Well it's another year done and dusted. As I sit here on my back patio taking it easy on New Year's morning I can't help but try and put some scope, not only on the future, but collectively on the past as well.
I've come along way I think, or have I just gone around in circles? Or is it just a putting of yourself and desires into perspective and prioritising them once again.
I started cycling again in 2014 to help my, then ten year old, daughter out. I fell in love with the freedom and the sheer enjoyment cycling bought into my life.
I then wanted to improve. I bought a carbon bike upgrading from my basic entry level bike, and a track bike. I became consumed with training, weight loss, speed, endurance and Strava averages. I wanted to race both track and road. I wanted to get good enough to go away and compete. I wanted to relive my youth that had long gone by and was plagued with missed opportunities, mistakes and mishaps. In a sense I guess I wanted some form of recompense and recognition.
Sounds funny I know, but as pastor of a small fellowship some years back I found myself in a situation that you sought the approval of men. In a sense cycling had become my newest religion. It was no longer a goal of enjoyment, freedom or inner enlightenment, It was a race, a competition. I had allowed myself to seek the approval of men once again, and their opinion of me mattered more than even my own.
I tried to enjoy racing once again, I really did...both road an track. But in the end it just didn't float my boat, it just didn't cut the custard.
I then had a turn around, a reverting, a re-birth so to speak. It was no longer about how far I road, not about how fast, if I had a carbon bike or if my belly protruded from behind my jersey and bib-shorts. It was no longer about Stavas or fitness, opinions or impressions. It once again was all about pure pleasure, freedom, that inner peace that only comes from meandering slowly through the country side, or steadily to the local shops taking it all in. Heading out for a quiet afternoon ride with my wife and kids, looking at the smiles on their faces. This is what cycling is to me and in a country whose perception of cycling is mainly that of a "sport", so much can be missed.
Cycling is so much more than a sport. Cycling, in its essence, is no more a sport than kids swimming at the beach or splashing around in the back yard pool. Sport is only one element, a chalk and cheese if you wish.
So yes, as I reflect maybe I have only gone around full circle, maybe I haven't progressed, but rather regressed. Maybe this is what re-incarnation really is. Not so much a re-birth as a bug, a dog or a horse; but rather a do-over, a new birth into what really matters in your heart. Maybe its a chance to go around and around until we get it. I don't know.
But I do know this, I haven't enjoyed cycling, oops, riding my bike like I do. Its become personal, a thing of the heart once again. It's no longer what "I need to" but rather what "I want to".
I suppose you have to try things to see if they work, I certainly don't regret giving as many elements of cycling a go like I have done, although my wallet probably does (and maybe my wife)...lol.
You have to try a recipe to see if it works, and as I say to my kids, "How do you know if you don't like it of you won't try it?"
I am at peace where I am, at reverence, and I look forward to a new year full of cycling adventures. Whether they be a ride with friends or family, a ride to the coffee shop or the supermarket, a 30 km/h blast, or a slow multi day bike trip.
Anyway, whatever the New Year brings, I hope it brings joy and prosperity of the heart. I hope it is kind to you and leads you down some unfamiliar paths that can expand your reasoning and perceptions of life and what really matters. I hope you get, and take the chance to travel a road less traveled and experience a newness, a freshness of life, even if it is a do-over, a re-incarnation of a lost chance to find peace in something that you missed long ago.
Happy new year everyone, and as always, Safe Cycling.
Saturday 31 December 2016
Tuesday 27 December 2016
Brisvegas By Pedal Power!
Well it's not long now. Two more sleeps and I'm on my way. I have the new bike, I have some new panniers for the rear and a new rack for the front.
This trip is taking me to Brisbane from my home town of Bundaberg, a five hundred and sixty kilometer trip one way.
Leaving Thursday Morning I will head out to Booyal and across to outside of Biggenden to a little area called Lakeside where I'll make camp for the first night.
Day number two will be from Lakeside to Woolooga where I hope to jump onto the Kilkivan Rail Trail that runs from Theebine, and ride it into Kilkivan where I'll make camp for night number two.
From Kilkivan I am hoping I can ride the Kingaroy Kilkivan Rail Trail as far as I can. By all information I've been able to gather it is open for use as far as Murgon. At Murgon is where I'll have no choice but to jump onto a main road and ride along The Bunya Highway. This is my main concern as it can be narrow in sections and is a frequent route for heavy transport. My only solace is that the further west you go, the friendlier the truckies are. Fingers crossed they are like it out that way.
My third night's camp will be in a little camping area approximately twelve kilometers south of Kingaroy. From here I will make my way down through the eastern side of the Bunya Mountains to Maidenwell. Then down hill for a welcome change into Yarraman.
From Yarraman I will get my first taste of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. After all, this is what I have come all this way for, to ride this amazing rail trail. Onward to Blackbutt from here which will make night number four.
From Blackbutt I will continue along the BVRT (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail) all the way into Wulkuraka which is west of Ipswich. I have no set camping plans along the trail thus far, but there are areas I can camp along the way. I am allowing an extra night's camping along the trail somewhere, which will make night five, possibly rest up at Esk Caravan Park, my only paid accommodation along the way. Or I might continue to free camp.
Once at Wulkuraka I will make my way up through College Crossing to Karana Downs, through the back of Amstead and Bellbowrie (my old stomping grounds) and work my way up through Rafting Ground Rd to the North Western outer suburbs of Metropolitan Brisbane.
So tomorow will be spent getting some chores done around the house, shopping for supplies, packing the bike and getting ready for my first biggy. Oh I forgot to mention that I hope to make my way home via the Sunshine coast hinterland and Mary Valley. I am meeting my wife in Brisbane, but I haven't mentioned this bit to her yet...lol.
Cheers and as always, safe riding.
This trip is taking me to Brisbane from my home town of Bundaberg, a five hundred and sixty kilometer trip one way.
Leaving Thursday Morning I will head out to Booyal and across to outside of Biggenden to a little area called Lakeside where I'll make camp for the first night.
Day number two will be from Lakeside to Woolooga where I hope to jump onto the Kilkivan Rail Trail that runs from Theebine, and ride it into Kilkivan where I'll make camp for night number two.
From Kilkivan I am hoping I can ride the Kingaroy Kilkivan Rail Trail as far as I can. By all information I've been able to gather it is open for use as far as Murgon. At Murgon is where I'll have no choice but to jump onto a main road and ride along The Bunya Highway. This is my main concern as it can be narrow in sections and is a frequent route for heavy transport. My only solace is that the further west you go, the friendlier the truckies are. Fingers crossed they are like it out that way.
My third night's camp will be in a little camping area approximately twelve kilometers south of Kingaroy. From here I will make my way down through the eastern side of the Bunya Mountains to Maidenwell. Then down hill for a welcome change into Yarraman.
From Yarraman I will get my first taste of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. After all, this is what I have come all this way for, to ride this amazing rail trail. Onward to Blackbutt from here which will make night number four.
From Blackbutt I will continue along the BVRT (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail) all the way into Wulkuraka which is west of Ipswich. I have no set camping plans along the trail thus far, but there are areas I can camp along the way. I am allowing an extra night's camping along the trail somewhere, which will make night five, possibly rest up at Esk Caravan Park, my only paid accommodation along the way. Or I might continue to free camp.
Once at Wulkuraka I will make my way up through College Crossing to Karana Downs, through the back of Amstead and Bellbowrie (my old stomping grounds) and work my way up through Rafting Ground Rd to the North Western outer suburbs of Metropolitan Brisbane.
So tomorow will be spent getting some chores done around the house, shopping for supplies, packing the bike and getting ready for my first biggy. Oh I forgot to mention that I hope to make my way home via the Sunshine coast hinterland and Mary Valley. I am meeting my wife in Brisbane, but I haven't mentioned this bit to her yet...lol.
Cheers and as always, safe riding.
Monday 19 December 2016
Planning A Trip!
