The official Event Program for the 2013 Ford Rainforest Ride
can be downloaded from here. This PDF document contains all the event schedule,
guidelines and other important ride information and we encourage all riders to
download and read it prior to the ride. Updated 14 Feb 2013.
The Rides:
Please read (and take with you) the description of your ride detailed below, so you will be aware of where you are and where you can stop to refuel or take in the sights. All courses will be marked with large orange arrows on a white background. These arrows and event signage will be at all appropriate road intersections ONLY and will not be interspersed between intersections. So if you do not know where you are going then slow down at all intersections and keep an eye out for these arrows, as well as our event marshals who can help direct you the right way.
140km Rainforest Circuit (including optional 35km Cape Otway and Otway Fly side trips).
This premier ride is quite honestly one of the most scenic road ride loops in the country with million dollar views up and down the coast, superb stretches through the lush Otway rainforest, spectacular lookouts inland and seaward, picturesque café stop offs in quaint villages, a number of optional stop off points to break up the ride and takes place along quiet roads in the wilderness.
The ride consists of a 105km loop plus optional 8km out-and-back to the Otway Fly Treetop Walk and 23km out-and-back to the Cape Otway Lighthouse (free entry to both included as part of your entry fee). So if you are not up to the full 136km loop you can cut it short and just ride 105km and miss the Otway Fly and lighthouse.
The ride goes past the following tourist features and optional stop off locations:
- The world renowned Otway Fly tree top walk – riders get FREE ENTRY and we’ll provide bike security while you’re inside
- The Cape Otway Lighthouse with its spectacular cliff top views and historic surrounds – riders get FREE ENTRY to the lighthouse grounds
- Drink stations at scenic points such as at the spectacular Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, Lavers Hill and Beech Forest.
- Self guided tour along the short rainforest walk at Maits Rest
- Coffee at any of the cafés at the Otway Fly, in Beech Forest, Lavers Hill, Glenaire or at the Cape Otway Lighthouse itself.
The ride includes some challenging hills that we encourage you to train up for, but also rewards riders with some thrilling descents and fast sections.
Click here to go to an interactive map and elevation profile of the 140km Rainforest Circuit on www.mapmyride.com or check out the map and profile below (note that the elevation profile below is in vertical feet.)
Ride stats:
Official Distance: 136.5km (according to Google Earth)
Consisting: 105km loop plus 31.5km of optional extras
Ascent / Descent: 1354m (for the full 136.5km)
Start: The official ride start is at 8:00am from McLaren Pde in Apollo Bay. (If you are late all riders MUST commence this ride before 8:30am.)
Route & Features:
(Note – distance markers are given below are for riders doing the whole route to optional stops as well) Travel north on the Great Ocean Rd through Apollo Bay township to Skenes Ck (5km mark). Turn left and start the long tempo climb up Skenes Ck Rd to the top of the Otway Ranges at approx. 550m above sea level. Turn left at the 20km point onto the very scenic Turtons Tk. This is a narrow and winding road that has you riding through the heart of the Otway rainforest and is simply spectacular - smell the sweet mountain air and enjoy the sweeping corners because this is as good as riding gets! The road is closed for this section to other vehicles until 11:30am.
At the 38km mark you will reach the small village of Beech Forest. Just on the other side of the town is the first rider ‘service station’ on the right hand side of the road at the John Gardner Reserve.
Continue heading west along the Beech Forest – Lavers Hill Road through rolling green farmland to the 40km point and Phillips Tk, to take the optional 4km ride into the spectacular Otway Fly Tree Top walk (refer to notes below). Return the 4km to the main Beech Forest – Lavers Hill Rd and turn left heading towards Lavers Hill. Ride through the hamlet of Weeaporinah, the wettest locality in Victoria and ride into Lavers Hill at the 63km point where there is a variety of local cafés to satisfy your appetite and thirst.
When leaving Lavers Hill, turn left onto the Great Ocean Rd (GOR) and enjoy the magnificent descent down to the Johanna turn off. Continue on the GOR and be sure to pull off at incredible Castle Cove coastal lookout at the 78km point to take in the mighty Southern Ocean (caution, the turn off is at the bottom of a fast downhill). Continue along the GOR on one of the rare flat sections as it winds through the Aire River flats before commencing the punishing climb out of the Aire River valley at the 88km point.
