Motorcycle routes around Canberra, ACT
Route: The Backroads to Yass
Date: 30th June 2024
Weather: Damp morning, overcast with intermittent rain (7°C)
Total Distance: 159.0 km
Estimated Time: 3.5 hours
Road Types: Mostly narrow country tarmac in average to good condition, a little bit of highway, and a short section of (avoidable) gravel.
Bike: Triumph Scrambler 1200XE
Gear: Arai XD4 Helmet, Triumph Bienn GTX Jacket,
The Route:
Heading out of Canberra across the Urriara Crossing is a familiar experience for most Canberra-based riders. It heralds the start of many exciting routes, on-road and off. You can head off into the Brindabellas, take the dirt path to Tumut, or hit the twisties on pretty good tarmac (mostly) out past the tracking station and wildlife sanctuary at Tidbinbilla. For this trip, though, I headed further afield to Yass along the back roads via Mullion and Cavan. I've added some trip notes below if you don't know the route.
Once over the crossing, take a right and climb the hill along Fairlight Road until you hit the T-intersection with Mountain Creek Road, opposite the RFS station. From here, it's a fantastic run along pretty good, narrow country tarmac through Mullion and Cavan. There are a multitude of twisty corners, rises, and drops through alternating wood and farmland until it's time to turn right onto Wee Jasper Road.
A little further along, you'll find the Taemas Bridge over the Murrumbidgee River demanding a brief photo stop, regardless of how many times you've ridden the route. The first Taemas Bridge, built over the Murrumbidgee River on the Wee Jasper road on the upper reaches of Burrinjuck Dam in 1888, was raised 15 feet in 1924. Floods destroyed the bridge in 1925, and the current bridge was constructed and opened in 1931. Crossing the steel truss structure is always a highlight of any ride out this way. The climb up the hills from the river is a blast, but be mindful of drivers taking a centre line around the bends on the narrow road. I drive every corner like someone is coming the other way over the centre line (which isn't marked most of the way). After the climb, the run into Yass is a doddle, and the selection of cafes and bakeries makes it a perfect stop for a late breakfast.
If pressed for time, a quick run down the Barton Highway will see you back in Canberra in no time, but I prefer the back roads. Head out of town on the Yass Valley Way, turn right onto Dog Trap Road, and follow it all the way to Isabel Road. There are a couple of kilometres of good gravel on this part of the ride, which is a hoot for those on dual-sport bikes and avoidable by staying on the highway for those not inclined to get their shiny tarmac-tearers dusty. Head along Isabel Drive, navigate Murumbateman and hit the Barton Highway towards home until you reach Eureka Avenue. A lazy ride through the Murrumbateman and Nanima farmlands and wineries will see you back on the Barton Highway for the short run back into Canberra.
Road Conditions:
Most of the route is along narrow, country bitumen in varying condition. Potholes are few and far between, though a few stretches have the usual patchwork quilt of repaired surface. There are very few centre lines once you hit the back roads. There is a short stretch of good gravel on Dog Trap Road towards Murrumbateman that you can avoid by staying on the highway until you get to Eureka Avenue after Murrumbateman.
Riding Experience
Traffic: The roads around Uriarra Crossing can get a little sporty with the more hoon-oriented of our riding brethren on the weekends, but the local traffic on the backroads is usually light. On the narrow, unlined roads, you need to ride the blind twisties like you expect someone to come around them in the middle of the road.
Fuel and Food Stops: On this trip, I had a delicious late breakfast and good coffee at Cafe Dolcetto on the main street of Yass. It was worth the ride in itself. There's no fuel between Canberra and Yass on this route, but there is fuel in Yass and Murrumbateman on the return leg if you need it.
Highlights
Best Moments: The twisty climbs and drops between Uriarra Crossing and Good Hope are great fun.
Photography Spots: There are abundant photo opportunities, but the Taemas Bridge takes the prize.
If you have a spare three or four hours, this is a fantastic way to spend the day on the back of a bike.
If you’re after a cracking read to enjoy with the excellent coffee at Cafe Dolcetto (not sponsored in any way), give one of my books a try. They’re available in Kindle or print from Amazon.
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