With Christmas fast approaching the next trip is in planning, and it can't come soon enough. There are a couple of possibilities that will compliment my plans. One being a trip down to Brisbane via the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and return via the Sunshine Coast and Mary Valley Hinterlands. The second being to Brisbane via the BVRT, then onto Grafton NSW via The Clarence Valley Way. Either, either I'm not phased.
After my first trip I learned a lot about planning my daily distances. In my first attempt I focused on a distance being my major factor. Whilst distance is important, it can put a fair bit of pressure on one whence touring.
This time I am cutting my distances back to around seventy-five to eighty-five kilometers per day. Some may be as little as sixty-five, and with my focus being on sight-seeing and photography it will make for a much more manageable trip.
During this Blog I thought I might run through the way that I have decided to plan the upcoming trip. The last trip was a roadie's focus on attainable distances with only the use of Google Maps, a bit of a furfy in planning. This time I am utilising the use of Excel, and various apps to plan a far more enjoyable, and organised trip.
The apps I have on my phone, tablet and laptop are, of course Google Maps, along Komoot and Wiki-Camps.
Google maps is a good over all mapping and navigational tool but does lack in accuracy. Many routes, although good can add the apparent roads or tracks that are non-existent.
Komoot is a new app that I have found and is not just a road navigational tool, but also a route planning, and navigational guide for various activities such as road cycling, hiking, mountain biking and mixed cycling, road/gravel etc. The good thing about Komoot is that it is not reliant on the internet or phone connection. It works off line similar to a Sat-Nav in your car. It also appears to work better on a phone or tablet for off road navigation rather than my laptop. But having said this, I am only using the free service. There is an upgraded service available for a price.
Wiki-Camps is a camping/caravaning app that has both free and pay camping, along with toilet dump points, POI's and day rest areas. Again, like Komoot you can access this app when you are out of phone or internet service range. Cost is around $7.20 AUD. It also contains filters that allow you to focus on what type of camp site you are after i.e. free, toilets, showers, water etc.
Firstly I have started with an idea of where I want to go and then looking on Google Maps to get a rough idea of which way is a good option. Then decided on an approximate route that I have wished to take, I then looked at a rough estimate of distance and working with the Wiki-Camps app I am then able to see what is available for camping around the areas.
Using Excel in Office I have then compiled a list of towns/stopping/camping areas to then further organise my day to day travels. I am then able to have an informative list of what I choose to add, roads to travel, sights to see and areas to camp.
After looking at the above I am then able to start listing my preferred route, distances and places to stop over on Excel. I also then start looking at sights on the route I am taking that I wish to see and list them on my worksheet as well.
After my first trip I learned a lot about planning my daily distances. In my first attempt I focused on a distance being my major factor. Whilst distance is important, it can put a fair bit of pressure on one whence touring.
This time I am cutting my distances back to around seventy-five to eighty-five kilometers per day. Some may be as little as sixty-five, and with my focus being on sight-seeing and photography it will make for a much more manageable trip.
During this Blog I thought I might run through the way that I have decided to plan the upcoming trip. The last trip was a roadie's focus on attainable distances with only the use of Google Maps, a bit of a furfy in planning. This time I am utilising the use of Excel, and various apps to plan a far more enjoyable, and organised trip.
The apps I have on my phone, tablet and laptop are, of course Google Maps, along Komoot and Wiki-Camps.
Google maps is a good over all mapping and navigational tool but does lack in accuracy. Many routes, although good can add the apparent roads or tracks that are non-existent.
Komoot is a new app that I have found and is not just a road navigational tool, but also a route planning, and navigational guide for various activities such as road cycling, hiking, mountain biking and mixed cycling, road/gravel etc. The good thing about Komoot is that it is not reliant on the internet or phone connection. It works off line similar to a Sat-Nav in your car. It also appears to work better on a phone or tablet for off road navigation rather than my laptop. But having said this, I am only using the free service. There is an upgraded service available for a price.
Wiki-Camps is a camping/caravaning app that has both free and pay camping, along with toilet dump points, POI's and day rest areas. Again, like Komoot you can access this app when you are out of phone or internet service range. Cost is around $7.20 AUD. It also contains filters that allow you to focus on what type of camp site you are after i.e. free, toilets, showers, water etc.
Firstly I have started with an idea of where I want to go and then looking on Google Maps to get a rough idea of which way is a good option. Then decided on an approximate route that I have wished to take, I then looked at a rough estimate of distance and working with the Wiki-Camps app I am then able to see what is available for camping around the areas.
Using Excel in Office I have then compiled a list of towns/stopping/camping areas to then further organise my day to day travels. I am then able to have an informative list of what I choose to add, roads to travel, sights to see and areas to camp.
Knowing that the route I want to take involves travelling on some off road or forestry trails such as the BVRT, I then turn to Komoot to plan these segments of my tour
With Wiki-Camps I am able to search for the perfect site to camp. In the up-coming trip I will be using a mixture of free camp areas, local showgrounds and caravan parks. It is stinking hot this time of year and whilst I can go a few days without a shower when roughing it, I sure as hell do not want to go too long at this time of year.
Local showgrounds are an extremely viable option and far outweigh caravan parks. A non-powered site for the night can be as little as $5.00 AUD. Not a great deal of cost when you consider you have the use of showers and access to water. I'll be looking to stay in these as much as possible in the nights I choose not to free camp. Caravan parks will be an extreme when there is no other option.
As it is turning out most of my trip is working out to be free or very low cost.
Wiki-Camps lists what the chosen site has...
Using a drop pin you are able to find a direction to the next camp site, but unfortunately it is car friendly rather than bicycle friendly and does not have an option.
I have downloaded Google Earth on both my tablet and Laptop but I haven't found a bicycle friendly option on it as Google Maps does.
These three above apps are proving priceless in my organisation of a trip. Google Maps and Komoot are both international, with Wiki-Camps being only for Australia. That said I am unsure if Wiki-Camps has apps for other overseas destination.
This has become my simple little method of trip organisation that seems to be putting things in place nicely. Time will tell if this works, but I can't see why not. It certainly is a vast improvement on my last method, pack the bike and hope for the best...lol If your new to touring like me, I hope this helps.
Cheers guys, and as always "Ride safe".
Sunday 27 November 2016
The Concept Isn't Foreign Everywhere!
Just a quick blog today on the concept of families touring together. I have mentioned it before in an earlier blog, that it'd be great to see more families out doing this. Rather than being locked in a metal box. Making our holidays a cheap and affordable adventure rather that a speed and time focused destination.
The following link is of a Youtube video from a guy called Darren Alf. He has a website called Bicycle Touring Pro, and is so helpful, and genuine, when it comes to helping others undertake their adventures by pedal power.
This video is one of his recent trips throughout Norway, an amazing place that is for sure one that is on my bucket list.
But my main focus in putting this up is to show that touring as a family is not a foreign (pardon the punn) thing in many European countries. We have lost it somewhat here in Australia I believe, wouldn't it be nice to have it back again?
The following link is of a Youtube video from a guy called Darren Alf. He has a website called Bicycle Touring Pro, and is so helpful, and genuine, when it comes to helping others undertake their adventures by pedal power.
This video is one of his recent trips throughout Norway, an amazing place that is for sure one that is on my bucket list.
But my main focus in putting this up is to show that touring as a family is not a foreign (pardon the punn) thing in many European countries. We have lost it somewhat here in Australia I believe, wouldn't it be nice to have it back again?
Monday 21 November 2016
Quality Not Quantity!
Enjoy life, start with the smaller things
Let's face it, I'm married, I have three young daughters all of school age and still at home, one dog, seven chickens and three and a half guinea pigs. I have a job like most people and we have to admit that "real" life quite often gets in the way of our dreams. This can't be any truer than with bike touring.
