Getting Away...Finally...Part 5!

It was a rough night at Harlin. When I set up camp there was some road traffic, but not overly bad. Unfortunately there was a traffic incident on The D'Agular Hwy. A motor cycle apparently drifted across the road and went under an oncoming cattle truck. The truck went over and cattle were everywhere. I don't know much more than that.

As the D'Agular was closed that meant the Brisbane Valley Hwy was the main traffic connection. This meant heavier than normal traffic went by where I was camped. That coupled with a light mounted in the tree I was camped under, well enough said.

Morning came round way too soon, but I rose early, and after the drinkies the previous night, somewhat sheepishly. A little rough around the edges I got packed up fairly quickly, and after a morning's heart starter of caffeine I began pedalling my way toward Toogoolawah, my first planned stop for the morning.

The first hill out of Harlin was a ball tearer. It was very steep indeed. I made it about half way up but walked the rest of it. Once at the top an amazing view greeted me. An everlasting view of pasture and grazing lands seemed to reach on forever.

A much welcomed downhill run was ahead of me now, down through private land which had me questioning if I had come the right direction. But it wasn't long before I saw a trail marker. The road surface along this section was almost like a well prepared gravel road, smooth and fast.

Getting close to what is named The Milk Train Bridge I spotted a rider heading towards me as I was climbing out of the small gully. He called out my name and I was a little taken back. But then I remembered that a friend I was meeting up with later had told one of his friends that I was riding south. We stopped and chatted for a while and bid our farewells.

The wind hadn't been overly bad this morning, it even felt like I had a tail wind on much of what I had done. Leon, the rider I chatted to said he had a tail wind What, could that be possible? It was long before I realised that I was riding in behind small hills and rises. Once up on the flat after meeting Leon, the head wind blew.

Not far out of Toogoolawah now and fanging for some breakfast I was about to pass another couple of riders. I've forgotten their names now but they are from Out There Cycling in Toogoolawah's small township. We chatted for about ten minutes and they gave me a suggestion of a good cafe in town. That's where I headed.

The small township was still asleep with minimal traffic and a few pedestrians spotted along it's footpaths. I found the cafe and settled in for much needed sustenance and caffeine. I messaged Graham, the friend I was to meet and he had left Esk where he was riding from. He was going to head north as I rode south and we'd meet somewhere in the middle. Breakfast had I was on the bike again.

Water bottles filled and on my way out of town I crossed over the new bridge and back on the trail again. This section was familiar to me as I had ridden it before. Coming out of Toogoolawah can be somewhat rough and it is also a subtle incline. I didn't push too hard, the headwind was another thing holding back this Old Bum.

Not too far out of town and I heard, "Hey, have you seen an Old Bum?" It was Graham. We had never in person but had been friends via Social Media for some time now. It was great to finally put a face to the name.

We rode and chatted, the days ride only being around thirty-five kilometres for me. There was no rush an not far out of Esk we caught up with another rider heading north. This guy was a tourist and he was heading to Mackay from Melbourne. His girl friend was driving and they would meet up every other day. He would drive some, then ride some.

Eventually getting into Esk Graham and I headed for a nearby cafe for lunch. We chatted for a good hour before departing ways. He was driving back to Brisbane and I was riding to the local Caravan park.

I was planning on stayong two nights in Esk. I like the town and it would have been great to have an extra day to look around. But for thirty dollars per night for an non powered site to fit a one man tent...jeez, I thought that was a bit steep.

Anyway, I checked in, set up camp and then drowned myself in the park's pool. It was shady and cool in the water and not wanting to get out, I just lay there floating around in the water like a stranded ship. Eventually a lot of other people decided it was time for a swim, and I don't people well...lol.

Out and into the shower. This was my first shower for a couple of days and the dust from the trail was deep under my skin. It felt good, and even though it was a rather warm day, a hot shower felt good. After this I walked up town where a six pack of beer found it's way into my clutches. How did that bloody happen?

Back at the park now I sat comfortably in the camp kitchen. The beers getting extra chilled in the kitchen's fridge and I nibbling on some corn chips, salsa and cheese. I'd made the decision to move on the following day, so I spent as much time up at the kitchen charging my battery packs, cameras and phone. I still had a couple of days to go, and free camping, so I wanted as much power as possible.

The night ended in the tent under the stars once again. The Southern Cross bright above, and the moon glowing through broken clouds made for a spectacular night light. It wasn't long before the eyelids grew heavy and I was off to sleep.

Eventually to the top of the steep climb out of Harlin

No milk, or nor train

Ah!Finally Toogoolawah and food

Some rough patches, some good

Set up for the night at Esk

Munchies...

Getting Away...Finally...Part 4!

Day four and the sun was shining, wind was blowing and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail was awaiting.

I was up relatively early but in no rush. Instead of my Aeropress I just took along some of those latte coffee sticks on this trip. I put aside my coffee snobbery for a short time and just went light. As most who know me know, I'm strictly a black coffee man, but I was a little different on this trip. Yes, morning stops at a coffee shop or cafe was the normal long black, but throughout the day I absolutely enjoy a flat white. The latte coffee sticks were enough to get me started of a morning, but I had to look for more during the day.

