Places that Rock: Bantry Bay

Words and Photos: Robert Conroy

The Serrata and Gahnia trails are closing in on two years old, hand built by the crafty people at Trailscapes. Both trails are a generous intermediate  with a couple of multi line sections, lots of rock and tight cornering. These trails hark back to an age of technical riding that isn’t readily apparent in other modern trail hotspots like Mt Stromlo, Derby or Thredbo.

Short in nature, but linked, they offer a morning’s or afternoons’ short ride at a combined length including fireroads of around 6km. They are best added as sections to an over arching ride through Manly Dam.

As some of the more technical intermediate trails in the Sydney basin, on first roll through, you will certainly be feathering your brakes. On the flip side if you are new to mountain biking there is a filter area at the beginning of each trail, so don’t be afraid to have a go.
Getting There

The Serrata track is accessible by heading to the gated end of  Currie Road, Forrestville. Looking back up the road, on the left, the Currie Trail begins. About 800 meters in you will come across the sign for the beginning of the Serrata track. You can then exit right onto the Cook St trail and loop back for another run or head back to your parked car.

The Gahnia trail is accesible from Garrat Cres, park at Ararat reserve and head down the Bluff trail. Take the fireroad as it winds to the left and you wil come across the clearly marked trail head. It exits onto the engravings trail, which you can use to head back up to the reserve for another run.

Technical Nature
Do you like it rocky? Both trails are marked as intermediate although much of the two trails are armoured and offer multiple line choices for the experienced rider.  That said, if you’re uncomfortable with rocky terrain, rollovers and drops stop and have a look. Everything can be rolled and there are appropriate b-lines for the un initiated.

You’ll Need
The usual spares, that goes for tubes especially. There is plenty of rock to see you get just a little unstuck. There are stores close by and a tap at Ararat oval but it’s much easier to be prepared with the essentials. 

Distances
Serrata trail is 1.35 kilometers whilst Gahnia is a lengthier at 2.15 kilometers. Whilst the trails aren’t lengthy themselves, the idea is to link the two trails through the fireroad network or for a longer ride with the Manly Dam trail network.

Local Knowledge
Both trails offer multi lines in certain sections to keep you on your toes. Follow a local and you’ll likely find yourself doing something you didn’t spot the first time around. 

Best Time of Year
Anytime, deep winter or hot summer day these trails are ready to shred.  The trails have been built with post rain water flow in mind.  Although being mainly sandstone, do take into account the trail surface is slippery when wet.

While in the Area
Head across to Manly Dam and engage in the network of trails there. There are a few less legal trails in the vicinity as well, ride at your own risk. If you wish to stay on the North Shore and are happy for a little drive, there are also the trails at Old Mans Valley in Hornsby. For non bike activities, the Northern Beaches and Manly area offer plenty of swimming spots.

Local Bike Shops
Belrose Bikes, Frenches Forest. A little further away Brookvale Bike Factory or 99 bikes in Brookvale.

Essential Sites
environment.nsw.gov.au/parkmanagement/
NorthernSydneyMtBProgram.htm