Kinglake Circuit 2011

Starting in Whittlesea, roll out of town towards Yan Yean. At this point the cycling is flat and gives you plenty of time to warm up and find your rhythm. The road out of town has a designated cycling lane, allowing cars to easily pass. From Yan Yean the frequency of traffic drops off and some gentle hills are introduced. The scenery is still fairly pastoral, as you work your way towards Arthurs Creek. From Arthurs Creek the eucalypts begin to take over and the road begins to wind its way towards the town of St Andrews .

St Andrews would be a good place to top up the fluids and grab a quick bite to eat to replenish your energy stores. On leaving St Andrews you begin to approach Kinglake National Park and the climb to the top of the mountain! This 7.2km climb takes riders to the town of Kinglake via a smooth section of road that snakes its way up to the top of Kinglake National Park - 546m above sea level! On the way up you will enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Watch the rolling hills and trees drop away as you push towards the summit.

Once you have conquered the mountain, you will descend to Castella and continue on their journey to Glenburn. The descent has some fast sections so please be careful and ride within your ability on the descent, whilst enjoying the wonderful view as those legs take a well earned break.

The rolling hills return around Glenburn as the landscape opens up with views of the surrounding hills and ranges.  The next section of the ride takes you to Flowerdale where the road begins to kick up again and draw you closer to the summit of the western section of Kinglake National Park.

After conquering the second major climb, you can rest assured that you are on the home stretch. The remainder of the ride flows back to Whittlesea. The final stages of the course will keep to the main road, allowing you to soak in the last sections of this epic ride on a flat or downhill section of smooth sealed road.

This section of road drops you out approximately 5km from Whittlesea. The scenery becomes more civilized as town approaches.