An Autumn Day on the Rail Trail

The fickle weather of Autumn had a full bag of tricks in store for today's ride - 52km from HoneyDale to Fernvale and back.

At morning's dawn the heavens opened and let down a soaking downpour, which delayed my start. Waiting for it to clear meant an extra cup of tea. Eventually pushing off the sky looked uncertain as to whether it would be a clear day ahead.

By the time I reached the beautiful Lockyer Creek bridge a sunny day seemed more certain.  How wrong was I! Just a few kilometers down the trail I felt the gentle sprinkle of rain.  Passing by the Clarendon Dairy, the girls were wandering down from the milking shed.  Some meet me at the rail trail gate and with their gentle kind eyes they seemed to wish me well for the ride ahead.

Coming into Lowood and cruising by the native gardens planted along the trail, I felt a breeze picking up and the skies appear to clear again. Pushing on towards Fernvale the breeze started to stiffen and turned nasty.  I consoled myself with beautiful views of the Brisbane River and the knowledge that the wind would aid me on the way back.

I enjoyed the ride entering Fernvale, skirting around the oval and slipped by the old Uniting Church, which is the second oldest building in the area.

Here I turned around, retracing my steps and eagerly anticipating a quick return. The wind assisted me to Lowood, taking no time at all to cycle past the old railway station, where many cyclists were taking a rest.

I pushed on wanting to make the most of the favourable conditions. However, by the time I started the 4km rise up to Coominya station the wind was only teasing puffs, the sun was again shining and the day was heating up. 

From Coominya the trail now enters bush, it was great to find the shade. Passing by an Orange orchard, I was happy knowing that HoneyDale was now close at hand.

I wanted a long day in the saddle and this was what I got - the 52.5km took 3hours and 45minutes - and more importantly the weather toughened me up.

BVRT - Climbing up the Range

After a late start we arrived at the historic and picturesque village of Linville - to cycle along a very scenic section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. 

From Linville Station the trail climbs up the Blackbutt Range at a steady 3 to 5 degree ascent with magnificent valley views.  Along the way there are a number of steep creek crossings, with lush bush surrounding little rockpools.

The track passes through a variety of scenery, initially travelling through rural landscapes and slopes covered with grass trees. Climbing higher, beside the track lies a small hut, rail worker camps and fettler's rest area.

Upon entering the Benarkin State Forest the bell birds called out as we rode between subtropical rainforest, eucalypt and sections of hoop pine plantations which were established in the 1920s.  From Bernarkin the trail continues climbing onto Blackbutt.   

After a morning of pushing uphill (a total climb of 22km), it was now time to turn around and enjoy a wonderful downhill.