We read blogs, graze through websites and drool with envy over the ultimate cycling experiences. The three months through France, throughout Spain and Southern Europe etc. Our visions are filled with endless miles of open roads, Scandinavian bike paths, the endless sights, then the alarm goes off and its back to earth we come, usually with a big thump...lol.
If you're like me, you see a Youtube feed up and go how awesome is that, jump on Google and start checking things out. But only to get about ten minutes in as the reality bug starts to bight. You look at your empty wallet on the desk beside you, your wife reminds you about the kids football game on the weekend. It is then the dream starts to be buried with all the others, the laptop closes and you drag yourself up from the chair disgruntled and disappointed.
But there is a bigger reality, a real way you can get out touring on your bike without crashing the credit card, without divorcing the wife/husband and kids, and without never reaching you goal of going on your ultimate bike tour. OK, admittedly it is not a three month stint touring the Mediterranean, but it can be quite the achievement and it can certainly satisfy the soul. A shorter more local trip.
Why spend years yearning for something that is continually put off due to commitments, or because of finances, or simply just because you think its out of your reach. It's like a miracle, why look for the big ones which we claim daily never to see, only to miss the smaller and more real ones right in front of us.
When you look at your local area closely enough, you begin to see the beauties that can be explored by bike. Whether it be a day, a weekend, a few days away, it's a start, and a great one. I, in reality will probably never get to some overseas cycling mecca to pedal contently away the miles in a euphoric paradise. But do I need to?
OK, I admit, I'm no bike touring expert, but it has become a real and profound passion for me. So much so that I am seriously contemplating selling my beloved Domane roadie and Hillbrick track bike. I have come to the conclusion that I would much prefer pedaling my days away in relax mode then everything being a training session or a race. So I have to find a reality in all this.
Shorter, more local trips are much more affordable and far more obtainable. They don't need the planning that goes into an "ultimate" trip. You can get to see your local area close up and personal like. Taking a few days away with the tent loaded up in the panniers can help calm the nerves and spitritualise the soul. It can mend the heart, clear the mind and it's just plain fun. The great thing about them is that they "can be as long as you can", what suits you and what compromises your lifestyle.
My first trip was four days long. I haven't long completed it, so again, I do not claim to be an expert. I just no that it works. I am currently in the process of planning my next one, possible a fourteen day stint out through to Kingaroy and down into Brisbane via the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Then back home again possibly via the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. But my job allows this, I'm not sure if my wife does but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it...lol.
I am a school cleaner at present and this enables me to have the majority of all school holidays off. This permits me to be able to plan a trip for at least four to five days long, three times per year with a longer one at Christmas time. So you see, I am touring, and touring in a way that can fit in with all of my real life commitments. Now, because of these planned smaller trips, touring has become part of my real life too.
Shorter trips enable you to include the family as well. We don't have to leave the family behind although it is a very inviting thought...lol. Smaller trips can be started from home and with a little forethought cycling friendly routes can be found. There is always the option of making a cycling trip a family holiday, traveling by car, train etc to a particular destination. Then exploring the area either by day trips or touring on the bikes. Many areas in Australia are really getting behind the Rail Trail concept, these can be traveled to by various modes of transport, the camping gear packed and spend some days exploring the magnificence of the trails and the areas' rich history. I couldn't think of a better way to spend family time.
There are ways, we don't always have to go for the big is better scene. We can start and focus small and still meet our needs for the get away we just need in our lives. These things are common practice in overseas countries. I have my sights on Norway, and I was amazed at the amount of Norwegians tour Norway, I now I shouldn't be. Ironic isn't it? It's just that when it comes to bike touring it is always about going overseas, and I kind of thought that everywhere thinks the same, silly I know.
I strongly believe we have so much in this country worth seeing. Overseas visitors flock here in their droves. I'm sure if we look hard enough we will see what's worth exploring too, starting with our own back yards. We don't have to plan the once in a lifetime, epic trip to accomplish seeing it, we can do it piece by piece, little by little, weekend by weekend, holiday by holiday. Quality does not necessarily mean quantity.
Cheers, and ride safe.
Sunday 20 November 2016
Biting The Bullet!
Well I have decided to bite the bullet. I purchased a new Touring Bike. I thought hard and thought long but in the end I have come to the decision that it was necessary to upgrade, that is my story and I am sticking to it. I purchased a new Kona Sutra.
What was wrong with the Merida you may ask? Well, nothing really. But it was more suited for shorter rides, commuting etc. The distances I want to go, I just don't think it would cut the custard.
I did many searches on upgrades, touring rims, gearing and all that, but in the end it was going to be nearly as much as what I paid for the Kona.
The Kona is touring ready, with the only exception being front rack and panniers which I needed to purchase anyway. It is a Chromoly frame and runs Alivio/Deore running gear, 9 speed with 3 speed chainrings on Deore cranks connected to Shimano BarCon bar end shifters. The WTB X19 wheels with 36 Sandvik spokes and shod with the Clement XPlor MSO 700 x 40c tyres make it one smooth as silk ride. Join this with the Brooks B17 leather saddle and the bike was just built to spend hours on the road. Stopping power isn't an issue, the Hayes CX Expert mechanical discs make short work of stopping.
As I said, the bike comes tour ready, with rear rack, 3 mounts for bidon cages and drop bars. It gives you as a rider a relax fit and although you are leaning forward there appears to be no pressure on the shoulders or the wrists. The frame is stiff, and when I first rode it I thought, "Here we go, this will be rough". But no, it's not. After riding a Trek Domane 5.2 for so long, and loving it, I was surprised at how the Kona rivaled the Domane for smoothness on the road. All the components work together, the Brooks saddle, the wide tyres, all gel so well.
It is not light, but lets face it, a touring bike needs to be strong, and when you are carrying twenty plus kilograms of gear, are you going to notice a little extra in frame weight. When riding, it doesn't feel heavy, its maneuverable and rather nimble for a large bike.
The ergonomics of the bike are perfect for touring. Whilst riding you maintain a rather upright position, but the road style drop bars allow to get down of the wind as well as giving you plenty of hand options on them.
The large 700 x 40c Clements X-Plor tyres cancel out any vibration really well offering a smooth ride on all surfaces, even gravel. The X-Plors are an on road/off road tyre meaning that they offer superb grip and handling no matter the road surface.
The WTB 36 hole rims with 160 mm brake discs are a good element to the bike. WTB are a world renown wheel maker and have a reputation for making their wheels tough. They seem sure footed and work well with the Clements, holding sure footed over gravel roads, as well as being able to handle the weight of your gear.
The Hayes CX mechanical discs do a great job. I am not used to discs as this is my first bike I've owned with them. But I am glad I made this choice, they do not struggle at all. My Merida had V-Brakes and I would notice significant brake fade a a steep decent when loaded. The CX's don't fade at all, controlling the bike, rider and load in a very sure manner. The brake levers on the Sutra also offer up a button that once pushed pops the brake levers out a little further. This option allows you to fit your whole hand comfortably behind the levers whilst grabbing hold of the hoods, great for climbing.
The Brooks B-17 Saddle is to die for. Before owning this bike I had heard many mixed messages about breaking in, hard etc. But no, this saddle is comfortable straight out of the box. I can ride a good distance commuting without the need for knicks and still suffer no SAS, Sore Arse Syndrome. I'm finding the more I ride it the more the saddle does comply to my butt and seat bones. As it softens it also becomes like a spring offering up a type of suspension, suppressing rough roads and vibration as only a Brooks Saddle can. The B-17 Leather Saddle was first designed in 1898 and is still handmade in the same way today. You know what they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
The Shimano Deore/Alivio drive chain is fantastic, simple yet effective. The Alivio 3 speed (28/36/48) front derailleur with and Deore 9 speed rear derailleur (11-34) offer up a kaleidoscope of gearing options to make it loaded up the steepest of hills, or at least I hope so anyway...lol.
