The Munda Biddi in 2015 - first day out

I rode my first section of the Munda Biddi today, and it was such a super day! Joined by my adventure-loving friend Wayne.

Wayne - partway through the ride

I'm excited at the very start of the Munda Biddi adventure

We started at the Northern terminus of the Munda Biddi, in the Sculpture park in Mundaring. The first section (10km or so) was pretty cruisey - mostly downhill on non-technical singletrack and fire trails, and very well sign posted.

There was a short section on bitumen on Mundaring Weir Rd where we got yelled at by some road riders. I wasn't sure where we were going, so when I saw the sign to turn right I stuck my arm out to turn as some road riders were flying down the hill behind us. Thankfully they yelled "bikes back" and I didn't turn without checking behind me. But boy they came past fast and I didn't see the last one (who was around the corner when I looked before I turned). She yelled expletives at me on the way past. Admittedly I probably pulled out in front of her and scared the crap out of her - but she also scared me and made me feel like crap.

It made me think - road riders are to mountain bike riders the same way drivers are to road riders. Maybe it's because they are faster or they feel they have more rights to the road? My takeaway thoughts were "yeah its stressful riding on the road, I guess you've gotta vent that somehow".

Anyway, we got off the bitumen and the next few kilometers were undulating along fire trail. We then crossed Helena River - the track down and up from the crossing was heart-in-the-mouth stuff. Big rocks and technical. I was SUPER impressed with myself for getting through it. I basically just had to commit and have faith in my bike. I love that my bike can get me through stuff that I am scared of and I don't know if I can do.

Early in the ride - feeling chuffed with myself and enjoying the scenery

After the Helena River crossing, it got tough. Singletrack climbs, pretty steep and dry pea gravel. For a kilometer or so I think there was more walking uphill than there was riding.

Then we reached a decision point - keep going on the "main track", which was zoned Challenging, or go via the "touring route". It was a quick decision - neither of us fancied walking on pea gravel for 6km on the main track. So we became tourists!

The tour route was not totally straightforward. Still some climbing with a few rocks and gravel. But then we got onto some bitumen - yay! Time for a nice picnic under the trees in the shade, get some food in. No chance to eat when on the mountain bike!

Nice spot for a picnic

Then we became proper tourists - and took a scenic detour through the Camel Farm mountain bike trails. With so many trails it was hard to figure out where the Munda Biddi trail went. After a detour down and then back up some green trails, and lots of map consulting, we got back on track.

The Munda Biddi track through here was where the pea gravel started to get less compacted and more like riding through sand. I got bogged down, stopped, walked, tried to get back on, and walked some more.

Dry loose gravel and dappled shade - challenging conditions

The next section of gravel I was more determined not to stop as I didn't want to walk! Tips for riding through gravel:
- Pick your line. Look for underlying rocks or firm ground, or ride on the edges closer to the fringing plants.
- Be aware that the gravel will grip your wheels, slow you down, and your wheels will slip. Go with it, this is OK.
- Keep your bum on your seat to keep weight on the back wheel.
- Keep pressure on the pedals, use a slightly lower cadence and higher torque.

I did have one little "off" through the gravel - actually it was a combination of gravel and trying to get up on the firm but steep banks. My wheels slipped out and I skidded off. Grazes on my elbow and hip but otherwise ok.

Much of the second half (20km) of the route we did today was single track or fire trail with pea gravel at various stages of looseness. Oh and some climbing with rocks and gravel. I was super excited to get up (and down) some of the climbs. I could feel my skills improving along with my determination to stay on the bike. I also had less "heart in my mouth" moments. My back wheel sliding in gravel no longer made me freak out - instead I was determined to pedal through it and I looked for firmer ground to get my wheel onto.

Still, by the end of the day's riding I was very happy to see Core Cider House for some well-deserved cold drinks and real food in the shade. Thanks so much Core Cider House for squeezing in two dirty, tired and hungry mountain bikers and looking after us so well! 

Mmmmm lunch :) 

We left at 8:30am, finished at 1:30pm, and did 44km riding (probably at least 1km walking!). I lost track of the number of stops to eat and check the map. 

What an excellent day!