CYCLING MURRARIE TO SANDGATE, QLD. AUS.
This ride takes you through the following suburbs: Murrarie, Hamilton, Ascot, Hendra, Toombul, Nunda, Northgate, Boondall, Deagon, Shorncliffe , Sandgate and Brighton.
No sooner had we left Murrarie Railway Station, then we had to make a short, sharp climb along Queensport Road until reaching the lights at the junction with Lytton Road. Keeping to the path and crossing onto the overpass lead us to the entrance of the Sir Leo Hilscher Bridge (Gateway Bridge) cycleway.
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| Gateway Bridge |
The Gateway Bridge spans the Brisbane River from Queensport on the south side to Eagle Farm on the north side. As you can see in the above picture, there is quite a climb to the summit of the bridge but if you are reasonably fit and take your time there shouldn't be a problem. The ride down the other side is exhilarating.
I have included the above map because once the northern side of the bridge has been exited, it can be a little tricky navigating your way to the bike way running along Schultz Canal and the Kedron Brook flood way.**
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| Albert Bishop Park, Nundah |
This is where the interesting part of the ride begins. The pathway is wide enough to accommodate both road and hybrid bikes but please, if you are an hybrid rider practise a bit of courtesy and stay on your side of the path and be vigilant of other riders as nothing irritates roadies more and with good reason, a slow bike veering to the wrong side of the path in front of them.
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| Schultz Canal |
Recreational riding is all about enjoying the scenery around you and this ride has plenty to offer. It is the one chance you get to really mix it with nature. Close enough to the hustle and bustle of the city but also far enough away to appreciate the natural calming aspects of the ride.
The Boondall wetlands is home to a whole array of diversified indigenous birds as well as some migratory species which arrive each year to nest and fatten up before heading back to the distant lands of their origin.
When I see a pond of water with a lot of dead wood I wonder what it was that killed these plants.....was it natural or was it used as a chemical residue dump in years past. The birds wading and feeding in the foreground don't seem to mind so it would suggest that whatever it was that caused this damage has over the years self repaired.....to a degree anyway.
If you are into water sports such as sailing, kayaking or perhaps a spot of fishing Shorncliffe is the northern bay side suburb you should be heading for. At weekends, these waterways are packed with people having fun in the sun.
Once you have reached Sandgate you may elect to either turn around and retrace your ride back to Nundah or if you still have the legs you may wish to continue the ride over the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge to the Redcliffe Peninsula, another worthwhile picturesque ride.
** Directions for navigating your way from Gateway Bridge to the bike way: Once you have come off the bridge, ride under the Gateway Motorway turning right into Harvey Street and a quick left into Cullen Avenue before turning right into Links Avenue North running onto the Schneider Road overpass. Just over the overpass, turn sharp left into Terminal Drive/Lamington Avenue, left into Nudgee Road and immediately right into Lancaster Avenue, past the gates leading into Eagle Farm Racecourse, rigt into Kitchener Road/Zillman Road, left into Gellibrand, immediately right into Widdop Street leading under the East West Arterial Road and across Schultz Canal and finally right onto the bikeway.
Useful Information:
Always use a good map or a trusty GPS.
Distance: 37 km.
Surface: Mainly paths but with a small amount of on road riding.
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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