The Chromoly frame doesn't feel heavy when riding but has a wonderful way of joining all the components together to make a smooth and comfortable ride. The bike makes you feel safe and when push come to shove it can hold its own among my friends on their road bikes. It is easy to push the bike up to and beyond the high 30's and even over the 40 kph mark when needed. Or you can opt out, relax and enjoy the scenery, which is what I plan to be doing plenty of on this new steed.
The model I have is last years, and it ran out a little earlier this year. Not much has changed to the newr model only the colour. Being a run-out model I was able to score a good deal from my LBS Hoppie Cycles Bundaberg. I procrastinated over this bike for months, should I, shouldn't I, but in the end I am glad that I did...
It is one thing to see a bike and fall in love. It is another to ride it and know you were meant to be.
And as always Ride Safe...Cheers.
The 2015-16 Model which I purchased
The newer 2016-17 model - only the colour has changed
What was wrong with the Merida you may ask? Well, nothing really. But it was more suited for shorter rides, commuting etc. The distances I want to go, I just don't think it would cut the custard.
I did many searches on upgrades, touring rims, gearing and all that, but in the end it was going to be nearly as much as what I paid for the Kona.
The Kona is touring ready, with the only exception being front rack and panniers which I needed to purchase anyway. It is a Chromoly frame and runs Alivio/Deore running gear, 9 speed with 3 speed chainrings on Deore cranks connected to Shimano BarCon bar end shifters. The WTB X19 wheels with 36 Sandvik spokes and shod with the Clement XPlor MSO 700 x 40c tyres make it one smooth as silk ride. Join this with the Brooks B17 leather saddle and the bike was just built to spend hours on the road. Stopping power isn't an issue, the Hayes CX Expert mechanical discs make short work of stopping.
As I said, the bike comes tour ready, with rear rack, 3 mounts for bidon cages and drop bars. It gives you as a rider a relax fit and although you are leaning forward there appears to be no pressure on the shoulders or the wrists. The frame is stiff, and when I first rode it I thought, "Here we go, this will be rough". But no, it's not. After riding a Trek Domane 5.2 for so long, and loving it, I was surprised at how the Kona rivaled the Domane for smoothness on the road. All the components work together, the Brooks saddle, the wide tyres, all gel so well.
It is not light, but lets face it, a touring bike needs to be strong, and when you are carrying twenty plus kilograms of gear, are you going to notice a little extra in frame weight. When riding, it doesn't feel heavy, its maneuverable and rather nimble for a large bike.
The ergonomics of the bike are perfect for touring. Whilst riding you maintain a rather upright position, but the road style drop bars allow to get down of the wind as well as giving you plenty of hand options on them.
The large 700 x 40c Clements X-Plor tyres cancel out any vibration really well offering a smooth ride on all surfaces, even gravel. The X-Plors are an on road/off road tyre meaning that they offer superb grip and handling no matter the road surface.
The WTB 36 hole rims with 160 mm brake discs are a good element to the bike. WTB are a world renown wheel maker and have a reputation for making their wheels tough. They seem sure footed and work well with the Clements, holding sure footed over gravel roads, as well as being able to handle the weight of your gear.
The Hayes CX mechanical discs do a great job. I am not used to discs as this is my first bike I've owned with them. But I am glad I made this choice, they do not struggle at all. My Merida had V-Brakes and I would notice significant brake fade a a steep decent when loaded. The CX's don't fade at all, controlling the bike, rider and load in a very sure manner. The brake levers on the Sutra also offer up a button that once pushed pops the brake levers out a little further. This option allows you to fit your whole hand comfortably behind the levers whilst grabbing hold of the hoods, great for climbing.
The Brooks B-17 Saddle is to die for. Before owning this bike I had heard many mixed messages about breaking in, hard etc. But no, this saddle is comfortable straight out of the box. I can ride a good distance commuting without the need for knicks and still suffer no SAS, Sore Arse Syndrome. I'm finding the more I ride it the more the saddle does comply to my butt and seat bones. As it softens it also becomes like a spring offering up a type of suspension, suppressing rough roads and vibration as only a Brooks Saddle can. The B-17 Leather Saddle was first designed in 1898 and is still handmade in the same way today. You know what they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
The Shimano Deore/Alivio drive chain is fantastic, simple yet effective. The Alivio 3 speed (28/36/48) front derailleur with and Deore 9 speed rear derailleur (11-34) offer up a kaleidoscope of gearing options to make it loaded up the steepest of hills, or at least I hope so anyway...lol.
The Chromoly frame doesn't feel heavy when riding but has a wonderful way of joining all the components together to make a smooth and comfortable ride. The bike makes you feel safe and when push come to shove it can hold its own among my friends on their road bikes. It is easy to push the bike up to and beyond the high 30's and even over the 40 kph mark when needed. Or you can opt out, relax and enjoy the scenery, which is what I plan to be doing plenty of on this new steed.
The model I have is last years, and it ran out a little earlier this year. Not much has changed to the newr model only the colour. Being a run-out model I was able to score a good deal from my LBS Hoppie Cycles Bundaberg. I procrastinated over this bike for months, should I, shouldn't I, but in the end I am glad that I did...
It is one thing to see a bike and fall in love. It is another to ride it and know you were meant to be.
And as always Ride Safe...Cheers.
Sunday 30 October 2016
The Lights Are On!
I thought that I might start talking about some of my equipment, bike equipment that is...lol.
First up I'd like to talk about my headlights. I have several that I use and that I am extremely happy with.
There are some things that you do need to spend that little extra on as many cheap lights talk the talk but can't cut the custard when it comes to performance.
Whether it be a road bike, commuter, tourer, mountain bike or just you general recreational ride, I'm sure that either of these three lights that I have been using will deliver the ability that you are after.
1. BONTRAGER ION 700 - I've had this light for a couple of years now and have used it extensively. It is a rugged and tough light that is also rather small and compact. It is fitted to my road bike and the beam that it has is fantastic. So good in fact that I have had cars flash me thinking I had a light on high beam, and well, essentially I did.
Shining at 700 lumens, it has multiple settings, high 700 lm, medium 450 lm, low 200 lm, flash and flash with a 50 lm low beam. It is rechargeable via USB and has a seemingly good battery life once fully charged. If I am using it on high, I can get around a week out of it, using it for about an hour per day. When it is on flashing only it seems as though I an get weeks out of it before a charge.
I am one to use my lights during the day especially when riding alone and this lights has never let me down. It is tough, I haven't been kind to it. It has been dropped, I have crashed with it on and it still keeps churning out a great quality beam.
The only issues I have had with it is the rubber USB cover split and if pulled too hard can dislodge. I don't think that it is the light's fault but more the user being a bit too rough one day. The other issue is the standard rubber mount that it comes with has seemed to loosen. It is adjustable but after time it can get a bit wobbly. I doesn't bother me at all when riding but it can be noticed especially on a dark ride. It would be alleviated if I had a blender style head stem.
All in all it is a fantastic product and I think you would be hard pressed to find a better head light on the market. They don't come cheap, but nothing that is worth it is...$149.00
Bontrager claim 1.75 hours on high beam, but I think you get a bit more than that.
2. SOLAR STORM X 2 1800 - I haven't had this light all that long in the scheme of things but I am over the moon with it's performance thus far. A cheaper Chinese manufactured light comes in a X2 or a X3 models along with variants in lumens. My X2 shines at 1800 lumens and it is one I have mounted on my commuter/tourer, that I ride in the dark often for work.
It is light, compact and wow, does it pack out a beam...This thing lights up the road in front of you like Rudolf on a cloudy night. With 1800 lumes and Cree T6 LED lenses it is literally as bright as a spot light.
It has a rechargeable external battery that has its onwn carry case and fits easily to the frame or handle bar by way of a velcro strap. I have put extra velcro around it as it appears to move around a bit if you don't. I also use a little piece of non-slip matting under it just to help it stay put.
