Black Mountain Magic

Gravel

55.2km

1200m

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  Ride

At BQ’s Weekend at Pomona, we put some cacking rides together with some excellent local help. This ride was the longer ride on the Sunday, and while it is under 60km it shouldn’t be viewed as short. We called it the long ride for a reason.

Like most of the rides at this event, Black Mountain Magic is a true mixed business ride. There are trails on the Noosa Biosphere Trails, time on the road, dirt roads and of course in the hills. Given there is about 1200m of climbing in 55km, and the mix of terrain, consider this an intermediate ride. An experienced rider will love it on a gravel bike, less experienced riders may perfer a mountain bike but in general – should look for a different ride.

Be aware that the first section on the Noosa Biosphere trails can hold water after rain. The majority of the rest of the ride is elevated.

The route

We started the ride at Pomona Showground, but you can jump on from anywhere in Pomona. We do recommend a coffee in town first. Roll out to the south-east, and onto Station Street. This will take you to the Cooroy Connection Road, cross it and carry on – this trail is part of the Noosa Biosphere Trails, called the Cooroy Wanderer. When it reaches Mary River Road turn right to join the road.

Now you climb.

Follow this road up and up until you veer left to Black Mountain Road, and then right into Anderson’s Road once you’re on the gravel. This road traces the up and down nature of the ridgeline, before dropping you, very quickly, into Federal.

Turn left onto Middle Creek Road and then go right onto the Old Bruce Highway, before turning left into Sankeys road again. Once more, you are heading skyward. But it’s not as steep as the start the whole way! Join Schriebers Road then Cross Jampot Creek Road onto the Noosa Biosphere Trails that parallel the route, and follow signs to Cooran – and the coffee shops. There are also toilets and fresh water here.

Don’t leave Cooran with an empty bottle, stomach or pockets – as it is time to climb again! Cross the rail tracks then turn left onto Tablelands Road. This ambles upwards fairly gradually before a sustained climb at about 35km into the ride. You have tree cover for much of the steep section, and it take you to Tablelands Lookout. Which is worth a stop.

After the lookout follow the Noosa Biosphere Trails signage, and the GPS route to descend down the steep grassy slopes and then onto the incredible Ewarts Road descent. Don’t forget to stick left and cover your brakes! There are some very steep sections – look ahead for oncoming vehicles.

Cruise down Upper Pinbarren Creek Road, scooch across Pomona-Kin Kin Road and hook left into Camphor Road. This leads back to the Noosa Biosphere Trails for a bit of a steep up and over (with a view!) before a return to Pomona via Black Pinch Road and Louis Bazzo Drive. Job done!