Hard Laver

Hard Laver is a new 200k Audax permanent that I am offering to members. I rode it on the 21st November and had a great day. I think it is a particularly good route with some magnificent scenery and it also has some solid, about 2800m, but not horrendous climbing.

The ride starts from the rear of the memorial gardens in the centre of Colac where there is plenty of parking available. You head south out of town on C155 and go over the first bump on the way to Kawarren and then Gellibrand at 25k. Then its a climb up to Ferguson at 42k where you turn south westerly and go through Weeaproinah, the wettest location in Victoria,  before your first checkpoint at Lavers Hill at 56k.

Weeaproinah - Wettest spot in Victoria

From Lavers Hill you have a nice 14k descent to Glenaire where you get you first close up view of the ocean and a great view up along  the Aire Valley.

Coast at Glenaire

Aire Valley

After a ride across the valley you come to Horden Vale a nice 8k climb through the Great Otway National Park then 13k downhill into Apollo Bay but not before passing some fantastic scenery.

Beautiful scenery

Approaching Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is right on half way at 103k and has plenty of options for lunch. After Apollo Bay you climb up along Skenes Creek Road for about 15k before you begin a gradual descent down towards the next checkpoint at Forrest at 141k and pass by the West Barwon Reservoir.

Up along Skenes Creek Road looking back to Apollo Bay

Past the West Barwon Reservoir

After Barwon Downs you have left the forested areas behind and the country opens up into lush rolling farmland as you pass through Murroon and Pennyroyal and on to the final checkpoint at Deans Marsh General Store at 167k. The last leg is through open rolling farmland before you reach the end of your ride back in Colac. This is a really great ride and I recommend you try it some time.