Ferndale to Wulkuraka train station

The fog had returned to start another day - just a quick dash of 25 km to Wulkuraka to catch the train into Ipswich and then back into Brisbane.

It was an easy ride, tho I had thought maybe the trail would be in better nick as it was the first section out of Ipswich.  it did turn into a paved bike path not far out of town, tho another couple of pole crossings helped darken my mood a tad...

Was pretty pleased to arrive at the Wulkuraka station about 6 mins before the next train - but then had to wait another 50 mins as that first train never arrived....  but eventually I arrived back in the big smoke and after exiting via Roma St was soon on my way home again.

All in all - a great couple of days cycling - getting out into the countryside and breathing the clean air - checking out the birds and generally cycling along in our beautiful winter weather.

next time I cycle this path it will be with a much reduced load and maybe take a few more days to check out some of the side attractions.  The weather was wonderful, tho chilly at night and certainly am glad I didn't think of camping out...  although Hennie's tyres are 35mm wide, I didn't really find that too much of a hassle - no punctures or handling issues.  I was rather pleased with the way Hennie rolled along, and it was only coming out of the crossings that I really cursed the extra baggage...  so all in all, pretty happy to have cycled the length of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.  maybe by the time I get around to doing this again, the section between Moore and Toogoolawah will be opened.  In fact, am pretty sure it won't be until that section is opened!

Hennie covered in dirt and grass clippings - baptised!

Toogoolawah to Fernvale

A heavy fog created a mystical start, but eventually lifted to reveal another blue sky day.  I had a little bit of trouble finding the start of the trail, but luckily Peter the Ranger saw me wobbling around and rescued me and set me off in the right direction.

Similar sort of countryside - grazing country with cows and horses mooching along the trail.  More gates, more creek crossings to make me grunt whilst pushing Hennie up the path, but the trail was in much better shape and easier to ride along.  I actually met a couple of cyclists for the first time along the trail and even more further along the way.  Had a chat with a couple of the hikers that were part of the Diabetes Walk.  Real coffee and carrot cake were a welcome refreshment in Esk - there are heaps of cafes to chose from, but I stuck with the bakery - always good value...

a much easier day riding, especially the section between Cominya and Fernvale (I had ridden this in 2012 on Nellie - and it certainly has improved since then!)  lost my cool tho at one "gateway" - the gate was locked and the access for bikes was over two wide poles set apart the distance of a front and a back wheel.  This meant lifting the front wheel over the first post, then hauling Hennie up so her front wheel was on the next post, while her back wheel was coming up over the first post - yeah, I guess if you're a young bloke on a mountain bike, this wouldn't be much problem - but I never saw any of those on the trail.  Advised later that these posts are to stop motor bikes - came across another couple of these "crossings" closer to Ipswich and really do wonder at the mentality of thinking these are a good idea.....

The Lowood community has certainly worked hard at getting their section very welcoming!  the entry of the town was lined with a wide variety of thriving native trees and shrubs, already populated with lots of birds - honeyeaters and wrens flitting around beautifully!

it was a much easier 70km travelled today and I was quite surprised just how big a town Fernvale was - even had a Woolies to buy some breakfast supplies and my room at the motel was really comfy too.

Foggy start - think that is a speed limit sign from old railway

another creek crossing

Under the bridge

I wish these bridges were decked & accessible for riding
like the bridges on Central Otago Rail Trail, NZ

Esk Railway Station

Again, the budget spent on cement crossing rather
utilising the existing bridge - :(

Lost my cool right here!!!

Nice place for lunch break

Just maybe - are they going to deck this one??  I hope so!!!

Brisbane River

Yarraman to Toogoolawah

Arrived in Yarraman after the sun had gone down.  The very kind bus driver, dropped me off at the driveway to the Yarraman Caravan Park and Hennie and me struggled up a rather steep driveway - cold muscles after sitting around since 2:30 on train and bus!

The mini cabin was not that mini, but did lack a certain amount of insulation - sound and warmth wise.  but plenty of layers and blankets saw the night pass quickly and a new day dawned, ready for the trail.

The trail heads off quickly into the bush and soon we were rolling along through the typical Aussie bush - the weather was great for cycling - not too hot and not too cold.  The air was clear, the sky was blue - perfect!  The trail meanders alongside the main highway, so although it looks like civilisation is left behind, the murmur of the traffic can clearly be heard...  but better just heard than to be seen or to have to deal with it.

The gradients were easy, but the trail is not smooth and there aren't many places where one can cruise along.  Ever vigilant as this trail is much more suited to mountain bikes with their wide tyres - and really!!  what crazy tourer would be riding thru here with all this gear on!  but Hennie was on trial and so far she was standing up pretty well!

It was certainly varied countryside - the first section was thicker bush with some forestry section where the bell birds nearly deafened me then leading down into open grazing country.  I took the detour from Moore to Toogoolawah thru the stock route and would not advise others - it was really a slow grind along a cow pad, covered with cow pats - I really wished I had zinked the 5km along the highway to Emu Creek Road (20min v almost an hour!)

the creek crossings presented a bit of a problem with a loaded bike - easy going down, but a couple almost impossible to push Hennie up the other side - especially when ballast has been dumped on the track - absolutely no traction for either riding or walking.

so by the time I got into Toogoolawah, 76km of tough riding, I was getting pretty pooped. But after finding the motel and walking to the servo for a veggie burger and chips all was well again!

Mini-cabin Yarraman Caravan Park

Hennie loaded up and very surprised at the terrain!

One of the cement creek crossings

Fettler's Rest - weird sculpture!!

one of the many gates 

Along the Stock route - sans cow pats!

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

this summer weather is just too nice to be sitting inside - and how long will it last?

so let's give Hennie a little work out and try the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

so am off to catch the train to Caboolture and hopefully a bus up to Yarraman, where I will spend the first night in a mini-cabin at the Yarraman Caravan Park...

then off to the south along the Rail Trail - 160km total apparently - staying one night at Toogoolawah and getting into Ipswich Friday night.

Hennie hasn't been on an adventure yet, so this is a trial run with all her kit - a bit of a over-load for a 3 day stint, but I haven't ridden with front panniers before, or with Hennie loaded up, so although this trek will be mostly off road along the trail (there is one section still be completed) it will be a chance to put Hennie thru her paces and see if I have the set up working right before heading off to Tassie in the Spring.

Loaded - and boy is she heavy!!