Breakfast on this day was not an issue as my plan was to head into Blackbutt, stop at a bakery and fill up there. This I did.

Now on my way and heading for Blackbutt I was onto the BVRT once again. It has been eighteen months since I rode it last and was probably just as excited this time around. This time was different, new bike, different set up and a new section from Moore to Toogoolawah. The trail memories flooded back as I pedalled off in bliss.

It's a reasonably short ride from the trail head at Yarraman to Blackbutt. I swiftly found a bakery and settled in for some tasty morsels. A bacon and egg roll is always a favourite of mine, coupled with a sausage roll and a long black, the morning was coming together perfectly.

Leaving Blackbutt behind I continued onto Benarkin. Benarkin is a beautiful little spot boasting a small store and a free camp. The free camp here has showers and for two dollars one can enjoy a very long hot shower. Of course if cold showers are your thing, they're free. The free camp is rather large but does lend itself to many caravaners.

The next section, Benarkin to Linville is a fantastic ride. For one, it is all down hill. Not massive drops, but a continual - 1.0% decline, this makes for swift travelling. I got caught out along this section last time. Being on the Kona and fully loaded I ended up with a pinch flat. Not this time, no way...now on the Cube with much bigger tyres it was like flying without wings.

The day was another cool one and the shade of this section made it easy to deal with. Sights such as The Fetters Rest, and stopping to listen to the Benarkin Bellbirds chime out their call was not just entertaining, but restful.

As the trail flattens out I rode into Linville and stopped for lunch. Linville is another small stop with free camp, store and a pub. It also has on display the old station and a line of rail cars from the days when the line was open. Some of the cars are open so it was easy to stick my head in for a look see.

After lunch I was onto the next section, to Moore. It is here where the newest section takes you on more of the trail. Previously this section was closed and you had to wandered through back roads and along power line access trails. But now it was all rail trail. I hadn't been on this section before so I was keen to try it out.

My aim was to make Harlin, a small township just south of the intersection of the D'Agular and Brisbane Valley Highways. The sights were fresh and unfamiliar, which is always a good thing. In open and undulating farm land again the legs were kept working. The views of the valley were spectacular, and again ever changing. The addition of flow through grids through gates was a much welcomed improvement from last time. Especially running at the Yarraman end, the ever stopping required to open and close gates was more tiring than the ride itself. But now, that was all gone with the exception of a couple.

Not far out of Harlin now, and I climbed my last steep and long hill. At the top is a lookout that overlooked the small township and surrounding area. It was a must to stop here and take it in. Looking back to the north views of the river shone, to the east, mountains and to the west farm land, and of course to the south, the small village of Harlin.

At Harlin there is a small free camp. It is on the Brisbane Valley Hwy and is open to some road noise. But being small and plenty of grass, coupled with a large shady tree, it made for a more than adequate stop over. Plus the price was perfect...free. It had toilets and water and a roadhouse across the road for conveniences if needed. Also, what else the campsite had opposite it put a rather large smile on my face, a pub. What do you know? I couldn't have planned this any better if I tried.

Unloading the bike and setting the tent up under the shady tree was a speedy task done and dusted. I entered the men's toilet and with washer in hand began washing the remnants of the day's trail from my rather dirty self. I am one who loves my showers and it is not uncommon for me to have at least three a day. But when travelling and free camping showers are a luxury that just aren't always readily available.

I use a Norwex Body Clothe. They are made by one of those "natural everything" companies. I don't always go in for that sort of hype but I have to say, the body clothe works. After a long and dusty day's ride it makes for a refreshing wash and you can get away with using minimal water. Water wasn't my concern here, so a great wash I had.

Now set up, cleaned and changed out of my sweaty riding gear there was only one thing left to do...yes, visit the pub. My intention was simple, just enter the pub and buy two long necks (tallies, or 750 ml bottles), and return directly to the campsite to enjoy a beer in the shade. It's amazing how even the simplest plans can go horribly wrong.

On entering the pub the first thing I noticed was that with all the windows open and large fans oscillating, how cool it was. OK, just one for the road, so I order my long necks and a schooner as a whistle wetter. But...I just hate it when the publican gives you a glass of beer with a big hole in it. It just had to have had a hole in it, a bloody big hole. It dissipated way too fast, it was like it evaporated right before my eyes. True story...lol.

OK, that went down way too well, so why not one more, I was on holidays after all and I needed re-hydrating. So after yet another "one more" I staggered, I mean wandered back to my campsite clutching my take away's tightly in my grip, protecting them with all my being.

Once back at the site I started to enjoy a little time on social media and then thinking about dinner. In the time I was over at the pub a couple had pulled up in their camper to set up for the night. After a hello, and a pat of their dog, the lady mentioned the pub doing meals. WHAT...I'd died and gone to heaven for sure. I decided to finish what I was doing, drink my remaining beer and head across to find out if the information I had been given was correct. Yes it was, it was also Friday so the little pub was much more alive than when I had departed earlier. Raffles, chatter and lot's of laughter were abundant.

