We can’t wait to watch the riders battle it out for the yellow jersey in the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes this July. Dreaming about mountain climbs too? Take on your own mountain stages with Ride High Country’s annual 7 Peaks Challenge in Victoria’s High Country from this October – April.
Climb them all and you’ll have ascended more than 7,000m over 160km. The best bit? You get to ride back down. Base yourself in one of the valley towns or villages and tackle…
Mt Hotham | Distance 30km, Rise 1,321m, Grade Average 4%, Grade Max 18%
The jewel in the crown of the 7 Peaks Challenge. This iconic climb throws down the ultimate climbing challenge and views. Don’t forget to grab a post-climb feed from The General. Click here to plan your route.
Falls Creek | Distance 29.5km, Rise 1,129m, Grade Average 4%, Grade Max 10%
Ride past lush ferns and tall timber on the Falls Creek climb. Things ramp up the higher you go so make sure you pace yourself. Extend your trip and stay at Falls Creek overnight to ride the iconic Back of Falls the next day. Click here to plan your route.
Dinner Plain | Distance 42.8km, Rise 943m, Grade Average 2%, Grade Max 11%
Get into the rhythm and watch the tarmac unfold on the scenic Dinner Plain climb. At 42km this is the longest of the 7 Peaks Challenge routes. Stay in Dinner Plain or Mt Hotham to combine the two climbs and soak in the serene alpine atmosphere. Click here to plan your route.
Mt Buller | Distance 15.3km, Rise 921m, Grade Average 6.2%, Grade Max 13%
Hairpins, towering trees and a year-round alpine village. The Mt Buller climb is a bucket list 15km challenge starting in Mirimbah. Celebrate at the top with a hearty feast at Mt Buller or in the valley post-ride at one of Mansfield’s many restaurants. Click here to plan your route.
Mt Buffalo | Distance 20.4km, Rise 1,015m, Grade Average 5%, Grade Max 11%
The notorious Mt Buffalo climb is as stunning as it is tough. Take on the consistent 5% gradient over a full 20km and reward yourself with spectacular views from the Gorge Lookout and Chalet. After an even bigger challenge? Continue on to The Horn. Click here to plan your route.
Lake Mountain | Distance 20.9km, Rise 932m, Grade Average 4%, Grade Max 10%
At only 2 hours from Melbourne, Lake Mountain and its tall mountain ash views are just a hop, skip and a roll. Make a weekend of it and base yourself in vibrant Marysville to enjoy the local eats, drinks and sights including Stevenson Falls. Click here to plan your route.
Mt Baw Baw | Distance 6.5km, Rise 741m, Grade Average 11.4%, Grade Max 20.6%
Feel the leg burn on the short but infamous Mt Baw Baw climb. This one’s steep so make sure you keep your pace steady. Don’t forget to soak in the views. Click here to plan your route.