Myers Creek Rd - Chum Creek Loop

Myers Creek - Chum Creek Loop

Distance: Approx 31km
Difficulty: 6/10
 
Starting in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Healesville, this is one of the best climbing routes in and around Melbourne.  It can be done clockwise - up Chum Creek (Healesville-Kinglake Rd) and down Myers Creek, or anti-clockwise (up Myers Creek, down Chum Creek).



Personally, I prefer the anti clockwise edition.  Myers Creek is a shorter, but more challenging climb than it's sister climb - Healesville-Kinglake Rd.

Strava lists the Myers Creek Rd climb as 8.4km at an average gradient of 6%.  It doesn't sound too difficult on paper, but there are couple of steeper ramps during the climb.

The appeal of this climb is the distance and difficulty makes completing it feel like an achievement, whilst not being beyond the limits of your typical weekend cyclist.  

Beyond the technical details of the climb, it really is a truly gorgeous road to ride.  Nestled within the Toolangi State Forest, with Mt St Leonard on your right, you are constantly surrounded my greenery.  As this is a longer way round to get to Toolangi/Kinglake, one is rarely bothered by cars and can appreciate the serenity of the surroundings in peace.

View from the summit looking out to Kinglake

Once cresting the climb you are treated to a very nice view over to Kinglake and the National Park which is a nice reward for the effort put into the climb.

The descent of Chum Creek is a fast, free flowing, brake free dive back down to Healesville.  The corners are nice and wide with plenty of visibility and you can really let go.  There is a touch more traffic on Healesville-Kinglake Rd than Myers Creek, but it's still very limited.

Once finished up and back in Healesville there are plenty of bakeries and coffee shops to refresh at, and also a brewery or two if you're feeling a little thirsty!

The loop itself is only a 31km loop, which isn't exactly a long day in the saddle, so there are a few options to extend this ride.

- Starting in Yarra Glen and using Yarra Glen-Healesville Rd will add around 15km each way to your ride.  There are a couple of short lumps on this road, particularly the rise to Mt Rael, but it shouldn't present any problems.  This road can get busy from mid morning so take care.  It's definitely a road you can't relax on as it seems to be a favourite speeding spot for BMW's, Audi's and the like.

- For an additional challenge, after finishing the loop, turn right at Don Rd (opposite Mt St Leonards/Myers Creek Rd).  This road takes you up Pantons Gap and half way up Mt Donna Buang (or the whole way to the top if you are willing to get down and dirty).  This is a considerable climb in itself, so combining with this climb makes for plenty of vertical metres.

- If you're feeling brave, keep heading along Maroondah Hwy through Healesville and you will have the pleasure of cycling the Black Spur.  A magical ride, but not for the feint hearted.  This is a very narrow and busy road with a lot of blind corners.  One I wouldn't recommend trying unless attempted very, VERY early in the morning.