Otherwise it is a great light that has a great battery life. It has multiple settings, high, meduim, low, sequenced flash, unsequenced flash. The sequenced flash can be a bit trippy, flashing really fast like some disco ball on steroids. Other than that all other settings are fine.
Bang for buck it is fantastic and would be also great for the MTBer that likes a night ride. It comes with light, battery, charger, a couple of different sized rubber bands and can be fitted to the bar of your bike, or your helmet. The battery lead is long, so if you where mounting it to your helmet it could be easily stored in a back pack or hydration pack. It could be even stored in the back pocket of a jersey as it isn't much heavier than a banana...$50.00 from my Local Bike Store. You can pick these up on line from various places and on E-bay for a bit cheaper.
First up I'd like to talk about my headlights. I have several that I use and that I am extremely happy with.
There are some things that you do need to spend that little extra on as many cheap lights talk the talk but can't cut the custard when it comes to performance.
Whether it be a road bike, commuter, tourer, mountain bike or just you general recreational ride, I'm sure that either of these three lights that I have been using will deliver the ability that you are after.
1. BONTRAGER ION 700 - I've had this light for a couple of years now and have used it extensively. It is a rugged and tough light that is also rather small and compact. It is fitted to my road bike and the beam that it has is fantastic. So good in fact that I have had cars flash me thinking I had a light on high beam, and well, essentially I did.
Shining at 700 lumens, it has multiple settings, high 700 lm, medium 450 lm, low 200 lm, flash and flash with a 50 lm low beam. It is rechargeable via USB and has a seemingly good battery life once fully charged. If I am using it on high, I can get around a week out of it, using it for about an hour per day. When it is on flashing only it seems as though I an get weeks out of it before a charge.
I am one to use my lights during the day especially when riding alone and this lights has never let me down. It is tough, I haven't been kind to it. It has been dropped, I have crashed with it on and it still keeps churning out a great quality beam.
The only issues I have had with it is the rubber USB cover split and if pulled too hard can dislodge. I don't think that it is the light's fault but more the user being a bit too rough one day. The other issue is the standard rubber mount that it comes with has seemed to loosen. It is adjustable but after time it can get a bit wobbly. I doesn't bother me at all when riding but it can be noticed especially on a dark ride. It would be alleviated if I had a blender style head stem.
All in all it is a fantastic product and I think you would be hard pressed to find a better head light on the market. They don't come cheap, but nothing that is worth it is...$149.00
Bontrager claim 1.75 hours on high beam, but I think you get a bit more than that.
For more information - check it out here
2. SOLAR STORM X 2 1800 - I haven't had this light all that long in the scheme of things but I am over the moon with it's performance thus far. A cheaper Chinese manufactured light comes in a X2 or a X3 models along with variants in lumens. My X2 shines at 1800 lumens and it is one I have mounted on my commuter/tourer, that I ride in the dark often for work.
It is light, compact and wow, does it pack out a beam...This thing lights up the road in front of you like Rudolf on a cloudy night. With 1800 lumes and Cree T6 LED lenses it is literally as bright as a spot light.
It has a rechargeable external battery that has its onwn carry case and fits easily to the frame or handle bar by way of a velcro strap. I have put extra velcro around it as it appears to move around a bit if you don't. I also use a little piece of non-slip matting under it just to help it stay put.
Otherwise it is a great light that has a great battery life. It has multiple settings, high, meduim, low, sequenced flash, unsequenced flash. The sequenced flash can be a bit trippy, flashing really fast like some disco ball on steroids. Other than that all other settings are fine.
Bang for buck it is fantastic and would be also great for the MTBer that likes a night ride. It comes with light, battery, charger, a couple of different sized rubber bands and can be fitted to the bar of your bike, or your helmet. The battery lead is long, so if you where mounting it to your helmet it could be easily stored in a back pack or hydration pack. It could be even stored in the back pocket of a jersey as it isn't much heavier than a banana...$50.00 from my Local Bike Store. You can pick these up on line from various places and on E-bay for a bit cheaper.
3. GUEE SOL 700+ - This is a great light for a budget price. 700 Lumens all the way with the added benefit of a light sensitive on/off, or SAS Smart Ambient Sensor. This means that you can set and when it gets dark enough your light will automatically come on.
It is USB rechargeable with four settings, high 700 lm, medium 400 lm & low 250 lm along with a flashing mode.
It is a little bulkier and heavier than some of its caliber on the market, but it is certainly a great price for the level and quality of light.
It comes with a mounting bracket, extra rubber spaces with the bracket being adjustable in several different ways and is also compatible to mount a Shimano sports cam, along with some other brands. It is probably suited for a hybrid or commuter, or even mountain bike rather than a streamlined road bike. But if you don't care about aerodynamics too much, it is a great light for around $75.00.
The light has a good battery life and I use it in line with my Solar Storm and I have a good 200 mts light up in front of me. The Aquee on its own would give you close to 100 mts, plenty to spy out hidden pot holes or hazards on a dark road or trail.
Housed in a tough aluminium body I don't think that it will suffer much getting knocked around.
For more information - check it out here
There's A Big Problem!
I have a big problem. That problem is that I have become addicted to bicycle touring. I knew I would, and I am still excited about my last short but exhilarating trip.
I have had thoughts of upgrading to a new bike, a Kona Sutra. I am still up in arms about it. Do I need it? Do I just want it? Yes it is a far better bike that I have. But I have to be honest, I very much enjoyed riding the Merida as tourer. It gave me little trouble and seemed to handle the eight, that was carried over the back wheel very well. Yes, there was that small issue of the chain jumping, but I put that down to cable stretch as it had new cables installed not long before I left on my trip. And let's face it, that could happen to any bike really!
I suppose I can look over the last trip, not so much as I need to upgrade my bike, but rather what have I learned. This is what that trip was all about, a learning process. I had never done it before so of course I was going to make mistakes.
The first mistake was I tried to carry too much. Even though the bike handled the weight alright, the weight placement made it difficult in some situations. There was on one occasion that I thought I was going to flip after hitting a sudden sharp incline. The front wheel lifted and it seemed to guide me back and forth across the road on the back wheel. Nail biting stuff.
If I had front panniers, truly the weight distribution would have been far better. It's not so much that I tried to carry too much as I needed and used most of the stuff that I carried. Nearly all my food was gone. Maybe I could've cut back on one or two canned items, and I did not use all the clothes I packed.
The items I had were also bulky. I used my old mozzie dome as a tent, it was bulkier than a hiking tent, and I had to carry the fibreglass poles ontop of my rack, sticking out from the back. My sleeping bag, which I had purchased just prior to the trip, was still somewhat bulky. Even though it was smaller than my winter Black Wolf, it still took up some room in the pannier, making packing a squeeze to pack.
So, to fix these problems, I have bitten the bullet and purchased a new tent. A one man Outdoor Expedition hiking tent that is half the size of my old one when pack down. It also has aluminium magnetic poles making it much quicker to set up. And it is half the weight. It is a generic brand of Ray's Outdooors, but I am still trying to work within a budget. $179.00 reduced to $129.00 on sale.
I have purchased a new hiking sleeping bag, a Ronan brand. It is only a +5 temperature rating, but coming onto summer, I don't think I'm going to need anything that needs deep thermal capabilities. It is slightly narrower than my other bags, but like my Black Wolf, it has a zip all the way around and can opened right up. I'm not a stuff myself in a sleeping bag kinda guy anyway, so I can just use it as a light doona.
My second mistake. I underestimated water. Although I went through towns and was able to fill up, I had to change my plans because of my concerns with water storage. I suppose normally touring up and down highways where water can be plentiful, there is a lot of area in this country that town aren't so close. When camping in between them towns, and possibly needing to be two days before a refill, these are things I need to consider more greatly. After all my plan is to be fully self sufficient and travel into remote areas.
