POPULAR CYCLING POSTS by Jimmy Bee in 2013

As this year comes to a close, I thought I would summarise the six most popular posts for 2013.

 

Before I do this, I would like to reminisce for a moment on the new year period I experienced as a child. I was most fortunate that my parents and I used to take annual holidays around Christmas and New Year and would spend the period at either Manly Beach or Bondi Beach in Sydney. The practise in Manly was to row a boat a short distance from the harbourside beach.  At the stroke of midnight a 'dummy' was thrown from the boat, representing the drowning of the old year and then to usher in the new year, everybody would walk the esplanade kissing each other whilst creating a racket with blow out whistles, popping balloons and of course the obligatory fireworks.  Does anybody else remember this, similar or more bizarre proceedings occurring on New Years Eve?

Now to the most popular posts:
 

1. The Gap via Enoggera Creek and Ithaca Creek bike ways.

Enoggera Creek and Ithaca Creek bike way



Ithaca Creek, Brisbane, Qld.

Enoggera Creek, Brisbane, Qld.

Considering that these two routes have been flooded twice in two years causing millions of dollars of damage, the council workers appear to take personal pride in the restoration of the pathways and their bordering parkland.

2. 2013 and in the spirit.



At peace with the world.



My brother in law, Merv,  posing with his Lefty and my Scotty

2013 was a great year for finding and riding trails and paths in and around Brisbane and South East Queensland. I'm looking forward to making 2014 even better.

3. Hawkes Bay, NZ. Waipawa to Hastings (63 km).

Hawkes Bay, NZ --Waipawa to Hastings


This part of the world is just one unbelievable landscape after another. Imagine what it could look like if they weren't experiencing a drought.

4. Hawkes Bay, NZ - Taradale to Ahuriri (45 km)

It could be said "a rose amongst the thorns" 

A cool trail through the forest .



Fattening up the goose.

 

Back to the coast

The last day of a tour is one of mixed emotions, on the one hand, it is nice to be going home but on the other there is a sense of returning to reality, rather than waking up to a new adventure each day as we had done for the last five days. If you are contemplating a cycling tour in another country try booking with  http://www.takarotrails.co.nz/ on the North Island of New Zealand. Our group liked it so much earlier this year that we have booked a tour on the South Island with http://www.advsouth.co.nz/cycle/road_cycling/Alps_to_Ocean_Cycle.tour.



5. Clifton loop via Kratzman Road and Old Elphinstone Road

 

Clifton loop via Kratzman Road and Old Elphinstone Road.

 

Kratzman Road, Clifton

Sunflower crop on Clifton-Allora Road

Clifton is only a two hour drive from Brisbane and can be a great destination to have a cheap weekend of recreational riding with routes covering North, South, East and West. The riding is mainly on low traffic roads of quality surface and suitable to all bikes.

6. Cycling Downfall Creek.

  

Downfall Creek route





 

  

 

 

The last time I rode this route, we had to cross some really busy main roads which in my opinion, makes it unsafe for taking all of the family unless they can be carefully supervised. I know the council is intending to remedy this situation but I am unsure at this point in time whether it has. Having said this, it is a very interesting trail to ride.

I wish you a safe and prosperous new year and I look forward to bringing you a wide variety of new rides in 2014.

Cheers and safe riding,

Jimmy Bee

 

CYCLING WELLINGTON POINT TO CLEVELAND HARBOUR, QLD. AUS.

Wellington Point to Cleveland Harbour via Birkdale. (Map my Ride map)



King Island, Wellington Point

Wellington Point looking towards King Island

Wellington Point is a favourite of mine because the colour of the water and sand changes many times between dawn and sunset, ranging from the muted to the vivid, depending on whether the tide is in or out.

This is an alternative route to Cleveland, starting at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve negotiating a series of stairs and a relatively steep dirt path with the bay and it's associated mangroves running alongside. I didn't find it too difficult to negotiate, as the stair section, has just enough room to push a bike along the side with little effort.

 

At the end of Douro Road, Wellington Point, there is a great viewing spot looking west across Waterloo Bay to the Manly Yacht Harbour.

The path depicted above leads to the Sovereign Waters Foreshore. This is a beautiful part of the ride as it meanders through coastal scrub and exits at The Three Paddocks park. Where the path forks, take the left hand path and ride through the park to Birkdale Road.

Surman Reserve trail running from Bailey Road to Valentine road, Alexandra Hills, Qld.

 Another highlight is the Surman Street Reserve which runs off  the western end of Bailey Road, Alexandra Hills. A third of the way along the path, turn left into Valentine Road.

Trail running through the Judy Holt Bushland Refuge, Birkdale, Qld.

Follow your map through to William Street where you will find the Judy Holt Bushland Reserve on your left. Take the time and ride the short trails through the reserve.

Our next highlight is the Doug Tiller Reserve which lies between Hilliards Creek and Montgomery Drive, Birkdale

Hilliards Creek Platypus Corridor, McMillan Road, Alexandra Hills, Qld.

On exploring this area, continue along Montgomery Drive and turn left into McMillan Road where you can ride the short trail through The Hilliards Creek Platypus Corridor.

 

 

Continue following your map to reach Bainbridge Street West and continue to the eastern side of Bainbridge Street. This will exit into Nautilus Drive which in turn will take you to Cleveland Harbour and the end of another interesting ride.

