tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76870432012-01-27T12:31:03.571+10:00Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.comBlogger6711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-70005789089713112392012-01-27T10:57:00.000+10:002012-01-27T12:31:03.594+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/australia-day-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6768338419/" title="Camp Mountain Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6768338419_8e994847f8_z.jpg" width="640" height="357" alt="Camp Mountain Lookout"></a><br /><br />Australia Day this year was an ideal opportunity for me to get out of the house after all the rain rain and take a nice long ride on the bike to think about what this country means to me.</p><br /><p>On the way, I got to enjoy some great trails at Bunyaville, Ironbark, Camp Mountain, D’Aguilar National Park, Samford Pony Trails and finally, Clear Mountain. I stuck to fire trails, so most of the ride was ok despite the recent rain.</p><br /><p>It was great to meet up with my mate <a href="http://grahamsvariedadventures.blogspot.com/">Graham </a>who was riding with Jack along the Lanita Road Rail Trail. While I was there, I took a few minutes out to find a <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=7eeef591-b958-4c40-bb40-926ddae71118">Geocache </a>that was just a few metres off the track. If you like exploring, and the thrill of a treasure hunt, you might really enjoy <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/guide/default.aspx">Geocaching</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6768399693/" title="Before the Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6768399693_f30b487ece_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Before the Climb"></a><br /><br />The steep climb up the short side of Camp Mountain is always hard work. The wet ground was softer than usual which made it even harder. I took a quick break before starting the climb to catch my breath and appreciate the beauty of the place.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6768339647/" title="Camp Mountain Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6768339647_3464439788_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Camp Mountain Lookout"></a><br /><br />14 minutes later I was at the top gasping for breath, and feeling slightly smug that I’d nailed the hill. Even though my time was almost double the fastest time anyone has done that climb. Legend has it that someone did it in about seven minutes. </p><br /><p>The views out to Brisbane were spectacular.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6768334545/" title="Camp Mountain Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6768334545_bd46c91ec4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Camp Mountain Lookout"></a><br /><br />There are some great views out to Moreton Island as well.</p><br /><p>From there, the plan was to head up to Scrub Road and spend a while down in D’Aguilar National Park before heading home via Mt Nebo.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6768335913/" title="Mike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6768335913_aafefe404d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mike"></a><br /><br />But I met Mike instead. He had two flat tyres, and only one spare tube. My big fat spare tubes wouldn’t have been much help to him, but I did have a patch kit, so I stopped and help him patch up his tubes. Since I’m not very fast at on-the-run repairs, this chewed up a bit more time than I planned, so I abandoned my plans for Scrub Road and just followed the bitumen to Mt Nebo instead.</p><br /><p>From there it was a quick run down the Goat Track where I met Brock, a mountain biker who is lucky enough to live in Mount Nebo. The Goat Track is looking pretty rough at the moment. The rain has worn a lot of ruts in the track and some of the precipitous edges are looking dangerously soft.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6768336633/" title="Freshwater / Keelback Snake by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6768336633_ab42840092.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Freshwater / Keelback Snake"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6768336427/" title="Freshwater / Keelback Snake by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6768336427_23d78d63be.jpg" width="320" height="240"alt="Freshwater / Keelback Snake"></a><br /><br />Rather than head into Samford, I followed the Pony Trails up to Gibbons Road, and came across this little Keelback (or Freshwater) snake chilling out in a puddle. They’re not venomous, but one really cool thing about them is that they eat cane toads. Unfortunately they like living around creeks and swamps, which land developers seem to enjoy clearing. Interesting to think that Land Developers and Cane Toads are on the same side <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p>So on Australia Day, I am grateful. This place is beautiful. We have some spectacular scenery and amazing animals. And the people are great. I can stop by the side of the road and say “G’day” to people I’ve never met before and become friends right away. And I won’t even start on how good our health and education systems are (even though we complain about their shortcomings).</p><br /><p>We’re still the lucky country.</p><br /><p>But on Australia Day I’m also uneasy. I think about what we’ve lost, and what we’re losing. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be an indigenous Australian and slowly watch my country taken away from me, with forests cleared, animals forced to the brink of extinction, huge quarries and open cut mines, and a massive increase in population.</p><br /><p>I don’t have any easy answers, but I intend to keep on exploring it and enjoying it.</p><br /><p>And I hope we can fully appreciate what we have, and care for it.</p><br /><p>All up, this was a 75km ride, with about 1,450m of ascent, and about 4,300kcal of energy. I started running short of water near Mt Nebo, so next time I plan to take some water purifying tablets to make it easier to take on extra water at the emergency tanks in the forest, or in some of the cleaner creeks. Next time I hope to do a similar route, but add in Scrub Road.</p><br /><p>This one deserves 9 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter because of the distance, and the tough slog up Camp Mountain in the soggy, strength-sapping dirt.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/144674281'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7000578908971311239?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-11746838140564052862012-01-22T10:28:00.000+10:002012-01-22T12:30:52.517+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/taylors-break-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738935005/" title="Cabbage Tree Range Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6738935005_7b33e5a8cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cabbage Tree Range Road"></a><br /><br />I enjoyed last <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/taylors-break/">week’s solo ride down Taylors Break</a> in D’Aguilar National Park, so I wanted to share it with a few friends. About 20 of us set off from Samford, following the Pony Trails to the bottom of Mount Nebo.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738921283/" title="At the summit by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6738921283_2141d4d947_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="At the summit"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738922339/" title="At the summit by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6738922339_b89682f0bf_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="At the summit"></a><br /><br />The ride consisted of two big 500m climbs. The first one was up the Goat Track, then along a fire trail to the <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-nebo-2/">Lookout at the Summit of Mount Nebo</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738924597/" title="Andrew chills out by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6738924597_a1227ff045_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Andrew chills out"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738927003/" title="Does it bite? by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6738927003_6ba747a9ba_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Does it bite?"></a><br /><br />From the summit we followed Hammermeister Road to the top of Taylors Break. But before starting that steep descent, a few riders took a detour into town to get some more water (it was a hot humid day), while the rest of us lazed around in the shade catching out breath.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738928719/" title="I'm ok by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6738928719_1e00d931ce_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="I'm ok"></a><br /><br />Taylors Break is a lot of fun to ride down. The narrow track flows beautifully as it goes down the mountain. Unfortunately, towards the bottom it gets steep and slippery. Darb took a jump into the air over one of the water bars. While he was in the air, a stick went through his front spokes. As he hit the ground his front wheel slid out from under him, and he ended up on the ground. It looked painful, but Darb’s made of tough stuff, and after a few minutes he was ok and ready to keep going.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738930991/" title="Steep Descent by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6738930991_fa19a33b84_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Steep Descent"></a><br /><br />Tim approaches one of the steep sections of the track. Once you go over the edge, it’s pretty much a controlled skid to the bottom. There’s no stopping – you just have to keep your front wheel straight and try to stay on the bike.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738932889/" title="Caught with his pants down by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6738932889_1f4c2365fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Caught with his pants down"></a><br /><br />Andrew also had a crash on the way down, and suffered a nasty bruise on his thigh (that photo is censored). He decided to strip off and wash his injuries in the creek at the bottom of the descent. Unfortunately, while he had all his gear off, Becca came round the corner. Both of them got a nasty fright, and poor Andrew had to hastily get his gear back on. </p><br /><p>There are lots of inviting, quiet creeks like this down the bottom end of D’Aguilar National Park.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738935005/" title="Cabbage Tree Range Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6738935005_7b33e5a8cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cabbage Tree Range Road"></a><br /><br />Once we reached the bottom, there was no way to go but up. Cabbage Tree Range Road was the second major climb of the ride, also rising about 500m. It takes about an hour to climb, and by the time we got to the top we were all feeling pretty tired…<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738943307/" title="Tim by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6738943307_db4a4aa0b3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Tim"></a><br /><br />…except for Tim who (amazingly) rode the whole climb in middle ring. For those who don’t ride mountain bikes, it has three cogs on the front to make riding easier: A big ring for going fast on roads, a middle ring for moderate terrain that requires a bit of effort, and a small (“granny”) ring for steep hills and narrow winding technical sections. It takes a lot of strength to nail a long steep climb like this using the middle ring.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738937565/" title="Brian makes it to the top by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6738937565_75e7f2c133_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Brian makes it to the top"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738936045/" title="Russel makes it to the top by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6738936045_eef8b1a528_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Russel makes it to the top"></a><br /><br />Tim had a long wait while the rest of us mere mortals completed the climb.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738938867/" title="Brian under the tap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6738938867_eed3839a34_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brian under the tap"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738940581/" title="Becca under the tap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6738940581_7b27833b60_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Becca under the tap"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738941735/" title="Darb and Geoff by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6738941735_44d56fcd35_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Darb and Geoff"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738942547/" title="Chilling by the water tank by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6738942547_09c2ced5ba_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chilling by the water tank"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738943991/" title="Neil B by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6738943991_268324d36f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Neil B"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6738945739/" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6738945739_81266dbc82_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />The best thing about the climb up Cabbage Tree Range Road is the water tower at the top. Most of us had a delightful soak under the tap to cool off.</p><br /><p>Adam took some great photos as well which you can view <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117286500630718403485/NeboTaylors_21Jan2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCPeD_pqayqnWcw#">here</a>.<br /><br />Andrew also took some great photos which you can view <a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2012-01-21_NeboTaylorsBreak/?albumview=slideshow">here</a>.</p><br /><p>The ride was 52km with about 1,500m of vertical ascent. I burned up about 3,600 kcal. Because of the heat and humidity I rate it 9.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Thanks so much to everyone who came on the ride. It’s a lot of fun being able to do rides like this in a group. Everyone had to work really hard. Some people were totally exhausted by the end. I think everyone enjoyed themselves.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/143273848'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1174683814056405286?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-67144403354275821052012-01-14T21:24:00.000+10:002012-01-14T22:31:03.926+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/booloumba-falls/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694260495/" title="Booloumba Falls by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6694260495_4a4378297d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Booloumba Falls"></a><br /><br />Booloumba Falls is a beautiful place in the state forest near Kenilworth, about 90 minutes drive north-west of Brisbane in the Conondale Ranges. Today I visted there with seven friends from MTBDirt.com as part of a ride organized by Eric.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694263739/" title="Pedro by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6694263739_9fec0bc0a9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pedro"></a><br /><br />We started the ride from Charlie Moreland Camping Ground, near Cambroon, and immediately started a long 12km climb which lifted us about 500m into the state forest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694265035/" title="Geoff by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6694265035_3a2e5d9e50_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Geoff"></a><br /><br />Because we had people of variety of different abilities in the group, including some seasoned mountain bike racers, we stopped regularly to allow everyone to regroup. This way no one got left behind, and everyone had a fun ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694266067/" title="Ron by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6694266067_a6e1aa27b4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Ron"></a><br /><br />Eric warned us that the initial climb would be a long one, which we were all prepared for. But I don’t think we fully understood what he meant when he talked about a few “negative downhills” which made us work a bit harder as the terrain continued upwards and downwards as we rode along the ridgeline of the range.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694264645/" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6694264645_cf6446ea26_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />We had to cross creeks half a dozen times or more. Some of them were over causeways like this one, but some were wet fords which meant we had to keep our wits about us to make sure we didn’t get our feet wet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694259563/" title="It's Cold! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6694259563_22f36b9379_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="It's Cold!"></a><br /><br />The falls themselves were really enjoyable. We parked our bikes at the top of the hill, trudged a few hundred hot and sweatty metres through the bush, then jumped into a freezing cold pool under a waterfall.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694258581/" title="Natural Jacuzzi by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6694258581_18c55fbed1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Natural Jacuzzi"></a><br /><br />Some of us enjoyed a natural “jacuzzi” made by water splashing in a rock pool above the falls.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694261513/" title="Murray by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6694261513_281386ddaf_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Murray"></a><br /><br />Some of us just chilled out on the edge of the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694262681/" title="Booloumba Falls Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6694262681_07949f9f8c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Booloumba Falls Lookout"></a><br /><br />The falls are up quite high (around 600m above sea level), so there are great views of the surrounding mountains.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6694257755/" title="Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6694257755_56d39032d8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lookout"></a><br /><br />It was a great day, with some really impressive scenery, and fun company. Eric and his wife Berny looked after us really well, providing a support vehicle, cold drinks, and home cooked food. This was a tough ride, but it was fun because of their care, and the great company of an awesome bunch of friends.</p><br /><p>This ride was just under 40km with a moving time of just under 3 hours, and about 3,500 kcal. If you’re doing it by yourself without a support vehicle, I’d rate it 9.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. If you’re lucky enough to have a support vehicle, and friends like Eric and Berny, the ride is still hard, but I’d rate it 8.5.</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6714440335427582105?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-32643462825493081252012-01-11T21:35:00.000+10:002012-01-11T22:30:59.893+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/taylors-break/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6678241405/" title="Taylors Break by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6678241405_7b92e82b1b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Taylors Break"></a><br /><br />The heat and humidity in Brisbane has been intense over the last few days, so I thought I’d escape the intensity by heading up into the mountains to my favourite place – D’Aguilar National Park. Today I wanted to try something a bit different, so I decided to have a go riding down Taylors Break. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6678242857/" title="Taylors Break by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6678242857_e2efd6e803_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Taylors Break"></a><br /><br />Taylors break is a narrow winding track that heads down the other side of the Mountain Range starting at Forestry Road and ending at Branch Creek.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6678239333/" title="Taylors Break by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6678239333_5ee0189102_z.jpg" width="640" height="327" alt="Taylors Break"></a><br /><br />It starts pleasantly, covered with thick forest, opening up into great views. But as you get further along the track it gets steeper and rockier. Some places are really difficult to even walk down without sliding. Since I was travelling alone, I decided not to take risks, and walked the bike down a couple of the really steep rocky bits.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6678240191/" title="Dundas Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6678240191_558b243b0f_z.jpg" width="640" height="352" alt="Dundas Road"></a><br /><br />Once I arrived at the bottom I faced a tough climb up Cabbage Tree Range Road, which ascends almost 500m in just under 7km to Dundas Road. Today it only took me 57 minutes, which is my best effort. As a reward, I shed my jersey, stuck my head under the tap on the water tank and let the water cool me down. I then stood in the breeze like a maniac and enjoyed its delicious coolness. Thankfully no one was watching <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p>It was only 25km, but I climbed just under 1,000m on a day with a maximum temperature of 37C. It was hard work, plus the descent was quite tricky. I’ll give it 9 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. Deduct 1 if you’re doing it in the cooler months. </p><br /><p>The cool shower under the Dundas Road water tower ranks as one of those things you must do to appreciate how wonderful it feels.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/140752317'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3264346282549308125?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-16676846220472329462012-01-06T19:43:00.000+10:002012-01-06T20:30:53.130+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mt-nebo-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645811337/" title="Lanita Road Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6645811337_fafdab18c8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lanita Road Rail Trail"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645812677/" title="Lanita Road Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6645812677_c681bbf7e3_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Lanita Road Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645813781/" title="Lanita Road Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6645813781_1cc7975aee_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Lanita Road Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645815087/" title="Lanita Road Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6645815087_267c69a000_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Lanita Road Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645815577/" title="Lanita Road Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6645815577_a5cbe4b62d_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Lanita Road Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645816249/" title="Lanita Road Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6645816249_bb81fd4970_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Lanita Road Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645816897/" title="Lanita Road Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6645816897_6f97635ca1_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Lanita Road Rail Trail"></a></p><br /><p>A few days ago I went to the MTBDirt.com website and asked if anyone would like to come on a ride today from Ferny Grove to Mount Nebo. This morning, 14 of us set off along the Lanita Road Rail Trail on our way to Mount Nebo.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645817555/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6645817555_903de64d1f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645818825/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6645818825_5f5a7233ef_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645819479/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6645819479_3bc637fbb0_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645820873/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6645820873_eaf17ae746_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645821767/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6645821767_4b80a14a4d_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645822545/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6645822545_c8410cc777_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645822989/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6645822989_bc102aecb5_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645823659/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6645823659_75e9bb5481_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645825831/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6645825831_d0002367b1_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645826495/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6645826495_29061f0802_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645827213/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6645827213_bf9b371322_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645830615/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6645830615_ee49184e45_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645831475/" title="Poiny Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6645831475_57d77c7eab_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Poiny Trails"></a></p><br /><p>Rather than just head straight for Mount Nebo, we explored some of the many pony trails that meander around Samford Valley. They’re a bit like a blend between fire trails and country lanes, with a few rocky pinch climbs, and even one or two horses. For small distances they’re really pleasant and a lot of fun. But at the end of a long ride, or over large distances they can be quite tiring, so the trick is to use them early in the ride, and to not over-do it.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645828217/" title="Maintenance on the Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6645828217_edf4d735a3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Maintenance on the Trail"></a></p><br /><p>In a large group of people, it’s always a possibility that something will break (like it did today) so we made sure that there were plenty of opportunities for everyone to stop, have a break, and make sure everything on the bike was running smoothly.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645832233/" title="Yuck! Mud! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6645832233_d83781ae73.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Yuck! Mud!"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645833189/" title="Yuck! Mud! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6645833189_10485cdac4.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Yuck! Mud!"></a></p><br /><p>We also had to slow down for obstacles like creek crossings and deceptively deep mud puddles.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645840121/" title="Tough Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6645840121_ace21f3e2f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Tough Climb"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645834333/" title="Tough Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6645834333_09fe2e41a4_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Tough Climb"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645837475/" title="Tough Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6645837475_698e39cb06_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Tough Climb"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645839499/" title="Tough Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6645839499_3db8cc0e8d_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Tough Climb"></a></p><br /><p>Climbing the Goat Track was a challenge for a large group. Everyone has different climbing ability, and some people had to work really hard to complete the climb. We had a rest at the top of the climb to let everyone recover. The most inspiring performances aren’t from people who break world records, but from those who persevere at the boundaries of their ability…. and don’t give up. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645840831/" title="Boombanas Cafe by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6645840831_3f5478bf9b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Boombanas Cafe"></a></p><br /><p>We stopped at Boombana’s Cafe at the top for a break and a bite to eat.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645844397/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6645844397_a89fc56403_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645845555/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6645845555_efefb09c74_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645846891/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6645846891_e1e966a287_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645847771/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6645847771_291d2b5a5b_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645848523/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6645848523_72c9329147_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645849745/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6645849745_2d2fd6d779_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645850887/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6645850887_0a4ed28b9e_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645851579/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6645851579_736204b163_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645852179/" title="Goat Track Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6645852179_70a9b2019f_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Goat Track Downhill"></a></p><br /><p>We then had a quick downhill run down the Goat Track. It’s much easier to go down that to climb up <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645854399/" title="Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6645854399_1c37fa226e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rail Trail"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645854993/" title="Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6645854993_7c6ccf270a_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645855915/" title="Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6645855915_3555bb920e_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6645856937/" title="Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6645856937_c01d22bbc6_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Rail Trail"></a></p><br /><p>After a quick roll along the bitumen, we headed back along another part of the Rail Trail which is now used as a cow paddock.</p><br /><p>We rode about 50km with about 1,250m of vertical ascent.</p><br /><p>I started from home in Lawnton, so all up I rode about 85km with 1,380m vertical ascent.</p><br /><p>No tough-o-meter today. The ride was different for each person. Some found it more difficult than others. What impressed me was that everyone was patient, and we all rode together. It was a great day with some great people.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/139225751'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1667684622047232946?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-89349588324470933122012-01-04T10:38:00.000+10:002012-01-04T12:30:52.113+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/blackbutt-revisited/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631391665/" title="Radnor Hotel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6631391665_ece2793398_z.jpg" width="640" height="229" alt="Radnor Hotel"></a><br /><br />I’ve ridden the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) a <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/blackbutt/">few</a> <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/up-and-down-the-mountain/">times</a>, but this time I did it with Josh and 11 year old Harrison. We wanted it to be a bit of of an adventure, so we decided to take a change of clothes with us, and stay overnight at Blackbutt before riding back down the next day.</p><br /><p>We left the car at Linville and headed up the Rail Trail in the early afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631384559/" title="Missing Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6631384559_bedb5fd577_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Missing Bridge"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631383203/" title="Missing Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6631383203_328a8a58d7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Missing Bridge"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631381473/" title="Missing Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6631381473_af91ff936f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Missing Bridge"></a><br /><br />For the most part, the trail is really easy, with a gentle climb that would have been flat enough for a heavily laden locomotive to go up. But the bridges have been removed, so when we came to creek crossings, there were a few fun descents into the creek bed, followed by a wild scramble up the other side.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631386243/" title="BVRT Gates by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6631386243_7117edd751_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="BVRT Gates"></a><br /><br />The trail runs through several cattle properties, which means there are many gates to open and close. We worked out a system where one of us would ride ahead, and open the gate so the others could roll through without having to hop off the bikes.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631379577/" title="Grass Trees by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6631379577_41a418b809_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Grass Trees"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631397883/" title="Grass Trees by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6631397883_ce4cf91b2d_z.jpg" width="640" height="151" alt="Grass Trees"></a><br /><br />The hillsides around Linville are covered with Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea). These slow growing plants only grow about 1cm per year. Some of them are 3 or 4 metres high, so we guessed they were probably hundreds of years old.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631393455/" title="Benarkin Bora Ring by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6631393455_de2b9c8ea5_z.jpg" width="640" height="241" alt="Benarkin Bora Ring"></a><br /><br />Towards the top of the range, the rolling cattle properties give way to state forest, thick with Hoop Pines and Eucalytpus. In the middle of the Hoop Pine plantation we found this old Aboriginal Bora Ring. It’s still possible to make out the raised mound of earth encircling the ring. Areas like this were an important part of indigenous ceremonies.