Rolling Scarborough
Fondo Ride
Type: Road Riding
Difficulty: Beginners – Medium
Distance: 128km
Elevation Gained: 1,184m
Estimated Moving Time: 4-5 hours
Summary
Looking for a thrilling twist on your usual Scarborough Loop? Try this dynamic alternative that combines the best of both worlds: a smooth bay ride and an adventurous national park challenge.
Begin your journey from the city, but skip the direct route to the bay. Instead, head towards Samford via Waterworks Road. This route offers an exciting mix of rolling terrain, featuring a rewarding climb up Settlement Road and a scenic ride through Samford Conservation Park.
What makes this route great is its flexibility. You can tailor it to your preferred level of intensity. The refueling spot is conveniently placed at the 25km mark in Samford—perfect for a mid-ride coffee break. If you’re up for a challenge, power through to Scarborough (around 80km) without stopping.
Prepare for more excitement with the Bunyaville Conservation Park section. This part of the route is a thrill, with more downhill sections than uphill climbs compared to the reverse direction. There are some short, steep stretches, but they’re manageable and add to the adventure.
A standout feature of this ride is Jinker Track, a long, smooth, and gently descending stretch with a -1% gradient that extends for about 3 km—pure cycling bliss!
If you miss the Samford stop and don’t want to wait until Scarborough for a break, there’s another option: Bridgeman Woods servo for a quick refuel.
The route continues through Petrie, where you’ll enjoy a 13 km bike path leading to Kippa Ring, with only a brief road section. The bike path features slight gradients but is enjoyable and scenic all the way to the end.
Finish off with a treat at the Preece’s Cafe across from Redcliffe Jetty for a delicious breakfast before heading back to the city via Sandgate. (For more details on the Sandgate route, check out the Sandgate or Redcliffe Loop.)
Overall, this route is a fantastic variation of the standard Scarborough Loop. It offers a mix of rolling countryside and picturesque bay views, adding an extra layer of fun and elevation to your ride.