Brutus

Just like its namesake, Brutus is the silent assassin of Bells. With an average gradient of 7%, this Category 3 climb is going to test your fitness and your mental toughness. But it's a satisfying way to the top and to clean it without walking is your initiation to the Enduro-bros. You gotta get up to get down, right?

Brutus was cleverly cut in; it poses as a raw and haphazard route, yet just when you think you feel your legs blowing up, the gradient relaxes and brings relief.

If you do need to stop for a rest, don't forget to look around and enjoy the view and feel the satisfaction of what you've already achieved. But this is not the time to look up! All you're going to see is formidable terrain hanging over your head. Trust me, it's not as hard as it looks.

If your nerves aren't up to the techgnar of the other Bells descents, Brutus makes and exciting and low-consequence descent when ridden in reverse. This is a popular direction for XC bikes. Just be sure to keep an eye out for other riders and remember that climbers have priority right of way.

Access Info

The start of Brutus can be a bit tricky to find as it looks like a narrow kangaroo track coming off the firetrail. At the time of writing, a few scraps of red and white bunting marked the entrance.

Brutus is the best way back up after a roll down Rapids Ahoy or Savage Bliss and can also be linked from the end of Jim's Mowing by a short section (~800m) of the riverside walk track.

If you don't have the stomach for the full 170m, cut your Rapids/Bliss ride a bit shorter by not taking in the final steep chute and instead keep an eye out on the left for a wooden "Brutus" sign nailed to a big Eucalyptus tree. This was the original segment start, before it was extended to include the actual start of the trail, off the fireroad.

This trail is Unsanctioned, Ride at your own Risk!

Disclaimer

This trail is unsanctioned. Be respectful to all residents and users of the area. Please promote the good vibes of mountain biking at all times!