I ordered my meal and settled in for another beer. I ordered a mixed grill and when it arrived it was so big I had trouble seeing around it. A plate full of meat, a vegan's nightmare was now sitting before me and I wasted no time tucking in.

I managed to get through the mountain of meat and had a little desert, a Dark and Stormy. This is a can of my favourite rum, Bundaberg Rum premixed with delicious ginger beer. Now that I'd had my fill I wandered, no staggered, back across to the campsite. It was about 9:00 PM by now and the eyelids were heavy. It didn't take long to nod off.

But the night was not as pleasant as I had hoped...

Cheers guys.

Embarking onto The Brisbane Valley Trail

A mixture of surfaces and terrain, but all gravel

Photo opp at the old Nukku Station site

Plenty of old relics in the form of bridges

Magnificent views all round

Linville Station, still standing proudly

Camping and beer, the perfect match

Getting Away...Finally...Part 3!

Day three was much cooler. A south easterly change brought cooler weather with it. Along with the cool change it also supplied a hefty headwind. Headwinds are something you grow accustomed to cycling around Bundaberg.

Leaving the motel I headed back into town before leaving. I wanted to find a coffee shop, cafe or the ilk. Unable to do so, I had to call into a particular family restaurant that I visited the previous afternoon. Yes, the Golden Arches. It was much quieter now, just the local running and walking groups that were out early of a morning.

Breakfast had, coffee downed it was time to hit the road. Today's ride was to Yarraman and camp at Yarraman Weir at the head of The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The day's ride was an unofficial connection route between the South Burnett and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trails. It had been mapped, and it was also the way I had travelled before.

Oddly enough, this is one of my favourite parts of the ride. Lovely quiet roads, a mixture of bitumen, gravel and forestry, and so much serenity. You are unlikely to catch up with another soul on this section, although it does pass by homes and farms. I did, however, get a wave from the local Garbo doing the rounds.

One has to be prepared along the connection route. There is nothing between Kingaroy and Yarraman, no shops and no parks. There is nowhere for water or supplies if any are needed. Make sure, which ever way you are travelling that you are stocked up on the essentials. Although, mobile service is pretty well covered all through the route.

I headed out via the aerodrome and Kingaroy Observatory. Along here there is the Kingaroy Vintage Machinery Society. I think I have that right. In their grounds is a museum of machinery ranging from ploughs to tractors, Well worth the stop.

Continuing out along Peterson Drive the heart rate started to get a work out, it's not long before some decent hills appear. It is on top of these hills you can look back over your shoulder and see an amazing view of Kingaroy and surrounding area. The Peanut Factory and silos are a constant sight around Kingaroy. But the scenery all around is spectacular to say the least. The mixture of grazing land, crops and rolling hills, and of red and black soils make a checker board of beauty as I heaved the bike over the top.

The landscape continued to change as I moved away from Kingaroy towards the back of Tarong. Grazing land become more prevalent, and the squeak and rattle of  rusting windmills accompanied my somewhat heavy breathing and pedal stroke. Listening to them, it was though they were speaking to me in some weird and wonderful language. Either that, or they were declaring my arrival to the lazing cattle that populated the surrounding fields.

Tarong is also home of The Torong Power Station. I caught glimpses of it as I rose up and down the  more than undulating land. Snippets of the steam stacks rose above like a modern equivalent of a medieval castle. Coupled with the black landscape from the surrounding coal mines, it had a resemblance to scenes straight out of Lord of the Rings. Seeing the machinery drive around from the distance reminded me of Morgoth's minions readying for war in the battle over Middle Earth.

Switching between bitumen and gravel roads, up hills and down hills the ride never gets boring. The roads remain quiet and extremely safe for riding. Tucked in between Maidenwell, Nanago and Yarraman the bitumen roads eventually disappear and I entered the State Forest, that will in time open up into Yarramn's small township.

Now in the forest the sound of Bellbirds replace the eerie sounds of the windmills that once echoed out. Shade was more common helping cool me down. Also the persistent headwind was now blocked by the towering hoop pines. It was now lunch time, the legs were feeling heavy and the stomach empty. I was reminded on day one how not eating would effect me, so I had made it a point to stop regularly to eat and drink.

I eventually found a narrow forestry road that lead to nowhere. It was the ideal location to travel a few hundred meters off the main road, not that the main road was anything much more. Nestled in under the pines, out of the wind and in the shade, lunch was brought out and the billy put on.

I had made good time and didn't have that far to go. The wind through the tree tops and the sounds of the forest was rather hypnotising. I was in no hurry so I laid out my seating pad, and laid down on a soft bed of pine needles. It wasn't long before I nodded off for a short time. This is what bicycle touring is all about, just taking it slow. So far the trip was working out just fine.

After my midday siesta, it was time to drag myself from the quiet and tranquillity of the State Forest. The worst was behind me with the two hills I have dubbed, "The Heartbreak Hills" now being at my back. These two hills start off credible. But not far into them they climb up at a decent rate. Now, I'm not suggesting that they are unrideable. but being loaded, and not overly fit, walking was the only option for me. The worst thing about them is that are reasonably close together. You think one is over, start to decline and...BANG...onto number two.

