Mt Dandenong
1in20 Climb
The Route: Mountain Hwy from the Basin to Sassafrass
Starting point: the 60km/h speed signs at the end of the Basin shops, where the bitumen changes
End Point: The 60km/h speed signs at Sassafrass, 200m before the Bowling Green
| Total Distance | 6.75km |
| Average Gradient | 4.2% |
| Total Ascent | 286m |
Top Times 1. James Haynes 16.30
2. Alon Cassuto 16.40
3. Billy Rebakis 16.45
Difficulty: 2/5 Enjoyment factor: 4/5 Descent: 4/5
Notes: Undoubtedly the most climbed route in all of Victoria. Every cyclist worth his salt has a time up the 1in20. If you don’t, make sure you come along to a MUcyc Dandenongs ride soon! The Climb has a fairly gentle gradient that is consistent most of the way. There is a ‘false flat’ section about halfway up where some time can be made up. The route is very twisty and makes for a fun, yet quite technical descent. Be aware of buses traversing this route.
The Wall
The route: From Monbulk, up Olinda-Monbulk rd to Olinda. (Hits 9.8% in some sections)
Start point: The Rose Cottage Restaurant in Monbulk, near intersection with Monbulk rd, stationary start
End point: the Pool in Olinda
| Total Distance | 5.1km |
| Average Gradient | 6.0% |
| Total Ascent | 298m |
Club Record: Yet to be recorded – please set a time
Difficulty: 3.5/5 Enjoyment Factor: 3.5/5 Descent: 2.5/5
Notes: In one word – steep. For a climb of this length to get a difficulty rating of 3.5 means it’s very steep. Downhill and flat sections towards the top affect the average gradient. For most of the climb, the pitch is sustained at between 7 and 9 percent. The gradient is fairly consistent and the route is fairly straight up the mountain except for one tight hairpin at the bottom.
The Devil’s Elbow
The Route: Follow Mt Dandenong Tourist rd around Devil’s Elbow, turn left onto Churchill Drive opposite the Service Station then continue up to One Tree Hill.
Start Point: Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Last Carpark Exit of the Ferntree Gully National Park, in between the back of the NO ENTRY Signs, stationary start.
End Point: Back of 60Km Signs on crest of the climb in One Tree Hill.
| Total Distance | 3.4km |
| Average Gradient | 8.8% |
| Total Ascent | 303m |
Club Record: Yet to be recorded – please set a time
Difficulty: 3.5/5 Enjoyment Factor: 3/5 Descent: 2/5
Notes: Much like the wall, this climb is short but very steep. Named after the massive hairpin on the course, the Devil’s Elbow requires some strong legs before attempting the climb. The descent is average as it requires you to stop halfway to turn on to Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd and is mostly straight except for the Elbow itself. Some fast speeds can be recorded here however.
The Full Monty
The Route: Starting on Inverness Rd, turn left on to Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd before turning right on to Ridge rd and finally right on to Observatory rd. Once inside the SkyHigh grounds, keep to the right and enter the parking lot at the back of the Restaurant
Start Point: Bottom of Inverness rd at 50km/h sign
End Point: Opposite toilet block in parking lot
| Total Distance | 7.6km |
| Average Gradient | 6.4% |
| Total Ascent | 480m |
Club Record: Yet to be recorded – please set a time
Difficulty: 4/5 Enjoyment Factor: 4/5 Descent: 3.5/5
Notes: The highest climb in the Dandenongs, some of the grades are over 20% (25% on Inverness Rd). This climb, only 7.6km long climbs to the very top with only one very short downhill of about 20m. Only marginally longer that the 1/20 but climbs 200m more. The variation of gradient and steep pitches at the start make this climb quite difficult, especially with its length.
Terry’s Avenue
The Route: Belgrave roundabout, up Terry’s Ave which turns into Belgrave Ferny Creek Rd.
Start Point: The Roundabout intersection of Burwood Hwy and Terry’s Avenue near Belgrave train station. Rolling start from the white line on the roundabout.
End Point: T Intersection where Belgrave-Ferny Creek Rd joins Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd.
| Total Distance | 3.2km |
| Average Gradient | 7.4% |
| Total Ascent | 244 |
Club Record: Yet to be recorded – please set a time
Difficulty: 4.5/5 Enjoyment Factor: 4/5 Descent: 4/5
Notes: This Climb starts at 19.1% Gradient for 600m then has a flat and DH section before another 1.3km 12.8% Gradient Climb to the top. Speeds of 110km+ have been recorded on this hill by cyclists.
