Frank's Ride

Epic Scenic Ride - Audax Route

Type: Road
Difficulty: Medium – Advance
Distance: 200km
Elevation Gained: 2,588m
Estimated Moving Time: 7-9 hours

Summary

Get ready for an epic adventure with a ride that packs it all in! From serene creekside paths to dramatic coastal views, challenging mountain climbs, and scenic riverside routes, this ride promises an unforgettable experience.

Introducing the Audax QLD route known as “Frank’s Ride,” a tribute to a beloved club member who passed away on these very roads. We’ve tackled this route ourselves, and while it’s certainly challenging, every minute spent pedaling is worth it. To help you make the most of this incredible journey, we’ve broken it down into sections to ensure you get the most out of each part.

1. Currumbin to Cabarita (The Warm-Up) – 0 to 58 km

Kick off your ride with a leisurely start from Currumbin, heading straight to the beach at Tugun and all the way to Coolangatta. For a spectacular sunrise view, we highly recommend an early start to avoid the morning crowds on the shared path.

Between Coolangatta and Cabarita, you’ll tackle three climbs:

Bilambil Heights: A 3 km climb with some rest breaks and stunning views of Terranora Broadwater.
Duroby Nature Reserve: A shorter, slightly steeper climb that’s a beautiful, gentle challenge.
Terranora: The longest climb of the three, but the gentle gradient makes it the easiest.

The rest of this section is a coastal ride from Kingscliff to Cabarita with some flat stretches and rolling hills, which can become quite challenging if you face a strong headwind.

First Stop: Caba Social at Cabarita—don’t miss the bakery next door!

2. Cabarita to Sleepy Hollow (The Rolling Hills) – 58 to 110 km

This segment introduces more rolling terrain. Start with a flat stretch from Cabarita to get your legs moving before climbing Clothiers Creek. Enjoy the scenic rolling hills and a beautiful view before reaching Murwillumbah.

The road can be busy around Murwillumbah, but soon you’ll turn onto Fernvale, where you’ll face a scenic climb over Burringbar Range. This stretch is on a busy road that was once the old Pacific Highway. The climb here is about 3 km with a gentle gradient, despite the intimidating 10% and 15% signs.

After conquering the climb, you’ll have about 13 km to reach Sleepy Hollow, with a mix of flat, rolling, and short climbs.

Second Stop: The Sleepy Barn—perfect for a scenic and peaceful break to refuel with water and food.

3. Sleepy Hollow to Stokers Siding (The Friendly Hills) – 110 to 144 km

This segment is the friendliest, with the shortest distance to the next stop. However, you’ll still tackle Burringbar Range again, climbing from the other side. The climb profile is similar to the descent you previously experienced.

You’ll reach Stokers Siding for the third stop.

Third Stop: Hosanna Farm Stay—a slight detour, but definitely worth the visit.

4. Stokers Siding to Finish Line (The Big Hill) – 144 to 200 km

Brace yourself for the most challenging part of the ride! Proper nutrition and preparation are key for this demanding stretch.

Start with a short, steep climb at Uki before enjoying a smooth, winding road to Murwillumbah, your last chance to refill before the final climb.

The ultimate challenge awaits: Tomewin is about 5.45 km long with an average gradient of 6.1%. Expect gradients between 5% and 11% for a relentless climb with minimal rest.

After the climb, enjoy a long descent and rolling hills. Be cautious on the descent, as the road quality may be poor. Finish with the T-section of Currumbin Creek Road leading you to the finish line.

Overall: This ride is a true test of endurance, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding challenge. It’s not for beginners, as some sections can be quite technical.

Check the Audax QLD schedule for annual details on this epic ride!