St Helens Gravel Into the Mountains

This challenging 95-kilometre loop starts in St Helens and climbs inland to Blue Tier before returning. The route features significant elevation gain with steep climbs reaching 22% grade.

The route explores mountain terrain and offers varied scenery from coastal areas to elevated mountain sections. The climb to Blue Tier provides panoramic views and challenging technical sections.

With nearly 1850 metres of climbing, this red-grade route requires strong fitness and good bike handling skills. The steep sections demand appropriate gearing and careful attention to road conditions.

Highlights

• Blue Tier Climb: Challenging ascent to mountain lookout
• Mountain Terrain: Varied mountain and coastal scenery
• Significant Elevation: Nearly 1850m of climbing
• Steep Grades: Climbs up to 22%
• Red Grade: Challenging difficulty level

Tips

• Fitness Level: Requires excellent fitness and climbing experience
• Bike Setup: Ensure low gearing for steep climbs; check brakes thoroughly
• Supplies: Bring plenty of water and energy snacks for the long climb
• Weather: Check conditions; avoid in strong winds or wet weather
• Timing: Allow 4-5 hours including stops; start early
• Safety: Consider riding with others on this challenging route