From the north, there are a couple of ways to access Jimna. However, these are mostly just back dirt roads and not particularly interesting bikepacking routes. Unless riders are based in towns like Murgon or Kilkivan, they would be very unlikely routes. A little more to the north-east of Jimna, the riding becomes more interesting, with forestry tracks aplenty on the western side of the Mary Valley.
The Mary Valley township of Imbil is about 65km by bike from Jimna. There are a few different possible routes from here, or using Imbil as a resupply point as part of a longer route. There are a couple of options utilising trails to the south and south-west of Imbil that connect through to Kenilworth. These route options between Kenilworth and Jimna will be detailed in later posts.
The alternative is to head west from Imbil, towards Borumba Dam, either by road, or via the numerous forestry trails. The kiosk at the campground is your last chance of resupply for the next 50km to Jimna, but be aware this is a cash-only business. The ride west from the dam is fairly flat initially along the banks of Yabba Creek and through some farmland. Then the road tilts upwards, the aptly named Mount Buggery. It isn’t quite as bad as the name would have you believe, however there are still sections in the first 2km of the climb that are quite steep (15-18%) and you’re likely to be walking in places. The climb is a little more forgiving over the next few kms, but due to the lack of shade and the trail surface being loose in parts, don’t underestimate its difficulty. Once you’ve muscled up the range (approximately 5km @ 8% average gradient) it’s an undulating roll through the deer farm and over to the Kilcoy-Murgon Rd. There are a few little scenic backtracks in the area just to the east of the main road, and via Peach Trees, if you wish to stay away from the Landcruiser Park 4x4 traffic for a few extra kms. It is dirt roads and tracks all the way to Jimna from Borumba Dam.
*Only a few photos were taken along this route when the recon ride was completed late November '20. Extreme heat was forecast for the day so the ride started very early and only a few quick stops made en route. In nicer weather, you're sure to find a few more nice places to stop and appreciate the view.
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