The Sugarloaf dam ride start from the corner of the Eltham / Yarra Glen Rd and Ridge rd in Christmas Hills (Melways map ref. 272 D5). This area is a favorite of mine, and that's why you'll see a lot of the rides in this section being focused on this area. It's hilly, but the hills don't go forever - there are just lots of them.

Start by riding up Ridge Rd until you reach the top. It's a fairly easy climb but don't go too hard. Just warm up on this one. One the way back at the end of the ride, you'll be treated to one of the best downhill single-tracks anywhere, which is just off to the side of Ridge Rd. Once at the top turn right and go down Westering Rd. You'll follow the top of the ridge for a km or so and then do a mighty downhill into a valley and cross a small creek. This downhill really rocks. It's fast and the dirt road snakes down into a deeply wooded valley. Watch out for the corner at the end. It tightens continuously and is easy to go out the back - into a tree as my mate Finlay did (he broke three ribs.)

Go right at the next intersection and take Calwell Rd over the bridge and up the hill. Nice little climb - steep and tough - not granny if you're fit, but nearly. At the top go left down Henley Rd which is a made road. The downhill here is crazy fast and good fun, at the bottom is a narrow 1-lane bridge so watch out for cars. Climb up the other side and take the first right - Catani Blvd. This is a great climb in nice country. When you reach the top and you'll be at the intersection of Catani and Henley. Go across the road and go down Skyline Rd. This is the road that takes you right around the dam. At the intersection of Skyline and Ashmore go right and up the big hill. You'll still be on Skyline. This is a prick of a road - constant hills as it follows the highest point of the ridge that goes around the dam. The good thing is the country is beautiful and you'll see amazing views o the Yarra Valley and Yarra Glen as you battle the never ending pinch climbs. After about 10kms or so you'll get to the intersection of Muir Rd. Go left and you're heading home. Muir Rd is a gentle downhill and a welcome change to Skyline. Follow this all the way to the intersection of Ridge Rd - go left and follow this all the way to the intersection of Ridge and Simpson (main road to Sugarloaf dam wall) Go straight across and go up the continuation of Ridge rd. Once at the top of the first climb look to the right. This is the start of the single track that follows Ridge Rd all the way back to the car. Stay on this - it crosses the road at one point - and you'll finish off the ride with a kick arse single track downhill run on the left side of Ridge Rd back to the car.

It's a roughly 2-hour ride that's fairly tough. You'll need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy it, but I love it for the training and for the views - some of the best anywhere. Down load this article and photo copy the Melways

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