■ BARRAMUL (#06)
6 June 2018
◆ MIR (#08)
4 June 2018
■
GART GART
TRAIL #07
#GartGart #LLBG07 #MoreDifficult #BlueSquareMTB #LaLarrBaGauwa
BASICS
Trail Number: #07
Name: Gart Gart
Loop Length: 5.0km
IMBA Difficulty Rating: More Difficult ■ Blue Square
Start/Finish: La Larr Ba Gauwa Trailhead
Connected Trails: Barramul (#06) and Mir (#08)
Gateway To: Eastern Hub, Gurri (#10) and Milakuk (#11)
THE RIDE
The longest trail in the park starts with a climb that takes you to the top of the southern knoll. Your effort is well rewarded by outstanding views across the Harcourt Valley and toward the Pyrenees.
There's a chance to veer southwards along a short trail that connects with the very challenging trail, Mir (#8). If you continue on Gart Gart, however, you'll encounter meticulously hand-paved climbs, a variety of terrain and astounding views.
About half way through the Gart Gart, (I guess that makes it about one Gart's worth,) you'll arrive at the Eastern Hub, with connections to a couple of other trails.
Finally, a long and playful descent takes you back to the trailhead.
Gart Gart
In the language of the Dja Dja Warrung, 'Gart Gart' means 'Plenty'.
This is the longest of the Harcourt Mountain Bike Trails in La Larr Ba Gauwa Park. And, it connects with four other trails along the way. That's plenty, right there.
RIDERS SAY
The first few hundred meters of Gart Gart are a moderately steep climb out of a disused granite quarry. After cresting the hill, though,the gradient lessens as the track crosses a number of granite outcrops.
You will wind through large boulders and then come to a spot where the trail splits. One way takes you into a mini loop that leads to a viewpoint that overlooks the Harcourt Valley.
Continuing on the main Gart Gart trail, you'll encounter a series of steep switchback turns, inlaid with a solid base of granite blocks for great traction and weatherproofing. Take a breather at the top, where there's a great lookout from which you can view the whole park and surrounding countryside.
When you're ready to go, you'll wind down quickly on fast flowy berms towards the eastern trail hub.
At the eastern hub, the loops of Gurri (#10) and Milkuk (#11) start and finish.
After the eastern trail hub, Gart Gart drops into a deep gully, then rises out of it almost as quickly. Take note of the large step down gap jump here, on the edge of the trail.
Winding back across the hillside, you'll arrive at yet another junction. Here, you can choose to switch to Barramul (#6), dropping down for a fun return or to do the loop of Milipa (#9).
Gart Gart, though, stays high, climbing and falling over numerous rocky outcrops. You'll find some tricky A and B lines before you drop back down through the quarry and towards the trailhead shelter.
