Spring means melting snow here in the Snowy Mountains, and for members of the Jindabyne Cycling Club and interested cyclists, the Clearing of the Snow Ride is a key feature of post snow season activity.
THE road from Perisher to Charlotte Pass is closed in winter, submerged by metres of snow. At the end of the snow season the National Parks and Wildlife Service endeavour to open the road as soon as possible.
The opening means local riders can join their first alpine training ride, a tough 41km ride with an elevation gain of 845m from Jindabyne’s 915m to the Charlotte Pass lookout altitude of 1760m.
To ensure the group arrive at a similar time they have staggered starts depending on everyone’s ability and pace. Groups start from 8am until 9am in Jindabyne, and ride at their own pace to the top.
Anticipating the arrival time, we pursue in car for photo opportunities and as expected, there are numerous cars parked on the side of the road. People are tobogganing and hiking the tempting slopes before skiing back down. Three people acknowledge the snow is perfect as we ask them to be the backdrop of our image.
A perfect photo that sums up this time of the snowy calendar. Hikers in the background making the most of the snow before it disappears, the cyclists on the last stretch to the lookout in their debut alpine ride for the looming cycling season.
Driving in the alpine at winter’s end is perfect to see the mountains in snow, although the cyclists have more time to absorb the scenery. Perisher Resort is still covered by snow and after a big snow year where the depth topped out at 232cm on September 20, there is much melting to occur leading into summer.
Busy is the best way to describe the lookout on this mid-October Sunday. The cyclists are among many sightseers who have taken the opportunity to see snow. One couple parked on the side of the road well below the lookout ask, “is it worth driving to the top”. Yes we advise. You will have magnificent views of the Main Range and see Mount Kosciuszko in the distance.
For most of the cycling group this is their first serious post winter hit out, although they continue with their Sunday rides for much of the winter on Eucumbene Road. Many of the riders will also be eyeing off the events ahead, such is their competitive nature and the desire to also support the Snowy Classic, a gran fondo ride on closed roads in their backyard.
In their inaugural year in 2022, the Snowy Classic witnessed over 1200 riders enter to tackle some of Australia's best cycling terrain. Having strong legs is essential, not just to combat the distance, but the climbs. During the Snowy Classic their final ascent from Jindabyne to Perisher, then return back to the Jindabyne finish line is a tough ride.
Expect to see Jindabyne Cycling Club members feature in the Snowy Classic honours in April 2023.
