Enjoy some long climbs and descents during this loop ride including Big Bit lookout and river riding
Start in the beautiful historical village of Nelligen. There is also the chance to climb all the way up to Big Bit Road. Riders will also cross the weir at Shallow Crossing and end the loop with a superb ride along River Road which parallels the Clyde River all the way back to Nelligen.
Difficulty Level : 3.5/5
Level of Rider: Intermediate to Advanced
Suggested Bike: Gravel, MTB and E-MTB possible
Surface: Primarily well compacted gravel roads with some steep sections both up and down mostly in the first 40km - 4% Paved / 96% Gravel / 0% Other
Elevation: 1m - 218m
Estimated ride time @ 15kph: ~4:00 hours
Estimated ride time @ 25kph: ~2:45 hours
Parking: Area of Braidwood St, Nelligen NSW 2536
Facilities at Start / Finish: Cafe (not open daily)
Public Toilet Facilities: Braidwood Street
Other Facilities on loop: There are no other facilities on this ride
Other Notes: The first 1km from Nelligen is along The Kings Highway which includes a crossing of the Clyde River over the Nelligen bridge. The climb up to Big Bit Road includes some +15% sections of fire trail. At the top there are views over the ranges and out to the Tasman Sea. There are at least two river crossings with the main one being the Clyde River at Shallow Crossing. The second one is ~13.5km before you get back to Nelligen, it is not as long as the Shallow Crossing. Shallow Crossing is tidal and should not be crossed at high tide. It is roughly 100m in length so you will get wet. The second crossing is roughly 30m in length, again you will get wet. There is an option to visit the Clyde River Berry Farm. It is open seasonally so call ahead. It is not designated on the loop and you will need to turn right at River Rd. The Clyde River Berry Farm is 5km in the other direction from Shallow Crossing.
Clyde River Berry Farm: Lot 22 The River Rd, Mogood NSW 2538 : +61 2 4478 1057
Please remember:
The last 2km, once riders turn off River Road, is along The Kings Highway which takes you back to Nelligen. NOTE : As of October 2020, stay on the course through the Boyne State Forest as there are many bridges which have been burnt/washed away.