A short way before the top of the climb, at the 91km point, is the turn off to Cape Otway lighthouse (right hand turn). The optional ride out to the lighthouse is a scenic 11.5km ride (one way) down a beautiful road that meanders through Manna Gum forests, generally downhill, to the lighthouse under the watchful eye of koalas in the trees above – see if you can spot any. A rider ‘service station’ awaits at the Lighthouse at the 103km point (refer details below) with magnificent ocean views and the iconic lighthouse.
Return back along the Cape Otway Road to the GOR and turn right for the homeward leg to Apollo Bay. Only a few kilometres along the GOR at the 120km point is another riders’ service area at Maits Rest. This is a superb rainforest site where you can experience the true rainforest with a short walk around a loop path. Rejoin the GOR for a swooping descent back to Apollo Bay and the finish at the 136km point (actual GPS distance if doing all optional sections).
The finish line is located on the foreshore reserve directly opposite where you commenced the ride in the morning – make sure you roll through the finish line and collect your free goodies bag with sponsor information after your ride.
OFFICIAL WATER POINTS - 5:
Beech Forest – John Gardner Reserve 38km point
A scenic little village on the Otway Ridegeline.
- Water, snakes (the ones you eat!) and cake
Otway Fly Tree Top Walk 44km point
Participants in the 140km ride receive FREE entry to this internationally renowned tree top walk through the rainforest. It is well worth stopping on your way around the ride. It’s a 1.9km walk and takes 45min - 1hr or so.
- Enjoy a break at the Otway Fly cafe serving coffee, lunches and snacks
- Water
- Public toilet available
- Free shoe shuttle service provided by Rapid Ascent (saves you having to walk around in your bike shoes)
- Bike security provided at bike racks while you enjoy the walk
Lavers Hill 63km point
A small township at the intersection of the GOR and the Beech Forest – Lavers Hill Road.
- Selection of retail stores and cafes selling a complete range of food and drinks
Otway Lightstation 103km point
Participants in the 140km and 70km ride receive free entry to the spectacular lighthouse grounds atop the mighty cliffs of the Cape. Enjoy the historic buildings and lighthouse precinct or just sit on the lawns and take in the very impressive views.
- Otway Lightstation café open serving coffee, lunches and snacks
- Bike security provided at bike racks whilst you wander around
Maits Rest 120km point
A car park and short nature walk through the rainforest in the Great Otway National Park
- Free walking shoe shuttle service provided by Rapid Ascent (saves you having to walk around in your bike shoes)
- Bike security provided at bike racks whilst you enjoy the walk
This intermediate level ride takes participants along the Great Ocean Road and Cape Otway Road that both pass through stunning rainforest, country fields and magnificent coastal scenery to the majestic Cape Otway Lighthouse where you can be wowed by the incredible cliff top views.
The course is an out-and-back ride that’s 35km one way from the start at Apollo Bay to the Cape Otway Lighthouse. There will be a range of food and drinks available at the lighthouse when you get there so you can kick back and enjoy the scenery before riding back again.
The ride goes past the following tourist features and optional stop off locations:
- The Cape Otway Lighthouse with its spectacular cliff top views and historic surrounds all set in the beautiful coastal setting around the cape. There will be a range of food providers, drinks and coffee here for you to top up on
- Drink station and self guided tour along the short rainforest walk at Maits Rest
The ride includes some challenging hills that we encourage you to train up for, but also rewards riders with some thrilling descents and fast sections.
Click here to go to an interactive map and elevation profile of the 70km Lighthouse Discovery Ride on www.mapmyride.com or check out the map and profile below (note that the elevation profile below is in vertical feet.
Ride stats:
Official Distance: 65.9km (according to Google Earth)
Consisting: Out-and-back ride to the Cape Otway Lighthouse
Start:
The official ride start is at 9:00am from McLaren Pde in Apollo Bay. (If you are late all riders MUST commence this ride before 9:30am.)
Route & Features:
From the start on McLaren Pde turn right on to the Great Ocean Rd (GOR) and head south towards Lavers Hill. Pass through Marengo at the 2km point before commencing a long climb up into the Otways, riding first through farmland, providing extensive views down to Apollo Bay and along the coast, and then through beautiful rainforest and tall timbered forests.