The Heartbreaks gone it was now just a steady two percent upward run. I'd had plenty of practice of this over the past few days. Not long now, my memory kept reminding me. The problem was, that my memory wasn't all that accurate.

Now near the end, this is probably my favourite section of any of the ride I had embarked on. It is a down hill run through towering pines onto the Burnett Highway just north of Yarraman's township. It is like a tunnel made of trees, no sun, and almost needing a headlight. One push on the pedals and it is a coast, all the way down to the road.

Now on the Burnett Hwy, it is a downhill run into town. It is only a short distance from leaving the forest's enclosure to the caravan park at the top of town, that has very little shoulder to ride on. But then it opens out and there is more than ample room.

Once in town I first visited the local supermarket. I just wanted to stock up on some canned food items, flatbread and some juice for the following days. After the store I rode down to the park and filled all my water bottle, hydration pack, and water filter bladder. This was to give me enough water for the night's camp and following day into Blackbutt.

Water topped up, food stuffed into my bag temporarily I was off to the night's campsite. It was only a six minute trip out of town by bike. Arriving at Yarraman Weir was quite surprising. The weir has just been renovated into park lands and a free campsite for those using the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. I have to say, it is one of the best campsites I have camped in. It is clean, well maintained with toilets and has a large amount of grassed area. It also has horse yards for those traversing the trail on horseback.

One thing it doesn't have, and this is by far it's best feature, is a lot of room for caravans. It is fantastic to see a campsite that focuses on campers rather caravans. It doesn't happen enough.

The weir is the site of the very first pulp mill that operated in Queensland. Remnants of the old steam engine that was used to pump water from the river to the mill is still standing. The weir is also a home to a menagerie of bird life, and over time will be a display of a variety of water flora.

I was the only one there, and had pick of the park. I chose the middle at the only covered table and quickly got set up. It was handy. there was enough room under the covered area to set up my tent as well as park the bike and spread my gear out. It was also only a stone's throw to the toilet, which actually had a tap. Nestled in amongst the river gums there was plenty of shade to kick back and enjoy the evening's sunset.

What an exceptionally peaceful way to end a beautiful day's ride, the sun setting, the stars appearing and a cool breeze reminiscent of the air conditioning I was pampered by the night before. Again it was just wonderful to lay in the tent with no fly and watch the millions of stars wander slowly across our southern sky.

Cheers guys.

Breakfast before heading off

Kingaroy Observatory

Kingaroy Vintage Machinery Society

The sights from the hill

We got to the top in the end

Yarraman Weir

Campsite for the night

Who needs 5 star accommodation

Getting Away...Finally...Part 2!

Day two; I was awoken by the local Kookaburras laughing, and magpies warbling. Although sleeping well, I found it a little restrictive in my little one man tent. Maybe it's the extra weight I've put on, maybe it's just a realisation that tents that size are just meant for little people.

I lay there for a while enjoying the cool breeze that seemed to be absent the day before. Leaving late the previous day left no creature comforts like cool breezes. Soon I was up, coffee on, and Uncle Toby's simmering away as I packed up my gear in preparation for the day's ride.

It was a good start to the day, out on the trail, free at last. Today's aim was Kingaroy. My original plan was to get to town...whenever that was, then head out of town approximately nine kilometres and hit a free camp for the night. That was the plan anyway, but one must remain flexible.

A cool morning is always great and I didn't have much water left so the smooth and comfortable ride into Murgon was a godsend. Even though it was still quite gravelly it was a vast improvement on what was ridden the previous day. The rail trail follows the main road, the Bunya Highway I think, quite closely almost to Murgon where it does deviate away for a while. It is probably a little more scenic on this section of the Kilkivan to Murgon section.

As I said, I was short on water and the day now was heating up. Still well before 9:00 am I trundled around Murgon looking for a tap to fill the water bottles. I asked a couple of people, on of which was a lovely elderly lady. She talked on how she loved her bike riding, and how she had upgraded to get a bike she wanted. She was impressed with the Cube and asked me many questions, not just about the bike but the trip also. She was extremely excited about what I was doing, thought I was a little crazy, but excited all the same.

After chatting to her the Visitors Information Centre had just opened it's doors. I entered and the freezing cold air conditioning was a more than welcome additive. I asked the lady about water and she was more than obliging to help me out. Water, check...time to keep going down the trail.

From Murgon to Kingaroy is the sealed section of the rail trail. After water I stopped, topped up the tyres by a few PSI's and locked the forks out. Last time I headed down this section of road it was wet and cold being winter. Not long after leaving Goomeri, along the Bunya Highway a big storm brewed and emptied it vengeance on my. I did have the foresight to cover up with the wet weather gear. This time was different, it was hot and it was dry, very dry.

Out of town and memories of the last trip flooded back, although the memory wasn't all that accurate...lol. It's funny how you remember a trip, or ride by certain things. With circumstances being different, it kind of changes things, or is that just me?

Morning tea time I was in Wondai. I had planned to visit the Bakery, but I opted just for shade in the local park. The billy on, and a Gatorade or two down I settled back for about an hour. I was in no rush after all.