With the front panniers and smaller camping equipment it will be possible to carry some extra bottles with the panniers themselves. On this trial trip I carried three liters in a container on top of my rack. The storage container held a two litre hydration bladder, as well as a one litre water bottle. This on top of my rack coupled with a blow out in items that filled my back pack on the rear as well made the load quite high, causing a higher center of gravity. Down low is best, especially for weightier items.
My third mistake. I planned my route by distance I thought I was capable of riding in a day. This made it a push some days as there wasn't a lot of crown land that I could camp on. It made sight seeing difficult, and getting video footage and photos difficult.
Next trip I will work out what I want to see, rather than a distance I need to travel. I will plan a day the is "x" amount of hours long, on and off the bike. If I only travel fifty kilometers in that day so be it. Working out the sights I want to see and planning an allotted time to spend at each one, my trip will be more like a joining of the dots. Some days will be short in distance, some days I will need to get the kilometers done. But that will all be worked out before I leave.
My fourth mistake. I underestimated what it was like to climb a hill with a heavily loaded bike. I spent little time riding prior to my trip which was a big fizzle in my books.That is being rectified as I am back on my bike on a daily schedule. Track season has started so that has been a great motivator.
I also need to consider the possibility in changing the gear ratio on the bike. Although I do think with better weight distribution and some better fitness it probably won't be a major drama.
The front chainring on the bike is a 48/34/24 combo with a 7 speed 12-30 cassette on the rear. Maybe I need to consider going to a 42/3020 chainring and 12/36 cassette. I don't know...or maybe stay away from hills. All in all there was only one I couldn't ride up and it was about a 25% gradient. It was also dirt which made traction difficult. The way the bike was loaded made it hard to push the bike up this hill as well.
My fifth mistake. I forgot stuff. Yes, twenty minutes out from home on day one I realised I left my pump at home. Day three I realised I left my chain lube at home. Yes, they were only small things, but they were important things. So, once the bike is packed, it remains packed. It will also be packed a couple of days out prior to a trip and a list gone over several times in those days.
My sixth mistake. I overestimated the capabilities of my home made solar pack. Yes it worked, but being only 5 watts the slightest bit of shade stopped it from charging. It was also slow, trying to charge the battery, phone and Garmin just didn't happen. I will upgrade to a 15-20 watt panel. I also have a small 1.5-2 watt panel here at home that I will set up to be a charger for my phone and Garmin whilst riding. Mounted on the lid of my handlebar bag it will help keep power for when I need it keeping things topped up throughout the day. I also plan to purchase a small lithium charger unit just to keep charged up for a just in case moment. Day two was overcast and rainy all day. I had very little charge left in my phone as I was Live Tracking on Garmin, which chewed the power. These little things will make a big difference to security and safety.
That's probably about it really. I expected mistakes, this was the purpose, make them close to home. I don't mind admitting to them as I do never intent to refer myself as a touring pro. The purpose of these blogs are to document my journey in learning this wonderful side of cycling. Yes some days can be hard, but as I have learned it all comes down to planning. Something I lacked a little on as I changed plans midstream although it was necessary.
Some more weekend trips are planned over the coming months with a week or two long trip planned at Christmas. Hopefully the smaller trips will help me refine my theories and practice before the biggy.
I have long term goals that I want to achieve through all this, longer trips, more remote areas and I need all the practice I can get. That's my story and I'm sticking to it, just in case my wife asks...lol
And yes, I do sooo want the Kona, but I need to justify it...more trips, more trip, more trips :)
Cheers, and ride safe.
I have had thoughts of upgrading to a new bike, a Kona Sutra. I am still up in arms about it. Do I need it? Do I just want it? Yes it is a far better bike that I have. But I have to be honest, I very much enjoyed riding the Merida as tourer. It gave me little trouble and seemed to handle the eight, that was carried over the back wheel very well. Yes, there was that small issue of the chain jumping, but I put that down to cable stretch as it had new cables installed not long before I left on my trip. And let's face it, that could happen to any bike really!
I suppose I can look over the last trip, not so much as I need to upgrade my bike, but rather what have I learned. This is what that trip was all about, a learning process. I had never done it before so of course I was going to make mistakes.
The first mistake was I tried to carry too much. Even though the bike handled the weight alright, the weight placement made it difficult in some situations. There was on one occasion that I thought I was going to flip after hitting a sudden sharp incline. The front wheel lifted and it seemed to guide me back and forth across the road on the back wheel. Nail biting stuff.
If I had front panniers, truly the weight distribution would have been far better. It's not so much that I tried to carry too much as I needed and used most of the stuff that I carried. Nearly all my food was gone. Maybe I could've cut back on one or two canned items, and I did not use all the clothes I packed.
The items I had were also bulky. I used my old mozzie dome as a tent, it was bulkier than a hiking tent, and I had to carry the fibreglass poles ontop of my rack, sticking out from the back. My sleeping bag, which I had purchased just prior to the trip, was still somewhat bulky. Even though it was smaller than my winter Black Wolf, it still took up some room in the pannier, making packing a squeeze to pack.
I have purchased a new hiking sleeping bag, a Ronan brand. It is only a +5 temperature rating, but coming onto summer, I don't think I'm going to need anything that needs deep thermal capabilities. It is slightly narrower than my other bags, but like my Black Wolf, it has a zip all the way around and can opened right up. I'm not a stuff myself in a sleeping bag kinda guy anyway, so I can just use it as a light doona.
My second mistake. I underestimated water. Although I went through towns and was able to fill up, I had to change my plans because of my concerns with water storage. I suppose normally touring up and down highways where water can be plentiful, there is a lot of area in this country that town aren't so close. When camping in between them towns, and possibly needing to be two days before a refill, these are things I need to consider more greatly. After all my plan is to be fully self sufficient and travel into remote areas.
With the front panniers and smaller camping equipment it will be possible to carry some extra bottles with the panniers themselves. On this trial trip I carried three liters in a container on top of my rack. The storage container held a two litre hydration bladder, as well as a one litre water bottle. This on top of my rack coupled with a blow out in items that filled my back pack on the rear as well made the load quite high, causing a higher center of gravity. Down low is best, especially for weightier items.
My third mistake. I planned my route by distance I thought I was capable of riding in a day. This made it a push some days as there wasn't a lot of crown land that I could camp on. It made sight seeing difficult, and getting video footage and photos difficult.
Next trip I will work out what I want to see, rather than a distance I need to travel. I will plan a day the is "x" amount of hours long, on and off the bike. If I only travel fifty kilometers in that day so be it. Working out the sights I want to see and planning an allotted time to spend at each one, my trip will be more like a joining of the dots. Some days will be short in distance, some days I will need to get the kilometers done. But that will all be worked out before I leave.
My fourth mistake. I underestimated what it was like to climb a hill with a heavily loaded bike. I spent little time riding prior to my trip which was a big fizzle in my books.That is being rectified as I am back on my bike on a daily schedule. Track season has started so that has been a great motivator.
I also need to consider the possibility in changing the gear ratio on the bike. Although I do think with better weight distribution and some better fitness it probably won't be a major drama.
The front chainring on the bike is a 48/34/24 combo with a 7 speed 12-30 cassette on the rear. Maybe I need to consider going to a 42/3020 chainring and 12/36 cassette. I don't know...or maybe stay away from hills. All in all there was only one I couldn't ride up and it was about a 25% gradient. It was also dirt which made traction difficult. The way the bike was loaded made it hard to push the bike up this hill as well.
My fifth mistake. I forgot stuff. Yes, twenty minutes out from home on day one I realised I left my pump at home. Day three I realised I left my chain lube at home. Yes, they were only small things, but they were important things. So, once the bike is packed, it remains packed. It will also be packed a couple of days out prior to a trip and a list gone over several times in those days.
