Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Kananook Creek Trail Run v MTB

A while back i was told by one of the Primary School dads about a MTB track he rides which runs between Eel Race Road, and Mile Bridge. As i was dropping the car at the mechanic, which is near the far end of the trail, i thought i'd give it a go.  

He said i'd know the start by the "No Cyclists" sign at the Eel Race Rd end, unfortunately i was starting from the other end.  However, there was really only i place this end of the trail could be...so in i ventured... 


The path itself is a great walking path which generally follows the Kananook Creek. It has a combination of sand and chip bark surface as it meanders along the sand dune ridge through the trees and shrubs.  It goes for about 5.5k, with a couple of road crossings and a rail crossing.

As i was riding it, which was tricky in bits and included a few sets of stairs, i thought it is a much better running trail.  I tested this theory and decided to run back to get the car later in the arvo.

Well it turns out i was right.  The section of the ride home i did along the path i was averaging 5:40 (min:sec) per k compared to running at 5:25

The Eel Race Road end of the trail is more clearly identified, as below. And yes, the primary school dad was correct, i knew i was on the correct path by all the "no cycling" signs...but as i was going at slower than running pace, i just kept on going :)



So here's the path, and it's also marked in the Melway map if you want to wander it :)


There is also a return via the trail between the beach and the Nepean Highway, so when i'm up for a 20k return run, i know where i'm going.

I think i might have to find a few more trails to run, it's a great way to ensure your long slow run is actually done slow.

Happy Trails :)



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