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631387371/" title="Pool by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6631387371_e6dd966b19_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pool"></a><br /><br />After a hard ride up the hill, we stopped at the Radnor Hotel – the Blackbutt Pub for a game of pool and a great dinner. The pub was built in 1912, and is probably the only pub in Queensland that still has rings on the posts outside so you can tie your horses up. (That’s the pub in the photo at the top of this article).</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631391219/" title="Back Roads by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6631391219_8c4661f467_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Back Roads"></a><br /><br />We stayed the night at the Edelweiss bed and breakfast. It’s 4km out of town, but we were able to get from the B&B back to the trail by following mostly gravel roads, which is much nicer than bitumen.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6631389557/" title="Hanes Kite Millar Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6631389557_2a6209c56a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hanes Kite Millar Road"></a><br /><br />On the way back, rather than just retrace our steps down the hill, we followed some forestry roads out the back of Blackbutt. One of these, Haynes Kite Millar Road, has some long descents which are a lot of fun to ride down on the bikes.</p><br /><p>All up this was about 60km with 600m vertical ascent. I thought it was a pleasant, easy ride suitable for beginner – intermediate riders. It’s a great location for a social ride. I’m giving this one 5.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>P.S. One bit of advice about overnight rides: Travel light, take it easy, and if you don’t feel like carrying a tent, food, cooking gear and a sleeping bag, stay at a pub or B&B <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/138511194'></iframe><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/138511193'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8934958832447093312?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-73196301962621753202011-12-28T22:31:00.000+10:002011-12-29T00:30:58.127+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/southside-epic/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587336907/" title="Eastern Escarpment by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6587336907_4c2652c476_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Eastern Escarpment"></a><br /><br />My friend Derek organized a ride today with about 25 riders from MTBDirt.com to check out some of the great mountain bike tracks on the South Side of Brisbane.</p><br /><p>That sounds so easy to say, but what needs to be said is that he spent almost two months planning the ride. His wonderful wife, Michelle, got up well before dawn to prepare food and drinks for the riders, spent most of the day driving around delivering it, and then got back home in time to cook up a delicious BBQ for everyone.</p><br /><p>How often do you get to go on such a well organized and provisioned ride like that?</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587348067/" title="Daisy Hill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6587348067_03043a886c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Daisy Hill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587349329/" title="Daisy Hill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6587349329_16dcf27a7b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Daisy Hill"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587346591/" title="Daisy Hill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6587346591_9353ba29a3_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Daisy Hill"></a><br /><br />Our first stop was Daisy Hill – a large conservation park riddled with twisty single-track. I don’t mind single-track, but usually take it at my own speed – if you’re not careful it’s easy to crash, or hit your bar-ends on a tree trunk. But I found riding in a large group more challenging because I tried to keep up with the riders in front of me, while making sure I wasn’t going too slow for the people behind. The quicker pace made it a much more intense and exciting ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587345661/" title="Cornubia by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6587345661_e96a5c53f3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cornubia"></a><br /><br />From Daisy Hill it’s not far to Cornubia. The tracks here are amazing. Built onto steep hill sides, the narrow tracks twist over the contours of the slopes through lush rainforest. It’s a tough ride, but well worth the effort.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587344413/" title="Bayview by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6587344413_cfd8ec314b.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Bayview"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587343007/" title="Bayview by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6587343007_12e1b4a218.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Bayview"></a><br /><br />Then it was on to Bayview with tight tracks winding through closely packed she-oaks, with a gradual rocky climb up to the summit with great views to the south and west.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587341721/" title="Lunch at Half-Way by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6587341721_250c3c8386_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lunch at Half-Way"></a><br /><br />Derek’s wife Michelle provided food and drinks for us when we arrived at Mount Cotton – the half-way point.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587338051/" title=""Granny Ring Challenge" - Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6587338051_e7533a70f8_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt=""Granny Ring Challenge" - Jason"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587340527/" title=""Granny Ring Challenge" - Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6587340527_c59b137219_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt=""Granny Ring Challenge" - Jason"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587339125/" title=""Granny Ring Challenge" - Jim by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6587339125_3bd7eb702e_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt=""Granny Ring Challenge" - Jim"></a><br /><br />The climb up to the summit of Mount Cotton is quite steep, but it has some fantastic views. While we were catching our breath at the top, Derek asked who wanted to compete in the “Granny Ring Challenge” – a gruelling contest which basically involved riding to the botton of a very steep hill, then turning around and riding back up. Most people laughed or muttered abuse, but Jim and Jason fronted up and gave it a go… and they made it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587336325/" title="The Big Drop by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6587336325_8debe9c51f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Big Drop"></a><br /><br />The last bit of the ride was in a forest reserve on the site of an old World War 2 rifle range in Cleveland. It’s all overgrown now, but has some fun drop-offs and creek crossings.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6587334735/" title="Back Yard Pump Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6587334735_726353c06f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Back Yard Pump Track"></a><br /><br />After about 9 hours, we made it back to Derek’s place, where he showed off the pump track that he has built in his back yard. The basic idea of a pump track is to roll around it without pedalling, gaining momentum by pumping the bike up and down as you roll over the humps.</p><br /><p>We rode over 80km with almost five and a half hours moving time, climbing a total of about 1,500 metres. I burned about 4,500 kcal, consumed about 6 litres of water, 1.5 litres of sports drink, 3 chocolate bars, one meat pie, half a litre of fruit juice, and a load of fruit. The mid-summer weather, the distance, and the ascent made this a tough ride.</p><br /><p>I’m giving it 9.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter, with five stars for the organization and hospitality shown to us by Derek and Michelle. Thanks guys!</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/136930855'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7319630196262175320?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-32325351796280752122011-12-23T17:08:00.000+10:002011-12-23T18:30:48.367+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/heroes/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>The loop along <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/joyners-ridge/" target="_blank">Joyners Ridge Road, Goodes Road, up to Dundas Road</a> is steep. I love the challenge of putting in maximum effort climbing Goodes Road, and making it to the top knowing that I nailed that 5km steep climb.</p><br /><p>Today I took a couple of my friends, Simon and Tim, with me. Like me, they also found it hard work, but they didn’t give in, and we all made it back in one piece.</p><br /><p>The derailleur on Tim’s front chain rings stopped working, so he didn’t have “granny gear” to make the big climbs. He had to do most of the ride in middle ring, which is really difficult in hilly terrain. </p><br /><p>Simon had agreed to come on the ride not knowing what it was going to be like, so he did it trusting in me that it would be ok. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6557979389/" title="Goodes Road - Simon by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6557979389_cb6674613f.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Goodes Road - Simon"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6557980537/" title="Goodes Road - Tim by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6557980537_4a72ee5550.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Goodes Road - Tim"></a><br /><br />So I really admire these two guys for putting in a really gutsy effort on what was a tough ride.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6557981011/" title="Tim Cools Off by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6557981011_4e79b44bb3.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Tim Cools Off"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6557981899/" title="Cleaning Up by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6557981899_8cf3d7f2c1.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Cleaning Up"></a><br /><br />By the time we got back up to Dundas Road water tank, Tim felt like freshening up, so he lay on the ground under the tap, and turned it on full-blast. The only problem was this made the ground under him muddy, and he ended up getting covered in dirt – so Simon had to help clean him up.</p><br /><p>Simon and Tim deserve the title of “Hero” for persevering on a tough task (like today’s ride), even though it sometimes demands more effort than we think is possible.</p><br /><p>Well done guys!</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/135908061'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3232535179628075212?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-73812834472972647942011-12-13T18:00:00.000+10:002011-12-13T18:31:00.337+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/wooroi/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503950271/" title=""Bloodwood" Track, Wooroi by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6503950271_2c078220ed_b.jpg" width="800" height="121" alt=""Bloodwood" Track, Wooroi"></a><br /><br />I didn’t realize you could ride 40km from Coolum to Tewantin on dirt tracks. Today Murray proved to me that it was indeed possible, and that the tracks were a lot of fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503920619/" title="Doonan Bridge Road North by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6503920619_faba2815f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Doonan Bridge Road North"></a><br /><br />After following the tracks along Stumers Creek and behind Emu Mountain, we eventually came to Doonan Bridge Road North. Last time I was here, this “road” was just several kilometres of mud and flood waters. Today it was a quiet dirt trail with lots of shade and no traffic except for a few goannas.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503927745/" title="Garbage Bag Boots by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6503927745_ee6c06ebd4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Garbage Bag Boots"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503930737/" title="Garbage Bag Boots by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6503930737_149efa6ed9_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Garbage Bag Boots"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503933669/" title="Garbage Bag Boots by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6503933669_19a038810c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Garbage Bag Boots"></a><br /><br />At one stage our path crossed the Sunshine Motorway. But rather than going across the motorway, we went under it, via a storm water drain. The only problem was the drain was full of ankle deep mud. As most people who have ridden with me before will attest, I hate getting my feet wet, so I used a couple of garbage bags (which I always carry) to make a couple of waterproof coverings for my legs. This let me wade through the mud and get out the other side relatively dry.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503937653/" title="Old Hollets Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6503937653_6a9040a357_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Old Hollets Road"></a><br /><br />After riding some single tracks through some beautiful forests, and feeling like a couple of ten year old kids mucking around, we eventually had to cross the motorway again, this time via a more user friendly tunnel that was actually intended for walkers and cyclists. Thank you Sunshine Coast council!</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503943145/" title=""Weetbix" Wooroi by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6503943145_bb2d6231df_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt=""Weetbix" Wooroi"></a><br /><br />After about 30km of dirt tracks we arrived at Wooroi State Forest, Tewantin, which is full of beautiful flowing single tracks through lush rainforests that feel like something out of “Jurassic Park”. This forest is very popular with mountain bikers and has dozens of different tracks to suit riders of all different abilities.</p><br /><p>The track that impressed me most was “Bloodwood” – a winding hilly trail through ferns and creek crossings, which gets its name from a couple of huge Bloodwood Tree Trunks that are laying down next o the track. I didn’t get a chance to photograph them because I was too busy grinning and yelling out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503953145/" title="Waybe National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6503953145_d79d88fec5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Waybe National Park"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6503955301/" title="Weyba National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6503955301_9c36192f51_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Weyba National Park"></a><br /><br />After rolling through the ritzy avenues of Noosa, we eventually made our way back off-road on the eastern side of Lake Weyba. While there’s not much climbing here the tracks are really difficult because of all the sand. So even a relatively easy slope becomes almost impossible to ride. It’s really easy for your front tyre to slide out as you ride along, and for your back wheel to spin in the sand and soak up all your power. I found the best way to handle this was to keep my weight back as far as possible, to keep the bars as straight as I could, and to go as fast as I could. </p><br /><p>The white sand looks nice, but it acts like a mirror, so in mid-summer it reflects the heat back into your face. This was probably the most difficult part of the ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6504040835/" title="Lake Weyba by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6504040835_af8deeb091_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lake Weyba"></a><br /><br />I loved the views out to Lake Weyba (pronounced “Why ba”).</p><br /><p>All up 65km with a total moving time of four and a quarter hours, with total ascent of about 500m. I burned about 3,500 kcal. It scores 8 out of 10 in the tough-o-meter. In winter I’d give it 7.</p><br /><p>Thanks once again, Murray, for showing me around your home trails. I had a great time.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/134280971'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7381283447297264794?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-18962749057915021372011-12-11T16:00:00.000+10:002011-12-11T16:30:52.751+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/point-glorious/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490819595/" title="Point Glorious Panorama by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6490819595_17f2ff3fe4_b.jpg" width="800" height="148" alt="Point Glorious Panorama"></a><br /><br />Last year I rode from Coolum to Point Glorious. Unfortunately at that time the weather was terrible, and I didn’t get to enjoy much of a view.</p><br /><p>Today the views were spectacular. We were lucky to have blue skies and cool temperatures despite the gloomy weather predictions to the contrary.</p><br /><p>Eric, Murray and I started at Yandina and headed up the Blackall Range towards Cooloolabin Dam. Not long out of Yandina, we found the trail head, and took off happily into Mapleton State Forest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490718965/" title="No. THAT Way! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6490718965_67071ef8bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="No. THAT Way!"></a><br /><br />The only problem was we didn’t have a GPS plot, so we had to rely on old-fashioned map-reading and a bit of “dead reckoning”.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490733907/" title="Forest Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6490733907_4bfba2711a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Forest Track"></a><br /><br />Thankfully, that strategy paid off, and I’m grateful to Murray for having the foresight to pack a map of our ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490746445/" title="I think I can by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6490746445_e3a4c168d6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="I think I can"></a><br /><br />The forest is steep in parts. We had to work pretty hard at the start to get up the rocky paths. Thankfully that meant later on in the trip we would have some fun descents.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490756389/" title="Cooloolabin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6490756389_d0b50beaf0.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Cooloolabin"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490766465/" title="Cooloolabin Dam by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6490766465_56209087b6.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Cooloolabin Dam"></a><br /><br />We eventually reached Cooloolabin Dam – a small artificial lake between Mapleton and Yandina. There are many trails around the dam – and it’s easy to get to by conventional motor vehicle which makes it an easy location to visit on day trips.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490775383/" title="Bike Fuel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6490775383_47bcdcca50.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Bike Fuel"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490789873/" title="Which Way? by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6490789873_89807f3245.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Which Way?"></a><br /><br />From the dam it was another gnarly climb up to the lookout. It’s always a good idea to bring plenty of snacks on rides like this to keep your energy up. During humid summer days it helps to have plenty of water too.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490808887/" title="Resting after the Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6490808887_56620665d7.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Resting after the Climb"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490827039/" title="Point Glorious by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6490827039_9073714205.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Point Glorious"></a><br /><br />Unlike last time, the views today were breathtaking. You can see all the way to the coast, as well as all the lush green farmland in-between.</p><br /><p>From the lookout, it’s a steep bone-jarring descent to Yandina. I was muttering words of gratitude and love to my bike all the way down. It smoothed out the bumps and kept a straight line all the way down. It’s during intense times like that when trees are flying by, when baby-head sized rocks popping up all over the place like land mines, and when the track drops away in places leaving your stomach in your chest, that having a strong reliable bike makes a big difference. It’s the difference between enjoying a ride, and being scared you’re going to be bumped off.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6490839301/" title="Browns Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6490839301_09bb382d55_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Browns Creek"></a><br /><br />Part way down, we discovered this refreshing waterfall on Browns Creek, full of water from last nights heavy rain. It just made it even better. </p><br /><p>After wet weather, it definitely makes sense to head for the hills to avoid muddy bogs.</p><br /><p>We were rolling for just under 3 hours to cover about 35km. This involved about 900m of vertical ascent, with about 2,600kcal burned.</p><br /><p>This one scores 8 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. The humid weather made it tougher. In winter it would be much easier (maybe only a 7). </p><br /><p>Riding it with friends made the ride much more enjoyable, and easier.</p><br /><p>Many thanks Eric and Murray for a great ride!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/133816366'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1896274905791502137?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-19022225267381605462011-12-04T09:13:00.000+10:002011-12-04T10:30:49.206+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/jingeri/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a title="McPherson Ranges by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445499673/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6445499673_5eab1cdf91_b.jpg" alt="McPherson Ranges" width="800" height="173" /></a></p><br /><div class="alignright"><iframe src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=https:%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fneilennis%2FHome%2FWangerriburra%2520Country.kmz%3Fattredirects%3D0%26d%3D1&aq=&sll=-27.276321,152.973925&sspn=0.01665,0.021179&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=-28.073192,153.220825&spn=0.424101,0.583649&z=10&output=embed" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="425" height="350"></iframe><br /><br /><small><a style="color: #0000ff; text-align: left;" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=https:%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fneilennis%2FHome%2FWangerriburra%2520Country.kmz%3Fattredirects%3D0%26d%3D1&aq=&sll=-27.276321,152.973925&sspn=0.01665,0.021179&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=-28.073192,153.220825&spn=0.424101,0.583649&z=10">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br /><p>Much of the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland from Nerang, down to the McPherson Ranges, and up towards Jimboombah and Cedar Creek is the traditional country of the Wangerriburra indigenous people.</p><br /><p>There’s a sign at the start of Duck Creek Road written in the Yugambeh Language which says</p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Jingeri wallal wahlu, yahbelehla Yugambeh (Wangerriburra) Djagun</em></p><br /><p>Which translated means “Greetings all of you, going walking in Yugambeh / Wangerriburra Country.”</p><br /><p>“Jingeri” is the Yugambeh word for the bird we know as the “Willy Wagtail”. It’s also the word for greeting. By some happy co-incidence I heard a willy wagtail twittering away while I read the sign.</p><br /><p>So while we weren’t “going walking” today, we felt like the welcome was intended for mountain bikers as well.</p><br /><p><br clear="all" /><br /><br /><a title="Heading Out by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445501251/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6445501251_b4ce261af9_z.jpg" alt="Heading Out" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />Duck Creek Road starts as a pleasant country lane in Kerry, south of Beaudesert. For the first few kilometres it’s relatively flat and even, which allowed us to warm up gently before the climbs ahead.<br /><br /><a title="Franklin Bros Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445501871/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6445501871_27a5270139_z.jpg" alt="Franklin Bros Lookout" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />At the end of the bitumen the track rises sharply to the first of several lookouts. Franklin Bros Lookout offers some great views over the local farmland.<br /><br /><a title="Grass Tree by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445500543/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6445500543_e755251579_z.jpg" alt="Grass Tree" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />As you progress up Duck Creek Road, the vegetation slowly changes.  The forest becomes thicker, and there are more and more Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea).  Many of them (like the one on the right of the track in this photo) are several metres high indicating an age of several hundred years.<br /><br /><a title="Taking a picture by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445502223/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6445502223_2a5f5e781f_z.jpg" alt="Taking a picture" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />The best lookout is about two thirds of the way up and has panoramic views of the McPherson Ranges to the South West.<br /><br /><a title="Rainforest Ride by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445497007/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6445497007_72d256445c_z.jpg" alt="Rainforest Ride" width="503" height="640" /></a><br /><br />Towards the top, the environment is transformed into a lush green rainforest.  It’s a pleasure to ride in the delightful lower temperatures, and cool off after the effort of the preceding climb.<br /><br /><a title="Tree Top Walk by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445498927/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6445498927_78b103eb59_z.jpg" alt="Tree Top Walk" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />At the top there’s a suspended walkway through the tree-tops  that lets you wander through the forest canopy, 20 metres above the ground.  The walkway sways gently so it’s important to hang on, try not to rock the walkway, and (if you’re intimidated by heights) don’t look down!<br /><br /><a title="King Parrot by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6445497683/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6445497683_dde674e73d_z.jpg" alt="King Parrot" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />The cafe at O’Rielly’s serves delicious mountain-bike fuel.  It also has flocks of colorful birds such as this King Parrot.  We also spotted quite a few Crimson Rosellas.  The cafe sells platters of bird food, and the parrots will swarm you and eat out of your hand (and off your plate) if you let them.</p><br /><p>Although it took us about two hours to climb from the valley floor to the top, it only took us 25 minutes to ride back down.  The fast descent was exhillarating.  We overtook over half a dozen four wheel drives slowly trundling down the track, and were grateful for them pulling over to the side to let us pass.</p><br /><p>All up, 38km with 1,100m of vertical ascent, and 3,000 kcal burned.  Although some bits of the road are steep, I’m giving this one 8 out of 10 on the tough-o-metre.  It’s a pleasant ride.  All you need is half a day.  Most fit riders will be able to ride the whole way.  Just keep an eye out for on-coming 4wd traffic on the way down!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/132292473" frameborder="0" width="465" height="548"></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1902222526738160546?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-77519208275912733432011-11-30T22:48:00.000+10:002011-12-01T00:31:00.331+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/joyners-ridge/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6430207071/" title="Westridge Outlook by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6430207071_184f24e8c0_z.jpg" width="640" height="263" alt="Westridge Outlook"></a><br /><br />A few months ago I <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/daguilar-national-park/">rode a loop down Joyners Ridge Road</a> at Mt Glorious which included a tough climb up Goodes Road. Last time I had to walk up some of the steep bits, but this time I gave it all my effort, and conquered the hill <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> I think the weekly sessions smashing hills at Clear Mountain must be paying off!</p><br /><p>I started at the bottom of “The Goat Track” and slowly climbed up to Westridge Outlook for a quick rest and some great views westward to Wivenhoe Dam and the Great Dividing Range.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6430165477/" title="Joyners Ridge Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6430165477_af200939bd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Joyners Ridge Road"></a><br /><br />The road then went higher up to Mount Glorious before the long descent down Joyners Ridge Road, through the rainforest, all the way down to England Creek at the bottom.<br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=44afbc111b&photo_id=6430195351"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=44afbc111b&photo_id=6430195351" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Joyners Ridge Road is wonderful to ride down. The rainforest at the top gives way to open forest with great views over the mountains.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6430163621/" title="Goanna by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6219/6430163621_42e8bdc88c_b.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Goanna"></a><br /><br />You see quite a few of this fat goannas in D’Aguilar National Park.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6430165775/" title="England Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6430165775_ae9c321a91_z.jpg" width="640" height="185" alt="England Creek"></a><br /><br />England Creek marks the bottom of the 9km descent. It’s a good place to have a break because from this point, it’s a 4.5km, steep, slow climb up to Dundas Road, gaining 450m.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6430164683/" title="Dundas Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6045/6430164683_6e9e620f48_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Dundas Road"></a><br /><br />All up, about 35km with about 1,250m of vertical ascent and 3,300kcal burned. I’m giving it 8 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/131824532'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7751920827591273343?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-69754107717375363112011-11-27T18:29:00.000+10:002011-11-27T20:31:00.792+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/spicers-gap/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409979157/" title="Governors Chair Lookout, Spicers Gap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6409979157_2cb620e966_z.jpg" width="640" height="147" alt="Governors Chair Lookout, Spicers Gap"></a><br /><br />Spicers Gap was used for thousands of years by indeigenous Australians as a pathway over the Great Dividing Range from the inland to the coast. It was named by Alan Cunningham in 1828, but it wasn’t until 1847 that European Settlers became aware of the route, when stockman Henry Alphen discovered it was a much easier way of moving his stock over the range than the treacherous Cunninghams Gap 7km to the north. It then became a popular route for bullock drays moving bales of wool, 6 tons at a time to the Moreton Bay settlement.</p><br /><p>Today Darb and I decided we’d see how much “Bullock Power” we had in the tank and road our mountain bikes up and over Spicers Gap.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409972595/" title="The Long Climb Up by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6409972595_91b54a1bbd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Long Climb Up"></a><br /><br />The road up is steep, and rough in places, rising about 600 metres in about 6km. Darb and I just put the bikes in “Granny Gear” and took our time riding up. Late November days in this part of the world are hot and humid, so we though the smart thing was to take a nice steady pace.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409973671/" title="Moss's Well by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6093/6409973671_fa7e3029e0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Moss's Well"></a><br /><br />Just before we got to the lookout at the top, we stopped at Moss’s Well. From a distance it looks just like a puddle, but this freshwater mountain spring produces clean fresh water. It was named after Edward Moss, a contractor who was supposed to fix the boggy roads by laying logs across them. He never finished this “Corduroy Road”, but he was credited with finding this spring.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409983285/" title="Governors Chair Lookout, Spicers Gap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6409983285_2447f6a983_z.jpg" width="640" height="252" alt="Governors Chair Lookout, Spicers Gap"></a><br /><br />The panoramic view at the top from “Governors Chair” lookout is magnificent.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409974399/" title="Enjoying the view by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6238/6409974399_3602c7509a.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Enjoying the view"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409974793/" title="Mount Maroon by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6115/6409974793_ea4012061d.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Mount Maroon"></a><br /><br />It’s called “Governors Chair” because several notable people including Governors Fitzroy and Bowen came here and sat on the rock to enjoy the view. You can see for miles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409976143/" title="Old Logging Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6409976143_773bf00aa7.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Old Logging Road"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409978975/" title="Old Jinker by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6409978975_e3c7d99170.