Saturday 9th January - Stage 1, Derby.
Stage 1 starts with a small climb. Ok, it’s a big one! Starting at 150m the first 20km sees riders ascend to 910m above sea level. Although it sounds daunting on a clear day the views are breath taking (or is that from the riding). The first 15km is predominately on 4wd and rough gravel roads before becoming a slightly more challenging 4wd/single trail across the plateau. A quick stop at the trig point is well worth it for the photo.
From here the trail goes down. Extreme caution on this very steep section is needed as loose rocks can be hard to avoid. Once at the bottom of the stupid steep bit release the brakes and away you go.
At the 27km mark you will come across the feed station at Ma Mon Chin Dam. It’s a lovely little spot for a rest and a quick breather.
There will be all sorts of goodies and your special pre-made drinks waiting for you.
A couple more gravel road climbs (much much smaller) and you will reach what has been referred to as “Ben and Timmy’s Goat Track”. This engineering marvel was admittedly very raw at the last event BUT now it is amazingly great fun as it winds its way down the gully. Exiting the “Goat Track” you will pass through farmer Browns stock yards and next to the Morrina Golf Course.
Now for the finale to day 1, the ride along the Ringarooma River and a sweet piece of single trail that lead back towards Derby and onto the final stretch of road to the finish.
Time for a dip in the river and a Bbq lunch.
View Blue Dragon Challenge in a larger map