By now the heat had well and truly began to set in. It was now 11:00 am and it was far hotter than the day before. No records, no rush was the motto of the day. It was still a gradual 1.5% to 2% incline. There was a breeze blowing, albeit a north easterly. When I caught it, it cooled things down a bit, but between Wondai and Wooroolin there is a lot of tall grass and shrubbery on the side of the trail. This was enough to block any breeze. That, coupled with the sun being above the yard arm, meant no shade and no breeze. Hot, was an understatement.

I love how the Tingoora, or Tinny, hotel stands out. It's a bit like them old time movies where the lost are wandering through the desert and see this oasis like mirage. The red roof and timber walls stand out like a beacon. I had to rub my eyes in disbelief. I stopped to take a photo, Instagram and all. As I began to pedal off in Wondai's direction some divine power grabbed the handle bars and steered me towards the Hotel. Out the front of the hotel I wrestled with this...ummm...divine intervention. I gave in, who am I to argue with a higher power. A schooner of Great Northern Super Crisp and a glass of ice water. Ahhh, I could have stayed there the night...

Anyway back to reality... I couldn't stay there all night, not because I had somewhere else to be, but because there was no accommodation. Oh shit! I've just remembered writing this, the oval opposite is a free camp...oh well!

After a good rest, refreshments and a great chat with the publican and a couple of patrons it was time to continue. Again continuing slightly uphill I pedalled onward. The heat increased and the water decreased. I had to stop again at Wooroolin, the next town. I topped up a bottle or two to make sure I had enough water and made friends with a Border Collie that seemed more intent with coming along with me than her owner. I had to leave her behind as beautiful as she was.

By now with the heat, it was just a town to town trot, there was still plenty of hours left on the day. The trail is smooth and suited for all types of cycling and hiking. This wasn't the problem, the heat was. As I approached Memerambi the ambient temperature reached 38.5*C. The heat recorded off the trail by the Garmin was 47.8*C. Because of the water shortage, what was thought to be fresh water tasted more like bore water. Bore water is minerally, almost salty to the taste. The water in the bottles on my forks were that hot, I didn't need to boil the water to make a cup of tea. It was around 1:30 pm at this stage.

I sent a text message to my wife about how hot it was, and after lunch at Memerambi I only had about ten kilometres to go to get to Kingaroy. Add another nine kilometres onto that, I would be at camp well and truly by 3:30 pm.

The trail meanders along the Bunya Highway into Kingaroy though farm fields. The scenery is magnificent. The dryness of the drought, the black soil and the green crops that are getting the benefits of irrigation was a brilliant contrast. The crops appeared to be canola, I could stand corrected.

Through Crawford and only five kilometres to go I seemed to pick up a bit of pace. This last leg is largely a decline into Kingaroy. Not far out of town my wife rang me. To my surprise she had decided to book me a motel for the night because of the heat.She was in the process of it so it was a wait in the local McDonalds with a cold...ummm...something that was pineapple in colour, not sure about the taste.

I grew a little impatient here. It was time that school was out. I just can't understand how some parents think it alright to sit back oblivious whilst their children run a muck squealing and screaming. Don't they know, that's what cupboards are for? Again, I'm an Old Bum after all, maybe more a Grumpy Old Bum.

Phew...book in completed...it was time to get outtathere, mad Maccas!!! Man o man...an air conditioned room and a pool. My wife did well. After a change and a walk up town to collect some cold water (filtered through hops) the pool was the destination. Ahhh, the serenity. Although not cold it was a vast improvement on the heat of the day.

I have to say at this stage, a big thank you to South Burnett Rail Trail and their supporters. Their well wishes and encouragement over the past days was fantastic. A big cheers guys.

The freshness of a swim, followed by a cold shower, an air conditioned room, and that chilled hoppsy, amber water, made the heat of the day dissipate. It was time to settle back and relax in comfort. No bare tent tonight.

Photo compliments Graham Ramsey

The new distance markers on the SBRT

Ahhh, coffee

Wooroolin

Noise and pineapple substitute

Getting Away...Finally...Part 1!

It seems like it has been forever since I have done a trip. Well, pretty much it has been. I had the chance to finally get away seeing I had a little time off work.

My plan was simple, retrace my steps of eighteen months ago when I headed off to Brisbane.
Yes, it's a little over eighteen months now since I did my last Brisbane trip. It was down the South Burnett Rail Trail, across via the Connection Route down to Brisbane via the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

A lot has changed since I last did it. The Kilkivan end was now open and you could ride from Kilkivan to Murgon on a rail trail rather than the Wide Bay Highway.
Also, the Moore to Toogoolawah section was now open on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Last time I headed own there you had to travel via back roads to Toogoolawah.

It was about midday when I eventually set off. I was driven out to Kilkivan to save me two days riding. But by the time I had the bike unloaded from the car, and all the gear loaded onto the bike, the sun was well over the yard arm. February in Queensland is typically our hottest month, and nothing changed for this trip.

I started out enthusiastic, but also a little concerned. My concern wasn't for the bike, the gear or what I may encounter on the trail. It was more about myself, it had been ages since I had gone a touring.

