Went exploring around Olinda today.  If you're up for a challenging technical (and very slippery if it's been raining) descent followed by a lung-busting climb out then give this ride a burl.  It's just long enough to be fun and challenging but not so long that you want to get off and walk (or cry).  It had been stormy and there'd been 110mm of rain in 48hrs preceding my most recent attempt at this ride - the mud and fallen trees made it much slower than usual.  In summer it's a great ride and the ride out is great for your fitness.  Some nutters do this ride in the dark...

Head up the tourist road into Olinda and turn right down the Olinda-Monbulk Road.  Just after the golf-course turn left down Chalet Road (at the Olinda Pool).  About 100m down on the left you'll see a gate and a track that runs along the side of the golf course (Golf Course Track), head down here and if you're on a dually switch your suspension to soft, lots of roots and bumps, quite good fun.  Eventually you'll come to a fork, the track to the left continues along the golf course fence, and eventually comes to the start of the Black Hole.  If you take the one to the right you end up on Mathias Rd, turn left and you'll come to the Black Hole which is clearly signposted. 

Put your glasses on, and if it's not too hot make sure you've got long sleeves - there's quite a few overhanging branches and  the occasional blackberry.  There's also this amazing sticky grass, it's like there's glue on the leaves and it sticks to everything.  About half way down there's a huge tree down across the track, you need to carry your bike over and drop it off the far side (see picture).  There was also a new tree down in front of this and several others blocking the trail further down the track.  Some people refer to these as "widow-makers" - you can see why.  I ride a Specialised Stumpjumper but I don't think it was made to jump over stumps this size!  Anyway some people would find the interruption to their ride a nuisance,  I was a bit awestruck at the power of nature, toppling these huge trees and leaving them scattered about like toothpicks.  Like I said it's a relatively under-used track but quite good fun.  I think I'll take a hatchet or saw with me next time and start clearing away some of the trees as I can't see the Parks guys getting in there anytime soon with their chainsaws. 

Stumped again
Anyway the track comes out at the Valley Picnic Ground which has toilets.  Have a drink, rest up for 5 minutes because the ride out takes a while.  Basically you just follow the road out, turn right at every intersection and you'll end up back in Olinda.  It took me about 45 minutes to get back to the Olinda-Monbulk Rd with a break half way up.  If you're training for a big event this would be a great circuit to get your fitness up.  If you manage 2 laps you're a legend.

Another "widow-maker" 

Black Hole Track - Summary:

Pros

    * Relatively fast, technical singletrack

    * A few obstcales to make it interesting

    *Relatively under-used, so no other MTB/dirt-bike/hiker "traffic"

    * Several other tracks in the surrouding area if you're up for exploring

    * If you make it out you can recouperate at the Olinda Bakery 

Cons

    * Only one major one; the ride out (may be good if you want a workout)

    * After rain/storms watch out for slippery mud and fallen trees

    * Relatively under-used, so clearing of fallen trees etc may take a while

Suggested Equipment:

Map: you can by the "Dandenong Ranges Activities Map" by Feathertop Maps at the Aussie Disposals at Knox shopping centre - it's the best map of the Dandenongs tracks, or you can use this one.  

Mobile Phone - there's only coverage with Telstra or 3, so if you have it a phone is a must out here, especially if riding solo, as trying to walk back up the Black Hole or out the road with an injury would be extremely difficult, and chances are you'll be the only person riding the track that week.

Gels/energy drink/lollies - I found my first few goes at the ride out quite taxing.  If you're not super-fit take some sustenance, it will help.

Cash - for a stop off at the Olinda Bakery or Ranges Cafe when you get back to Olinda.  Both have legendary snacks and coffees.

The usual: water/camel-bak/spares/clothing/helmet/lights etc! 

Have fun!