked ashphalt on the new trail.
Just beware that there could be significant hazards over the next few days - might be worth taking an alternative route until they're done.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by snappy_don on -
Your comment is good timing- Can you tell me more about that bike trail?
I was in a heliwopper over Belair this morning and spotted the trail coming up from Springbank Rd. I hadn't known about it - thought I'd like to check it out as an alternate to Belair Rd..
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Farquharson on -
Head west on Springbank off Belair Rd and take the slip lane - that takes you to the Lynton SES site where the trail begins. Starts off fairly benign but then it's quite a steep climb to Caroline ave (which itself has a short but very steep section) and to Gloucester which puts you at the Belair triangle.
Seems to be mixed feelings out there, but I happily push up in the complete absence of traffic and magnificent views.
If you have knobbly tyres, my fav route is still Brownhill Creek and the Pony Ridge track.
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Permalink Reply by Roger ... on -
lol.
the pony ridge track if you can ride on that youre very brave and skilled man.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Farquharson on
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I had a Belgian living with me for a while. We'd ride to and from work together. Initially we just got off and pushed our bikes up, but one day he gave it a crack and got up the switchbacks no probs. I figured if he could do it, why can't I? So after some years I've now ridden up every bit of it at one time or another, including the 4 steps at the bottom, the 2 steps half way up and the 4 steep and slippery bits closer to the top. You'd never think it was possible looking at it, but if an ordinary Joe like me can do it...and that's on a steel frame rigid bike with oversized tubes and panniers! Good granny gear though and let's be clear - I've never ridden the whole thing end to end in one go - that's still my ultimate goal. Seen a guy on a Cross bike do it, though. Very impressive.
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Permalink Reply by snappy_don on
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Thanks for the feedback. I usually stick to the black stuff and thought this might be more interesting (easier) than Kalyra.
maybe I'll try the others on a MTB with the family sometime.
cheers
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Permalink Reply by Brian Jenkins (BJ) on -
It's not easier than Kalyra, but definitely more interesting - and car-free! We're happy to go up it, but use other routes like Belair Rd to come down. Slight poetic licence - two options riding down the path. 1. Wear your brakes out 2. You love hospitals
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Permalink Reply by snappy_don on
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Thanks BJ. I can imagine it's a wild ride coming down..
OK, in my head I'm planning a ride for tomorrow morning that takes in a few bike paths I haven't tried.
I'll head up the Lynton trail, then wind across through Corromandel to Happy Valley where I know there are miles of Bike Path that take you to the coast at Hallett Cove and back up along the coast.
Bike paths often mean for a slower ride, but scenic, yes. Life is too short to keep riding the same roads..
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Farquharson on
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Fun.
Hopefully they haven't ripped it up yet, or you may need your MTB after all!
Enjoy the climb.
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Permalink Reply by snappy_don on
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I checked out the Lynton trail this morning. Apart from being seriously steep, I thought it's a nice way to get up to Belair. Whether it was just that I felt relaxed being on a 'bike only' path, or that I was so focused on keeping the pedals turning, it felt like a shorter route than Belair road.
Anyway- no roadworks started yet. The only thing I found was a red temporary barrier blocking the path at the Belair end. No barrier at the bottom - maybe they only expect people to ride down it?
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