I decided to try something a little different this time. Instead of me taking faithful Konny, my Kona Sutra, I thought I might try this darn fangled bike packing thing. Yes, loading up the new Cube MTB with a budget, as I'm always about budget, bike packing set up. I'll talk about this more later. So now on the Cube off into, literally, the sunset I rode.

The trail heading out of Kilkivan looks surprisingly not as used as I thought it would be. Open to hikers, bikers and horse riders alike I thought that it would be more worn that it was. But in saying that, the grass on the trail was bike high and it was difficult to determine how worn, or how much use it had had. To be honest I was more concerned what was living in the long grass than how used to trail was.

The surface was mixed, it was rocky, then it was gravelly, it was then sandy. I like this about a lot of trails I have ridden, the mixture of the surface. It helps break the boredom, and creates a constant riding challenge as you pedal along. There is a by-pass that goes around via Tansey Rd at the beginning. I opted to neglect the by-pass as I was running late. About seven kilometres west of Kilkivan there is a deep water hole, it usually needs wading through. But because it was much later when I got out there to start, and we have had a massive dry spell, I continued on the trail.

When I eventually got to it, it wasn't deep, but it was deep enough to swallow me up well above the ankles. Now I'm no soft cock. Mud doesn't worry me, nor does water, especially at around 38*C. But the waterhole was not just mud. It was a thick soupy slurry of cow manure and mud, with little water.
Now it had been a continual 2% uphill run from town, I also was attempting to get my touring legs back. There was no way I was riding all the way back into Kilkivan to take the Tansey Rd by-pass.

The gate on the property owner's gate said, "Private Property Keep Out" and I wasn't going to dissobey the sign, especially with the gate locked, and a bike to lift over the gate and fences. I grabbed a stick to see how deep the mud actually was. Not too deep, great. I then proceeded to find larger rocks, throw them in and make stepping stones across the stinking pile of mud like faeces. I eventually got across after about ten minutes, stepping across the pads and letting the bike roll through the mud hole.

Once up the other side I continued on for Goomeri, the next town. It was roughly about twenty nine kilometres from Kilkivan to Goomeri and, honestly I thought it would be a lot easier. But it was somewhat difficult. the continual inclined gradient, the long grass, mixed up surfaces and lack of touring legs made it tough going, enjoyable, somewhat crazy, but a little tough.

About 3:00 PM I started to feel exhausted and ill. Between the heat, the never ending opening and closing gates, yes very annoying, and the fact that I hadn't eaten at all all day brought on a case of the bonks. Being in so much of a hurry trying to get going I had forgotten to eat...not a smart move.
I found a nice shady spot under the shady remnants of an old bridge, made some lunch and slurped on a much needed ginger and lemon tea.

After lunch, and a much needed rest I pressed on for Goomeri. My original plan was to make Wondai's free camp fr the first night. But I knew by now, that wasn't happening. I got into Goomeri around 4:30 PM, bought a couple of cold drinks from the local supermarket and filled all my water bottles up at the toilets in the centre of town. I had noticed the rumbling of thunder as I was approaching Goomeri, and as I was ready to leave it started up louder. I check BOM and yes a storm was on it's way. Ah well, no big problem. I was in a rotunder and well sheltered. I didn't care if I had to call that place home for the night.

A lot of my trips, I guess have been over planned. Yes, over planned. I have in the past planned my trip down to the necessary kilometre. This trip was different. It was to break this, what I am thinking is a bad habit. You see, I would always plan to be at destination X by that night. I think in doing so I was putting more pressure on my self and probably missing out on a lot of enjoyment. This trip however, was the opposite. It was all about the ride. if I rode X distance for the day, who cares. I would pull up camp when either I or the legs had had enough.

Well, the storm didn't last long and there was very little in it. I knew there wasn't anywhere in Murgon to free camp so I thought that if I made it this far I'll do what I did eighteen months ago, camp on the side of the trail. Around seven kilometres east of Murgon I pulled over for a rest on some benches that had been established there. It was now almost dark and I was planning to ride on with the Bontager Ion 700 blazing bright into the night. I sat for a moment, rested, had a drink and noticed...this is a nice flat spot. It's well of to the side of the trail, had the benches there to sit at, no houses around...YES. I had found my campsite for the night.

It didn't take me long to get set up, get dinner on and get settled in for the night. It was amazing just camping o the side of the trail, stars burning the night sky and the ahhh, the quiet. I just love that quiet.

Still a small distance to go until Murgon, and only thirty eight kilometres down for the day, I was more than satisfied. Just being out on the bike again, wow.

Embarking on the trail

Finding that shady spot for lunch on a hot day

Waiting ou the storm and contemplating camping here

Ahh! Bedtime eventually

Boundary Trail Ball Breaker

The idea was simple, take the new mountain bike out and test it on some trails. We were staying in Adaminaby in the Snowy Mountains, which is renown for it's mountain bike trails in the non snow seasons. The problem was, most of those well known trails were in the Kosciuszko region. That meant packing the bike up and transporting it for over an hour's drive from where were staying. That was not simple.