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Old Jinker"></a><br /><br />The road at the top has been preserved to show some of the different methods used in nineteenth century road construction. There’s also an old Jinker up here. Darb wondered whether a man on a bike had as much power as a bullock. Needless to say the Jinker stayed put, so the Bullocks won this round <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6409977575/" title="Millar Vale Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6409977575_4e76c93b8d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Millar Vale Creek"></a><br /><br />At the mid-point of the journey, just before we met the western section of the Cunningham Highway on the other side of the Great Dividing Range, we crossed Millar Vale Creek. It might look like a typical counhtry creek, but if you look on a map, Millar Vale Creek eventually flows into the Condamine River, which eventually flows into the Balonne River, which…. eventually flows into the Murray River, and into the Southern Ocean over 3,000km away. So if you spit into Millar Vale Creek, it goes a heck of a long way!</p><br /><p>All up 35km in about 4 hours with 1,250m of vertical ascent, and 3,200 kcal burned. Because of the summer humidity, boggy blacksoil, and flies (myriads of them) I’m giving this one 8.5 out of 10 on the Tough-o-meter. If you do it in winter when it’s cool, dry and the flies aren’t around, it would probably rate as 7.5 to 8 for toughness. So if you want an easier day, do it in Winter <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p>Thanks for a great ride, Darb. And thanks, once again, to Gillian and Mark for giving us this idea in the first place via your wonderful book “<a href="http://organisedgrime.com.au/" target="_blank">Where to Mountain Bike in South East Queensland</a>”<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/131146235'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6975410771737536311?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-61351621154962872182011-11-19T14:48:00.000+10:002011-11-19T16:30:54.297+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/parklands/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361322649/" title=""The Meadows" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6097/6361322649_dd8c7de045_b.jpg" width="800" height="115" alt=""The Meadows""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bushrangers.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53:parklands&catid=28:parklands-trails&Itemid=57" target="_blank">Parklands</a> State Forest is near Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It attracts hundreds of mountain bikers every week. The steep, snaking, rocky trails are beautiful but tough, and a good way to help you figure out how good you really are at riding a mountain bike. </p><br /><p>I fell off twice, and Tony fell off once. Thankfully neither of us were hurt. I think it was a combination of the technical tracks, and the tiredness we were feeling towards the end of the ride.</p><br /><p>The ride today was a tad over 17km, but it took us over 2 hours of hard riding. Many of the tracks had tree-roots over them which were tricky to ride over. There were quite a few logs too – but they were put there intentionally to make the track more fun, and were reasonably easy to roll over.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361323745/" title="Adrian by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6213/6361323745_b58294a0c6_m.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="Adrian"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361325053/" title="Don by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6231/6361325053_1773153460_m.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="Don"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361326597/" title="Allan by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6113/6361326597_86274e9c6d_m.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="Allan"></a><br /><br />Many thanks to Adrian, Don and Allan from the <a href="http://www.bushrangers.org/" target="_blank">Bushrangers Mountain Bike Club</a> for showing us around their “patch” today.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361332817/" title="A break in the bush by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6213/6361332817_eb89a8b550_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="A break in the bush"></a><br /><br />My favourite place was “The Meadows” – a grassy flattish section in the middle of the park with tracks going off in every direction like strands of spaghetti. I think if you weren’t familiar with Parklands it would be really easy to get lost. So if you’re thinking of visiting, try going with a local (or download my track log below into your GPS <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> ).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361331375/" title="Pete by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6053/6361331375_fbbd59b74c_m.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="Pete"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361329811/" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6216/6361329811_47658ae856_m.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="Eric"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361328313/" title="Aaron by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6119/6361328313_0546bbbf86_m.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="Aaron"></a><br /><br />Thanks to Pete, Eric, Aaron and Tony – mates from <a href="http://mtbdirt.com" target="_blank">MTBDirt</a> who drove up with me to Parklands so we could try out these amazing trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6361421751/" title="Taking a Break by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6037/6361421751_b5c468d398_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Taking a Break"></a><br /><br />Just over 17km, with about 550m of ascent, and about 1,800 kcal burned. You need at least moderate skills to get around these tracks, and good fitness to get up the hills. I’m giving it 9 out of 10 on the Tough-o-meter. Thankfully the tracks were dry. After a lot of rain, I think it would be even harder.</p><br /><p>One final thought – when we arrived at the track at about 8:30am, the guys from the Bushrangers Club had already ridden about 16km. They then rode with us. In fact Allan rode the entire 17km with us. We felt pretty tired after the ride, so I think Allan put in an amazing effort – especially considering he was riding a single-speed bike – no gears to help him up the hills, just raw man power. Good on ya, Allan!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/129495180'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6135162115496287218?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-89058510417796031392011-11-15T20:55:00.000+10:002011-11-15T22:31:03.777+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/ocean-view/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Ocean View is a quiet place high up in the hills near Mount Mee. I thought I’d go for a ride there this afternoon, and try my luck at some steep descents and one horribly steep climb.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6347224074/" title="Glasshouse Mountains from Ocean View by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6347224074_ece42432cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Glasshouse Mountains from Ocean View"></a><br /><br />Some of the homes around here have amazing views over the forest and farmland towards the coast.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6347223776/" title="Dean Drive, Ocean View by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6347223776_3c94bea813_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Dean Drive, Ocean View"></a><br /><br />I followed one of the roads looking for this track that just disappears over the edge of the mountain and heads steeply down to Rocksberg below.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6347223518/" title="Thornhill Chase, Rocksberg by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6347223518_4726a9b469_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Thornhill Chase, Rocksberg"></a><br /><br />Thornhill Chase – the steep road down to Rocksberg was an intense ride. I skidded most of the way down this 2km road and had to walk the final bit to make sure I didn’t skid into the gate at the bottom of the hill.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6347223252/" title="Five Pound Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6347223252_7895c976f6.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Five Pound Crossing"></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/FivePoundCrossing.jpg"><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/FivePoundCrossing.jpg" alt="" title="FivePoundCrossing" width="397" height="240" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2697" /></a><br /><br />Rocksberg was originally settled by the Zillman family in the mid to late 19th century. It’s the source of the Caboolture River which crosses the road at places with fascinating names like “Cockies Crossing”, “Ten Bob Crossing”, “Zillmans Crossing” and this one, “Five Pound Crossing”. The old photo is from the State Library of Queensland and shows some of the Zillman family playing in the water at “Five Pound Crossing”. Incidentally, “Ten Bob Crossing” – just a few hundred metres down the road, is still a great place to swim on a hot day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6346479021/" title="Ocean View Paddock by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6346479021_7db4dc5047_z.jpg" width="640" height="173" alt="Ocean View Paddock"></a><br /><br />Unfortunatley, what goes down must eventually come back up, and I had to start the long climb up Mountain View Road. This gravel road is a challenging climb. I rode all of it except for 150 metres which were in the middle of a bush fire (that was my excuse) and also happened to be a bit too steep even for a hill-o-phile like me. This view at the top is a panorama stitched together from several photos overlooking some pleasant farmland on the edge of the hill.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6347233446/" title="Sunset. Townsend Road, Ocean View by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6347233446_9a4635c182_z.jpg" width="640" height="239" alt="Sunset. Townsend Road, Ocean View"></a><br /><br />I made it back to Townsend Road just as the sun was going down over the D’Aguilar Ranges. As I saw it, I said out loud “Now THAT’s bloody beautiful”, and then happened to notice an old bloke at his letterbox looking at me. I think he agreed with me, so I didn’t feel too embarrassed.</p><br /><p>All up about 24km with 750 metres of vertical climbing and 1,530kcal burned. I’m going to give this one 10 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. The descent was precarious, I was by myself, and it took all my concentration to stay on the bike. The climb was the toughest I’ve done – 4km with some sections having a gradient well in excess of 30% (according to my Garmin track log). It was pretty hot (over 30C) and smokey from bushfires, so in my judgement this short ride really pushes the envelope.</p><br /><p>If you can ride Mountainview Road from the bottom (Moorina Rd Intersection) to top (Oceanview Rd Intersection), please let me know. I live in hope that this monster of a hill can be beaten!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/128821645'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8905851041779603139?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-66638289936043312612011-11-13T09:47:00.000+10:002011-11-13T10:30:58.740+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/noosa-trails-network/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338036053/" title="Cootharaba Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6338036053_2245f673d4_z.jpg" width="640" height="92" alt="Cootharaba Lookout"></a><br /><br />Gillian Duncan and Mark Roberts gave an excellent description of the Noosa Trail Network in the latest edition of their book <a href="http://organisedgrime.com.au/" target="_blank">“Where to Mountain Bike in South East Queensland”</a>.  I thought I’d take a couple of friends and explore those trails today.  This is the location of the Noosa Enduro – a tough 100km race held every winter along these trails.  After riding them, I now have a new appreciation for the hardent competitors that take on this rugged part of the world.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338794174/" title="Mount Cooroora by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6338794174_8226decd3e_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Mount Cooroora"></a><br /><br />We started at the Sunshine Coast Hinterland town of Pomona and headed west through Tuchekoi National Park towards Cooran. The track took us around Mount Cooroora – a 438 metre high monolith at the centre of the national park.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338791768/" title="Cooran Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6338791768_90affca2c7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cooran Trail"></a><br /><br />Near Cooran the trail passes through privately owned farmland. This means there are a multitude of gates to open and shut. I think we counted at least 20 on our ride. But the trails through the farmland are pleasant, flowing, leaf-littered shady tracks – a joy to ride on a hot day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338792430/" title="Slow Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6338792430_c13867cb9b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Slow Climb"></a><br /><br />From Cooran we headed north into Woondum National Park along Tablelands Road. We climbed over 400m in an hour along this road to our high-point in the National Park. It’s a slow climb through lush rainforest, but considering the steepness of the down-hill on the northern side of the park, this is the only way to ride it. There’s no way you could ride up from the north. Many thanks to Paul for giving me this advice before we left!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338037005/" title="Johnstons Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6338037005_0a6c9e8e96_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Johnstons Lookout"></a><br /><br />Although it took us an hour to climb 400m, it only took us seven minutes to descend the steep, narrow track through the rainforest on the northen end of Woondum National Park. I’m so glad I had full suspension on my bike – I travelled pretty quickly down some of those rocky sections and the shock absorbers were working overtime. After the descent we had a short break in the shade at Johnstons Lookout which overlooks some of the farmland to the north-west of the small hamlet of Kin Kin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338037775/" title="Yet another climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6338037775_13b0b7e0f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Yet another climb"></a><br /><br />The Noosa Trail Network has a lot of hill climbs like this one along Simpsons Road, east of Kin Kin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338789822/" title=""General" Memorial by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6338789822_a2bd02ca35_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt=""General" Memorial"></a><br /><br />The tough climb up to Cootharaba View Lookout is worth it for the panoramic views. You can see for miles in almost any direction.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6338132737/" title="Picnic Shelter - Cootharaba Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6338132737_4fe6764a7f_z.jpg" width="640" height="254" alt="Picnic Shelter - Cootharaba Lookout"></a><br /><br />The picnic shelter at the Cootharaba Lookout is a welcome rest-stop after the preceding climb.</p><br /><p>This ride was just over 60km, but it took us almost 8 hours including breaks. That should give you an idea of the slow-going and tough climbs. I had one puncture along the way because of some of the sharp rocks, but thankfully the “Stans No-Tubes” sealant in my tyres sealed up the hole quickly, so all I had to do was pump up the tyre again and keep going. If you’re going to try this course, don’t expect to average more than 10km/h, which means you’ll need plenty of water. You can re-fill at Cooran and Kin Kin. There are a lot of rocks in places, so make sure you’re prepared for punctures. And the steep climbs mean you’re going to need plenty of high-energy snacks. </p><br /><p>I burned up about 4,300 kcal, and all-up we climbed a total of about 1,550 vertical metres. On the tough-o-metre this one scores 9 out of 10.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/128039931'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6663828993604331261?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-47672262714192658912011-11-07T15:08:00.000+10:002011-11-07T16:30:54.218+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/we-love-brisbane/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Liz and I took the kids into the city on Sunday for a ride on the City Cat, a stroll around South Bank, and a wander through GOMA. I’ve lived in this wonderful city most of my life, and I think I take it for granted, because I was quite surprised how beautiful it is.<br /><br /><a title="Klezmer Band by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6319852357/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6319852357_1d35d9ba24_z.jpg" alt="Klezmer Band" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />As usual, South Bank was abuzz with lots of activity. This <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=klezmer" target="_blank">Klezmer</a> band got my toes tapping.<br /><br /><a title="Victoria Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6319852963/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6319852963_039c1bd963.jpg" alt="Victoria Bridge" width="240" height="320" /></a><a title="Brisbane by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6319853971/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6319853971_e9675296a8.jpg" alt="Brisbane" width="427" height="320" /></a><br /><br />We enjoyed the walk along the riverside, watching the sun bouncing off the buildings. I was really surprised to see a vegetable garden down this end of South Bank. Rather than flowers, someone has planted Cauliflower, Fennel, Coriander and a myriad of other edible plants. It’s great to see.<br /><br /><a title="Brisbane from the City Cat by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6320377580/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6320377580_4ae2821ef6_z.jpg" alt="Brisbane from the City Cat" width="640" height="331" /></a><br /><br />At the end of the day, we hopped back on the City Cat and rode back to Bretts Wharf at Hamilton.<br /><br /><a title="Brisbane from the City Cat by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6320376978/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6320376978_356c83288d.jpg" alt="Brisbane from the City Cat" width="320" height="240" /></a><a title="Windy by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6320380744/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6320380744_fdbdbcf12a.jpg" alt="Windy" width="320" height="240" /></a><br /><br />Harrison decided he preferred to stand up the front and let the wind blow him around.<br /><br /><a title="Brisbane from the City Cat by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6319856617/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6319856617_cc86c4b239_z.jpg" alt="Brisbane from the City Cat" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />A great day. We made it up as we went along, and as luck would have it, everything turned out really well!</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-4767226271419265891?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-62625033492782557022011-11-02T16:48:00.000+10:002011-11-02T18:30:59.153+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/eagles/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6304824605/" title="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6304824605_d4827e4a36_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale"></a><br /><br />I took Liz’s Canon Powershot camera on my bike ride today in the hope I might spot some wildlife near the dam. As though responding to some cue, these eagles started soaring overhead while I rolled along underneath with my eyes pointing upwards when I should have been watching the track.</p><br /><p>Luckily I didn’t hit in obstacles <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6305348800/" title="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6305348800_0634b7fdd4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6305348880/" title="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6305348880_693a358766_z.jpg" width="413" height="640" alt="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale"></a><br /><br />These two photos were a bit of a fluke. I hoped the eagles would drift between me and the moon so I could get both in the shot. By some great stroke of luck, that’s exactly what happened.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6305348706/" title="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6305348706_5cef146828_z.jpg" width="640" height="479" alt="Sea Eagle - Lake Samsonvale"></a><br /><br />They were effortless – hardly any flapping, just slowly circling overhead. They seemed to be enjoying their flight as much as I was enjoying my ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6305349104/" title="Wallaby - Lake Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6305349104_1a80775756_z.jpg" width="402" height="640" alt="Wallaby - Lake Samsonvale"></a><br /><br />And to top the afternoon off, this shy wallaby stopped long enough for me to get a photo. I kept the tree between me and him, so he couldn’t see me, got the camera ready, stepped sidways into view, and took the shot before he bounded off into the undergrowth.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6305348658/" title="Clear Mountain and Mount Samson by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6305348658_a25fda6624_z.jpg" width="640" height="196" alt="Clear Mountain and Mount Samson"></a><br /><br />It’s always a nice ride up by the lake.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/125940278'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6262503349278255702?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-40542201202583473532011-10-29T18:53:00.000+10:002011-10-29T20:30:53.453+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mooloolah-xc/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291139016/" title="Forest Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6291139016_d93750949c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Forest Trail"></a><br /><br />Over the last couple of months I’ve been planning a cross-country ride I could bring some friends on. Today, those plans came to fruition.</p><br /><p>Like our previous group ride, the idea was to start at a railway station, ride as far as we could, then catch the train back home.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291131574/" title="Pre-ride greetings by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6291131574_abf38ac634_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Pre-ride greetings"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291136520/" title="Pre-ride greetings by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6291136520_d6f71f160b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Pre-ride greetings"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291137494/" title="Pre-ride greetings by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6291137494_43fcbc55a1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Pre-ride greetings"></a><br /><br />Today we started at Caboolture Railway Station. The only problem was that the railway station has two car parks. I was so busy saying “G’day” to everyone that I forgot to check if anyone had gone to the wrong car park. As Murphy’s Law would have it, after we were ten minutes into the ride I got a call from some worried riders wondering where we were. Luckily I was able to direct them to a meeting point a couple of km up the road, and all nineteen of us continued the ride together through the pine forests.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6290612279/" title="Hill Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6290612279_6c620c7f2e_z.jpg" width="640" height="163" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291132144/" title="Hill Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6291132144_ba1d731839_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br />The first section of our ride passed through the Beerburrum East State Forest. This was mostly flat, but was often sandy and muddy. Riding through sand can tire you out pretty quickly, so by the time we started climbing a few hills, we started to feel it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6290620893/" title="Bike Fuel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6290620893_ab002947b8.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Bike Fuel"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6290620089/" title="Bike Fuel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6290620089_3803545f3e.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Bike Fuel"></a><br /><br />Luckily our route passed through several towns so there was plenty of opportunity to “fuel up” at local shops <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6290613207/" title="Bike vs Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6290613207_ac7a6dab6e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Bike vs Mountain"></a><br /><br />The second section of our ride passed through the Glasshouse Mountains. They looked great today. Even though it was overcast, there was no rain, and the visibility was perfect.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291144458/" title="MTB Pwns 4x4 by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6291144458_6be07cfbe7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="MTB Pwns 4x4"></a><br /><br />There are some tough hills in the Glasshouse Mountains. This one was so steep it stopped a 4WD. We couldn’t ride it either, but at least we were able to push our bikes up the hill.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6290626637/" title="Chilling at the lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6290626637_d31e825f01_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chilling at the lookout"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291145612/" title="Chilling at the lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6291145612_1c178af75d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chilling at the lookout"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291134508/" title="Chilling at the lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6291134508_8809014f50_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chilling at the lookout"></a><br /><br />After the steep climb to the lookout, we all had a break and enjoyed the view before some more punishing descents and climbs near Mount Beerwah.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291153514/" title="Streek Road, Glasshouse Mountains by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6291153514_ed886ff222_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Streek Road, Glasshouse Mountains"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291158222/" title="Ouch! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6291158222_2953022441_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Ouch!"></a><br /><br />Yes – I had a crash. Porfiri Road is steep, and my seat got stuck in my bike pants, which kept my body (and head) too far forward. I came off, and scraped my face and knee along the rocks. Thankfully I didn’t suffer any major damage, and my mates were really helpful getting me patched back up. It’s much safter riding in a bunch!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6291155030/" title="Porfiri Road, Glasshouse Mountains by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6291155030_4d25daecff_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Porfiri Road, Glasshouse Mountains"></a><br /><br />As the day wore on, I became more aware of our deadline – we had to get to Mooloolah Railway Station by 3pm to catch the train. I pushed the pace in the third leg of the ride through the state forest at Beerwah. This made the going a bit too difficult for some of the riders who bailed at Landsborough Railway Station, allowing the rest of us to finish at Mooloolah.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6290610471/" title="And then there were seven by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6290610471_91fee35577_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="And then there were seven"></a><br /><br />And so although we started out with nineteen riders (increasing to twenty, when another rider joined us at Beerburrum), by the time we got to the train, there were only seven of us.</p><br /><p>All up 78km in just over 5 hours with about 900m of vertical ascent, and about 4,300 kcal burned. I’d give this 9.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. The same hills which are easy on shorter rides become tougher on longer rides – especially when you have to push the pace to meet a deadline.</p><br /><p>Despite the difficulty, riding with a great bunch of friends made it a fantastic experience.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/124902091'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-4054220120258347353?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-39193315941714279002011-10-22T15:24:00.000+10:002011-10-22T16:30:47.732+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/riding-to-peachester/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6268480598/" title="Forest Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6268480598_2390fa58da_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Forest Trail"></a><br /><br />Six of us left Beerburrum this morning for a ride up to Peachester through some of the many forest trails that meander through the Glasshouse Mountains.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6268480936/" title="Enjoying the View by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6268480936_dc1487df5a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Enjoying the View"></a><br /><br />We tried to keep to the dirt where possible, and to narrow tracks where they existsed. It involved some steep climbs, especially leading up to the lookout, and one or two gnarly descents down some rocky, muddy, technical downhills.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6268480786/" title="Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6268480786_f5e0883f62_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lookout"></a><br /><br />Although it was overcast and rained a bit, the cooler temps made the ride a lot more comfortable, and the dozens of muddy puddles we had to swerve around just added to the fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6267957393/" title="Climbing the Hill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6267957393_686c83e0ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Climbing the Hill"></a><br /><br />Thanks to all the guys who turned up for the ride. I needed some feedback about part of the route we’re taking next week on our XC ride to Mooloolah, and I received some excellent advice: The gnarly cliff-like drop-offs that lead down to Palmer Road are not for the inexperienced, so next week end we’ll ride down Old Peachester Road instead.</p><br /><p>All up 45km with about 940m of vertical ascent, and 3200 kcal of energy. It was harder because of the mud, so tough-o-meter score for this ride is 8 out of 10. In the dry it would more likely be 7 out of 10. It’s well worth the ride.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/123318226'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3919331594171427900?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-89610699164676515932011-10-19T20:01:00.000+10:002011-10-19T20:30:52.630+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/new-wheels/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a title="Giant Anthem 29-0 by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6260225632/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6260225632_f21af00a1a_z.jpg" alt="Giant Anthem 29-0" width="640" height="427" /></a></p><br /><p>I’m the proud owner of a new Giant Anthem 29-0 dual suspension mountain bike.</p><br /><p>This raises some important questions:</p><br /><h3>1. Why did I get it?</h3><br /><p>I already had a 29er, and love the advantage I get from the big wheels – better traction, less rolling resistance, better obstacle clearance.</p><br /><p>I love doing lots of long rides. Often those rides are in rough areas with steep descents and climbs, and often I ride them by myself.</p><br /><p>I wanted dual suspension to make the rides more comfortable, but safety was an issue too. Rear suspension keeps the back wheel on the ground on fast descents, which gives me more traction. Plus it makes the ride smoother which (hopefully) will keep me on the bike when otherwise I might have been bumped off it. On long rides, it makes a difference on my back and backside if the ride is smoother, which means I enjoy it more, and come home happier.</p><br /><p>I also wanted a 2 x 10 gearing system (two chain rings on the front, ten cogs on the back).</p><br /><p>My old bike had a 3 x 9 gearing system. On a 3 x 9 system you can’t use all the gears because of the angle of the chain. For example, when I was in the big ring on the front, I couldn’t use the lower 2 or 3 gears on the back. Similarly when I was in the small ring on the front, I couldn’t use the upper 2 or 3 gears on the back. So I ended up with 5 or 6 un-useable gears and a lot of over-lapping gears.</p><br /><p>The other problem with the 3 x 9 gearing system was mud. In muddy weather, if the front rings got dirty, it eventually became impossible to change gears. The angle of the chain coupled with the rubbish that built up on the front derailleur clogged the system up.</p><br /><p>My hope with a 2 x 10 system was that I could use all the gears (there’s less of an angle with 2 rings on the front compared with 3 rings). The other hope was that the smaller chain angle would reduce problems with mud preventing gear changes on the front.</p><br /><h3>2. What do I think of it?</h3><br /><p>I love it!</p><br /><p>The dual suspension makes a big difference. I’ve ridden it down a few really steep hills at Clear Mountain and love how stable it feels at speed. The ground was bumpy, but I felt comfortable on the bike. My knees no longer had to do all the rear suspension work.</p><br /><p>The suspension front and back is fully adjustable. Not only can I adjust how stiff the suspension is, but I can adjust the rebound rate – how quick it bounces back. And there’s an extra air chamber on the front forks to counter-act against the suspension to stop the forks sticking. I’m used to the Fox F29 RL forks on my XTC-29 hard tail, so I was a bit surprised when I had to pump the Rock Shox RTC3 forks up about 20% more than what I was used to, but I suppose that’s just a minor difference between manufacturers.</p><br /><p>The gears are all I expected too. The changes are crisp: click – change – no mashing or delay. All ten gears on the back are useable regardless of which ring I am using on the front. I rode the bike out in the mud and sand a couple of days ago and had no problems with rubbish clogging up my gear changes, so (I’m hoping) I’ll have less hassles in the mud too.