Shoalhaven BUG Tackle Alpine Region

Unforgiving climbs and iconic Australian pastoral vistas

Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) are local groups of bike riders who get together for social riding in their area. Many BUGs also organise a longer trip away to destinations like the Alpine Region.

Jindabyne and The Snowy Mountains are often targeted by endurance cyclists for their unforgiving climbs and iconic Australian pastoral vistas. Last month (27^th – 30^th March) the allure of the magnificent highlands convinced seasoned riders from Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group to take on the unpredictable terrain. Although rewarded with a true European-style riding experience, not all came away unscathed.

Thredbo Valley Trail - heading downhill to Jindabyne (Photo: courtesy Shoalhaven BUG)

Day 2 – Thredbo

The second day a group of eleven cyclists organised a car shuttle to Thredbo.

Two cycled around Thredbo Village area while one completed an easy 35 km road ride to Jindabyne.

Eight rode a gruelling 50 kms over seven hours on the Thredbo Valley Single Track following the rocky Thredbo River. Lunch was a welcome 45-minute break at Crackenback.

Reasonable undulation gave way to boggy areas and tight switchbacks over a 20 km stretch. Fairly easygoing overall, the group continued crossing several well constructed bridges and Thredbo River. Usually impacted by alpine conditions March was an optimal time to take in the river's beauty on a path descending 649 metres over a 40 km course.

Farm track south west of Dalgety/Snowy River Way (Photo: courtesy of Shoalhaven BUG)

Falls on the switchbacks

Grateful for a comfortable start, the team soon discovered how quickly nature can disrupt careful planning. Taking twice as long to navigate, the second half of the 20 km run proved to be far more challenging and technically difficult. The switchbacks and undulations were now much tighter and steeper. Struggling to navigate around and over rocks slowed many cyclists.

Recovering, the group was not at all prepared for what happened next.

There were a few falls on the switchbacks and one unfortunate rider slid three metres down the side of an embankment with a bike in tow. Luckily, the injuries were not severe.

Armed with determination, cyclists pushed ahead passing the Garden Trout Hatchery on the Raised Pallaibo Walkway to the Thredbo picnic area, then on to the Kosciusko Road, followed by an easy path around the Lake. All gathered at the Lake Jindabyne Hotel for dinner.

Rural road south west of Dalgety/Snowy River continued (Photo: courtesy Shoalhaven BUG)

Day 3 – Snowy Region and Bacco

Due to the inclement weather conditions, the proposed ride for Day 3 was cancelled. The crew met at the Snowy Region Visitor Centre for lunch while the weather cleared. Later that afternoon different activities took place followed by a social dinner at the Bacco Restaurant.

Day 4 – Dalgety, Snowy River and East Jindabyne

Eleven cyclists started from Dalgety on the next day for their last 32 km ride. The route crossed over the Snowy River on an old 1860’s wooden bridge, then followed unsealed and sealed roads through farmland. Some continued the circuit and toured around town, others did the return and met back at The Buckley’s Crossing Hotel for lunch. During the afternoon, a few members cycled single downhill tracks at East Jindabyne and around the lake. The end of the trip was celebrated with an enjoyable social BBQ.