Clyde Mountain is a climb of 5.3 kilometers (hors catégorie). Clyde Mountain tops out at 784 m above sea level. It is located in Eurobodalla Shire Council, New South Wales, Australia. The average gradient is 9.5% with a maximum of 16.2%. The climb has 503 meters of elevation gain.
Climb breakdown: This 5.3 km climb is short but very punchy, with an average gradient of 9.5%. The real crux is at the end: two very steep kilometres (15% and 14%) between 3.5 and 4.5 km, followed by an easier finish.
Tips for the effort:
1. Pacing: Start conservatively to save your legs for the critical 15% section after 3.5 km.
2. Read the terrain: The toughest part comes at the 4th km. Keep something in the tank to hold a steady cadence over those 1500m at over 14%.
3. Active recovery: Use the last two segments (6% and 4%) to spin your legs and recover without going hard, since the big effort is concentrated in the middle of the climb.
For those who have ridden it, Clyde Mountain is a tough but magnificent climb, pretty much a must-do between Canberra and the coast. The road itself is described as very well built and maintained, with a gradient you'll feel, especially on the tight switchbacks and the steep sections, which can be a bit twitchy. Riders stress the importance of being properly prepared, especially by checking your bike and using the right gears to keep your momentum going.
The ride is, however, marked by constant vigilance because of the traffic. Riders report that weekends are particularly busy, with fast drivers who tend to cut the corners on the descent, which can feel pretty unnerving. You need to stay switched on the whole time, especially when riding in a group or when faster cars come up behind you on slower riders.
Despite these challenges, the reward is in the scenery. Riders describe a stunning view over the eucalyptus forest lining the road, with a distinctive smell hanging in the air. The descent towards Batemans Bay is described as a peaceful and incredible experience, giving a real sense of release after the effort of the climb.
The climb also has its little bit of folklore, notably a landmark known as "Pooh's corner", although some riders wish there was more room to stop or say the spot isn't as clean as it used to be. For those who've done it, riding Clyde Mountain remains an authentic and intense adventure, where the wild beauty of the place more than makes up for the difficulties along the way.
5.3 km • 503 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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