Jameson's Run - A review of the 2010 Noosa Century Ride Course

Brisbane to Noosa seems to carry greater credence than Noosa to Noosa. Both are 160 kilometres or 100 miles in old money so let's take a good look at the ride profile and then collate this with the following ride report of the test run undertaken last December.

A 5am start and whilst it's only two or three Ks from home its still up before Sparrow fart to get myself to Lions Park in time for the roll out. Daylight comes early this time of the year and as I have every intention of being home before 7pm there is no need to bother with lights. I'm early so opt to take a look at main beach. Laguna Bay looks pristine, flat calm with one or two brave souls taking an early bath. A couple of surfers look wistfully at the surface ripples so I give them a wave, it will be the only one they will get today. Hastings street is slowly shaking off the mantle of night and reminds me of riding through small villages in France save for there's no delicious smell of  baking baguettes or pan-o-chocolate and coffee. I never have breakfast before a ride but the thought of delicious french pastries and already I'm feeling hungry.

Back at Lions Park I'm still alone but slowly figures emerge from the shadows to form a small band of riders who seem reluctant to make the first move out. As we progress along Noosa Sound we are joined by a few more and numbers swell further on the approach to Gympie Terrace. At last we have a Peloton as the ride takes us along the picturesque river side and out through Tewantin where we turn North East towards Boreen Point. I love this route and whilst there are well over 100 round-a-bouts in Noosa Shire there are only two sets of traffic lights, neither of which are on this side of town. Motor traffic is virtually non existent at this time of the day and and the flat ride along Mckinnon Drv gives the legs time to fully awake. There is little or no wind today although the prevailing wind for this area is South East and this road travels North West so another early bonus of this route could be a boost up the seat pillar all the way to Cootharaba. Experience tells me to keep plenty in the can and we are soon dropping back the gears for the first ascent of the day. To locals this is called reverse Cootharaba as we normally tackle this hill from the other side (preferred). The hill is made easier as it comes in three stages, the views at the top across the valley to Pomona are truly magnificent once the red mist clears from your eyes, would quite simply take your breath away should you have any left.

Easy undulations take us on to Pomona where we skirt South of the town and head towards Cooroy. Whilst Jameson's run will take us through Cooroy township we first have to make a diversion up Cudgerie hill. As a local this hill is well know to me and is a real grunter. Thankfully it's not as steep as Keel Mountain Road, although longer, it also comes in three bites with stunning views at the top. A few more undulations along the top then its a fun, fast and furious decent down Black mountain road into Cooroy. There will an Aid Station here on the day and anyone suffering serious mechanical or physical difficulties should be aware that Cooroy is only 22 Kms from Noosa. You don't get that on a Brisbane to Noosa ride. It is here that the ride will be joined by those lesser mortals choosing to only do the 100 km ride.

Our next port of call is Eumundi  some 12 km away as the crow flys. Not being birds of the feathered variety we are again diverted out through West Cooroy over some quite arduous but beautiful countryside. Quiet roads in this part of the world means the group is seldom hassled by tin tops or tradies. The last of the big climbs takes us back towards Eumundi via Belli Creek. Here is the site of the second Aid Station and again we are still only 20+ kms from Noosa. An advantage point for anyone wanting to make an early exit or for supporters to drive out and cheer on their loved ones. Eumundi is around the the 100 km mark and a delightful place to take breakfast for those not going for line honours.

The run through to Yandina is over the old Bruce Highway, care is needed here as the road surface in places is quite poor. There is opportunity at Yandina to take on and dispose of liquids if necessary and is the last chance to make an early escape back to Noosa if you have to. There are one or two cafés if extra sustenance is needed.  Out of Yandina we take the Bli Bli road and whilst the road can be demanding in places, having got this far it should present little problem providing you have left some reserve in the legs.

Those who have previously ridden a Brisbane Noosa will now begin to recognise the final stages as the route takes us through Pacific Paradise onto the David Low Way past the Sunshine Coast Airport and the site for the third and last Aid Station at Marcoola. Special care is needed here as fatigue can effect judgement and busy traffic on this section can be unforgiving.  A short puff over Point Arkwright to yet another set of traffic lights at Coolum Beach. Heading North we pass many spectacular coastal views sadly I have neither the time or energy to properly take them in, although we are blessed with a much needed prevailing South East wind and the best advice here is to enjoy the bonus lift and conserve what little energy you have left for the final run in. Now its only a hop skip and a jump to Peregian Beach then those leg sapping undulations through to Sunrise Beach. The increasing plethora of round-a-bouts confirm we're back in Noosa Shire and whilst the road code tells us to give way to traffic on the round-a-bout it is prudent to be cautious and accept that 'might-is-right' when mixing it with motor vehicles. Heading away from the coast we encounter our last set of lights, yes folks only five sets of traffic lights (one of which is a controlled pedestrian crossing) in one hundred and sixty kilometres. Now can anyone remember how many lights on last year’s ride?

The final run in to Lions Park is uneventful save for the elation of having completed a very enjoyable 160 kilometre ride through beautiful and yet at times demanding Noosa hinterland. Harder than Brisbane Noosa? Yes I believe so, although this is offset by a much easier start and far superior domestic arrangements. Better than Brisbane Noosa? Definitely, the countryside is truly magnificent with good clean exhaust free air to breathe helps with increased number of climbs. Now where's that fellow who planned this route I've got a bone to pick with him!

Mick M