Thompsons Loop
Stats
The route is 31km long and has 830 vert metres. At an average speed of 13.5kmph, it will take approximately 2:18 hours.
Course Terrain
This loop track will take you right up into the Otway ranges, through the tall gum forests, overlooking steep mountain valleys. The first 13km is a steady climb up onto the range, where you traverse the main ridge for a few kilometers, before reaching Thompson Track where the long descent begins. The gravel here can be quite big and loose at times. There are a few steep little pinches to climb during the descent, before you come out on Kent’s road and back via the Tiger rail Trail.
Course Route
From the Guesthouse:
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Head towards the Brewery and turn left at Blundy Street.
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Turn right onto Station Street and continue for a short distance before turning left onto Hennigan Crescent.
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Follow it straight down the hill, cross the river and immediately turn right and follow the 4WD track next to the river for 1 km until the track forks, take the left fork up the hill for 100m until MTB Trail 2 starts.
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Continue to follow MTB Trail 2 (Barlidjaru trail), for 3.5km until you reach the Kaangalang Road near the Lake Elizabeth turn off.
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Turn right up the Kaangalang Road and follow for 8km until you reach the Benwerinn—Mt Sabine road.
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Turn left and travel 4 km until you reach the Thompson Track.
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Turn left down Thompson track and follow it for 9km until you reach a 4 way intersection, where Kent’s road is sign posted.
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Turn left and follow Kent’s Road for 2.5km until you reach a T intersection with Yaugher Rd.
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Turn right on to the bitumen and follow for it for 1.5 km past the football oval on the right, until you reach the Tiger Rail Trail.
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Turn left onto the Rail Trail and enjoy the 2 km run back into Forrest.
Tips
This loop can be ridden in both directions. For those on a mountain bike, descending on Thompsons track will be fine as knobbier tyres will give you confidence, but those less experienced on steep, sometimes loose descents, may find it challenging. For those on gravel bikes with less grippy or skinnier tyres, you may prefer to reverse the loop so you are climbing Thompsons and descending on the very smooth Kaanglang Rd back to town.
Thanks to Pete Ashton for his route guidance and photos for this loop.
