Cooma by Dirt

Today’s ride took me on a different route parallel to the Monaro Highway down to Cooma. Normally, I’d follow Burra Rd all the way, refuel at Michelago, then backtrack to Tinderry Rd to cross the range and head towards Jerangle Rd. But this time, I decided to try something new, taking a detour down Williamsdale Rd to join the Monaro Highway, and then continuing to Michelago. I hadn’t ridden along Williamsdale Rd before, so it was a good chance to explore.

From Michelago, I took Tinderry Rd, which climbs over the range and then descends down the other side to Jerangle. One of the highlights is the crossing at Boolbooma, where the Queanbeyan River winds through. Near the top of the pass, the views westward are simply stunning, and the descent through bushland and farmland on the far side is just as scenic.

After crossing the Queanbeyan River, I turned towards Jerangle and then Numeralla, making quick stops at both before pressing on to Cooma for more fuel and a quick bite to eat.

The return route was shorter, running along the western side of the Monaro through Shannons Flat, into Namadgi National Park, and back to Canberra via Tharwa.

It was an excellent ride with a bit of wildlife spotting along the way: three wedgetail eagles, four kangaroos (one close call!), a yellow-bellied black snake, and a few blue-tongue lizards, though sadly a few were casualties of the road.

Ride Map