My sixth mistake. I overestimated the capabilities of my home made solar pack. Yes it worked, but being only 5 watts the slightest bit of shade stopped it from charging. It was also slow, trying to charge the battery, phone and Garmin just didn't happen. I will upgrade to a 15-20 watt panel. I also have a small 1.5-2 watt panel here at home that I will set up to be a charger for my phone and Garmin whilst riding. Mounted on the lid of my handlebar bag it will help keep power for when I need it keeping things topped up throughout the day. I also plan to purchase a small lithium charger unit just to keep charged up for a just in case moment. Day two was overcast and rainy all day. I had very little charge left in my phone as I was Live Tracking on Garmin, which chewed the power. These little things will make a big difference to security and safety.
That's probably about it really. I expected mistakes, this was the purpose, make them close to home. I don't mind admitting to them as I do never intent to refer myself as a touring pro. The purpose of these blogs are to document my journey in learning this wonderful side of cycling. Yes some days can be hard, but as I have learned it all comes down to planning. Something I lacked a little on as I changed plans midstream although it was necessary.
Some more weekend trips are planned over the coming months with a week or two long trip planned at Christmas. Hopefully the smaller trips will help me refine my theories and practice before the biggy.
I have long term goals that I want to achieve through all this, longer trips, more remote areas and I need all the practice I can get. That's my story and I'm sticking to it, just in case my wife asks...lol
And yes, I do sooo want the Kona, but I need to justify it...more trips, more trip, more trips :)
Cheers, and ride safe.
Saturday 29 October 2016
Biking The Burnett. Pt 2 Days 3 & 4
Day 3
Considering the previous day was quite a tough one I woke in a reasonable condition. Looking out through the opening of the tent I saw nothing but clear blue skies above, a good sign in my opinion.
After stretching and lazing for a while I decided to make a move. I wasn't in any particular hurry on this day as I knew the road well and only had about eighty five kilometers to travel. Slowly pulling myself out of the tent I gave the bike a look over as I was preparing a cuppa. Every thing looked, a little muddy still but the rear spokes all looked ok. A lot of the mud that had remained after the dirt sections was washed off in the continuing rain and puddles but I did give the running gear a better wash.
Some breaky and another cuppa and I decided to make the move to start packing up. A clear blue sky meant I could get a good charge into my phone, Garmin and battery whilst I was packing. Eventually I made my way off just after 10:00 am.
The breeze was lovely and cool, and was at my back. This made a wonderful change from the last two days and the constant headwinds that persisted. It was lovely cruising easily at a constant twenty five km/h for a change.
My first planned stop was to be Biggenden for lunch and I was more than happy just tottling along. I had traveled the Isis Hwy many times before but only once on a bike, and that was in the opposite direction. I was looking forward to this ride, even though it was on a highway there is a reasonable shoulder most of the way to travel in.
First township, only small, along the way was Coulston Lakes. Coulstion Lakes is nothing more that a General Store, School and a Leprechaun Club...yes a Leprichaun Club. I was going to st0p in for a coffee but I didn't think I would be allowed in on account that I would be too tall.
By the time I had reach Coulston the wind had changed, yes, back to a strong head wind...great! I had to tackle the range, not really big but long and gradual, and now with a headwind. In the end it wasn't too bad. I had come from the other direction and it was quite a solid little ride, but I had a bit of luck this way as the wind changed again too my back. You've got to take the wins when you can.
Once on top of the range it was pretty cruisy riding into Biggenden where I stopped for lunch. I had developed a squeaky chain earlier in the day and had forgotten to take along some chain lube. Yes, I had it packed but decided to give the chain a lube the night before leaving. All the water and mud from the previous day had taken its toll on the existing lube.
With no bike shop in Biggenden the closest thing was the local hardware store. A small bottle of sewing machine oil was the next best thing and certainly took the squeak out of things.
After lunch and coffee I was on my way again. More undulating landscape and a close call with a caravaner pulling a punishment pass just made me want to get to camp and get set up.
I knew there was a back way into Apple Tree Creek but couldn't remember it. I didn't want to run the Bruce Hwy between Childers and here. Although not fat it is rather narrow on the edge, with lot of B-doubles. I decided to plot a course in my Garmin to navigate me the back way. Well that didn't go too well. Turn left, turn left it kept directing me. Problem was I need to go right and there were no left turns. After a quick search on Google Maps I found the back route which I just happened to be stopped near. Twenty more minutes through some more gravel and hilly roads and I was pulling into the free camp at The Creek.
It was about 4:30 pm when I arrived, and I found a good spot near a picnic table and shelter. I was quickly set up and what for you know? I just happened to be only a two minute walk from the local pub. A good wash and a change and I was off to return with a lovely cold 6 pack...ahhh! Just what the Doctor ordered...no really...lol.
With the cold beer washing away the dryness from my throat, dinner was soon on. Unfortunately I had to drink the whole 6 pack as I had no refrigeration to keep them cold; and I couldn't have them getting hot now, could I?
Dinner done, beer gone, I was knackered and headed for bed. I knew I only had around fifty kilometers to ride on my last day so as usual, I was not planning to be in a hurry in the morning.
I'm glad I wasn't planning an early departure, the traffic was horrendous. Between heavy vehicles and school holiday revelers, there was just no end.
Day 4
I managed to get some sleep however through the night, and in the morning sheepishly arose , made a quick coffee to get the heart started and then started packing.
I skipped breakfast as the little town of Cordalba was only a fifteen to twenty minute ride away. The General Store here is a favourite stop of our riding group and the owners are extremely friendly and supportive of riders. They do a good coffee, offer fantastic service and are always willing to fill your water bottles up with some cold water at no charge.
The owners, a husband and wife, are no strangers to cycling themselves and have many kilometers of touring experience under their belts. The husband being away did not allow for a chat but a good coffee and some good eats were still a must.
After filling up at Cordalba I turned down and headed up Promiseland Road...SHIT! NOT AGAIN...
The bloody chain did it's little nasty once again. So over to the side of the road and an unloading the bike I went. It don't take long to sort out and I got repacked and on my way once again...AND SHIT! NOT AGAIN! BASTARD THING!...Yes, one more time. So here we go again. It was here that the third time unlucky took its toll. Snap, twang went a spoke. Great, the buckle in the rim was so bloody obvious.
All this time I worried about the standard rims on the bike holding true for the trip. All this time they appears to do it well. But no, the bloody shifter and chain did it's little evil. Upon a closer inspection other spokes looked scored as well. The only way home now was to open up the back brake (V Brake) fully by unhooking the cable. This made it able to ride, now I just has to hope the other damaged spokes held. I suppose there is a good reason why those plastic protectors are between the cassette and spokes. Maybe I shouldn't have been so "roadie" and removed it when I got the bike.
After all these are one of the first things, along with wheel reflectors, you take off, aren't they?
My plan was to head out the back way via Promiseland Road and onto Phillips Road which is dirt. I hadn't ridden this way before and I didn't know what to expect as far as road conditions. My concern was that if the road was too rough, how would the other damaged spokes hold up? Do I remain on this tack, or do I change and head in via the highway?
The highway didn't seem like a good option to me. Holiday traffic was building quite heavily when I left Apple Tree Creek. Ah well, here we go, if worse comes to worse I can always ring my wife, if there was service...lol. Gotta love adventure.
Anyway, off I trundled on my original plan. I headed up via the Mountain Bike trails and onto Phillips Road. I assume that the chain jumping back was due to cable stretch and thought I wouldn't be able to use first gear. But assuming it was not that hilly I thought that this would OK. That thought didn't last long, five minutes in and the hills got steeper as I progressed. I soon worked out that if I didn't shift into first gear too hard it was all good.
The ride was shady, which cooled a rather warm day, and once onto Phillips it flattened out. The road was rough in sections, sandy in some and beautiful in others. It was a nice ride through this way as it mostly State Forest. Hoop pines littered the horizon, mixed with some farm leasing for other crops such as sugar cane..
It wasn't long before I hit the highway much closer to home. It was good coming out onto the main road here as I missed two bridges that didn't have much shoulder on them.
