Grace Ave to John Oxley Drive   (2.50km)

Notes:

The Forest Pipeline section from Grace Ave (Frenchs Forest) to John Oxley Drive (Davidson) comprises of some very long and straight sections of cleared grasslands providing access for servicing the water pipe.  While mostly flat or at a moderate incline there are some short steep climbs to keep the heart pumping.  In the most part the track is a worn path on grass.

The first grassy descent from Grace Ave is short and steep interrupted by a gate at the footpath leading from Fitzpatrick Ave West down to the playground. 

Beyond the gate the Pipeline track continues to descend gently for an extended period with only one short climb before reaching the metal footbridge.  There is a baffle at either end of the bridge that a big unit like me can barely fit through.  Carrying the bike on my shoulder as I crossed the bridge was the only option.

On the other side there is a short technical climb up onto the path which was well beyond my skill-set, however coming back the other way was fun!

The track continues with more of the same worn path on grass but on this occasion it’s only a short trip to the first road crossing at Kens Rd.  On the other side a short tar section leads onto a nice grassy descent which quickly becomes a long climb up the other side.  The final 10m of which is a rough rocky dirt section, but certainly rideable.

There is a short break in the track at the corner of John Oxley Drive and Prahran Ave.  Ride up Prahran Ave for about 20m before re-entering the service track on the left.  The climb runs parallel to the road, initially on grass but ending with a rough rocky section.  The local kids have built a couple of small jumps on this stretch that can be hit when riding back the other way.

At the top of the hill you can either go to the left under the footbridge (you will probably need to dismount) or there are gaps around the fence on the right hand side that can be ridden around.

Beyond the gate the trail has a slight descent all the way to the end of the section at John Oxley Drive.

This trail is nothing to write home about, however it is a no-brainer pedal and IMO beats riding on the road if you are linking Manly Dam or Bantry Bay with the trails in the Belrose area. It would be perfect for a total beginner or as a rehab ride.  Ironically I managed to sprain my ankle on this track – God knows how!

If you plan on starting your ride at the Grace Ave end then I recommend parking at the end of Fitzpatrick Ave West and entering the Forest Pipeline track via the footpath at the bottom of the hill.  Alternatively you can jump on or off the Forest Pipeline Track at any of the road crossings through Belrose and Davidson.

Blog articles that mention this trail

• 28/5/2013 - Bantry Bay and Forest Pipeline trails now up

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