</p><br /><p>One bonus is the Avid Elixr 9 brakes. I now have a huge 180mm (7 inch) brake rotor on the front where I used to only have a 160mm (6 inch) rotor. The larger rotor gives me more stopping power which helps on steep descents.</p><br /><p>Another bonus is the Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres. They’re tubeless ready, and feel pretty tough. I hate punctures and plan to convert them to tubeless in the next month or two. It’s nice to have a decent quality UST tyre on the bike, which will save me having to buy UST tyres once I go tubeless again.</p><br /><p>But there are some minor issues….</p><br /><p>On my old XTC-29, the small ring on the front had 22 teeth. This is small, and made hill-climbing really easy. When the trail got steep, I just dropped it into the “granny” ring, popped the rear cassette into first, and spun the pedals. It would get me up almost any hill and I loved it.</p><br /><p>The small ring on the Anthem 29-0 has 26 teeth, and that makes a heck of a difference. When I tried climbing some of my favourite hills at Clear Mountain I found it really difficult. This was a major issue for me. Being able to climb almost any hill means I can go almost anywhere on my bike. If that was no longer the case I might have problems.</p><br /><p>The solution was to replace the 26 tooth granny for a 22 tooth ring. This gave the Anthem the same advantage as my XTC-29 in hill climbs.</p><br /><p>The second problem is with the brakes. The front brake howls like a banshee when I use it heavily. I used to have this problem with the lower spec Avid Juicy 3′s on the XTC-29. After persevering with them for 12 months, I eventually complained to Giant who replaced them under warranty with Shimano SLX disk brakes. The SLX brakes were whisper quiet. I loved them. But now with the top of the range Avid Elixr 9′s I’ve got that horrible howling again. I’ll persevere with it for a while longer. Hopefully the pads will wear in and the the brakes will quieten down. If not, I might have to whinge to the wonderful people at Giant Bicycles again <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><h3>3. Bottom line?</h3><br /><p>It’s an awesome bike. As with most Giant Bikes – you get a hell of a lot of good quality bike for your money. The guys at <a href="http://bicyclecentre.com" target="_blank">Strathpine Cycles</a> gave me excellent service (as always) and were able to give me a decent amount of change out of $3,000 which will come in handly for my tubeless conversion.</p><br /><p>It has quality components.</p><br /><p>It looks great.</p><br /><p>It rides really well.</p><br /><p>I’m really happy with my purchase!</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8961069916467651593?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-4475309588472366012011-10-14T07:50:00.000+10:002011-10-14T08:30:54.060+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-road-less-travelled/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6239685321/" title="The Road Less Travelled by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6239685321_ac71e34ee9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Road Less Travelled"></a><br /><br />There are lots of quiet trails like this around Beerburrum. </p><br /><p>I rode the bike for a couple of hours through the forest in light rain, without seeing another soul – except for a raucous Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo. </p><br /><p>It was muddy in places, but perfect.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/121170377'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-447530958847236601?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-70521542802633026052011-10-11T17:47:00.000+10:002011-10-11T18:30:51.721+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/peachester/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I’m planning a cross country ride north through the Peachester area and wanted to check out a few trails in the area before that ride.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6233278939/" title="Glasshouse Mountains by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6233278939_29abd70d1a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Glasshouse Mountains"></a><br /><br />Peachester is perched in the forested foothills of the Blackall Ranges with great views south to the Glasshouse Mountains.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6233278601/" title="Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6233278601_bf007b46f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo"></a><br /><br />Last time I was here I wound up in the middle of a bunch of Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos all happily squawking to each other and munching on She-Oak bark, but today I was delighted to see this rare Red-Tailed Cockatoo, also hiding up in the She-Oaks.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6233800738/" title="Goanna by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6233800738_bafa863411_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Goanna"></a><br /><br />I almost ran over this two metre long Lace Monitor (or Goanna) on my way out of the forest. I spotted a couple today. As I approached, they just slowly waddled out of the way, looking for a tree to climb.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6233278505/" title="Crikey! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6233278505_6c39d4bf64_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Crikey!"></a><br /><br />Of course a two-metre goanna seems tiny compared to the huge reptiles that Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, used to wrestle with. This beautiful memorial to him at the start of “Steve Irwin Way” always reminds me about Steve’s passion and energy for those huge reptiles. Passion and energy, in the right place they’re magical things!</p><br /><p>If you’re reading this, and you’re free on the 29th of October 2011, and would like a fun 70km cross-country ride through some of this country, why not <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/contact/">drop me a line</a> or <a href="http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/forum/topic/17274/board/3">sign up for the ride here</a>.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/120621483'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7052154280263302605?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-55009703798151584902011-10-07T20:39:00.000+10:002011-10-07T22:31:07.033+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/wamuran/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>There’s a crazy loop from Mount Mee that heads down a steep dirt track called Williams Road to Wamuran, then winds through the course of a former rail track, then heads back up the mountain via another rocky steep track called McLeods Lane. I’ve done it before, but today, Tim and I rode it together.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6219472365/" title="Glasshouse Mountains by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6219472365_6343b4e5fe_z.jpg" width="640" height="251" alt="Glasshouse Mountains"></a><br /><br />The track down is steep. I was leaning so far back I was hanging over the back of my saddle, and yet I still managed to stall and go flying over the handlebars.</p><br /><p><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/1317983849-31434-P-165.228.233.115.png" alt="" title="1317983849-31434-P-165.228.233.115" width="600" height="343" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2635" /><br /><br />Tim decided a more challenging method – his rear brakes started jamming on, so in order to finish the ride, he had to remove his rear brakes. This meant he only had front brakes. Anyone who has ridden down steep dirt tracks will tell you that you need both sets of brakes to make it down safely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6219472777/" title="Look Ma, No Brakes! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6219472777_7e5aa6d803_z.jpg" width="640" height="378" alt="Look Ma, No Brakes!"></a><br /><br />But somehow the guardian angels of the foolhardy protected Tim from harm, and he made it down safely – with a bit of extra wear and tear on the soles of his shoes.</p><br /><p>Note to self:<br /><br />1. I will carry spare brake pads with me, and will learn how to replace them.<br /><br />2. I will not try to scramble up McLeods Lane again – it is too steep and rocky.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6219994028/" title="Sunset - Mt Mee by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6219994028_2bc4a34b8d_z.jpg" width="640" height="343" alt="Sunset - Mt Mee"></a><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/119639018'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-5500970379815158490?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-33705805833061285472011-10-05T10:21:00.000+10:002011-10-05T10:30:56.142+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-view-from-the-bike/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Here’s how the <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/pedal-til-you-puke/">PTYP ride</a> looked from the bike, courtesy of Darb Ryan’s helmet cam.</p><br /><p>Another great video, Darb!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30006302?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="651" height="366" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3370580583306128547?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-91397386336782676722011-10-02T11:34:00.000+10:002011-10-02T12:30:52.822+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/pedal-til-you-puke/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5699.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5699.jpg" class="alignleft" width="400" target="_blank"/></a>About 15 of us got together yesterday to ride some steep hills at Clear Mountain. The idea was to have fun, see who could ride up (and down) the most hills without getting off the bike, and to raise money for a friend of ours.</p><br /><p>Graeme Ardern is fighting Hodgkin’s Disease. He needs some money in the next few weeks for neurosurgery that isn’t covered by his health fund or Medicare, so thought we’d all chip in a bit of cash to help out, and have a whale of at time in the process.</p><br /><p><font size="+1"><a href="http://www.gofundme.com/7io08" target="_blank">Here’s a link to their fundraising site</a> if you’d like to help.</font></p><br /><p>Thanks to <a href="http://www.eternaldesire.com.au/" target="_blank">Chantelle</a>, <a href="http://www.astrovisual.com.au/" target="blank">Steve </a>and Graeme for some great photos.<br /><br /><br clear="all"/></p><br /><p><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/_MG_7475ed.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/_MG_7475ed.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/_MG_7467ed.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/_MG_7467ed.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/_MG_7478ed.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/_MG_7478ed.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><br /><br />The course started out along some narrow trails winding thorugh the forest, across some steep creek crossings, then up onto the main fire trails. I’ve done this loop dozens of times before – I ride it at least once per week, but these guys rode it really quickly, and after 5 minutes I really started to feel puffed out.</p><br /><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PznIu8s5EWd7LpXBqwgCVA?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uVieClbi_iE/ToZ8MXD9m4I/AAAAAAAABXI/rZ9EuLJ3Dek/s400/2011-10-01%25252010.43.06.jpg" height="263" width="350" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ibrg9JIsnBHZes2aX_JIg?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NqUE4zGU9Ak/ToZ7_xrA2hI/AAAAAAAABXM/1torWmF3MTw/s400/2011-10-01%25252010.43.10.jpg" height="263" width="350" /></a><br /><br />We agreed to stop at the top of each hill to let everyone catch up. Towards the end, I was the one crawling to the top puffing and panting.</p><br /><p><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0064.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0064.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0054.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0054.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0115.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0115.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I was impressed with the skill of some of these riders. I was riding behind Mat (from <a href="http://www.fortheriders.com.au/">For the Riders</a>) and was amazed at how high he got into the air over some of the jumps, and how quickly some of these riders could get up the hills.</p><br /><p><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5687.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5687.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5691.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5691.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5689.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5689.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><br /><br />The last couple of hills were stupidly steep. Some of the guys put in a huge effort to make it part way up the hill. It was nearly impossible to even walk up the slope…</p><br /><p><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5695.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/pedal-puke_MG_5695.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0181.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_MG_0181.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><a href=http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_IMG_0212.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/Misc/ga-pedal-puke_IMG_0212.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="375" /></a><br /><br />…so I just watched in awe as Graham “Wingadelic” Menizes smashed the last hill – riding straight up it, while singing at the same time. It was a sight to behold.</p><br /><p>If you’re interested, Leanne has done a video of the event, including the last huge climb at the end:<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7B0KkbFRlU8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><br /><p>I rode with a few friends afterwards to “warm” down, so the total distance for us was 20km (the course was 11km) with total vertical ascent of about 700m, and 1,400kcal. Considering most of that effort was in the first 11km, I’m giving this one 10 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. I didn’t puke, but I came pretty close.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/118195835'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-9139738633678267672?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-2088995430436288422011-09-25T10:19:00.000+10:002011-09-25T10:31:06.185+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/wall-of-dirt-more-pics/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Here’s some more photos that my friend, Andrew MacDonald, took of <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-wall-of-dirt/">our ride to Walloon yesterday</a>. Thanks for letting me share your pics, Andrew <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5682.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5682.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300px"></a><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5707.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5707.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300px"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5713.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5713.jpg" border="0" alt="Neilius awarding Darb the coveted "King of the mountain" jersey." width="300px"></a><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5718.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5718.jpg" border="0" alt="Wall of Dirt" width="300px"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5753.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5753.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300px"></a><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5756.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5756.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300px"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5766.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5766.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300px"></a><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5768.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5768.jpg" border="0" alt="Smoko time for Bbangers and Darb" width="300px"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5797.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5797.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300px"></a><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5798.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5798.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="300px"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/?action=view&current=CIMG5829.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/hootsmon_album/2011-09-24_FernyGrove_Walloon/CIMG5829.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-208899543043628842?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-56922045573644335142011-09-24T17:38:00.000+10:002011-09-24T18:31:02.592+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-wall-of-dirt/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Today I rode to Walloon (west of Ipswich) via D’Aguilar National Park with some friends from <a href="http://MTBDirt.com">MTBDirt.com</a>.</p><br /><p>One of the highlights of the ride was the “King of the Hill” contest to see who could ride furthest up a terrible hill we’ve dubbed “The Wall of Dirt”. Tony (“Darb”) won the contest narrowly but he only managed to get part way up the start of this hill, and everyone else didn’t even make that.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6176865209/" title="The Wall of Dirt by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6176865209_e7968c5759_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="The Wall of Dirt"></a><br /><br />After that, we all had to scramble up the Wall, pushing our bikes. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6176866155/" title="Banks Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6176866155_98f34774a2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Banks Creek Road"></a><br /><br />After finally getting out of the mountains, the trail dropped us out in the middle of Banks Creek – a farming area nestled in among the hills, with miles of dirt roads.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6176866297/" title="Chasing the Pack by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6176866297_04725fe311_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Chasing the Pack"></a><br /><br />There were 15 of us in all. With a large group it was difficult to keep everyone together. If you look carefully, you can see the “Pack” of riders off in the distance with a couple of the other riders chasing them.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6177395044/" title="Bikes at the Shop by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6177395044_5547f21450_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Bikes at the Shop"></a><br /><br />Parking space for the bikes was limited once we got to the Fernvale Bakery.</p><br /><p>The food and drinks hardly touched the sides on the way down.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6176867421/" title="Mountain Biking Mates by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6176867421_0fff65a4d1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mountain Biking Mates"></a><br /><br />Thanks everyone for a great ride. I really enjoyed spending the day with you.</p><br /><p>I’m grateful to live in such a beautiful place.</p><br /><p>All up, almost 90km with about 1,750m of vertical ascent, and about 4,750 kcal burned.</p><br /><p>It was a hot day, and the Wall of Dirt was really tough, so I’m giving this one 9 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/116562872'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-5692204557364433514?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-51812898480434622052011-09-18T20:28:00.000+10:002011-09-18T22:31:01.998+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mt-mee/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I took the family for a hike at Mt Mee today, along the Somerset Track. It’s a 13km walk to a sheer drop that looks westward over the valley to Somerset Dam. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6158437866/" title="The Mountains are Calling by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6158437866_281365481d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Mountains are Calling"></a><br /><br />Harrison’s shirt says it all: “The mountains are calling and I must go”. The only problem was, in my enthusiasm to “go”, I didn’t take into account that 13 km is a long way for some people, especially 9 year old girls with short legs:</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6157906559/" title="Big walk, small legs by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6157906559_d6aa9e1082_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Big walk, small legs"></a><br /><br />I can’t think of any other kids of her age who would walk so far. Fantastic effort, Lilly, you’re amazing!</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6157885659/" title="Goanna by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6157885659_d579be8394_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Goanna"></a><br /><br />A goanna tries to be inconspicuous as we walk by.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6158431562/" title="Burt forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6158431562_f925c373e5.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Burt forest"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6158433780/" title="New Life by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6158433780_145681c1dd.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="New Life"></a><br /><br />I think the rangers must have been burning back recently – either that or there has been a fire because the greenery of the forest suddenly gave way to burnt undergrowth with green shoots poking through. Much native Australian flora, including these Grass Trees, regenerates after fire.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6158436576/" title="Brothers on a Rock by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6158436576_8f5ef4bd6f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brothers on a Rock"></a><br /><br />Sam and Harrison on a huge rock we passed.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6157901925/" title="Hills in the Haze by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6157901925_ae2483bcbb_z.jpg" width="640" height="236" alt="Hills in the Haze"></a><br /><br />The panorama from the lookout.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6157904307/" title="Sunset by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6157904307_495d251ff5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Sunset"></a></p><br /><p>Lilly, darling, I promise I won’t make you walk so far again.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/115180065'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-5181289848043462205?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-31862308681406862032011-09-17T15:37:00.000+10:002011-09-17T16:30:51.169+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/tour-de-glasshouse/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154394733/" title="Glasshouse Panorama by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6154394733_f3ff492df3_z.jpg" width="640" height="179" alt="Glasshouse Panorama"></a><br /><br />Well it wasn’t a race, like other Tour de somethings, but it was a tour on a bike, and it was spectacular.</p><br /><p>The Glasshouse Mountains looked stunning today in the early summer weather. Whatever happened to Spring? This is a really special place. It’s even more special when you think about the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi legends of the place as you move around it. Basically they’re an ancient family, with a mum (Beerwah) a dad (Tibrogargan), lots of kids (the other mountains), a baby on the way (Beerwah is looking pretty big), and a long dramatic history. I won’t recount it here, but if you ever visit the place, it might be worthwhile reading up on the legends beforehand.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154395871/" title="Mount Beerwah by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154395871_54287c0046.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Mount Beerwah"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154398993/" title="Mount Beerwah by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6154398993_332aff19cf.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Mount Beerwah"></a><br /><br />Here’s Mount Beerwah from a couple of different angles. There are some fun downhill tracks near Mount Beerwah. Like many of the dirt tracks in the area they have ruts from the many four wheel drives and motorbikes that use the area, which makes riding it on a mountain bike a bit of a challenge.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154396981/" title="Coonowrin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6154396981_ba3e223cec.jpg" width="320" height="427" alt="Coonowrin"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154940374/" title="Coonowrin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6154940374_dc69c64c0c.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Coonowrin"></a><br /><br />The downhill trails near Mount Coonowrin are really steep too. I was very thankful for good front shock-absorbers. If not for them I’m sure I would have gone over the bars in a couple of places.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154943836/" title="Bankfoot House by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6154943836_52cf44db28_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Bankfoot House"></a><br /><br />I had to ride along the bitumen for about 4km to get to some more trails, and was delighted to come across Bankfoot House. It was built in the 1860′s, and was used as a stage post for the Cobb and Co service for people travelling to Gympie to “strike it rich” in the gold rush. This road is called “Old Gympie Road” and is part of an old road stretching from Brisbane to Gympie through places like Kedron, Petrie, Kallangur, Caboolture… At some places along the route it’s still called “Gympie Road” or “Old Gympie Road”, but you won’t see many stage coaches on it these days.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154400129/" title="Bankfoot House by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6154400129_07faf7e129_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Bankfoot House"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154402297/" title="Bankfoot House by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6154402297_6e901ac345_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Bankfoot House"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154403385/" title="Bankfoot House by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6154403385_0a9262c1e8_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Bankfoot House"></a><br /><br />More info about Bankfoot House.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6154404713/" title="Mount Tibrogargan by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6154404713_dd9c8f5994_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mount Tibrogargan"></a><br /><br />According to Gubbi Gubbi legend, Father Tibrogargan has many children, with one on the way. He reminds me of the cares, responsibilities, joys and sorrows of fatherhood. </p><br /><p>With a hunched back like that, you’d think he had a lot of worries!</p><br /><p>All up about 38km and 2,400 kcal in just under 3 hours. This one rates 8 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter because of one or two gnarly climbs, and one particularly knuckle-whitening descent near Mount Coonowrin.</p><br /><p>10 out of 10 for views though <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/114871424'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3186230868140686203?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-17145633516412670302011-09-10T15:54:00.000+10:002011-09-10T16:30:36.709+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/pine-forest/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mooloolah/">Last week I complained about how monotonous Pine Plantation Forests can be to ride through</a>. Today I thought I’d rectify that by exploring the Beerburrum Pine Plantation for a few hours to see if I could find some more interesting tracks.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6132275048/" title="Forest Tracks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6132275048_376915123f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Forest Tracks"></a><br /><br />You’d be forgiven for thinking that they all look like this, with long straight dirt roads and rows of pine trees, but that’s not the case.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6132277022/" title="Oasis by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6132277022_d8db9e7906.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Oasis"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6131726075/" title="Forest Tracks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6131726075_1d90e53284.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Forest Tracks"></a><br /><br />Some of the land bordering creeks and swamps is unsuitable for plantation timber, so it usually is just left as is – an oasis of biodiversity within a larger monoculture of slash pine. Riding along the borders of these sections I often found twisty narrow little tracks which were much more fun to ride on. Because of the extra grass, the tracks were less muddy than the big wide dirt roads.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6132273472/" title="Pine Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6132273472_7ea3a559d6.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Pine Forest"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6132277910/" title="Lace Monitor by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6132277910_34dc60b0aa.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Lace Monitor"></a><br /><br />This was another section of pine forest bordering a creek. While trying to avoid some puddles, I looked down at my feet and spotted this magnificent looking Lace Monitor, or Goanna. He didn’t move a muscle – just stared at me and hoped I’d eventually go away (which I did).</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6132275974/" title="Forest Tracks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6132275974_5365b34a69.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Forest Tracks"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6132272898/" title="Forest Tracks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6132272898_4abcbf0335.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Forest Tracks"></a><br /><br />In between the large straight roads, there are myriads of smaller tracks like these. Some grassy, some just two lines of vehicle tracks. They’re all fun to ride – it just takes a bit of curiosity to find them.</p><br /><p>Today I rode about 54km in almost 4 hours. I didn’t rush it – it was nice just to take it easy and see what I could discover. The tracks were mostly flat, and easy to ride. I hardly raised a sweat, so I’m giving this one 5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. But for enjoyment, I’d say it’s well worth the time.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/113121594'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1714563351641267030?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-78802513854600167462011-09-04T17:07:00.000+10:002011-09-04T18:30:36.935+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/scrub-road/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Liz asked me what I wanted for a Father’s Day present, and I said “A bush walk”. So today we hiked along Scrub Road. Basically it’s a big “vee” shaped road – steep down for 2km, then steep up the other side to the South Boundary Road Camp. Then turn around and repeat in the other direction.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6111092515/" title="Scrub Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6111092515_fa3836a430_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Scrub Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6111096387/" title="Bottom of the Hill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6111096387_b7fbdab8fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Bottom of the Hill"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6111094015/" title="Rock Hopping by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6111094015_86e6310094_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rock Hopping"></a><br /><br />At the bottom we had a great time hopping around the rocks in the creek looking for animals.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6111095225/" title="Rubbing Sticks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6111095225_29b0c053b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rubbing Sticks"></a><br /><br />We stopped at the water tank / shelter on South Boundary Road for a bite to eat. Lilly thought she’d continue the camping theme by rubbing two sticks together. Thankfully no fire ensued.</p><br /><p>About 8km in about 2 hours. A lovely walk with the family. Thanks for the wonderful present everyone <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/111650035'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7880251385460016746?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-7688861373317954262011-09-03T18:44:00.000+10:002011-09-03T20:30:46.247+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mooloolah/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I thought I’d try another A to B ride where we rode between two points, and caught the train back. This let me cover more distance, and allowed me to scout out some new trails that I might take some friends on in future. Today my long-suffering friend Simon came with me.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6108457060/" title="Pine Forest Plantation by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6108457060_9376788011_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pine Forest Plantation"></a><br /><br />We started from Caboolture and headed north-east through the pine plantations. This area is criss-crossed with numerous trails that go for miles.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6108458122/" title="Don't Hit the Cows! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6108458122_668ffe9f71_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Don't Hit the Cows!"