It wasn't long before I passed the all too familiar sign for Cedars, a lovely river crossing, and then into Kentucky Blue, one of the outer suburbs of Bundaberg.
I knew that I would be entering Magpie territory soon so I hit the flashing lights that I have mounted on my helmet. I was told that they work, whether they do or not I don't know. But the aggressive attacks did seem somewhat subdued, maybe they do?
There she was, The Bundaberg Sign, I had done it, I had completed my first bike tour. No, it was as long as some, it may not been as adventurous as others, but it was my first. I was chuffed, elated. So elated, and so in love with this genre of cycling I started planning my next trip as I was entering in past the airport.
Where to next? Stay tuned...
Considering the previous day was quite a tough one I woke in a reasonable condition. Looking out through the opening of the tent I saw nothing but clear blue skies above, a good sign in my opinion.
After stretching and lazing for a while I decided to make a move. I wasn't in any particular hurry on this day as I knew the road well and only had about eighty five kilometers to travel. Slowly pulling myself out of the tent I gave the bike a look over as I was preparing a cuppa. Every thing looked, a little muddy still but the rear spokes all looked ok. A lot of the mud that had remained after the dirt sections was washed off in the continuing rain and puddles but I did give the running gear a better wash.
Some breaky and another cuppa and I decided to make the move to start packing up. A clear blue sky meant I could get a good charge into my phone, Garmin and battery whilst I was packing. Eventually I made my way off just after 10:00 am.
The breeze was lovely and cool, and was at my back. This made a wonderful change from the last two days and the constant headwinds that persisted. It was lovely cruising easily at a constant twenty five km/h for a change.
My first planned stop was to be Biggenden for lunch and I was more than happy just tottling along. I had traveled the Isis Hwy many times before but only once on a bike, and that was in the opposite direction. I was looking forward to this ride, even though it was on a highway there is a reasonable shoulder most of the way to travel in.
First township, only small, along the way was Coulston Lakes. Coulstion Lakes is nothing more that a General Store, School and a Leprechaun Club...yes a Leprichaun Club. I was going to st0p in for a coffee but I didn't think I would be allowed in on account that I would be too tall.
By the time I had reach Coulston the wind had changed, yes, back to a strong head wind...great! I had to tackle the range, not really big but long and gradual, and now with a headwind. In the end it wasn't too bad. I had come from the other direction and it was quite a solid little ride, but I had a bit of luck this way as the wind changed again too my back. You've got to take the wins when you can.
Once on top of the range it was pretty cruisy riding into Biggenden where I stopped for lunch. I had developed a squeaky chain earlier in the day and had forgotten to take along some chain lube. Yes, I had it packed but decided to give the chain a lube the night before leaving. All the water and mud from the previous day had taken its toll on the existing lube.
With no bike shop in Biggenden the closest thing was the local hardware store. A small bottle of sewing machine oil was the next best thing and certainly took the squeak out of things.
After lunch and coffee I was on my way again. More undulating landscape and a close call with a caravaner pulling a punishment pass just made me want to get to camp and get set up.
I knew there was a back way into Apple Tree Creek but couldn't remember it. I didn't want to run the Bruce Hwy between Childers and here. Although not fat it is rather narrow on the edge, with lot of B-doubles. I decided to plot a course in my Garmin to navigate me the back way. Well that didn't go too well. Turn left, turn left it kept directing me. Problem was I need to go right and there were no left turns. After a quick search on Google Maps I found the back route which I just happened to be stopped near. Twenty more minutes through some more gravel and hilly roads and I was pulling into the free camp at The Creek.
It was about 4:30 pm when I arrived, and I found a good spot near a picnic table and shelter. I was quickly set up and what for you know? I just happened to be only a two minute walk from the local pub. A good wash and a change and I was off to return with a lovely cold 6 pack...ahhh! Just what the Doctor ordered...no really...lol.
With the cold beer washing away the dryness from my throat, dinner was soon on. Unfortunately I had to drink the whole 6 pack as I had no refrigeration to keep them cold; and I couldn't have them getting hot now, could I?
Dinner done, beer gone, I was knackered and headed for bed. I knew I only had around fifty kilometers to ride on my last day so as usual, I was not planning to be in a hurry in the morning.
I'm glad I wasn't planning an early departure, the traffic was horrendous. Between heavy vehicles and school holiday revelers, there was just no end.
Day 4
I managed to get some sleep however through the night, and in the morning sheepishly arose , made a quick coffee to get the heart started and then started packing.
I skipped breakfast as the little town of Cordalba was only a fifteen to twenty minute ride away. The General Store here is a favourite stop of our riding group and the owners are extremely friendly and supportive of riders. They do a good coffee, offer fantastic service and are always willing to fill your water bottles up with some cold water at no charge.
The owners, a husband and wife, are no strangers to cycling themselves and have many kilometers of touring experience under their belts. The husband being away did not allow for a chat but a good coffee and some good eats were still a must.
After filling up at Cordalba I turned down and headed up Promiseland Road...SHIT! NOT AGAIN...
The bloody chain did it's little nasty once again. So over to the side of the road and an unloading the bike I went. It don't take long to sort out and I got repacked and on my way once again...AND SHIT! NOT AGAIN! BASTARD THING!...Yes, one more time. So here we go again. It was here that the third time unlucky took its toll. Snap, twang went a spoke. Great, the buckle in the rim was so bloody obvious.
All this time I worried about the standard rims on the bike holding true for the trip. All this time they appears to do it well. But no, the bloody shifter and chain did it's little evil. Upon a closer inspection other spokes looked scored as well. The only way home now was to open up the back brake (V Brake) fully by unhooking the cable. This made it able to ride, now I just has to hope the other damaged spokes held. I suppose there is a good reason why those plastic protectors are between the cassette and spokes. Maybe I shouldn't have been so "roadie" and removed it when I got the bike.
After all these are one of the first things, along with wheel reflectors, you take off, aren't they?
My plan was to head out the back way via Promiseland Road and onto Phillips Road which is dirt. I hadn't ridden this way before and I didn't know what to expect as far as road conditions. My concern was that if the road was too rough, how would the other damaged spokes hold up? Do I remain on this tack, or do I change and head in via the highway?
The highway didn't seem like a good option to me. Holiday traffic was building quite heavily when I left Apple Tree Creek. Ah well, here we go, if worse comes to worse I can always ring my wife, if there was service...lol. Gotta love adventure.
Anyway, off I trundled on my original plan. I headed up via the Mountain Bike trails and onto Phillips Road. I assume that the chain jumping back was due to cable stretch and thought I wouldn't be able to use first gear. But assuming it was not that hilly I thought that this would OK. That thought didn't last long, five minutes in and the hills got steeper as I progressed. I soon worked out that if I didn't shift into first gear too hard it was all good.
The ride was shady, which cooled a rather warm day, and once onto Phillips it flattened out. The road was rough in sections, sandy in some and beautiful in others. It was a nice ride through this way as it mostly State Forest. Hoop pines littered the horizon, mixed with some farm leasing for other crops such as sugar cane..
It wasn't long before I hit the highway much closer to home. It was good coming out onto the main road here as I missed two bridges that didn't have much shoulder on them.
It wasn't long before I passed the all too familiar sign for Cedars, a lovely river crossing, and then into Kentucky Blue, one of the outer suburbs of Bundaberg.
I knew that I would be entering Magpie territory soon so I hit the flashing lights that I have mounted on my helmet. I was told that they work, whether they do or not I don't know. But the aggressive attacks did seem somewhat subdued, maybe they do?
There she was, The Bundaberg Sign, I had done it, I had completed my first bike tour. No, it was as long as some, it may not been as adventurous as others, but it was my first. I was chuffed, elated. So elated, and so in love with this genre of cycling I started planning my next trip as I was entering in past the airport.
Where to next? Stay tuned...
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