Gap Creek Loop
City Ride
Type: Road
Difficulty: Beginners
Distance: 34.8km
Elevation Gained: 626m
Estimated Moving Time: 1-2 hours
Summary
Some people dread it, others love it—this rolling hills route near the city is perfect for interval training.
The loop spans 34.8 km (about the same as the Riverloop) but comes with double the elevation gain. This route is ideal for your weekday interval sessions, with endless rolling hills and challenging pinches that will make you dig deep.
Starting from the city, head towards Mt. Coot-tha. Just before the first climb past the planetarium, turn right onto Waterworks Road. Be ready for a short but intense climb with pinches ranging from 11% to 14%, and even an 18% pinch according to Strava.
The segment to Gap Creek remains rolling but is gentler than the previous stretch. The main climb from Waterworks to Gap Creek is divided into three parts:
Dillon Road to Highwood Road Roundabout: This is the toughest section, featuring rolling terrain and pinches between 12% and 14%. But once you reach the top, it’s all downhill from here.
The Long Descent: This isn’t a straight shot down; it’s a winding descent with split roads and an island in the middle. If you’re new to this route, take it slow as it can get busy during the week.
The Final Surprise: Just when you think it’s over, you’ll face a 500-meter climb with a max gradient of 16%. It’s a tough finish but it’s the last challenge of the Gap Creek segment.
The route continues through Kenmore (we avoid Moggill Road for safety reasons) and then joins the Centenary Bikeway back to the city.
Check out the elevation profile—you’ll see why we love using this for interval training. If you have more time, consider extending your ride with Brookfield after Gap Creek or a return trip to Mt. Coot-tha to complete the Donut Hill Ride.
Tips:
-. Gap creek can be quite busy with traffic on weekday late morning
-. In winter gap creek temperature can be 2 degree cooler than the city