The day before the ride I headed out on the bike to ride the fourteen kilometres along the Snowy Mountain Hwy to check where the trail head began, and that was the easy bit.

Now, getting back to "simple". The plan was to ride an approximate thirty-four kilometre route, up the Boundary Trail, join onto Brayshaw's Trail and visit the iconic Brayshaw's Hut. From there I was jumping onto the Gravel Hut Trail then check out the Gravel Hut, then back down onto the Boundary Trail back to the car.

The trip was worked out on Google maps well in advance, hence thirty-four kilometres, with a modest four hundred and fifty metres of climbing. Yeah good one Google maps, you got me good.

The bike was loaded, coffee made and I headed out for an adventure in an area that I had never been before, the Kosciuszko National Park. The land of the Man From Snowy River territory.
Once I got to the trail head the bike was quickly unloaded and I set off with great anticipation.

Once leaving the car there is a brief down hill moment as you go through the gates and onto the trail, then you just stare upwards. The first climb I encountered was around seventeen percent. Not overly horribly (yeah right), but with cold legs, an overweight body and lack of fitness, it made the heart race.

OK, now I was at the top of this one, only about six hundred meters long. A brief down hill run, then onto the next climb, another seventeen plus percenter. This time around one thousand meters long. Eventually at the top of this one and now there was a great down hill run. This gave me a good chance to check out how the Cube would go on rough surfaces, which it did with ease. The shocks worked well, even though I didn't have enough air in them. This was an issue I rectified as soon as possible.

The general surface of the trail was rough, to extremely rough at times. Loose gravel with large rocks, ruts and some wonderful little creek crossings were the norm. What else appeared to be normal? The constant up down, up down, up down. As I progressed up the trail, with every down hill run, a longer and steeper incline waited for me.

The trip was meant to take around three and a bit hours. After many stops, rests and uphill walks, my three hours was nearly up...AND...I had only covered about seven or eight kilometres. I thought mountain biking was riding you bike in the mountains. Not hiking in the mountains whilst pushing a bike...lol.

I continued onward and what appeared to be never endingly upwards, and upwards and, yet again upwards. Are you starting to see a pattern here? My aching body was...

I reached my first turnoff in the trail. This was a bend where I kept following the Boundary Trail and it would join up to Brayshaw's Trail not far ahead. Now, the tree line appeared to be levelling out. So I pressed on and able to ride up some smaller ten percenters. But alas, this didn't last long, the hills turned into mountains once again, and I was off the bike pushing it.

I had now done eleven kilometres, I was low on water and not far from the Brayshaw"s turnoff. It appeared to flatten out again so I thought I'd go a little further. Then from out of nowhere this incline before me just made me gasp. I had to make a decision.

My decision was to turn around. I was in the middle of a very remote area with no phone service and little water. I didn't know what lay ahead. I didn't know how the trails would be, I didn't know if there was water around up there. It was here I chose wisdom. I knew there creeks behind with crystal clear water. I knew what I had done, and what I had to, yes, walk up...again. The devil you know so to speak...

I turned around, my food supply of peanut butter sandwiches, apples and bananas were all but gone. I was down to my last mouthful of water and the last creek I had crossed appeared as I rambled down a loosely covered hill. Ah, the water was so cold, it was like drinking it from a well chilled fridge. After I had a large drink, I filled my water bottles up and continued downwards, or was it upwards...I'd lost track. It didn't matter which way you went, you climbed.

I was now well into the afternoon when I stopped to take a photo. I had a ping on my phone as a message came through. I had phone service. I had told my wife I should be back at the cottage by 1:30 pm, so I took this time to ring and let her know my grief and that all was OK...well and truly knackered, but OK.
It was here I felt myself starting to bonk. As I hadn't been on the bike much in the past year, I had completely forgotten about this. I sat down in the shade of a small bushy tree, swatted horse/march flies and ate my last apple, and sipped slowly on what water I left. I knew I had another creek to cross, and by memory it wasn't too far into the distance.

So, next creek crossing after a much needed rest, I refilled the bottles again and continued up or down the mountain, I had completely lost track. I did, however, notice on the Garmin that the altitude was decreasing, or was that just because I was in a gully? Who knows...

FINALLY...I approached a familiar sign, I knew the car was just over the next hill, which turned out to be three more hills...but whose counting right? Not to be disheartened I pressed on, or should I say pushed on, and yes there it was, the old Pajero waiting for me in the sunshine.

It had reached well over thirty degrees on the trail and the car was rather warm inside, so  much so the remainder of my morning's coffee was still warm...sustenance...lol. I let the car idle as I mounted the bike onto the rack to cool it down inside, to cool me down immediately when I hopped inside. Mounting the bike was not easy, as every time I stopped the pesky flies kept landing and biting. My legs were burning more from the fly bites than the ride by the end of the day. It was great when you were moving, but once stopped you could hear them swarm in to take their pound of flesh.

It was a great ride though. The scenery was magnificent, although I would have liked to reach the top and check things out along the plateau. But I learned some valuable lessons that day...
1...how unfit and overweight I had become
2...that I have a habit of biting off more than I can chew
3...don't ever trust Google Maps. The total ride was just over twenty two kilometers, with one thousand meters of climbing. Instead of three hours, the ride took all day.

