19 July 2025
We have arrived in warmer latitudes and are enjoying more of the outdoors. Our attention has now moved from space to wheels.
We have enjoyed bike paths in the Brisbane suburbs terminating at the beach or at a very nice pub for lunch. On the busier sections of the bike paths there were lots of little kids riding bikes. These kids had the amazing ability to turn their heads through 180°, to continue to ride forward in a straight line, while observing where they had come from rather than where they were going. Scary!
Following on from my experience in the Snowy Mountains I tried a local downhill MTB trail. It was only 2.5 kms, single bike width with some tight turns. I’m not sure I have the flexibility anymore for trails that are clearly designed for the thrill seeker.
The Samford Show was a highlight with wood chopping and a motorbike show. A typical small country town show with baked goods on display along with vintage tractors and vintage cars. This was the place to watch world champion axemen go through a log in mere seconds and where you could gain a deep understanding of the differences between the 1950 and 1953 Land Rover. There was a fully restored Grey Fergie and prize winning sourdough loaves.
We have now reached the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail our destination for the early stages of this adventure. The best thing about rail trails is that they are based on old rail way routes and as such they are never steeper than what a steam engine could manage.
We have completed several sections including from Yarraman to Blackbutt, Blackbutt to Linville and Toogoolawah to Esk. We have ridden about 60 kms with 100 kms to go.
It’s inspiring to see how many are out there riding or hiking along these trails. The towns are full of riders as are the bakeries, pubs, motels and camp grounds.
The weather has been perfect with the exception of one rainy day. The good weather is probably why there are so many riders out and about.
The only interruptions to the tempo of the rides are the creek crossings and cattle. The creek crossings, where there was once a bridge are steep and the cattle make up the spectator crowds beside the trail.
More tales of the trails to come…..
A Traveller's Tale 
I remember Samford with great affection. Old friends used to live there and I recall leaving their place with crimson smears on my face and clothing, courtesy of time spent in their strawberry patch. Furthermore, my parents’ old house ended up there after they sold their place in Hamilton.
Heard about the bike. Life does have its slings and arrows. Concentrate on the upward trajectory of the arrows.
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According to Oscar Wilde the one worse than being talked about is not being talked about. 😀
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Definitely sounds and looks like some nice rides. It’s great to see the cattle on the sides of the roads – waving flags and passing out water bottles?
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We have suffered a hiatus in our trail riding program. My bike had a bit of an oops last Saturday and I have just got it back from the bike shop today. Hopefully tomorrow we will be back out there! 😀
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