Saturday 22 February 2014

BRIBIE ISLAND, QLD, AUS. Part 2 - BONGAREE to BUCKLEYS HOLE and return to BELLARA

Woorim Beach with Moreton Island in the background

Woorim Beach is the main surfing beach on the island and during weekends and holidays it is extremely popular with day trippers. It is also a magnet to the grey nomads (retirees in caravans and motor homes) as it has everything a retired person could possibly need. Not only that but the fishing is good as well.
 

The coffee must be good here as they tend to drop in by parachute as well.


Being only 19 km. this is the shortest section of the ride, none the less, it is just as picturesque and you get to explore the southern end of the island.

An old Leopard tank
As we passed the RSL (Returned Soldiers League) I was compelled to take the above photograph as it was the first Leopard Tank I had come across used as a memorial. RSLs usually make visitors welcome so if you have worked up a thirst by this stage, this may be the place to sate it. I don't usually advocate the use of alcohol to rehydrate but in this case with only a few kilometres left to ride, I don't think a Schooner of beer is going to worry you that much.


Buckley's Hole is on the south western corner of the island. To learn more please open the following link  http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/bribie-island/pdf/bribie-isl-vis-guide.pdf




We rode as far as we could into the conservation park and walked the rest to Red Beach which is on the south western corner of the island. Looking left and then right I was greeted with  a beautiful strip of pristine sand. Lapping this beach was sea water displaying an array of blues and greens synonymous with colours only found in jewels such as emeralds, aquamarine, tourmaline and Sapphire. This was truly a magical moment.
 
 
Our ride on Bribie Island was coming to a close as we rode back along the western side of the island to where we had the truck parked. As we passed the entrance to the bridge spanning the channel to the mainland I couldn't help but notice how narrow it was. There was barely enough room to ride across, that alone trying to pass another cyclist coming in the opposite direction, except, for a couple of passing bays. It was particularly testing when being passed by a large van in the vehicle lane, as it had the effect of creating a cross wind which made it more difficult keeping the bike in a straight line.
This was accentuated when you realise that your centre of balance was equal with or a little higher than the railing. Things became more interesting when a cyclist was coming across in the opposite direction and we were both in between the passing bays. I can tell you, it was a tight squeeze, with us stopping and hugging the rail and the other cyclist raising the bike above his head to squeeze past. If you cross the bridge by bike and want to return then you have to repeat the performance. We not only crossed over once but also made the return journey......just to prove a point. I would not recommend this if you only ride occasionally.
 

Useful Information:
Always use a good map or a trusty GPS.
Distance: 19km.
Surface: Sealed
Bike: Suitable to all bikes
Fitness: This is not a difficult ride.

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

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