Category: Cycling

Cycling, Pine Rivers

The Bike Monster is gonna get you

by NeilEnnis 2 November 2009 No Comments Shortlink

At the half way point on our 62km cycle around Lake Samsonvale I got an SMS from the kids asking how I was going, so I sent them this pic to let them know I was still alive.

In hindsight, this pic doesn’t say “I’m alive”. More like “I’m the bike monster and I’m going to eat you”. Sorry kids 🙂

Thanks for taking the photo, Steve.

That shirt is a bit bright, isn’t it? And I really need to cut those cable ties off the helmet! The magpies have gone for another year.

The ride itself was hard work. We rode from Petrie, north west to Dayboro, south through Samsonvale to Mount Samson and Yugar, then North East through Draper and Warner home.

The total climb was about 740m or 2,500 feet. That’s the most I’ve ever done in one ride.

I really enjoyed it, but was pretty tired afterwards.

The map below gives you an idea of the route. If you’re interested, here’s a link to Steve’s record of the route which has a nifty little animation that shows you us moving around the map.

Cycling, Places

Cycling 50km for a Beer

by NeilEnnis 25 October 2009 No Comments Shortlink
Riding on the Old Hornibrook Bridge

We rode from Lawnton to Redcliffe and back today. The round trip was about 50km and took us just over 90 minutes each way. Luckily the trip is mostly flat, so once you settle into a rhythm, it’s pretty effortless. (Honestly, it is!). I’m really impressed with the quality of bikeways along the way, and love the way that the old Hornibrook bridge is available for use by pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a beautiful old bridge, a little run down, but as you can see in this photo, it still has a bit of old charm.

Biking Brothers

Four of us rode: My mate Simon from next door, Isaac, Harrison and me. The good thing about cycling is that although it’s hard work at times, you get to have some good conversations with the people you’re riding with. Sometimes one or two people might go ahead for a while, but it was a team effort, so we all tried to stick together.

A hard earned thirst

Lunch at the Woody Point pub was a highlight for me. Cold beer tastes magic when you’ve ridden 25km in the heat beforehand. I’d love to do this ride again!
You can see where we went on the map below. Unfortunately the batteries on my phone ran out halfway on the way back, but we started and finished at the same point so it gives you an idea of the route.

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.

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.