The EC Loop - Sunnyside/Kaanglang

I've named the EC Loop after the local legend who rides this loop regularly for training. She can smash this out in under 2 hours... as of Sep 2020, my best time is 2:20 so still a way to go to catch her!

Stats

The course has 870 vert metres and my time of 2:20 was ridden at an average speed of 16.9kmph.

Course Terrain

The route takes you through a variety of terrain. The sealed section takes you from the drier bush immediately surrounding Forrest into rainforest. Once you're on Sunnyside, the lush green of the rainforest really begins to shine against the tall gums. The gravel here is well maintained with some clay peeking through sometimes. You will reach a high point where you look over harvested pine plantation, then it's back into the winding rainforest. Once you reach Kaanglang and start descending, the bush returns to the drier bush more typical of Forrest. Kaanglang is another well maintained gravel road, but be mindful that throughout the year, they do top up the gravel. If this has happened recently, you may find patches of chunky loose gravel that will soon settle under vehicles.

Course Route

The course begins on the seal and you follow the Forrest-Apollo Bay road towards the coast. This is almost constantly winding, and the road can be very busy on weekends. Please pop on a flashing rear light to assist drivers to see you more easily.

• Ride the Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd for 13.5km till you see the turnoff for Sunnyside Rd on the left.
• Ride along Sunnyside for 4.3km.
• Follow left onto Benwerrin-Mt Sabine Road for 8km.
• This will take you to the intersection of Benwerrin-Mt Sabine Rd/Kaanglang Rd.
• Turn left onto Kaanglang and ride it all the way back into Forrest.

As you can see from the hill profile, it's the kind of ride where you feel like you spend most of it climbing. Once you hit Kaanglang, however the hard work is done. If you watch the kilometres while you're riding it can be discouraging, however keep in mind that the last 10km go quickly because of the descent. This loop can also be ridden in reverse.

Phone reception is patchy near Mt Sabine.