></a><br /><br />Eventually we came to one of those barbed-wire gate things where you have to twist the metal to unhook the barbed wire to open the “gate”. Although I’ve come this way many times before, today the paddock was full of cattle, so I just rode slowly through, talking in a moderately loud voice to make sure they kept out of my way, and dodged the cow-pats at the same time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6108459172/" title="Riding near Tibrogargan by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6108459172_10a5b16af2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Riding near Tibrogargan"></a><br /><br />We eventually reached Beerburrum and headed north-west through the national park along some rocky tracks towards Mount Tibrogargan. It’s challenging and fun to ride because of the baby-head-sized rocks, slick rock, and steep pinch climbs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6107912229/" title="Beerburrum Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6107912229_c5f3d278df_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Beerburrum Trail"></a><br /><br />After an hour or so in the pine plantations, it was nice to actually get back into some native eucalyptus forest. The area around Mount Beerburrum is full of open eucalypt forest like this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6108461172/" title="The Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6108461172_acb1a29d87_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Lookout"></a><br /><br />From Beerburrum we headed west up to the Lookout. The views are great, but it’s hard work getting to the top.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6107914343/" title="I think I can.... by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6107914343_9e15dc4ec6.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="I think I can...."></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6107915357/" title="National Park - Coonowrin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6107915357_75548f14a3.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="National Park - Coonowrin"></a><br /><br />It’s a pretty tough climb up the bitumen to the trail head at the Coonowrin section of the national park….<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6108464468/" title="Downhill - Coonowrin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6108464468_995d412457_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Downhill - Coonowrin"></a><br /><br />…But it’s fun riding some of the downhill tracks.</p><br /><p>From Beerwah we headed through more pine plantations until we reached the southern end of the Dullarcha National Park.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6108465526/" title="Dullarcha Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6108465526_9db423c7bb.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Dullarcha Rail Trail"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6107917845/" title="Dullarcha Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6107917845_a3d3574f6f.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Dullarcha Rail Trail"></a><br /><br />The Dullarcha Railtrail is built on the remnants of an old railway line that runs through the rainforest. The railway line has gone, but the tunnel and the old rail corridor is still there – and it makes a fun way to get through the national park between Landsborough and Mooloolah.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6107918925/" title="On the way Home by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6107918925_988cb151a2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="On the way Home"></a><br /><br />From Mooloolah it was a quick 40 minute train trip back to Caboolture where we’d started four and a half hours earlier.</p><br /><p>All up 70km, 850m of vertical ascent, and 3,500kcal in 4 hours 45 minutes. On the tough-o-meter I’d give it 7.5 out of 10.</p><br /><p>I’d like to add a bit more variety to this route before inviting friends on it. There was a bit too much pine plantation!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/111388270'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-768886137331795426?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-15188442023311554462011-08-31T08:15:00.000+10:002011-08-31T08:30:51.339+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/over-the-hills-the-movie/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Many thanks to Darb Ryan for creating this video of our recent <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/over-the-hills-and-far-away/">Mountain Bike Ride over the D’Aguilar Range from Ferny Grove to Walloon via Mt Nebo and Fernvale</a>.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/28347025?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/28347025">Ferny Grove to Walloon via Goat Track and Fernvale</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user8099283">Darb Ryan</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1518844202331155446?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-59226569513993026602011-08-29T18:37:00.000+10:002011-08-29T20:30:43.517+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/two-lakes/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>We’re lucky to live near two artificial lakes: Lake Kurwongbah which was created when Sideling Creek was dammed in 1955, and Lake Samsonvale which was created when the North Pine River was dammed in 1968.</p><br /><p>I love riding the bike by these large bodies of water.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6091829789/" title="Pump House - North Pine River by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6091829789_620a0e35c4_z.jpg" width="640" height="329" alt="Pump House - North Pine River"></a><br /><br />The Pump House was built in 1955 as part of the construction of the Lake Kurwongbah Dam. It pumps water uphill into Lake Kurwongbah from the North Pine River to keep the Dam topped up.</p><br /><p>Lake Kurwongbah was oriiginally built to supply water to the Australian Paper Manufacturers (APM) Petrie Mill – now known as the Amcor Cartonboard Petrie Mill.</p><br /><p>Today if you walk along the Dam Wall at Kurwongbah you’ll often see a mass of air bubbling up to the lake surface. This is because the Pump House is operating, transferring water into Lake Kurwongbah. (It’s also a good reason not to swim in the river near the Pump House!)</p><br /><p>[Source: "Pioneering the Pine", Leith Barter. 2005]</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6092370080/" title="Pelican - Lake Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6092370080_87583332a7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pelican - Lake Samsonvale"></a></p><br /><p>If you look carefully you can see a pelican drifting on Lake Samsonvale. I watched this one gliding in like a strangely shaped flying boat from years gone by.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6092370460/" title="Sunset - Lke Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6092370460_39631dcd62_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Sunset - Lke Samsonvale"></a></p><br /><p>It doesn’t get much better than this! There are a lot worse things you could do than wander along the shoreline of Lake Samsonvale <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/110239829'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-5922656951399302660?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-62952901747091562662011-08-28T14:16:00.000+10:002011-08-28T14:30:40.221+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glasshouse-tears/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a title="Our Team by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5498414905/"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5498414905_4f6e4cd4ff.jpg" alt="Our Team" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />The Rocky Giant hunches with his face towards the sea<br /><br />And his heart is filled with aching from an ancient tragedy<br /><br />That happened in the dreamtime when the land was fresh and young<br /><br />And his burning anger separated Tibro from his son.</p><br /><p>But he holds a darker sorrow that he longs to should out loud -<br /><br />Someone else’s precious son is waiting to be found.<br /><br />And Tibrogargan comforts him: “Peace. You’re not alone -<br /><br />My family of mountains will help to bring you home”.</p><br /><p>The pregnant Mother Beerwah has been waiting to give birth<br /><br />But it takes an age for mountain babes to rise up from the earth.<br /><br />And as she waits she worries over all her Glasshouse brood<br /><br />And hopes that they’ll grow safe and strong (as all young mountains should)</p><br /><p>She watches while they frolic all about her feet each day<br /><br />And she notices another child has joined with them in play.<br /><br />Another mother’s son is lost: “For how long have you roamed?<br /><br />Stay here with us until it’s time for you to go back home”</p><br /><p>The Gubbi tell the story of Glasshouse woes and fears<br /><br />Why all the creeks flow constantly with bitter mountain tears:<br /><br />An ancient storm; An argument; A son who went astray -<br /><br />An absent child; An aching void that never goes away.</p><br /><p>The mountain spirits kept their word, their sacred task is done<br /><br />With ancient love and tenderness for someone else’s son.<br /><br />And so today the Glasshouse creeks are flowing with fresh tears<br /><br />For Daniel’s coming home at last: he’s waited eight long years.</p><br /><p style="text-align: right;">Neil Ennis, August 2011</p><br /><hr /><br /><p>In memory of Daniel Morcombe, and in gratitude for the comfort we can draw from the dreamtime legends of the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi aboriginal people.</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6295290174709156266?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-3509707467877005132011-08-27T19:51:00.000+10:002011-08-27T20:30:52.411+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/over-the-hills-and-far-away/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Over the last month or so I’ve been <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/banks-creek/">planning</a> a <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cabbage-tree-range/">ride</a> <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fernvale/">over</a> the D’Aguilar Range with a few friends. We had arranged for about 15 people to do the ride today, but it started raining a few days ago, which meant most people didn’t want to do it due to the weather.</p><br /><p>Despite the rain, five of us decided we’d give it a go today anyway. After all, fortune favours the brave, and as Woody Allen once said, 99% of success is simply turning up.</p><br /><p>So we set off on our bikes from Ferny Grove Railway Station shortly after 7am, hoping to arrive back their later in the day by train.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6085228410/" title="Dundas Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6085228410_884f57c81f.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Dundas Road"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6085227374/" title="Dundas Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6085227374_17c73146b1.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Dundas Road"></a><br /><br />This time I think our determination paid off. The rain didn’t really hassle us too much until we got to the misty high-point of the trip at the top of Dundas Road near Mt Nebo.</p><br /><p>From there the track became steep and muddy. The rangers have taken a grader along the fire trail recently to smooth it out. This is normally a good thing, but in the current wet weather it made the trail loose and muddy with a consistency in some parts similar to peanut butter. Some of the descents are steep, and I think we did well to keep the bikes under control and not fall off.</p><br /><p>By the time we got to Fernvale, the bikes were caked with mud, and the chains were clogged with grit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6084681649/" title="Hosing off the Mud by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6084681649_fdfca2936e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hosing off the Mud"></a><br /><br />Darb had a brilliant idea to hijack the firehose at the local petrol station (after asking them first) and blast the mud off the bikes. I think each bike lost a couple of kilograms of weight in the process. </p><br /><p>From there we followed a few of the quieter gravel roads south to Walloon. The rain got heavier, the roads got muddier, and we eventually rolled into Walloon dirty, drenched, cold and thirsty.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6084683757/" title="Cheers! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6084683757_f2cbb0d847.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Cheers!"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6084682813/" title="Cheers! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6084682813_5963d6f575.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Cheers!"></a><br /><br />I read somewhere that beer is one of the fastest drinks to re-hydrate and replace minerals lost due to hard work. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but we decided it would be worthwhile trying it out. I think we agreed.</p><br /><p>The ride was trickier due to the rain, but easier because we avoided the “<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6013941476/in/photostream/">Wall of Dirt</a>” due to the wet weather. Almost 70km, about 1,350m ascent / descent and 3,900 kcal. On the tough-o-metre I’d still give it 9 out of 10.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/109634254'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-350970746787700513?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-2931683006905742022011-08-13T17:48:00.000+10:002011-08-13T18:30:53.591+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/slaying-hills/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>The ride today started out as an experiment to see how long it took to ride from home to Ferny Grove via Bunyaville. (An hour as it turns out). But after that it turned into a hillfest. I decided to pit myself against the short-steep climb up Camp Mountain. In the past I was intimidated by it, but today I gave it my all, and surprised myself by conquering the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6037242819/" title="Camp Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/6037242819_5bea512e82_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Camp Mountain"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6037792652/" title="Camp Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6037792652_4770ac486f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Camp Mountain"></a></p><br /><p>I was yelling at myself towards the end (I must have sounded crazy) “Get Up!” “Come on!” “Go!”. And it seemed to work. I gave it everything I had, and nailed that monster of a hill for the first time. It feels fantastic to slay a big hill – doing something that you thought you might not have been able to do.</p><br /><p>From there I headed up the mountain towards Scrub Road….<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6037794562/" title="Scrub Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/6037794562_757f2937af_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Scrub Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6037795500/" title="Scrub Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6037795500_50e84ca1ff_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Scrub Road"></a></p><br /><p>Scrub Road is an easy way to get from the bitumen on Mount Nebo Road, into the Forest. It’s a fairly steep descent down to the pretty creek, and then a long slow climb up to the shelter and water tank on South Boundary Road.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6037796668/" title="South Boundary Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6037796668_44a85b8c1c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="South Boundary Road"></a></p><br /><p>The wattle blossoms on South Boundary Road look beautiful, and smell fantastic.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6037797588/" title="South Boundary Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6037797588_f50af325ed_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="South Boundary Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6037798446/" title="South Boundary Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/6037798446_32c74e8d09_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="South Boundary Road"></a></p><br /><p>South Boundary Road runs from Mount Nebo down almost to The Gap.</p><br /><p>It has some fun smooth descents, beautiful forests and raucous birds.</p><br /><p>I always love riding this trail.</p><br /><p>All up, 80km, 4,700kcal, and about 1,600m of ascent. On the tough-o-metre, this one gets 9 out of 10 because of the distance, and the climb up Camp Mountain.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/106036453'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-293168300690574202?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-54851455625794373022011-08-12T17:00:00.000+10:002011-08-12T18:30:53.499+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/dams-and-rivers/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>There are two dams near here: Lake Samsonvale, built on the North Pine River; and Lake Kurwongbah built on Sideling Creek.</p><br /><p>In the past I lamented the local history that was lost under the water of the dams, but in today’s late winter weather, I delighted in the beauty of the lakes.<br /><br /><a title="Lake Kurwongbah by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6034760730/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6034760730_d5eb10aae8_z.jpg" alt="Lake Kurwongbah" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />“Kurwongbah” was the name the Turrbal people gave to Sideling Creek. It was dammed in the 1970′s to provide water for the local paper plant. The authorities named the resultant lake “Kurwongbah” as well.</p><br /><p><a title="Lake Samsonvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6034761168/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/6034761168_e89914203d_z.jpg" alt="Lake Samsonvale" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />Lake Samsonvale, looking west towards Mount Samson and the D’Aguilar Ranges.</p><br /><p><a title="Causeway - North Pine River by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6034206837/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6034206837_78dd3e4548_z.jpg" alt="Causeway - North Pine River" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />This pedestrian river crossing was washed away by the January Floods, and has only recently been repaired. It’s a pleasant way to get across the river from the Pine Rivers Pony Club up to Camp Warrawee. To whoever fixed it, thank you!</p><br /><p>I’m so grateful to live in such a beautiful place.</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-5485145562579437302?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-86682175532450406702011-08-06T17:08:00.000+10:002011-08-06T18:31:14.181+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/banks-creek/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>This morning I rode from Lawnton to Walloon (west of Ipswich) via Samford, Mt Nebo and Fernvale. This was one of a series of exploratory rides to check out some tracks in the western part of D’Aguilar National Park to make sure they were ok to bring a group of riders through in a few weeks.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6013941476/" title=""The Wall of Dirt" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/6013941476_d7e255158a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt=""The Wall of Dirt""></a><br /><br />One of the guys on the <a href="http://mtbdirt.com" target="_blank">MTBDirt</a> forum christened this hill “The Wall of Dirt”. It’s on the “Carbould Loop” trail at Banks Creek. You can’t ride up it. It’s pretty scarey riding down it. And there’s no (legal) way around it <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> So any trip west from this part of the forest includes this hill. Dont’ worry, though. Even though it’s steep, it only goes for about 200 metres.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6013942618/" title="Fire Trail - Banks Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/6013942618_699e8744c4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Fire Trail - Banks Creek"></a><br /><br />It’s not all steep trails. Some of the tracks have amazing views on both sides. It’s a beautiful place to ride.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6013943918/" title="Banks Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/6013943918_50a475c30c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Banks Creek Road"></a><br /><br />The trail eventually comes out on Banks Creek Road – a quiet gravel road out the back of Fernvale. It has lots of creek crossings, so it could be impassable in wet weather.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6013397993/" title="Savages Crossing, Fernvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/6013397993_95831747c6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Savages Crossing, Fernvale"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6013399699/" title="Savages Crossing, Fernvale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/6013399699_56bc532e3a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Savages Crossing, Fernvale"></a><br /><br />The upper reaches of the Brisbane River flow quite rapidly through Savages Crossing. I’m told the banks of the river had a lot more vegetation than this, but most of it was ripped away during the January floods.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6013948308/" title="Fernvale Bakery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/6013948308_39efe4bc13_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Fernvale Bakery"></a><br /><br />After a tough ride through D’Aguilar National Park, Dean thinks a sausage roll and something sweet really hits the spot.</p><br /><p>Total distance: 82km, with just over 1,600m of vertical ascent and 4,400kcal of energy in about 5 hours. 8 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter because of the Wall of Dirt and the distance.</p><br /><p>Incidentally, we caught the train back from Walloon – a 2 hour trip. I got to use my Go-Card for the first time and was pleasantly surprised that it only cost me $4.85 to travel 80km on the train.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/104329927'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8668217553245040670?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-47020105726317376142011-08-04T15:38:00.000+10:002011-08-04T16:30:59.069+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/tinchi-tamba/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I decided it was time for a long overdue visit to Deepwater Bend at the mouth of the Pine River and the surrounding wetlands. The Wyampa people called the thick Mangrove Swamps “Tinchi”, and the awkward looking long-legged birds that poked around in the mud “Tamba”, which is why the Brisbane City Council named these wetlands “Tinchi Tamba”.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6007839354/" title="Wetlands by the Highway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/6007839354_47cddddc66_z.jpg" width="640" height="275" alt="Wetlands by the Highway"></a><br /><br />Most of the coastline near Brisbane along Moreton Bay was a wetland environment. Today the most of the northern section of the Gateway Motorway is bordered by the wetlands on one side or another as it winds its way between the Pine River in the north to the Brisbane River in the south.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6007285813/" title="Deepwater Bend by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/6007285813_1c430702a1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Deepwater Bend"></a><br /><br />Deepwater Bend is a great spot for a picnic or cast a line in for a spot of fishing. There are some great views westward to the D’Aguilar Ranges.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6007289169/" title="Bird Hide by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/6007289169_82e5fe8b69_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Bird Hide"></a><br /><br />On the bank of a nearby creek there’s a “Bird Hide” which allows you to watch the local birdlife without them seeing you. In a few weeks this water will be teeming with migratory birds as they make their way back south to breed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6007831214/" title="Swampy Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/6007831214_014cf69391_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Swampy Forest"></a><br /><br />The Tinchi Tamba wetlands are criss-crossed by a network of trails. One of them headed off into some thick swamp forest, so I thought to myself “Why not?” and rode off to see where the trail went.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/6007291365/" title="Old Fence by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/6007291365_a8a77fd82d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Old Fence"></a><br /><br />As you can see from the old fence posts, this whole area used to be farmland. These days you won’t find any cattle, but you’ll find hundreds of kangaroos and birds. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/weird/kangaroos-swim-bald-hills-creek-to-tinchi-tamba-wetlands/story-e6frep26-1225822272651">There is a report</a> that the local Kangaroos can swim.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/103928913'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-4702010572631737614?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-46218596270428704932011-07-30T15:52:00.000+10:002011-07-30T16:31:04.535+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cabbage-tree-range/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>As part of my plans to take some friends on a ride over the D’Aguilar Range in a few weeks, I thought I’d investigate a bit more our planned route.</p><br /><p>A riding friend, Dean, kindly offered to ride with me, and we met up at the Dundas Road water tower.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5989311795/" title="Dundas Road Water Tank by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5989311795_fb85ccab33.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dundas Road Water Tank"></a><br /><br />There are a few shelters like this throughout the forest, using a rain tank to provide emergency drinking water to hikers and mountain bikers. If you pass by here in the afternoon you’ll often see hikers setting up camp for the night.</p><br /><p>After a long, steep, and loose ride down Dundas Road, we eventually hit the bottom of the range.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5989312201/" title="Banks Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5989312201_46cc324b4a.jpg" width="500" height="413" alt="Banks Creek Road"></a><br /><br />Banks Creek Road starts from the bottom of the D’Aguilar Range and can take you all the way to Fernvale, north-west of Ipswich. We’ll be heading down here in a few weeks. For today, I just admired the old Hoop Pines (Araucaria Cunninghamii).</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5989312505/" title="Down, down, down... by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5989312505_385f232662.jpg" width="500" height="408" alt="Down, down, down..."></a><br /><br />Here’s another steep descent. With more skill, and dual-suspension, Dean flew down most of the hills and over the water bars. I was more circumspect, and often ended up just eating his dust. In fact, I lost traction in one spot and fell off, but luckily I was going pretty slowly and only suffered a few minor scratches and loss of pride <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5989871882/" title="Lunch by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5989871882_db0345acd3.jpg" width="500" height="460" alt="Lunch"></a><br /><br />Eventually we reached the bottom of Cabbage Tree Range Road, which is where we stopped for lunch – after riding in the forest for a few hours, you really work up an appetite.</p><br /><p>Dean rode a total of about 100km today and chewed through three toasted cheese and bacon sandwiches and numerous jelly snakes. </p><br /><p>A vehicle which runs on toasted sandwiches and jelly snakes – who would have thought????</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5989872910/" title="King of the Hill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5989872910_dcf416468e_z.jpg" width="640" height="266" alt="King of the Hill"></a><br /><br />I rode up Cabbage Tree Range Road today non-stop.</p><br /><p>It’s a 7.5km climb which gains about 500m in altitude, and takes about an hour.</p><br /><p>Last time I rode this, I had to walk some of the steeper bits. Today I kept my head down, kept pushing the pedals, and nailed the hill!</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5989874368/" title="Enjoying the Ride by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5989874368_82840ab778_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Enjoying the Ride"></a><br /><br />I really enjoyed today’s ride, and felt great having nailed that last hill. Unlike Dean, I only rode 37km, but ended up climbing almost 1,500m, and burned about 3,500 kcal. On the tough-o-meter I’d give it 8.5 because of the long climb.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/102667545'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-4621859627042870493?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-63226692715627391852011-07-23T20:10:00.000+10:002011-07-23T20:31:03.684+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fernvale/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I spent today exploring some trails south of Fernvale because I’m planning to visit here in a few weeks with some friends on an over-the-mountain 80km ride from Ferny Grove Railway Station. Since this section will be the final part of the ride, and we’ll probably have a few tired riders, I thought it would be worthwhile to double check the area to make sure everything was ok.</p><br /><p>The original plan was to follow the Railtrail south from Fernvale. The problem is that this area had some very heavy rain earlier this year, and parts of the trail are still being repaired, and are unrideable.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5965935535/" title="Missing Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5965935535_12b53c7b94.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Missing Bridge"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5966493242/" title="Missing Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5966493242_fca9ee3eb0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Missing Bridge"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5965937869/" title="Rail Trail Closed by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5965937869_dda6d0f15d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Rail Trail Closed"></a><br /><br />As you can see in the photos, the Railtrail bridge had been washed away, the creek was too deep to cross, and the trail was closed. So when my original plan was foiled by the “Trail Closed” sign, I had to improvise and find a new route!</p><br /><p>I headed off down a gravel road and took some wrong turns which found me at a few dead-ends in the middle of a couple of horse paddocks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5966496178/" title="By Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5966496178_ae92811f86.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="By Road"></a><br /><br />Eventually, I persevered down a track called “By Road” which my GPS insisted was there, but which just appeared to be more paddocks with thick grass, scrub. logs and spider webs. I persevered and eventually scrambled out the other side on a “real” road.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5965950303/" title="Coach Lane by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5965950303_dbfcd19681.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Coach Lane"></a><br /><br />Some of the roads aren’t as imaginary as By Road, but they’re still quite rough. But that’s what makes them so much fun to ride on a mountain bike.</p><br /><p>The gravel roads and tracks continued south to Haigslea, just off the Cunningham Highway.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5965942171/" title="Haigslea Cemetery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5965942171_b4b764e6d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Haigslea Cemetery"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5966501240/" title="Commemorative Plaque by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5966501240_9114370103_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Commemorative Plaque"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5965943569/" title="Haigslea Cemetery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/5965943569_0cc86ec2f0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Haigslea Cemetery"></a><br /><br />In the mid to late nineteenth century Haigslea was settled by German migrants. Some of them are buried in this cemetery.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5966502428/" title="St Pauls Lutheran Church by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5966502428_b9b7a043da.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="St Pauls Lutheran Church"></a><br /><br />Here’s a picture of the original church around the turn of the century. While the girls in the white dresses may no longer be there, the pine trees are still on the corner where the road meets the highway as you drive to Toowoomba.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5966504016/" title="Survey Tree by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5966504016_bae24e00d0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Survey Tree"></a><br /><br />This blazed survey tree is across the road from the cemetery.</p><br /><p>I followed the road which comes to an end and turns into a track, and then into a lovely bit of single trail which winds into the town of Walloon, where we’ll be catching the train in a few weeks <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5965948723/" title="Walloon Station by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5965948723_6d93f752ed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Walloon Station"></a></p><br /><p>All up, about 60km, with 750m of ascent, and 2500cal. I’d give it about 6.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. It’s an easy pleasant ride, which is perfect for when I bring a few friends next month.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/101026129'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6322669271562739185?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-89788520002799229272011-07-17T17:22:00.000+10:002011-07-17T18:31:09.301+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bellthorpe/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Today I had a great time riding with some buddies from the <a href="http://mtbdirt.com">MTBDirt</a> mountain biking forum. Ron, Eric and I decided to explore Bellthorpe State Forest north-west of Woodford. It was hilly, muddy and beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945665020/" title="Climbing through the Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5945665020_ef5dd35241_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Climbing through the Forest"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945662542/" title="Made it! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5945662542_cd9ce522b6_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Made it!"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945675386/" title="Climbing through the Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5945675386_4b3cf70ed9.jpg" width="500" height="271" alt="Climbing through the Forest"></a><br /><br />The ride started with a long slow 10km climb up Stony Creek Road as we gained an extra 500m in elevation to reach the summit of the ride at about 650m. The road is steep in parts, but it’s worth the effort to see some of the spectacular rainforest. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945668336/" title="Enjoying the View by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5945668336_90d9901d50.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Enjoying the View"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945678304/" title="Head in the Clouds by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5945678304_05f17e0c91.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Head in the Clouds"></a><br /><br />At the top we were pretty much level with the cloudline, and were treated to some great views of the Glasshouse Mountains, with Mount Beerwah partially obscured by clouds.</p><br /><p>Then it’s a fun descent through the forest to the bottom, along some muddy and slippery tracks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945674308/" title="Eric the Invincible by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5945674308_6ec5ff390b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Eric the Invincible"></a><br /><br />We were both grateful to Eric for showing us a more enjoyable track through the forest. Eric shows us here what real mountain bikers can do at Bellthorpe. I thought (very briefly) about imitating him, but chickened out.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945671780/" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5945671780_ef74c4592d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />The roads through the forest rise and fall very steeply, and there are many creek crossings like this one, as well as muddy bog-holes where 4WD’s have tried to get through.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945117761/" title="Glasshouse Mountains by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5945117761_9907b67793.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Glasshouse Mountains"></a><br /><br />Eventually we came out the other side of the forest, and had to negotiate one more slippery descent with more amazing views.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945677162/" title="Beerwah by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5945677162_52d8bc3504_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Beerwah"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5945151011/" title="The Road to Tibrogargan by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5945151011_70514aec73_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="The Road to Tibrogargan"></a><br /><br />All up about 50km, 1200m of climbing and 3,300kcal burned. On the tough-o-meter, I’d give it 8 out of 10 because of the steep, slippery ascents and descents in the forest.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/99662742'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8978852000279922927?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-20970333988842581862011-07-16T13:44:00.000+10:002011-07-16T14:30:55.712+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/freshwater-turtle/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5942131724/" title="Freshwater Turtle by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5942131724_bc508db5c9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Freshwater Turtle"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5941567941/" title="Freshwater Turtle by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5941567941_c63ed81194_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Freshwater Turtle"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5942127908/" title="Freshwater Turtle by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5942127908_e6d774006f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Freshwater Turtle"></a></p><br /><p>While riding by Lake Samsonvale today I was delighted to come across this female Freshwater Turtle digging a hole to lay eggs.</p><br /><p>The burrow was about 30 to 40m above the shoreline, so she’d come a long way to dig the hole.</p><br /><p>She was about 30cm in size, and had dug a 30cm hole for her eggs.</p><br /><p>As I approached, she just froze and looked at me as if to say "Can’t a girl have some privacy?"</p><br /><p>So I took a few photos and moved on, feeling very privileged.</p><br /><p>Today was just a short ride as Liz and I are going to spend a few hours at GOMA this afternoon <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/99405477'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2097033398884258186?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-70608517175460248322011-07-12T17:25:00.000+10:002011-07-12T18:30:58.307+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/three-for-one/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Here’s a poem I wrote recently as part of a competition on the theme “Making pictures”.</p><br /><p>For those of you not in the know, a Triptych is a set of three pictures, each related to a similar subject (e.g. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32357038@N08/4801696475/" target="_blank">Frederick McCubbin’s “The Pioneer”</a>). So in this poem, I tried to create a set of three pictures, all with similar elements – fire / heat, smoke / smells, wondrous sounds, etc.</p><br /><p>Enjoy!</p><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td width="33%" align="left"><br /><h2></h2><br /></td><br /><td width="33%" align="left"><br /><h2>Triptych</h2><br /></td><br /><td width="33%" align="left"><br /><h2></h2><br /></td><br /></tr><br /><tr><br /><td width="33%" align="left" style="background-color:#FFFFEE;"><br />Ancient flames crackle on wizened twigs.<br /><br />I crouch upon the dusty cavern floor.<br /><br />Wisps of sacred smoke caress my hair<br /><br />While I make pictures on the rocky wall. </p><br /><p>Dark stick-men chase herds of totem beasts.<br /><br />My ochred fingers craft a timeless scene.<br /><br />I dream of victory in tomorrow’s hunt<br /><br />As Tribal voices chant the mystical songs.</p><br /><p>Watcher from a future day,<br /><br />I am like you.<br /><br />I live and love.<br /><br />I laugh and dance.<br /><br />I weep and wonder in the dawn of time.<br /></td><br /><td width="33%" align="left" style="background-color:#FFEEFF;"><br />Holy candles flicker on the altar.<br /><br />I stretch beneath the vaulted chapel ceiling.<br /><br />Pungent incense wafts through hallowed halls<br /><br />While I make pictures on the plaster wall. </p><br /><p>Angels and patriarchs pause in pious pose.<br /><br />My paint-stained fingers deftly dab and brush.<br /><br />I dream of eternity and creation’s span<br /><br />As choral voices echo from the walls.</p><br /><p>Watcher from a future day,<br /><br />I am like you.<br /><br />I gasp in awe.<br /><br />I gaze at stars.<br /><br />I long for answers to eternal questions.<br /></td><br /><td width="33%" align="left" style="background-color:#EEFFEE;"><br />Brilliant sunlight pierces through the clouds.<br /><br />I stand atop a mountain’s forest glade.<br /><br />Eucalypt and wattle tinge the air<br /><br />While I make pictures through my camera lens. </p><br /><p>Exhilarated hikers in the frame,<br /><br />My sweaty fingers click and twist the dials.<br /><br />I drink the pristine glory of this place<br /><br />As bird songs warble in the forest air.</p><br /><p>Watcher from a future day,<br /><br />I am like you.<br /><br />I conquer hills.<br /><br />I walk long paths.<br /><br />I drink the splendour of our world.<br /></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody><br /></table><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7060851717546024832?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-78078832008452889552011-07-11T09:54:00.000+10:002011-07-11T10:30:52.859+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/if-it-is-to-be/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Harrison and I decided to check out <a href="http://www.mtjoyceescape.com.au/">Mount Joyce Recreation Park</a> yesterday.</p><br /><p>It’s built on the shores of the new Wyaralong Dam between Beaudesert and Boonah, and has some great Mountain Biking trails.</p><br /><p>We really enjoyed the trails, but I made a couple of big mistakes that caused us some major problems….</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5923607731/" title="Harrison at Mt Joyce by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5923607731_5135c96697_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Harrison at Mt Joyce"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5924176906/" title="Harrison at Mt Joyce by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5924176906_e59b10e9ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Harrison at Mt Joyce"></a></p><br /><p>After riding down some beautiful long, smooth, winding downhill single-track, we ended up at the bottom of the hill at a junction of a few different tracks. It was getting late so we thought we’d follow a service road west in the hope of getting back up the top of the hill for one more ride down. The only problem was the service road west just kept going west. After half an hour, it was getting close to sunset, I was worried about it getting dark, but made the mistake of pressing on in the hope the trail would brng me out on the road for a quick ride back.</p><br /><p>I failed to take into account that I had an 11 year old boy, so the riding would be slower than usual. Plus I failed to factor in that these were new trails – I didn’t have any of the tracks in my GPS.</p><br /><p>Another half hour and it was totally dark. We were in the middle of the bush, with no maps in the GPS on trails I knew nothing about, and all I had was a little night rider light and tail light. Harrison was upset, cold, and tired. All he had on was board shorts and a tee-shirt. I had a garbage bag in my pack and made a poncho out of it to keep him warm, gave him a spare pair of winter gloves that I also had in my pack and soldiered on.</p><br /><p>Thankfully I had a <a href="http://international.findmespot.com/">Spot GPS Satellite Messenger</a> (Mobile phones don’t work out there). So I sent an “I’m OK but I’m going to be late message” to let everyone know we were ok.</p><br /><p>After another half hour of riding in the bush in the dark and we found a gravel road which we followed to Beaudesert / Boonah road, and headed eastwards back to the park along the main road. Since we only had one set of lights, I made Harrison ride in front of me, so my light lit the road in front of him, and cars approacing from behind could see my tail light.</p><br /><p>It took us over an hour riding back along the main road in the dark until we reached the turnoff, back to the Mt Joyce car park, to find the carpark empty except for our van.</p><br /><p>Freezing and hungry, we stashed the bikes in the van, and headed back to Beaudesert for a bite to eat.</p><br /><p>We eventually got home at 10pm.</p><br /><p>I feel bad about this because I made some stupid mistakes. I’ve attached the track log so you know where not to go. (Given enough daylight hours, it would have been a really nice XC ride) The worst thing is I put my son thru a pretty distressing experience. He was in tears, had to walk up some steep (to him) hills in the dark, and had to brave highway traffic on a dark main road. I knew he was upset, but I had to be mean and tell him that crying wouldn’t get him home, and that he didn’t have the luxury of feeling sorry for himself.</p><br /><p>“If it is to be, it is up to me” I told him. Plus I made a few Bear Grylls jokes about eating our own poo, or him eating me if I couldn’t make it. It seemed to do the trick.</p><br /><p>The best thing is that he did it. I’m so proud of him.</p><br /><p>I’m annoyed at myself though.</p><br /><p>All up, 55km, about 1,000m of ascent, 3,000kcal and 5 hours on the bike. On the tough-o-metre this one was 10 out of 10, not because of the physical difficulty, but the stress of trying to safely get an eleven year old boy out of the bush in the dark in the middle of winter on unknown terrain.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/98092562'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7807883200845288955?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-37852136640668357692011-07-03T16:37:00.000+10:002011-07-03T18:30:56.677+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/dayboro/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I spent a few hours exploring out the back of Dayboro today. It’s a delightful town surrounded by green farms, areas of thick bush, and a backdrop of imposing mountains.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5895865243/" title="Terrors Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5895865243_ca4f028bed_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Terrors Creek"></a><br /><br />A causeway over Terrors creek, south of Dayboro.</p><br /><p>According to local historian, Leith Barter, the creek was named after “Terah” – a grey Arab stallion owned in the 1850′s by Captain John Griffin of the Whiteside Run. In fact the whole area at one time was called “Terrors Creek” but the local postmaster didn’t like the name, saying it sounded too much like “Torrens Creek” so the name changed. The only authentic spelling of the name “Terah” I can find in town is the restaurant “Terah’s” on the main drag. I expect you wouldn’t get far naming a restaurant “Terror’s” would you? </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5895866631/" title="Railway Remnants by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5895866631_0fe23a118f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Railway Remnants"></a><br /><br />The wooden pylons are remnants of a bridge that was part of the old railway line between Dayboro and Ferny Grove. </p><br /><p>I think the funny looking hut with cream paint and a red roof is related to the old railway line but I’m not sure.</p><br /><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/ghost-train/" target="_blank">You can read more about my exploration of this railway line here.</a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5895870813/" title="Lees Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5895870813_5a3448da22_z.jpg" width="640" height="300" alt="Lees Crossing"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5895868249/" title="Lees Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/5895868249_f2d95ab06d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lees Crossing"></a><br /><br />A causeway at Lees Crossing across the North Pine River just out of Dayboro.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5895871853/" title="Woodward Road, Dayboro by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5895871853_4625ecbf40_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Woodward Road, Dayboro"></a><br /><br />I followed Woodward road to see where it ended up, and discovered some steep hills, friendly people and great views along the way. </p><br /><p>This old road actually used to lead from Dayboro to Esk over the D’Aguilar range.</p><br /><p>I’m hoping to see if I can retrace it sometime in the next couple of months – at least as far as the top of the range.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5895873371/" title="Self-repairing tyres by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/5895873371_ca55c36170_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Self-repairing tyres"></a><br /><br />On the way back I ran over some glass which cut my tyre. Tubeless sealant sprayed everywhere, but after about 5 minutes it sealed up of its own accord, and I was able to pump it up and keep riding.</p><br /><p>I originally took this pic as a mental note so I knew where to check for damage when I got home (it’s a new tyre), but I thought it was pretty cool to demonstrate the way the tubeless system works.</p><br /><p>I think I’ll dab some “Shoe goo” on the scratch from the outside and top up the sealant. Hopefully the tear will stay fixed. Thank goodness for “Stans No-Tubes”!</p><br /><p>All up about 39km with about 770m of climbing, and 1900cal. 6 out of 10 for toughness (It was pretty short, and the only steep climbs were on bitumen). I’ll be back to explore this area again!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/96404469'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3785213664066835769?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-79529210275429809842011-07-02T19:00:00.000+10:002011-07-02T20:30:58.248+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/hiking-with-liz/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>A few months ago, <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/joyners-ridge-road/" target="_blank">Liz and I hiked Joyners Ridge Road</a> in D’Aguilar National Park. Today we decided to turn the “tough-o-meter” dial a bit harder, and hiked Lightline Road and Cabbage Tree Range Road.</p><br /><p>It started out innocuously enough, with a long descent along Lightline Road and Job 6 Road. Job 6 Road? Who ever heard of naming a road after a book of the bible that talks about anguish and misery? (Is it really that steep?) Or was it the next job on the sheet after Job 5 when the forestry people were building roads?</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5893473136/" title="Branch Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5893473136_2f8337b0dd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Branch Creek"></a><br /><br />After 8km we reached the bottom of the walk at Branch Creek.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5892901305/" title="Cabbage Tree Range Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5892901305_bcec12a823_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cabbage Tree Range Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5893470464/" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/5893470464_0e8b2ef227_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5893479386/" title="Liz by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/5893479386_427b8884db_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Liz"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5893472144/" title="And they lived happily ever after... by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5893472144_b1a8282dc4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="And they lived happily ever after..."></a><br /><br />From there it’s a long steep 6km walk to the top of Cabbage Tree Range Road.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5893473520/" title="Jinbarra was here by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5893473520_aa50f1a56c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Jinbarra was here"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5892907003/" title="Hollow Tree by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5892907003_5a33ff3bb8_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Hollow Tree"></a><br /><br />The last bit of the walk was along Dundas Road, which has some beautiful old Brush Box trees, one of which I think has some great scars of Aboriginal origin.</p><br /><p>All up 17km with over 1,000m ascent, and 3100 cal. About 7.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter, mostly because of the climb up Cabbage Tree Range Road.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/96180771'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7952921027542980984?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-79685644440925453882011-06-25T17:36:00.000+10:002011-06-25T18:30:52.269+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/lake-manchester-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Earlier this year <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/lake-manchester/" target="_blank">I rode to Lake Manchester</a>. Today I thought I’d try it again, but with a riding buddy.</p><br /><p>I’m really glad I did – riding with Mike today had some major advantages:<br /><br />1. Better photos (it sucks trying to take photos of yourself)<br /><br />2. It’s safer (if something happens, someone else is there to help out)<br /><br />3. Better performance (Mike is a better rider than me. He rode up hills that I’d normally walk up, so I tried riding up instead, and I made it!)</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5868360501/" title="Rock Sculpture by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5238/5868360501_76cb95b05a_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Rock Sculpture"></a><br /><br />The first leg of the ride out of Samford led us up the Goat Track, home of some <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-goat-track/" target="_blank">wierd </a>and <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/kidnapping-neighbors-kids/" target="_blank">wonderful</a> rock sculptures. Some of them have been knocked down, so some bright and budding artist decided to build their sculpture in a tree. Art knows no bounds <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5868922220/" title="Light Line Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5120/5868922220_ca083e2998_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Light Line Road"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5868924186/" title="Camping Shelter by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/5868924186_3999f2d3d8_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Camping Shelter"></a><br /><br />After our 10km climb, we rode down Light Line Road, which is a 10km descent down to Lake Manchester. Along the way we passed this camping shelter. I think I might come back here with Harrison one evening and try an overnighter <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5868366101/" title="Lake Manchester by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/5868366101_80c3aaf04d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lake Manchester"></a><br /><br />Some of the views on the way down are fantastic, and we had to stop and take the photos. Mike commented that you can never capture the magnificent panorama with one photo, and he’s right. There are some magnificent views of the lake.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5868368227/" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5077/5868368227_343bf13174_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5868369465/" title="Bilabong by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/5868369465_16fe20d1a2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Bilabong"></a><br /><br />Once we reached the bottom there were (what felt like) dozens of Creek Crossings to ride through and one or two beautiful Bilabongs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5868933892/" title="Bilabong by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5868933892_c6e7d6da1e_z.jpg" width="640" height="321" alt="Bilabong"></a><br /><br />I think this Bilabong on Cabbage Tree Creek would be great for a swim in summer!</p><br /><p>From there we started the long climb up Creek Road to South Boundary Road. Then a quick run down to the creek crossing on Centre Road, and another long slow climb up Centre Road to the bitumen on Mt Nebo Road. We then rode down to Bellbird Grove, before one final long steep climb up Link Road in Camp Mountain before rolling, exhausted but happy, back into Samford.</p><br /><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/1308985200-28503-P-165.228.233.115.png"><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/1308985200-28503-P-165.228.233.115.png" alt="" title="Samford - Nebo - Manchester - Camp Mt Loop" width="600" height="343" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1880" /></a><br /><br />Check out some of those hills!</p><br /><p>The GPS got it wrong. We did almost 56km, with about 1,800m of vertical ascent. I burned up about 4,500 calories, which is the equivalent of about 10 Big Macs.</p><br /><p>On the tough-o-metre I’d give this one nine out of ten. The three climbs up Creek Road, Centre Road, and Link Road were tough. Yes. I’d definitely do it again.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/94618658'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7968564444092545388?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-49158912052616915492011-06-19T20:32:00.000+10:002011-06-19T22:30:59.489+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/blackbutt/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>A couple of years ago I <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/up-and-down-the-mountain/">rode up the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail</a> from Moore to Benarkin. I rode it again today with Lachlan and Isaac. The trail follows the route of an old railway line up the mountain to Blackbutt.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5847771597/" title="Linville Station by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/5847771597_20d438dfe1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Linville Station"></a><br /><br />Today we started at Linville. There’s a train at the station, but it’s not going anywhere as the railway line on either side of it has been removed.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5847777109/" title="Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/5847777109_a4d1dc8250.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rail Trail"></a><br /><br />Although the trail climbs about 500 metres, it’s a gentle gradient, which makes the ride really easy for most of the way. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5847774075/" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/5847774075_204f64878f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />There are a couple of places where the railway bridge no longer exists, so there’s a steep descent down to the creek bed, and back out again. It just adds to the fun.</p><br /><p>Eventually we reached the top and had a great lunch at a cafe in Blackbutt. Then we explored some of the dirt tracks that ran through the forests to the west of the town. This was fun as the slopes were much steeper than the easy gradients we experienced on the way up, so we were able to pick up a lot of speed down some of the long hills. </p><br /><p>The trails finally met up again with the rail trail, and we enjoyed a pleasant 20km descent down the hill back to the car.</p><br /><p>Last time I did this ride (Nov 2009) I found it a bit of a challenge as I’d only just started riding. This time I found it really easy. I’d probably give it a score of 4 out of 10 on the tough-o-metre, but 10 out of 10 for fun.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/93323417'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-4915891205261691549?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-2191489222150907492011-06-18T17:59:00.000+10:002011-06-18T18:30:53.579+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mt-mee-wamuran/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I’ve been reading Gillian Duncan’s book “<a href="http://xcart.fortheriders.com.au/product.php?productid=1767&cat=164&page=1">Where to mountain bike in South East Queensland</a>” and decided to try out one of the trails in that book today. Starting at Mt Mee, I followed some dirt tracks down to the <a href="http://www.railtrails.org.au/states/trails.php3?action=trail&trail=108">Wamuran Rail Trail</a>, then rode back up the mountain again via some more dirt tracks. All up it was a tad over 31km, but it was hard work, which made it a lot of fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5844207539/" title="Pedwell Road, Mount Mee by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/5844207539_97a6391beb_z.jpg" width="640" height="169" alt="Pedwell Road, Mount Mee"></a><br /><br />I started from Pedwell Road, Mount Mee, which winds down past a few farms with excellent views like this one. </p><br /><p>Eventually Pedwell Road turns into a dirt road, which turns into Williams Road:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5844211429/" title="Glass House Mountains by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/5844211429_86a25aa9a0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Glass House Mountains"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5844759052/" title="Williams Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5844759052_944bae32a5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Williams Road"></a><br /><br />Williams Road is incredibly steep in some parts. I was going downhill, and if I was riding with some buddies, I would have attempted it, but an over-the-bars out here wouldn’t have been much fun, so I walked down some of the steeper inclines.</p><br /><p><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=1235918978&photo_id=5844754468"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=1235918978&photo_id=5844754468" height="300" width="400"></embed></object></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5844213563/" title="Wamuran Rail Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5844213563_41d9d037e1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Wamuran Rail Trail"></a><br /><br />At the bottom of the hill, it wasn’t far to the Wamuran Rail Trail which meanders through some beautiful rain forest following the trail of an old railway track.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5844214955/" title=""Trail" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5191/5844214955_ab3472bbcf.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""Trail""></a><br /><br />Eventually it was time to follow the “Trail” signs back up the mountain along McLeods Road. I think whoever nailed up the signs had some new understanding of the word “Trail” because it was more like a scramble up a very steep rocky hill – difficult to walk up with a bike, let alone ride up. Even so, it’s worth the effort.</p><br /><p>All up a loop of 31.3km, with about 750m of vertical ascent and just under 1800 cal. On the Tough-O-Meter, I’d rate this 9 out of 10 because of the really treacherous downhill on Williams Road, and the crazily steep “trail” back up on McLeods Road.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/93081511'></iframe></p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/93081511'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-219148922215090749?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-17751630207127419112011-06-11T18:04:00.000+10:002011-06-11T18:30:54.408+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/daguilar-national-park/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>D’Aguilar National Park is spectacular – even on a bleak. cool, cloudy day like it was today.</p><br /><p>I rode up “The Goat Track” headed for Mount Glorious, then set off down Joyners Ridge Road.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5820014503/" title="Joyners Ridge Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/5820014503_5696cde8ef.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Joyners Ridge Road"></a><br /><br />The cool rainforest at the top of Joyners Ridge Road at Mount Glorious is a delight to roll through on the bike.</p><br /><p>All up it’s about a 10km descent to the South Branch of England Creek at the bottom. Enjoy the descent, because once you get to the bottom of the hills, you have to go up!</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5820015521/" title="Goodes Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/5820015521_07b89b6c6b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Goodes Road"></a><br /><br />Goodes Road is a steep fire trail that climbs 550m in 5km from England Creek back up to Mount Glorious. </p><br /><p>I must confess I took this photo, not because I was impressed with the view, but because I needed a rest. </p><br /><p>That climb is hard work!</p><br /><p>In hindsight, the view is pretty good too <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5820580282/" title="Tree Swallows Sign by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5820580282_7038b28443_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Tree Swallows Sign"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5820018165/" title="Tree Swallows Sign (Close up) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/5820018165_e86b4a7506_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Tree Swallows Sign (Close up)"></a><br /><br />At the top of Goodes Road there’s a strange looking spotted gum that has a couple of signs on it.</p><br /><p>The strange thing is that it looks like it has grown over one of the signs so all that’s left is a square “lump” in the trees “throat”.</p><br /><p>Dare we hope that the trees are taking over?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5820019765/" title="Dundas Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/5820019765_52309dfdc5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dundas Road"></a><br /><br />Once I managed to climb back up to the top of the hill, Dundas Road provided a really pleasant ride along the ridge top back to Mount Glorious.</p><br /><p>This is a fun ride after the hard work of the climb – quick easy trails that wind through the rainforest, with Bellbirds tinkling in the background.</p><br /><p>All up this ride was just over 35km, with 1240m of ascent and almost 3,000 kcal. It was hard work, but a lot of fun!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/91502291'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1775163020712741911?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-60107786831966102712011-06-02T10:19:00.000+10:002011-06-02T10:30:57.604+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/clear-mountain-hill-climb/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>One of my favourite mountain bike challenges is climbing some hills in Clear Mountain State Forest.</p><br /><p>It’s a beautiful spot with a few creeks winding through it, tinkling Bellbird calls, and lots of different Eucalypts. But the hills are steep, and often muddy. It’s a test of strength and technical ability to climb them, which is why I keep coming back. There’s always another hill to try and beat.</p><br /><p>This afternoon I took Liz’s camera, put it on the ground at strategic spots, and filmed myself riding by. But this time I passed some women hiking through the forest. I didn’t want them to think I was doing anything creepy with the camera in the forest, so I explained what I was trying to do. They kindly offered to help me film the hill climbs, and this video is the result.</p><br /><p>I didn’t realize till I got home that while my back was turned they added some funny extra footage of their own.</p><br /><p>Thank you, strange ladies of the forest. It was fun having spectators watch me have a go at these hills – even if I did conk out on the last hill!<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AMn1NrnMoJI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/89377585'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6010778683196610271?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-84288223206999107712011-05-30T13:41:00.000+10:002011-05-30T14:30:49.265+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/putting-the-mountain-in-the-bike/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770676913/" title="Emu Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/5770676913_28cbca311b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Emu Mountain"></a><br /><br />Emu Mountain is a great little national park just north of Coolum where we spent the weekend. It has some interesting walking tracks which we’ve done with the kids before, but this time I felt like exploring it on my bike.</p><br /><p>I didn’t intend to ride up it, but when I saw the gnarly tracks heading up the hill, I couldn’t resist.