It was this very ride that imprinted something in my brain. How fit I was a little over twelve months ago compared to now. Yes, the knee prevented me from exercising, but it was my decision to sit and stuff my face with over sized meals and copious amounts of beer. It was here I changed, it was on this ride I knew what I had to do.

Would I do this ride again? Hell yes, in a heart beat. Will I again bite off more more than I can chew? Well a leopard can't change all it's spots.

Cheers guys, and as always, ride safe out there...

N+1 - Cube Attention SL

Forgive me father for I have sinned. I haven't blogged for...shit, how long now?

Seriously, the work piled up whilst I was off with the knee and I have been working like crazy to catch up. Have I caught up yet? No, it'll be there when I get back after our Christmas break.

The one great thing about working as a school groundsman is that I get half of all the school holidays off and my annual leave is always at Christmas time.

This year we're heading south on a road trip. This will be a big push for me as the anxiety will be high. But the anticipation is awesome. I haven't been able to even attempt this for some time now but I cannot retreat in fear forever. We are heading back roads as much as possible on our way down to Adaminaby in the Snowy Mountains in the Southern New South Wales Highlands.

What's this got to do with N+1 you may ask? Well I've bitten the bullet once again and purchased a new bike. No, not a touring bike, a new mountain bike. Ol' Frankenstein is getting rather long in the tooth and it is hard to feel safe on tracks and trails on him. It is only a base model after all and is probably not designed for what I have attempted to do on it...not that I've been mountain bike riding for some time now...but it is on my bucket list now the knee has healed.

The bike of choice is a 2018 Cube Attention SL. I purchased it form 99 Bikes in Brisbane and will be picking it up from their Everton Park Store on Saturday when we begin our trek down south.

The model is a large frame size with 29" rims. It sports a Shimano Deore 2 x 10 group set with an XT rear derailleur and Deore front. Running Deore Hollowtech cranks and Rockshock forks with remote lockout. A lot of the running gear components are similar to that of the Sutra, and that has been as reliable as buggery.

I will do a full review of the bike once I pick it up and ride it, and ride it I will. Staying down in the Snowy's will give me ample time to test ride it on many of the trails that are down that way.

I will get to see how it performs, and you never know, I might eventually become a mountain biker...that'll be different.

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As this is an old blog that I forgot to post...yeah...slack I know, I thought I may as well jump straight into the review now.

I've had the bike for just over a month now and I love it. It is not a top of the line bike, but ticks all the boxes for me and stayed well within my budget.

The Shimano drive train works effortlessly and smoothly. I had a bit of trouble getting used to using indexed gears again, but it didn't take.

The bike itself is sure footed and easy to ride. It is responsive and carries an old fat bastard like me well. When I first rode it on a trail I didn't have enough air in the forks, and even though the RockShox Recon Silver's responded well, they are much better with more air in them now.

The frame feels stiff and responsive, and the ergonomics are quite relaxed, more attuned to a long day in the saddle. Whilst the aluminium hardtail soaked up the bumps reasonably well (as best an aluminium frame can), the headset seemed to keep my shoulder aligned in a relaxed position which helps prevent tensing up.

Whilst the Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres are only the base model, they grip well and seem rather compliant. I ran about 25 PSI in the front and around 30 PSI in the rear on trails. Once these are worn I will replace them with a better tyre and go tubeless.

The 29" ZX20 disc rims seem to do the job. They are a 32 hole rim with spoke eyelets for added strength. They aren't tubeless ready, but I'm sure with a tubeless kit that problem will be solved.

My only dislikes about the bike have been the grips and the saddle. The grips are only basic Cube grips that seem a little narrow for me. They also spin around the bar when riding, which is a pet peave of mine.

The original saddle is a Cube Active 1.1...umm, well it reminded me of the time I put a Fizik Arionne on my Domane. In the long run the Active 1.1 wasn't too bad with knicks on and when you were standing up a lot.

So I have replaced the grips with my Ergon 3's and the saddle with my well used Sefras RX, them small changes make a world of difference to the bike.

I have also changed the tubes over from Schrader to Presta valves as my mini pump is for such. I did purchase another pump whilst I was away, but it's a bit bulking. I wanted to stick to something that I can just mount in behind my biddon cage.

I didn't necessarily buy the bike to become a mountain biker, although I am loving getting out in the dirt. I mainly purchased it as a budget bike packing rig/gravel grinder, something I can spend long days on the trails just cruising to my heart's content.

Over all I am impressed with the bugger which I have dubbed Gooding Junior (or Junior for short), and where did I get the name? "Cube" Gooding Junior :-D. 
It does what I need it to do, componentry is good and will stand the test of time, and it is a vast improvement over Old Frankenstein.

I look forward to writing about my first bike packing adventure, and about my budget set up shortly.

Anyway, cheers guys, and as always ride safe out there.

Just getting around for a ride 

Kedron Brook Bikeway

Bom Bom State Forest

The Boundary Trail Kosciuszko National Park