Year: 2009

Cycling

Rail Trails

by NeilEnnis 11 October 2009 No Comments Shortlink

Rail Trail (1)Rail Trail (2)Rail Trail (3)Rail Trail (4)Rail Trail (5)

A few decades ago there used to be a rail service that operated westwards from Caboolture out over the D’Aguilar range. It’s no longer operational, and some of the track has been ripped up and converted into a “Rail Trail“.

The trail meanders through state forest, and because it was originally built for rail there are no steep inclines (unless you venture off the main trail).

It’s open for hikers, horse riders, and Mountain Bikers.

Motorized vehicles like trailbikes are prohibited (although we did catch a few motor bikes “in the act”).

The Wamuran-D’Aguilar rail trail is beautiful. We’ll definitely be going back soon!

Children, Cycling, Kids, Pine Rivers

Cycling at the Racetrack

by NeilEnnis 11 October 2009 No Comments Shortlink

Cycling at the race-track (2)Cycling at the race-track (1)

The Moreton Bay council organized a cycling morning at Lakeside Raceway this morning.

Between 6.30 and 8.30am cyclists were allowed around the track, and we got a free drink at the end of the morning too.

At first I got a bit frustrated that Lilly was going so slow till I realized she had a flat front tyre. (Silly Neil). So I pumped it up and she flew. When she took the "kids shortcut" that cut out one of the hills, I had trouble keeping up with her.

I think it’s great that the council is organizing things like this. And it was good to see at least one of our local councillors, David Dwyer, out on the track in his bright yellow spandex. Good on ya David!

The second best thing about the ride this morning was being on bitumen and not having to worry about cars.

The best thing was having some fun exercise with the kids.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, buy a bike!

Cycling, History, Pine Rivers

Bikes, Rivers and Old Rum

by NeilEnnis 9 October 2009 No Comments Shortlink

Normanby Distillery (3)Normanby Distillery (2)Normanby Distillery (1)

The site of the old Normanby Rum Distillery on the banks of the South Pine River, behind Westfield, Strathpine.

It was built in the early 1870’s and continually produced rum from 1875 until it closed in 1968.

A boat would steam up the South Pine River, collect the rum, and steam back down to Brisbane (an 80 mile journey by water).

One of the old stills operates at Old Petrie Town historical village, where you can sample the rum every Sunday morning.

 I passed by here this morning while cycling.  I’m really enjoying all the bike tracks and parks in our local area.

History, Postcards

Boeing 314

by NeilEnnis 4 October 2009 No Comments Shortlink

A Postcard from Dan (http://airships.net) in Georgia. Dan is a kindred spirit who loves Ships, Airships Old Aircraft and postcards.

Thanks for the fantastic postcards, Dan. I’ve sent a couple more in reply.

The Boeing 314 aircraft operated between 1938 and 1946 for Pan Am and BOAC. She was nicknamed “The Super Clipper” by Pan Am.

This flying boat took off from and landed on water. She had an operational speed of about 300km/h as she carried 36 overnight, or 68 day passengers in luxury on trans-atlantic (New Yor / Southampton) and trans-pacific (San Francisco / Hong Kong) flights.

The seats could be converted into bunks for overnight accommodation. She also boasted a lounge and dining area, where meals cooked by chefs from four-star hotels were served.

An amazing aircraft, with levels of luxury and style that have not been seen since.

Cycling, History, Lawnton, Pine Rivers

Spitfire Memorial

by NeilEnnis 3 October 2009 4 Comments Shortlink

Spitfire MemorialSpitfire Memorial
Spitfire Memorial

A couple of our boys went to school at Pine Rivers High School in Strathpine.

The high school and surrounding houses are built on what used to be an RAAF air field, used in World War 2. In fact many of the streets in that area are named after WW2 planes – Spitfire Avenue, Lancaster Street, Wirraway Street, etc. And Spitfire Avenue is built on the actual runway of the old airfield. Every time I drive down that street I imagine young pilots revving up the engines on their Spitfires, tearing down the runway, and up into the sky above where I live.

In 1944, a couple of Spitfires collided mid-air over what is now the North Pine Country Markets. These photos show a memorial to Bill Wright and Alan Chandler who died in the collision. I don’t know how old they were, but I’m guessing they weren’t much older than a couple of our own boys today.

I ride past the monument some mornings, and thought I’d pay my respects today.

Who knows, perhaps in some other universe, young Bill and Alan are still flying their Spitfires and enjoying the view?

Regardless, these young men deserve to be remembered.

Children, Cycling, Kids, Lawnton

Exploring with Dad

by NeilEnnis 25 September 2009 3 Comments Shortlink

“Dad, when I get older will you get me a real bike?”

“Sure, Lilly. What sort do you want?”

“One of those cool bikes like what Harrison has with gears?”

“Yeah, why not!”

Lilly did really well today on her pint-sized bike as we went up and down the hills near our house and checked out some of the local parks near the river, including the “secret” park.

“Hey Lilly, I think it’s good this park is secret, don’t you?”

“Yeah, so that means the bogans won’t find it”.

I think “bogans” are on the lowest rung of the social ladder in our kids minds.

Thanks for a great lunchtime bike-ride, Lilly!