Down Under, Bottom Up

I first rode towards Cairns – the first significant town south of Cape York. As sometimes happens, I saw a sign to a pub, so I investigated. The Lion’s Den has apparently been serving thirsty travellers on the Bloomfield Track since 1875. I asked if there was a back way to the coast road, and a bloke called Jonno said yes, it would be a “piece of piss” for a bike like mine, albeit a bit rough in places. Reassured, I set off down the Bloomfield.

It wound picturesquely by the Little Annan river, becoming more rainforest-ish and rugged by the minute. Varying from thick, deep dust to single track to polished river stones, along with 1-in-3 climbs and accompanying ‘Low Ratio Now!’ signs, it was a challenge. It also had a few narrow river crossings which, although not too deep, made scaredy-cat 4WDrivers queue up on either side, effectively blocking access to everyone else. I blazed arrogantly by on my road tyres, to the cheers of some locals fishing in the shallows.

The Shiver surprised and impressed me with its off-road capability. Although using Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres (not exactly dirt track spec) it was