Useful Information:
Always use a good map or a trusty GPS.
Distance: 17.5 km.
Surface: Mainly paths, both cement and dirt and a small amount of on road riding.
Bike: Suitable to all bikes
Fitness: Moderately fit.

I use Map my Ride for simplicity and elevation information. Become a member (free) and find similar rides within the area and elsewhere.

I really appreciate receiving good, constructive and polite comments.

Cheers and safe riding,

Jimmy Bee
 

CYCLING THE ALPS TO THE OCEAN in NEW ZEALAND

Well! the word is out and we are going back to ride New Zealand next March. This time it is the South Island, riding from Mt. Cook to Oamaru on the coast and then onto Christchurch.

 

 

  

Each year the U3A Peddling For Pleasure group democratically choose a destination either within or outside Australia where we can cycle and enjoy each others company for 5+ days. It is preferred that the trip is organised through a Cycling Tour Operator, who is familiar with the area and can either supply maps or a guide. Also we like the operator to organise accommodation and back-up in the case of fatigue, illness or bike failure plus bicycle rental.

 

The package we have chosen reads extremely well, but, like everything else, the proof lies within the pudding and I will post extensively on the ride when we return.

 

In the meantime you may wish to look at the web site by hitting on the following link http://www.advsouth.co.nz/cycle/road_cycling/Alps_to_Ocean_Cycle.tour . The tour we are taking is "Cycling the Alps to the Ocean".

 

In the past, our group has partaken in the following rides:

 

 

Hawkes Bay Ride, NZ

  

Havelock North to Waipawa section of the Hawkes Bay ride.

2013....Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand...http://www.takarotrails.co.nz/

 

 

Old rail tunnel on East Gippsland Rail Trail

 



One of a number of wooden trestle rail bridges on East Gippsland Rail trail.

2012....East Gippsland Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia....http://www.snowyrivercycling.com.au

 

 

The view from Mt. Buffalo on the Murray to the Mountains ride, Victoria

 

Ovens River, Porepunkah on the Murray to the Mountains ride Victoria

 

 2011....The Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail....http://www.murraytomountains.com.au/the-rail-trail/

 

 

Map courtesy of Google Mapping

 

2010....The Otago Central Rail Trail....www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz  (As I wasn't on this particular trip, I can't give specific details on the operator used.)

 

In the past, I have posted on Hawkes Bay and East Gippsland rides. Unfortunately, I wasn't blogging when I did the Murray to the Mountains ride.

 

Of the three rides I have partaken in, very little criticism was given at the time and I am of the opinion that the majority, if not all riders thoroughly enjoyed their experiences.

 

It's great fun travelling in a group of familiar faces but if you are not a member of any riding group, don't feel intimidated because a lot of riders from around the world participate in organised rides and it is a true and tried formula for travelling and meeting other people.

 

The only way to really see and appreciate the country you are travelling in is to either walk or ride. Once tried, you won't want to do it any other way.

 

Cheers and safe riding,

 

 

Jimmy Bee

 

  

CYCLING CLEVELAND POINT to WELLINGTON POINT, QLD. AUS.

Cleveland Point, Qld. 

The ride from Cleveland Point to Wellington Point is very picturesque and because most of the riding can be done on paths, trails and quiet suburban streets it opens the ride up to all takers. Cleveland Point is very popular with locals and tourists alike. On any one day all comers mingle with one another without really knowing who is local and who is not, as they are there for the one purpose and that is the pure enjoyment of the moment.

The Lighthouse Restaurant and Cafe.

 

There is only one food and drink outlet on the point and that is the Lighthouse Restaurant and Cafe which caters for everything from an A-La-Carte menu, take-away fish and chips, coffee and the irresistable ice-cream on a hot summers day.

 

 

 

 

Between the two Points, you ride through  natural bush land where you will notice a drop in temperature  and the quietness apart from the bird calls. Be alert whilst riding through here because it is not unusual to have a snake or water dragon cross your path or water birds crossing from one pond to another.

 

 

 

 

On the way down to Wellington Point at this time of the year you will pass beautiful poinciana trees in bloom.

 

 


This colourful specimen is an unknown species of bug sipping nectar from the flower of the red flowering gum tree (Corymbia Ficifolia) which is an native of Western Australia. This is reputedly, one of the most commonly planted ornamental trees in Australia and at the moment is out in bloom and attracting all sorts of bugs and birds.

 

  

If you happen to visit Wellington Point at low tide, you can take advantage of walking out to King Island which can be fun especially if you have the kids with you. At full tide it is a beautiful place to take a refreshing swim in the crystal like waters.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Wellington Point is usually much more windy than Cleveland Point and is a favourite spot for kite and wind  surfing. There are a number of shelters to take advantage of if you are planning on staying for awhile. There is also a cafe where you may purchase coffee, take-aways, cold drinks etc.and also, there is an al fresco area where you can savour your coffee and snack whilst taking in the magical views.

Cleveland Point to Wellington Point

 This concludes the ride from Cleveland Point to Wellington Point.

Useful Information:
Distance: 20 km.
Surface: Mainly paths, a small amount of on road riding.
Bike: Suitable to all bikes
Fitness: Moderately fit.

I use Map my Ride for simplicity and elevation information.
Also
Local maps can be obtained from Redlands City Council

I really appreciate receiving good, constructive and polite comments.



Chers and safe riding,
Jimmy Bee