Slick Rock (Loops 3, 4)  

Notes:

The Slick Rock trail is the last trail on a run I like to call the "Evil Way Down".  This run consists of Rollercoaster, Magpie Rock and Slick Rock.  All three of these trails have similar traits (narrow, tight steep switchbacks, lots of rocks and ruts) and require a greater level of bike control and confidence than the more common Western Wedgetail, Pork Barrel and Double Dissolution.

Slick Rock starts directly opposite the end of the Magpie Rock trail on the other side of the Casuarina Climb Fire Trail and ends not long after crossing Pork Barrel at Slick Rock Junction - the start of the Blood Rock, Skippy's and Brindabella trails.

Slick Rock begins with an open climb up the hill above Pork Barrel before dropping into the trees and changing its mood completely.  From the top of the hill the trail descends rapidly at times with some steep and tight switchbacks.  The trail is VERY rough, significantly rougher than Rollercoaster, it’s also a lot faster than Rollercoaster which depending on your balance and bike control skills may actually make it easier to ride.  The contradiction here is while the Slick Rock trail is more difficult if you come off the Rollercoaster trail you are in a far greater world of hurt.
 
There are a number of large rocks that must be avoided and they appear with little warning.  There are other technical sections that are best ridden with some momentum to avoid nose diving.  Confidence, reasonable speed and being on your game are prerequisites for enjoying the top section of Slick Rock.

The trail eases a little after popping out from the scrub. A series of long switchbacks give you an opportunity to regroup before the final technical section.  (however it didn't work for me - check 4mins into the video)

It's a long rock garden running almost straight down the fall line, crossing the open section of the Pork Barrel trail and ending abruptly with a tight turn into the trees.  This rock garden is a catch 22.  Ride it slowly and the ever present danger of an OTB excursion is a likely result, ride it fast and you may not have time to avoid the unrideable rocks or riders running the gauntlet on Pork Barrel.  I would HIGHLY recommend scoping the rock garden before riding.

The final section of Slick Rock winds its way down to Slick Rock Junction (the start of the Blood Rock, Skippy's and Brindabella trails) with a few small rocky sections and rollers.  It's a good opportunity to relax the arms and enjoy some flowy action.

While officially listed as a green trail, Slick Rock requires a level of bike confidence and control beyond every other green trail at Stromlo.  I would certainly rate this trail as a blue - intermediate skill level trail.  Don't take a beginner down this trail.

I may have painted a very gloomy or at least serious picture of this trail but it is a hell of a lot of fun and a great measure of your bike control.  If you've got the skills then ride my "Evil Way Down" route.

Blog articles that mention this trail

• 25/10/2017 - Conquering Whistler's Top of the World Trail
• 17/9/2016 - Is the Thredbo AM Trail the best descent in Australia?
• 1/1/2015 - VIDEO: MTB-TVs TOP 10 Descents of 2014
• 1/1/2014 - 2013 Another Year of #FAIL
• 26/12/2013 - My god I love riding Stromlo Forest Park

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