At the 17km mark you can take a break at the Maits Rest rider ‘service station’ and enjoy a short walk through the rainforest before jumping back on the bike for another 3km to the Cape Otway Lighthouse Rd turn off at the 20km point. Turn left and proceed to the lighthouse which is 12km down this beautiful road that meanders through Manna Gum forests, generally downhill, to the lighthouse under the watchful eye of koalas in the trees above – see if you can spot any! A rider ‘service station’ awaits at the lighthouse at the 33km point (refer details below) with magnificent ocean views and the iconic lighthouse.
After enjoying a rest and bite to eat at the lighthouse you will then return along the same route - back along the Cape Otway Lighthouse Road, turn right onto the GOR (passing the Maits Rest service station at the 50km point) before a long and swooping descent back to Marengo and Apollo Bay at the 65.9km point (actual GPS distance).
The finish line is located on the foreshore reserve in the event expo opposite where you started this morning - make sure you roll through the finish and collect your free goodies bag with sponsor information after your ride.
Rider service stations:Maits Rest 15km point and again at the 50km point
- A car park and short nature walk through the rainforest in the Great Otway National Park
- Water, snakes (edible) and cake
- Free walking shoe shuttle service provided by Rapid Ascent (saves you having to walk around in your bike shoes)
- Bike security provided at bike racks whilst you enjoy the walk
Otway Lightstation 33km point
Participants in the 140km and 70km ride receive free entry to the spectacular lighthouse grounds atop the mighty cliffs of the Cape. Enjoy the historic buildings and lighthouse precinct or just sit on the lawns and take in the very impressive views.
- Otway Lightstation café open serving coffee, lunches and snacks
- Bike security provided at bike racks whilst you wander around
This ride is designed especially for families and newcomers to cycling and takes participants along the flat Paradise Valley to a beautiful picnic area at the end of the road. The course passes through some picturesque farming land before weaving through the rainforest to its turnaround point in the wilderness.
The course is an out-and-back ride: 11.5km one way from the start at Apollo Bay to the turnaround location. Riders can relax at the picnic area and explore the picturesque river at the road end before riding back along the same route to Apollo Bay. The ride is essentially flat and goes along a very quiet road so is achievable by kids and cycling novices.
(Note: riders will not be able to walk to Mariners Falls as
the walking track to the falls has been damaged by flooding and has been closed
by Parks Victoria. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes).
Follow the link below go to an interactive map of the 23km Waterfall:
www.mapmyride.com
The official event program for the 2013 Ford Rainforest Ride that includes all the details about the event including the event schedule, course maps, rider service points, safety information and much more will be available 2 weeks prior to the event
Ride stats:
Official Distance: 23.2km (according to Google Earth)
Consisting: 11.6km out-and-back ride to the Marriners Falls car park
Ascent / Descent: 116m
Official Water Points: 1
Start:
The official ride start is at 10:00am from McLaren Pde in Apollo Bay. (If you are late all riders MUST commence this ride before 10:30am.) All riders are asked to please come and collect your unique seat post sticker from the Event Information Marquee on the Apollo Bay Foreshore before the start of your ride.
Route & Features:
The ride starts by heading inland on Nelson St for approx. 500m before turning left onto McLachlan St which then becomes Barham River Valley Rd (sometimes called Paradise Rd) at the 1km point.
Follow this quiet, meandering country road along the valley floor, through farming land and patches of forest and enjoy the scenery. Further up the valley you ride, the tighter the valley walls become, and the location feels as if you are miles from anywhere. At the 8km point, the road turns from bitumen to a good quality, well packed dirt surface for another 3.5km to the road end at the Marriners Falls car park (11.6km from start).
Upon reaching the Marriners Falls car park, place your bike on the bike racks and then relax in this picturesque picnic area whilst watching the river flow past at your feet.
After enjoying a rest, collect your bike and follow the same road (slightly downhill!) back into Apollo Bay. The finish line is located on the foreshore directly opposite the end of McLaren Pde - make sure you roll through the finish and collect your free goodies bag and sponsor information from the Event Information Marquee on the Apollo Bay Foreshore after your ride.
23km Rider service stations:
Mariners Falls car park, Features:
- Free walking shoe shuttle service provided by Rapid Ascent (saves you having to walk around in your bike shoes)
- Bike security provided at bike racks
The official Event Program for the 2013 Ford Rainforest Ride
can be downloaded from here. This PDF document contains all the event schedule,
guidelines and other important ride information and we encourage all riders to
download and read it prior to the ride. Updated 14 Feb 2013.