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770657469/" title="Emu Mountain Summit by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5770657469_8d28515b48_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Emu Mountain Summit"></a><br /><br />The cllimb wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, and (as always) the view was fantastic. This view is looking south back down to Coolum where we were staying.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770667747/" title="Emu Mountain Summit by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2300/5770667747_31c5cf5bec_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Emu Mountain Summit"></a><br /><br />As you can see, a lot of the land in the area is forest – right by the sea, and quite unspoilt.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770686775/" title="Stumers Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/5770686775_9cd686bb0c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Stumers Creek"></a><br /><br />Eventually I rolled back down the gnarly hills and stopped briefly on the beach at Stumers Creek.</p><br /><p>A beautiful finish to a wonderful weekend!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/88632073'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8428822320699910771?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-86627857187362898442011-05-30T13:30:00.000+10:002011-05-30T16:30:48.484+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/noosa-national-park/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>The weather forecast said “Rain” but we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to explore the Noosa Headland. I can’t believe how lucky we are to have this beautiful national park just over an hours drive from our front door.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5771087104/" title="Walking on Water by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/5771087104_1d0d3b37c5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Walking on Water"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770554507/" title="Fraser Island by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/5770554507_d92e757f8e_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Fraser Island"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770563637/" title="Surfers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5770563637_4e46b752eb_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Surfers"></a><br /><br />We walked clockwise around the headland starting at Laguna Bay – a popular spot for surfers and sunbathers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5771116782/" title="Happy Hikers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/5771116782_8491a69058_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Happy Hikers"></a><br /><br />The track winds around the cliff-tops with some spectacular views through the rainforest trees down to some rocky secluded beaches.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5771126220/" title="Alexandra Bay by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/5771126220_d1a6b84527_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Alexandra Bay"></a><br /><br />Eventually we reached Alexandra Bay. Hidden away on southern side of the headland it feels a million miles away from the cares and worries of the city</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5771132204/" title="Alexandra Bay by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/5771132204_ec41856e87_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Alexandra Bay"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5771139996/" title="Alexandra Bay by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/5771139996_f9439c94d2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Alexandra Bay"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770605763/" title="Alexandra Bay by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/5770605763_158766c4a1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Alexandra Bay"></a><br /><br />The walking track follows the beach for a couple of kilometres before heading back into the forest.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770625987/" title="Tree Hugger by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/5770625987_07062e8047_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Tree Hugger"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5774065833/" title="Tree Hugger Liz by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2035/5774065833_ea376549a9_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Tree Hugger Liz"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5774062581/" title="Tree Hugger Harrison by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/5774062581_7425c00d4e_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Tree Hugger Harrison"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5774059281/" title="Tree Hugger Lilly by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/5774059281_7eac53740d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Tree Hugger Lilly"></a><br /><br />I suppose you could call us a family of tree-huggers <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770636151/" title="Hoop Pine by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/5770636151_760b93cf0c_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Hoop Pine"></a><br /><br />Eventually the track passes through some denser forest with these wonderful Hoop Pines – native to South East Queensland.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5770648367/" title="Hoop Pine by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/5770648367_3a7de16caa_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hoop Pine"></a><br /><br />All up about 9km, with 400m of vertical ascent. A beautiful easy walk. We’d definitely do it again!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/88632087'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8662785718736289844?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-14656986571621273902011-05-28T23:35:00.000+10:002011-05-29T00:31:07.615+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/eumundi-forest-reserve/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>We decided to have a long weekend break up at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.</p><br /><p>As usual, I pondered over maps of the area to see if I could discover any new places nearby that I could ride to. </p><br /><p>I had my eye on a few dirt roads that meandered around the back of Mount Ninderry, especially a couple that seemed to disappear into forest on the map, because that meant there was a possibility of exploring some fire trails.</p><br /><p>Eventually a came across the familiar “Forest Reserve” sign and disappeared down a dirt track gleefully, like a child with a new toy…<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5767211547/" title="Eumundi Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/5767211547_29c29915a6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Eumundi Forest"></a><br /><br />I saw a forest trail I’d never ridden before and thought “Why not?”</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5767773120/" title="Coming... by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/5767773120_7941888639_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Coming..."></a><br /><br />Rainforest, trails, steep hills… The Eumundi Forest Reserve at Verrierdale, in the hills west of Coolum, has everything including a few km of muddy swamps.</p><br /><p>The tracks are delightful – mostly fire-trails. They wind through some lush green rainforest, with some challenging hill climbs in one or two places. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5767775612/" title="Going... by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5767775612_fcacba7c22_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Going..."></a><br /><br />Recent rain has made some of the clay soil quite sticky, which makes it a bit tough around creeks. But I suppose the most surprising bit was the swamps – I didn’ count on having to drag the bike through a few kilometres of wet muddy creek beds. From the look of it I think these large wet patches are a permanent fixture. If they’re like this in dry weather, imagine what it’s like in the rainy season <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p>But it was great to get out on the bike and explore some new places!</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/88453261'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1465698657162127390?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-5784858851652346512011-05-28T08:58:00.001+10:002011-06-23T08:57:21.323+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cool-coolum/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Coolum in the cooler months is beautiful!</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5764742472/" title="Dusk on the Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/5764742472_bf6924bb32_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Dusk on the Beach"></a><br /><br />Liz, Lilly and I are happy to be back on the beach again at Coolum. Harrison is lurking in the background on the left.</p><br /><p>Here’s a few pics of our first evening walk along the beach in a few months:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5764247269/" title="Birds on a Wire by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5764247269_a855e25341_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Birds on a Wire"></a><br /><br />These people looked like birds on a telegraph wire as they watched the ocean at dusk.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5764233059/" title="See Saw by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/5764233059_b408f8359a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="See Saw"></a><br /><br />Lil and Lilly had fun on the see saw in the playground</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5764212339/" title="Coolum Beach at Dusk by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/5764212339_01d64f2092_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Coolum Beach at Dusk"></a><br /><br />Looking north up the beach at Coolum towards Noosa.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-578485885165234651?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-76645985821334355052011-05-21T18:52:00.000+10:002011-05-21T20:30:57.894+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/missed-it-by-this-much/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Last year I <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/dianas-bath-almost/" target="_blank">tried to ride to Dianas Bath</a>. Today I thought I’d give it another go.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5741920847/" title="Road through the Rainforest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5741920847_d2ae761149_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Road through the Rainforest"></a><br /><br />Diana’s Bath is a beautiful rock pool on Byron Creek in the D’Aguilar Ranges. It’s secluded, hard to get to, and picturesque. You can drive there in a 2wd car from the west via Esk. You can get there via 4wd and a bit of a hike over the mountains from the East. So I thought I’d (again) try to get there from the east via Dayboro.</p><br /><p>I drove to the foot of the mountains, and rode from there, rather that riding from home – saving me about 60km. The ride starts with a 200m ascent in less than 2km. It’s a tough climb but if you sit back and work hard, it’s do-able. The views at the top of the hill are worth the climb:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5742475658/" title="Looking East by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5742475658_5f4e0c86eb_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Looking East"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5742474202/" title="Grevilieas by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5742474202_912cc4423a_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Grevilieas"></a></p><br /><p>Then there’s some fun downhill, and bouncing along the creek beds. Byron Creek is really pretty. The water actually looks a light cloudy blue colour. I don’t know whether it’s sediment, or something in the water, but it’s amazing to see. The banks of the creek are fringed with palm trees and rainforest vegetation, and there’s a continuous sound of Bellbirds and Whipbirds ringing in the air.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5741916821/" title="Byron Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/5741916821_821af73924_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Byron Creek"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5741918923/" title="Byron Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/5741918923_a6317e756d_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Byron Creek"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5741910333/" title="Byron Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/5741910333_dbd45151f0_z.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Byron Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Eventually you have to do another 200m ascent, but this time it’s in about 1.5km along Diana’s Bath Road. I think they should rename this road “Heart Break Hill” because you need to be totally committed to be able to ride to the top.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5742464384/" title="Taking "A Break" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/5742464384_eca4d196f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Taking "A Break""></a><br /><br />When I got to the top, I saw a sign which said “A Break” – so I thought – why not? <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5742465866/" title="In the middle of nowhere by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/5742465866_21901a34ab_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="In the middle of nowhere"></a><br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=767f3b0e9d&photo_id=5741908641"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=767f3b0e9d&photo_id=5741908641" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />I followed the road as far as I could and eventually it disappeared into lantana and weeds. So I decided to play it safe and turn around. I wasn’t going to get to Diana’s Bath today.</p><br /><p>It was only when I got home and checked out the track log that I realized I had gotten to within 100 metres of Diana’s Bath, but didn’t realize it at the time. So I think it’ll be a case of “Third Time Lucky”. Perhaps I’ll take a long-suffering friend with me next time for my final assault on this elusive part of the world!</p><br /><p>All up, about 1,000m of ascent in 25km, and about 3,000cal. Very hard work. Some of the ride was flat, but when you consider that I came and went on the same track, and if you subtract a few km for the flat bits, that works out to 10km of 10% climbs, 10km of 10% downhills, and 5km of bumpy creek beds.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5741915579/" title="Eucalyptus Trees by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/5741915579_7aa6bde930_z.jpg" width="640" height="198" alt="Eucalyptus Trees"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Dianas-Bath-Profile.png"><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Dianas-Bath-Profile.png" alt="" title="Dianas Bath Profile" width="700" height="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1825" /></a><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/86919315'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7664598582133435505?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-70438734529807512272011-05-16T09:25:00.000+10:002011-05-16T10:30:53.683+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/old-gympie-road/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a title="Old Gympie Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721633294/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/5721633294_3bbda0147f.jpg" alt="Old Gympie Road" width="500" height="375" /></a> </p><br /><p><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721633294/">Old Gympie Road</a></span></p><br /><p> </p><br /></div><br /><p>This road was blazed in the 1860′s because of the Gympie Gold Rush. Every man and his dog packed their picks, shovels and tents and headed north from Brisbane to strike it rich. Some accounts even speak of people piling their meagre belongings into a wheelbarrow and walking from Brisbane to Gympie.</p><br /><p>Before the, parts of it were actually an old aboriginal trail used by the Turrbal and Kabi / Gubbi-Gubbi people as they walked the area between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.</p><br /><p>This is part of the same old road that passes through what is now modern-day Strathpine, Lawnton, Petrie and Kallangur. It’s just further north along that same road.</p><br /><p>There were no horses on it today, or wheelbarrows, just a few trail bikes, 4wds and one Mountain Bike (me!).<br /><br /><br clear="all"/><br /><br />In her book “<a href="http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924063745495#page/n255/mode/2up/search/Gympie" target="_blank">Reminiscences of Early Queensland</a>“, Constance Campbell Petrie writes how her father, Tom Petrie, helped blaze parts of the road:</p><br /><blockquote><p>When Davis (or ” Duramboi “) was asked to mark a road to Gympie, he sought my father’s assistance for the first part of the way, saying he would know where he was all right when he got to the Glass House Mountains, as he had been there before when living with the blacks.  So Father took him to the other side of Caboolture and put him and party on his (” Tom Petrie’s”) marked tree line to Petrie’s Creek, on the Maroochy River. Then when the line to Gympie was marked, he went with Cobb and Co. to help them pick out stopping places for the changing of horses.  The road was just frightful at that time ; we in these days could not recognize it for the same.</p></blockquote><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7043873452980751227?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-89992271153614592412011-05-15T18:20:00.000+10:002011-05-15T18:30:51.330+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beerburrum-east-state-forest/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721622642/" title="Open Space by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/5721622642_dd33d70cf2_z.jpg" width="640" height="141" alt="Open Space"></a><br /><br />I made a spur-of-the moment decision to try the Beerburrum East State Forest today. I <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beerburrum-state-forest-2/" target="_blank">rode it about six months ago</a> and really the long flat dirt roads which let me zone out and just concentrate on the ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721066033/" title="Logging Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/5721066033_055020f5f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Logging Road"></a><br /><br />The forest is full of these roads, and at this time of year they’re perfect to get a few kilometres under the belt.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721068103/" title="Elimbah Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/5721068103_77074a218c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Elimbah Creek"></a><br /><br />Elimbah Creek cuts through the forest and is a nice place to stop for a quick breather. I came upon a few motor cyclists and be both were effusive about how incredible the place was, and what a beautiful day it was. Even if you’re into different things, it was great to meet someone enjoying what they were doing as much as I was enjoying what I was doing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721628190/" title="Mother Beerwah by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/5721628190_d477344508_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mother Beerwah"></a><br /><br />As you get further north, the Glasshouse Moutains impose themselves on most views. Here’s Beerwah, the legendary mother of the family watching over me today. She’s still pregnant, but mountains take a long time to give birth <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721092031/" title="Father Tibrogargan by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/5721092031_a5ca9b813d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Father Tibrogargan"></a><br /><br />…and Father Tibrogargan, still brooding, watching grumpily out to sea. He still hasn’t forgiven Coonowrin. Apparently some mountains take a long time to forgive.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5721103331/" title="Pine Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/5721103331_961ee26b4d_z.jpg" width="640" height="169" alt="Pine Forest"></a><br /><br />All-in-all a perfect day. Next time I’d like to bring a few friends along and take it slower.</p><br /><p>This time I was 2 mins slower than last time, but I didn’t have a major break this time, and still managed to average 21.5km/h over 60km, so I’m happy <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/85677627'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8999227115361459241?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-23254087410740008612011-05-14T14:17:00.000+10:002011-05-14T14:31:04.198+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-nebo-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5717308345/" title="Mt Nebo by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/5717308345_69ca20c01e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mt Nebo"></a><br /><br />Isaac and I had a great time cycling up Mount Nebo to the lookout today. </p><br /><p>We climbed for about 6km, then explored a few fire trails, then descended for 6km.</p><br /><p>As you can see – it was perfect weather for mountain biking.</p><br /><p>For someone who doesn’t ride much, Isaac did very well!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5717309605/" title="Mt Nebo by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/5717309605_78a5d1c0c4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mt Nebo"></a><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/85426665'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2325408741074000861?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-58858694128504148472011-05-12T22:31:00.000+10:002011-05-14T06:21:11.090+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/simply-happy/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>If you want to be happy, it helps to know what you want.</p><br /><p>A few days ago I thought to myself that I’d really like to explore some new trails by Lake Samsonvale, and today I did just that! And now I’m pretty happy <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p>This time of year in Southeast Queensland is beautiful. The westerly winds clear the skies to a deep blue, and the temperature drops. Perfect weather for exploring this part of the world.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5712184159/" title="Lakeside Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/5712184159_61c5701c75_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lakeside Trail"></a><br /><br />There are some beautiful trails by the shoreline of the lake – and many of them barely see a human once per week.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5712181085/" title="Fox by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/5712181085_dee216a24d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Fox"></a><br /><br />Today the only company I had on the bike was an elusive fox whom I managed to quickly photograph before she slunk away into the lantana.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5712746820/" title="Mount Samson by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/5712746820_31672f762a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mount Samson"></a><br /><br />A view of Mount Samson from the shore of Lake Samsonvale at Harrisons Pocket.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5712738578/" title="Clear Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/5712738578_1a8a531c66_z.jpg" width="640" height="260" alt="Clear Mountain"></a><br /><br />A view of Clear Mountain from the other side of Lake Samsonvale. Most of the time my experience of Clear Mountain is straining on the pedals trying to get up the steep hills, so it was a pleasant change to see it from this angle.</p><br /><p>So – I’m happy because a few days ago I took a few minutes to make a mental note of something I’d like to try. And today I took a couple of hours to give it a go. I honestly don’t want to win the lottery – I’d just like a few more afternoons like this. And unlike the lottery, I think I’m almost certain to get this wish!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/85090539'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-5885869412850414847?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-85334624595218203512011-05-08T18:04:00.000+10:002011-05-08T18:30:58.661+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/samsonvale-flora/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>A couple of bright plants caught my eye while I was riding by the lake this morning, so I thought I’d share them here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5698848902/" title="Banksia by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/5698848902_a2998bd62a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Banksia"></a><br /><br />There are many striking yellow banksia growing along the shoreline of Lake Samsonvale. There are so many variations of this plant that I can’t accurately name this species, but if I had to guess I’d say a Coastal Banksia (Banksia Cuninghamii), named after the prolific Alan Cunningham – an impressive botanist and explorer of this area in the early 19th century.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5698849266/" title="Orange Fungus by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/5698849266_877e5d2c72_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Orange Fungus"></a><br /><br />If you want to be pedantic, this fungus isn’t a plant, and I really shouldn’t be including it in an article entitled “Samsonvale Flora” because it’s not Flora. Fungus is in a separate kingdom from plants and animals. If you’re interested, you might like to read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungus" target="_blank">this article</a>. But they’re bright, and they grows on trees all over the place round here. I wouldn’t have a clue what species it is.</p><br /><p>Today’s ride was pretty short, but I was delighted to see Powerlink has repaired some storm-damaged fire trails, and I was able to smash a couple of challenging hills during the ride.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/84171918'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8533462459521820351?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-37121653546326118192011-05-02T19:12:00.000+10:002011-05-02T20:30:56.433+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laceys-creek-mega-loop/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><div class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5678880625/"><img alt="Riding Buddies" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5678880625_3ab31b8e96_m.jpg" title="Riding Buddies" width="240" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Riding Buddies</p></div>I’ve been thinking about this ride for weeks. Basically I wanted an enjoyable dirt ride which would let me get from Mount Glorious, up in the D’Aguilar Ranges down to Dayboro, and back home. A friend of mine (Russel) suggested a route, so I fed it into the GPS, talked Simon into coming with me, and set out on another hare-brained adventure.</p><br /><p>The first part of our trip was from home to Samford, up the Goat Track, then to Mount Glorious, and Wivenhoe Outlook. That first stage was just over 50km.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5679437630/" title="Westridge Outlook Panorama by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5679437630_9ca86a8a63_z.jpg" width="640" height="214" alt="Westridge Outlook Panorama"></a><br /><br />The view from Westridge Outlook on the first part of the ride.</p><br /><p>Then we hit the dirt and headed down the hill towards Lacey’s Creek and Dayboro. The track undulates for 5 or 6 km and has some amazing views..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5678887141/" title="Laceys Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5678887141_c9ebb4985f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Laceys Creek Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5678885043/" title="Laceys Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5678885043_e890d84798.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Laceys Creek Road"></a></p><br /><p>Then the track suddenly drops 500m in elevation over 5km. That’s the exciting bit <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> The only problem was that by the time I’d got to the bottom, my brakes were so hot they were smoking.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5678883043/" title="Don't Give Up! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5678883043_859552af9b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Don't Give Up!"></a><br /><br />Simon demonstrates the number one rule about climbing hills. It doesn’t matter how steep or tough they are – don’t give up!</p><br /><p>I’d really like to do this again sometime. All up we rode 102km. Total ascent for the ride was 2,100m, and I burned 6,300kcal which is the equivalent of 13 Big Macs.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/82958690'></iframe><br /><br /><div id="attachment_1791" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 710px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/LacesCreekMegaLoop.png"><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/LacesCreekMegaLoop.png" alt="" title="Ride Profile" width="700" height="400" class="size-full wp-image-1791" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ride Profile</p></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3712165354632611819?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-89993628354349477032011-05-01T17:32:00.000+10:002011-05-01T18:30:54.308+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rush-creek/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I thought I’d explore some quiet roads out the back of Dayboro this afternoon. It was a good excuse to get a few miles on the bike before I go for a huge ride with Simon tomorrow (weather permitting).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5675065428/" title="Rush Creek and D'Aguilar Ranges by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5675065428_b1d64a8259_z.jpg" width="640" height="194" alt="Rush Creek and D'Aguilar Ranges"></a><br /><br />Rush Creek is one of those districts that figured large in the history of the Pine Rivers area. It was logged in the mid 19th century. William Henry Day (after whom Dayboro is named) planted one of the first sugar cane farms in South East Queensland using Kanak labour.</p><br /><p>Today, much of what was the Rush Creek district has been flooded by the North Pine Dam…<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5675068552/" title="Old Roads Never Die they just... by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5675068552_5a9302c2ce_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Old Roads Never Die they just..."></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5674506965/" title="Old Roads Never Die they just... by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5674506965_c24baccf37_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Old Roads Never Die they just..."></a><br /><br />Rush Creek Road was closed off in the 1970′s when the North Pine Dam was built, and local farmland was flooded.</p><br /><p>It used to be the main road between Petrie and Dayboro, and crossed Rush Creek at Whiteside / Quinns Crossing. That crossing disappeared under the man-made lake 40 years ago, and the road hasn’t been used since. </p><br /><p>It’s funny how you can still make out the double white line down the middle, under all the grass which is slowly reclaiming the land.</p><br /><p>One of the other unusual roads in the area is Raen Road…<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5675072688/" title="Hoops and Bunyas by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5675072688_c6587f5e67_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hoops and Bunyas"></a><br /><br />I followed a dirt road over a cattle grid. It eventually turned into a vehicle track, and before I knew it I was in front of an old farm house.</p><br /><p>Will, the farmer, was really friendly and explained that the road reserve ran through his property and disappeared in the grass after a few hundred meters. He very kindly let me ride around and take some photos. I really liked these old Hoop (A.Cunninghamii) and Bunya (A. Bidwilli) pines along the banks of the upper reaches Rush Creek.</p><br /><p>The final road I explored was Strongs Road. The sign says it’s a “No Through Road” but it actually turns into a muddy vehicle track, and eventually comes out on Mount Samson Road – a much nicer ride than battling 100km/h traffic on Dayboro Road!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5675074090/" title="Wild Bees by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5675074090_25f6d83f1a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wild Bees"></a><br /><br />Wild bees have built a hive in the trunk of an old Eucalypt along Strong Road at Dayboro.</p><br /><p>All up, 55km, 2,500kcal (= 6 Big Macs), and 800m of ascent.</p><br /><p>A fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/82624820'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-8999362835434947703?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-91816033472044567702011-04-25T18:35:00.000+10:002011-04-25T20:30:53.748+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/kidnapping-neighbors-kids/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Our kids had a visit from a couple of their friends this morning.</p><br /><p>Rather than let them sit around playing computer games, we bundled them into the van and took them on a couple of hikes. (After checking that it was ok to kidnap a couple of extra kids. Thanks Renea!)</p><br /><p>The first hike was around Camp Mountain – a beautiful forest to the south of Samford. I’ve done this on the mountain bike before, and really wanted to show everyone how picturesque it is.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5653063004/" title="Up the Long Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5653063004_50904b551f_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Up the Long Road"></a><br /><br />It’s a big road for a small person. Lilly kept going all day. (Picture by Liz)</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5653067152/" title="Camp Mountain Summit by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5653067152_0059e8e95e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Camp Mountain Summit"></a><br /><br />It’s a good climb to the Summit of Camp Mountain, with great views of the city.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5653065612/" title="Lace Monitor by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5653065612_1b05544c39_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lace Monitor"></a><br /><br />Some of the wildlife at the top (Picture by Liz)</p><br /><p>The second hike was up the Goat Track – a washed out dirt road west of Samford. I love this road because of the views and the fascinating Rock Art that has sprung up along the way. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5653069452/" title=""Hey look at this!" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5653069452_4e467662d3_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt=""Hey look at this!""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5653073364/" title="Sail Boat by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5653073364_6a144207cf_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sail Boat"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5652503891/" title="Couple with Child by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5652503891_6abcef6590_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Couple with Child"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5652507193/" title="Menagerie by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5652507193_913a7fdbe4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Menagerie"></a><br /><br />I’ve been observing the rock structures over the last couple of months and they’re getting quite realistic!</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5653076648/" title="Albany Creek Water Tower by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5653076648_43321ab893_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Albany Creek Water Tower"></a><br /><br />The view from The Goat Track looking east past the Water Tower at Albany Creek, with Moreton Bay in the background.</p><br /><p>All up we hiked 8.8km with a total ascent of 520m. I was really impressed with how well the kids coped with it – no complaints and everyone kept up a great pace (average of about 4.5km/h).</p><br /><p>Well done team!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/81379276'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/81379266'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-9181603347204456770?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-37836162002489211712011-04-17T17:42:00.000+10:002011-04-17T18:30:56.124+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rock-art-clear-mountain/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5626905038/" title="Rock Art - Clear Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5626905038_7366555200_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rock Art - Clear Mountain"></a><br /><br />It seems like wherever I ride my mountain bike these days, this <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-goat-track/" target="_blank">wonderful rock art</a> seems to be springing up.</p><br /><p>One day I’ll ride by and see a simple pile of four or five stones. In a few days, there’ll be a few more – as though it’s a sapling or a strange rocky mushroom. After a week or two it starts to get more complex, until eventually you get something fascinating like this which looks like the fairies have been up to mischief in the forest.</p><br /><p>This phenomenon is wonderful on so many levels: </p><br /><p>Unlike the Mona Lisa, this sort of art is vulnerable. If someone was malicious enough they could knock all the rocks down with impunity. But they don’t. I think this is because most people who go out in the forest on foot or on a bike are happy people. The happiest people on earth are those who get regular exercise doing something they enjoy. I doubt you’d get many spiteful souls walking in the forest. I doubt this sort of creation would last a day in a big city.</p><br /><p>Even though it’s vulnerable, it’s beautiful. Not in a “Mona Lisa” way – but on a simpler level. Someone just grabbed a few stones lying around and stacked them. It probably took less than a minute. But the end result quietly says “I was here”. When someone adds to it, the stones say “I was here too”. After a few weeks, the mystical conglomerate seems to be chattering away saying “Hey – we were here too! Me too! And me! Woo – hoo isn’t this fun!”.</p><br /><p>And eventually you have something created by dozens of people that has taken on an happy energy of its own. </p><br /><p>As an experiment, why don’t you take a walk in a forest somewhere, stack up a few stones, and see what they grow into?</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3783616200248921171?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-24091809563997169432011-04-12T19:01:00.000+10:002011-04-12T20:31:09.660+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/harrisons-pocket-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>The afternoon was too pleasant to spend in the office, so I took a walk along the northern shoreline of Lake Samsonvale.</p><br /><p>This area was known as “<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/harrisons-pocket/">Harrison’s Pocket</a>” before the dam was built. But now the town of Harrison’s Pocket, with its post office and school only exists on old maps. </p><br /><p>The landscape has changed completely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5612165465/" title="Clear Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5612165465_98b195b670_z.jpg" width="640" height="399" alt="Clear Mountain"></a><br /><br />The lake is now an important habitat for many different species of water-birds.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5612162115/" title="Mount Samson by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5612162115_a2d3321168_z.jpg" width="640" height="251" alt="Mount Samson"></a><br /><br />The western part of the lakes covers what used to be known as the town of Samsonvale named after Mount Samson which towers over it to the west. </p><br /><p>None of the old town remains except the cemetery on the shore of the lake.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5612164209/" title="Blue Gum by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5612164209_bb43bc16e4_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Blue Gum"></a><br /><br />The land to the north of the lake has some beautiful quiet trails.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5612800014/" title="Deer by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5612800014_3b08e1e2ce_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Deer"></a></p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/78743833'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2409180956399716943?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-4627483439483915782011-04-10T15:06:00.000+10:002011-04-10T16:30:55.592+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-goat-track/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>The Goat Track is a narrow one-way gravel road which winds up from Samford Valley to Mount Nebo. Until recently it saved motorists over 10km on the trip. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604726557/" title="The Goat Track (1/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5604726557_0d892759cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="The Goat Track (1/8)"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604723709/" title="The Goat Track (2/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5604723709_fbbfab279b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="The Goat Track (2/8)"></a><br /><br />But heavy rain a few months ago caused landslides which made the road impassable for everything except foot traffic and mountain bikes.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5605305266/" title="Rock Sculptures (3/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5605305266_8ee2df5ae7_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Rock Sculptures (3/8)"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604719613/" title="Rock Sculptures (4/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5604719613_28e2aeedd2_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Rock Sculptures (4/8)"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604718215/" title="Propitiating the Mountain Gods (5/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5604718215_fa529c46a5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Propitiating the Mountain Gods (5/8)"></a><br /><br />The natural disaster has inspired the locals to develop some exciting new art forms.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5605300918/" title="Propitiating the Mountain Gods (6/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5605300918_2b1f84b992_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Propitiating the Mountain Gods (6/8)"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604714831/" title="Propitiating the Mountain Gods (7/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5604714831_3dc043008f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Propitiating the Mountain Gods (7/8)"></a><br /><br />At first one or two simple stone sculptures sprang up by the roadside near the damaged areas. As other walkers passed by, they added to the artwork, building more and more complex sculptures until in one area, the whole roadside has turned into one large gallery of public artwork seeking to propitiate the gods of the mountain to ensure the safety of this thoroughfare.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604788049/" title="More Rock Sculptures by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5604788049_a2b12562c2_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="More Rock Sculptures"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604789721/" title="More Rock Sculptures by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5604789721_0fa4919383_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="More Rock Sculptures"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5605375542/" title="More Rock Sculptures by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5605375542_b2d2bc5a18_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="More Rock Sculptures"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5605376792/" title="More Rock Sculptures by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5605376792_41c9feb94c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="More Rock Sculptures"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5605378048/" title="More Rock Sculptures by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5605378048_820031bd85_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="More Rock Sculptures"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5605379904/" title="More Rock Sculptures by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5605379904_3135e4a583_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="More Rock Sculptures"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5604712055/" title="Art Gallery With A View (8/8) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5604712055_dbcb203ae9_z.jpg" width="640" height="238" alt="Art Gallery With A View (8/8)"></a><br /><br />This whole thing has been spontaneous. The people who contributed to it probably never met the earlier contributors, but it has evolved into a public collaborative work of art. There are rumours that the local council may not ever have the funds to repair the damage. And so weeds and grass continue their slow march reclaiming the road while people slowly turn what was a serious traffic route into a public art gallery with-a-view for fun-loving hikers.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/78215885'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-462748343948391578?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-78663959454791312832011-04-09T17:47:00.000+10:002011-04-09T18:30:54.960+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/joyners-ridge-road/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Liz and I enjoyed a hike along Joyners Ridge Road. Starting at the Maiala car park, we walked 7.6km down through the rainforest to England Creek, and then back up again. A total trip of 15.2km with almost 700m of vertical ascent. Lachlan and I walked this road as part of<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/super-v-hike/" target="_blank"> our hike last week</a>, but today it seemed much easier.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5602656448/" title="Through the Rainforest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5602656448_b83493eae6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Through the Rainforest"></a><br /><br />This walk gave some great examples of the different environments that exist at various altitudes down the mountain. We started off in thick rainforest filled with piccabeen palms, figs, and ferns. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5602069483/" title="Joyners Ridge Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5602069483_837ace0381_z.jpg" width="640" height="288" alt="Joyners Ridge Road"></a><br /><br />After about 2km, the vegetation underwent a stunningly quick change into wet Sclerophyll forests with tall Eucalyptus. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5602062805/" title="Crimson Rosella by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5602062805_1bbbf9fd4f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Crimson Rosella"></a><br /><br />The air was filled with the calls of bellbirds and whipbirds sounding like laser sound effects from a Star Wars movie.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5602061679/" title="Looking West by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/5602061679_ce0cc92a03_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Looking West"></a><br /><br />Another few kilometres down the track and the vegetation opened up, the ground was much drier, and we didn’t have to worry about the ubiquitous leeches that inhabit the wetter parts of the forest.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5602648166/" title="Red Triangle Slug by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5602648166_9cbc661d61_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Red Triangle Slug"></a><br /><br />The Red Trianlge Slug (Triboniophorus graeffei) is the largest land slug in Australia. Liz almost stepped on this magnificent specimen. As we approached, it shrunk in size defensively. But even so, it was still the size of a human hand.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5602655124/" title="Lantana Hut by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5602655124_9b69fbbbd3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lantana Hut"></a><br /><br />A previous visitor appears to have cut an archway through a lantana thicket. To my warped mind it looked like a little hut.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5602096675/" title="Neil and Liz by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5602096675_db1b14c980_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Neil and Liz"></a><br /><br />I really enjoyed being able to share this beautiful walk with Liz. All up it took us just around 3 hours plus 45 minutes in breaks. Let’s do it again soon!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/78000933'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7866395945479131283?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-64903261186052836602011-04-08T14:53:00.000+10:002011-04-08T16:30:53.982+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rip-uncle-bert/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Bert-Caloundra.jpg"><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Bert-Caloundra-204x300.jpg" alt="" title="Bert Wyse" width="204" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1749" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Bert-and-Ina-Small.jpg"><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Bert-and-Ina-Small-204x300.jpg" alt="" title="Bert and Ina " width="204" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1750" /></a></p><br /><p>Bert has been in my life since I was about three years old. He was one of the wild clan of Scotsmen who had migrated to Australia in the 1950′s and befriended my parents when they arrived as immigrants from the UK in 1965.</p><br /><p>I remember many family parties with Bert throughout my childhood, most of which would end with everyone singing traditional Scottish songs like “You Tak’ the High Road”, “Will ye no’ come back again”, “Scottish Soldier”, “The Northern Lights of Auld Aberdeen”, and a few more bawdy ones as well, which, as a child, I didn’t quite understand. One of my early childhood memories is falling asleep on a spare bed at Bert and Kate’s place while the well-oiled adults in the garden down stairs were singing “We’re poor little sheep and we’ve lost our way… Baa, Baa, Baa”.</p><br /><p>We went on beach holidays with them – a dozen or more of us crammed into one little beach house called “Bimbo” at Moffat Beach on the Sunshine Coast – some times for up to a week.</p><br /><p>Bert had an impish grin. Even when he was stone cold sober, he looked like he’d had a few glasses of Whisky, or if he was about to play a practical joke. One time he appeared on TV as part of the Red Hackle Pipe Band. He played the bass drum, and swung the big fluffy drumsticks grandly as the band marched. Unfortunately, while the TV camera was on him, the tether on one of his drumsticks broke, and the stick went flying through the air. Without skipping a beat, and with his famous cheeky grin, he just kept playing with one drumstick, swinging it wildly on one side of the drum and the other. For a straight faced drummer, it would have been quite a feat. For Bert it was as though he’d pulled off the most spectacular practical joke on TV and had got away with it.</p><br /><p>He was a fan of the Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Team. One of his prized possessions what a football autographed by all the members of the 1992 Premiership Team. I know it’s authentic because I was there when they signed it. I watched that premiership game with him and about ten minutes from the end the phone rang. He just picked up the phone, said “Can’t talk, the Broncos are playing” and hung up.</p><br /><p>Kate was the love of his life. They never had children together, but it didn’t seem to bother them. They seemed very happy together. Once they said to my Mum and Dad that the only time they regretted not having kids was when Mum and Dad’s grand children came along. Happily, all of my kids got to know Bert and Kate, and to experience a celebration at their home on several occasions.</p><br /><p>It’s only as I write this that I realise that Bert gave me something valuable. We were a migrant family, and as such, we rarely met any extended family – aunts, uncles, grandparents. They were far away overseas. Uncle Bert and Auntie Kathy were part of our “adopted” extended family. It was this extended family with whom we spent our childhood Christmases and New Years.</p><br /><p>I was fortunate enough to meet up with Bert a couple of weeks ago at Mum’s 70th birthday. His health was declining and he was starting to get difficult to understand. But under it all, he was still the same cheeky Uncle Bert who has known me almost all of my life.</p><br /><p>I’ll remember him. And I’ll miss him.</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6490326118605283660?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-18058552393337018622011-04-07T15:25:00.000+10:002011-04-07T16:30:56.916+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/sports-day/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5596718139/" title="Lilly in Flight by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5596718139_4e035a3d51_z.jpg" width="640" height="251" alt="Lilly in Flight"></a><br /><br />It was the annual sports carnival at the kids’ school today. In keeping with the whole fitness concept I thought I’d leave the car at home and walk up to the school and back. School was a-buzz with excited kids in team colours chanting war-cries and cheering for their team.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5597299572/" title="The Wrong Side of the Tracks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5597299572_ce34e4c387_z.jpg" width="436" height="640" alt="The Wrong Side of the Tracks"></a><br /><br />I sat off to one side trying to sneak shots of the kids, but Harrison wasn’t fooled – he knew I had my eye on him.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5597300572/" title=""I'm gunna win" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5597300572_9acdc78cd2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt=""I'm gunna win""></a><br /><br />Lilly scribbled in the front of one of her note pads this morning “I’m gonna win”. With an attitude like that, and her blue war paint, no one else had a chance.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5596720893/" title="Lilly in Flight by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5596720893_35e6222e70_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lilly in Flight"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5596721867/" title="B'Kerk by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5596721867_d0c32821f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="B'Kerk"></a><br /><br />Oh – this was a chook I saw as I was walking home. When you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail, and when you’re carrying a camera, everything seems to be asking to have its photo taken – including chickens. As soon as I stopped to look at one of them, about a dozen came running out of the coop to look at me. </p><br /><p>It was a fun walk. The funniest thing was I actually burned up over 1,000 calories doing it. Time (and energy) fly when you’re having fun <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/77664965'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1805855239333701862?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-70390728318364825852011-04-06T12:36:00.000+10:002011-04-06T14:30:59.449+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/clear-mountain-lookout/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I hiked up to the lookout on Clear Mountain this morning. It’s pretty steep in places – even on foot, so it’s a good workout, and the views are worth the effort.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5594153968/" title="Pineapple Break by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5594153968_f279ece880_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pineapple Break"></a><br /><br />I started walking up the “Pineapple Break”. Perhaps it was called this because it borders a former pineapple farm. But I like to think it’s because pineapples grow wild by the side of the trail. Note to self: Come back here when it’s pineapple season <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5593576457/" title="Where Angels Fear to Tread by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5593576457_d99f5862a0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Where Angels Fear to Tread"></a><br /><br />On the way up, there are myriads of jump ramps along the steep tracks built by crazy down-hill mountain bikers. There’s no way you’d get me launching off one of these things!</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5593567879/" title="The Spider and the Lake by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5593567879_c32be03bdf_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Spider and the Lake"></a><br /><br />Looking down towards Lake Samsonvale while a large spider waits for breakfast.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5593572105/" title="The Butterfly and the Lake by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5593572105_7e2fb7ccc7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Butterfly and the Lake"></a><br /><br />A butterfly flutters into view as I enjoy the views from the top of the mountain.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5593570213/" title="Ship on the Bay by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5593570213_e1f81a0ac0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Ship on the Bay"></a><br /><br />A container ship is just visible out on Moreton Bay.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5593574051/" title="Eucalyptus Leaf by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5593574051_2fa5e16d0e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Eucalyptus Leaf"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5593578453/" title="Mountain Stream by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5593578453_624c514660_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mountain Stream"></a><br /><br />One of the many streams trickling down the hill</p><br /><p>The best part of today’s hike was enjoying new tracks I’d never tried before and great views of my local area from the top.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/77483973'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7039072831836482585?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-26785792783767138052011-04-03T11:28:00.000+10:002011-04-03T12:30:57.708+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/super-v-hike/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Lachlan and I took a long 25km hike through D’Aguilar National Park yesterday. This is the toughest walk either of us have ever done. The track included over 1,100 metres of vertical ascent and some hair-raising scrambles over washed out roads, but the experience was worth the effort.</p><br /><p>We started on the Westside Track across the road from “Maiala” at Mount Glorious and headed north towards Lawton Road. After a couple of kilometres we had to stop and pick off dozens of leeches from our shoes and socks. I was really glad that I had covered my ankles and socks with insect repellent beforehand.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583218387/" title="Washed Out - Lawton Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5583218387_ebd8285960_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Washed Out - Lawton Road"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583225429/" title="Washed Out - Lawton Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5583225429_8f9036beb2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Washed Out - Lawton Road"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583811812/" title="Washed Out - Lawton Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5583811812_c075c57200_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Washed Out - Lawton Road"></a><br /><br />Recent rain has washed away parts of Lawton Road.</p><br /><p>Most of the time it’s easy to walk around the washouts, but in a couple of places we had to scramble over ravines to get from one side of the road to the other.</p><br /><p>The problem is compounded by the steep drop-off on one side of the road, and steep cliffs on the other side, which make it difficult to find a safe place to cross.</p><br /><p>One thing’s for sure, we would never have been able to take a mountain bike over a couple of these wash-outs!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583809230/" title="Carpet Python by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5583809230_4f0fcffafd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Carpet Python"></a><br /><br />A Carpet Python sleeps in the afternoon sun in the middle of the road.</p><br /><p>Apparently snakes don’t understand road safety guidelines.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583804040/" title="Crimson Rosella by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5583804040_58b792da78.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Crimson Rosella"></a><br /><br />We saw dozens of these striking Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans) along the way.</p><br /><p>Unfortunately they’re quite shy, so it was impossible to get close enough to get a decent photo.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583817084/" title="Northbrook Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5583817084_c7b5c031c8_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Northbrook Mountain"></a><br /><br />Lawton Road winds slowly westwards up Northbrook Mountain. I felt dwarfed by these huge boulders which over-hang the road.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583230037/" title="Wivenhoe Dam by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5583230037_c232053a8c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wivenhoe Dam"></a><br /><br />From the end of Lawton Road we headed south along England Creek Road. This is the view westward towards Wivenhoe Dam. The road follows a long southward ridge down from the heights of Northbrook Mountain to the valley below. There are great views east and west of the ridge line.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583821374/" title="England Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5583821374_2b35d61cb7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="England Creek Road"></a><br /><br />Lachlan takes a quick break to take in the view looking east from England Creek Road.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583823316/" title="Caterpillars by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5583823316_e4dd529aed_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Caterpillars"></a><br /><br />These caterpillars were clambering over each other forming a strange squirming heap which didn’t appear to be going anywhere.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583825860/" title="England Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5583825860_0ff8a552ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="England Creek"></a><br /><br />Eventually we reached the bottom of the ridge line and crossed England Creek which flows west to Fernvale where it eventually joins the Brisbane River. </p><br /><p>This was the about the lowest elevation of our hike, and the creek here is pretty – clear water, gravely banks, and lots of small cascades as the water splashes over the rocks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583828788/" title="Joyners Ridge Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5583828788_338cae208c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Joyners Ridge Road"></a><br /><br />After walking 18km, we started the final 7km up-hill trek up Joyners Ridge Road. </p><br /><p>For me, this was the most physically demanding part of the walk. I was in pain most of the way, and could hardly walk by the time I reached the top.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583830920/" title="Late Afternoon, D'Aguilar National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5583830920_35bb4cb3ef_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Late Afternoon, D'Aguilar National Park"></a><br /><br />Some of the views from Joyner’s Ridge Road are stunning. Here’s a view westwards as the sun was starting to go down.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5583245011/" title="Rainforest, Joyners Ridge Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5583245011_c2193e6df9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rainforest, Joyners Ridge Road"></a><br /><br />After the long climb back up, we eventually made it back into the rain forest. Full of Strangler Figs, Blackbean and Piccabean Palms, this place is magical as the sun is going down. The pain in my knees and hips was intense, but it didn’t matter – we were in paradise.</p><br /><p>The gruesome details:<br /><br />Total distance: 24.6 km.<br /><br />Total ascent / descent: 1170m<br /><br />Total calories burned: 4833 kcal (10 “Big Macs”)<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/76641112'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2678579278376713805?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-27615826173610570052011-03-27T17:02:00.000+10:002011-03-30T18:36:42.117+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/camp-mountain/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Although I’ve ridden some of the trails around Camp Mountain before, this is the first time I’ve ridden to the summit.</p><br /><p>I took the long gruelling climb to the top via the “long track”, followed by a fast bone-jarring ride back down along the “short track”. If you speak to anyone who’s ridden up Camp Mountain, and you tell them you’ve ridden up it, the first thing they’ll probably ask you is “Did you go up the long track or the short track?”. The long track is “easier”, because you take longer to reach the top, so it’s not as steep. Even so, it’s a tough climb and I had to walk a short bit that was steep and washed out from recent rain.</p><br /><p>The short track is really steep. I had to be really careful riding down it. I think anyone who has ridden UP it must be incredibly fit. (You know who you are <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> )</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5563608798/" title="Brisbane CBD from Camp Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5563608798_65713dd6da_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brisbane CBD from Camp Mountain" /></a><br /><br />There are some spectacular views from the lookout on Camp Mountain, including this greate view of the city.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5563607614/" title="FIGJAM by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5563607614_a498650bdb_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="FIGJAM" /></a><br /><br />I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself after completing the gruelling climb to the summit.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5563606592/" title="Blue Poles by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5563606592_6e02efd825_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Blue Poles" /></a><br /><br />These tall, straight, blue gums look like something out of a Jackson Pollock painting.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/75289535'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2761582617361057005?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-13378605218506507112011-03-24T19:33:00.000+10:002011-03-30T20:31:02.448+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/dalaipis-waterhole/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5555557938/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5555557938_cdf95698ef_z.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5555557938/">Dalaipi’s Waterhole</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div><br /><p><br clear="all"/><br /><br />In Aboriginal Dream-time stories from this area, “Taggan” was the spirit of the Rainbow.</p><br /><p>Whenever the end of the rainbow touched the water, Taggan would leave small crystal stones, and the Aborigines seemed to know exactly where to dive for these prized stones.</p><br /><p>Only one or two older, experienced men in a tribe would be allowed to have these stones which they believed gave them special powers to bring thunder, cure disease, or bring rain.</p><br /><p>These special men were called “Turwrans”.</p><br /><p>One of the great Turrwans of our area was Dalaipi. The local people looked on him as their Rain Maker.</p><br /><p>Tom Petrie tells of how Dalaipi wanted to make rain come once, and dove into the North Pine River with his tomahawk to look for a “taggan” stone quite close to where I took this picture today.</p><br /><p>The North Pine Tribe believed that in winter, the flying foxes hid under the water where the “taggan stops”, and that they waited till the warm weather came back before returning.</p><br /><p>Today I couldn’t see any rainbow spirits, or flying foxes, but I thought a lot about Dalaipi and this place that was special to him.<br /><br /><br clear="all" /><br /><br />(Source: <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924063745495" target="_blank">“Tom Petrie’s Reminiscences of Early Queensland” by Constance Campbell Petrie</a>)<br /><br /><br clear="all" /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/74787439'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1337860521850650711?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-45894330816415858172011-03-05T17:42:00.000+10:002011-03-30T22:30:58.759+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/family-hike/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I crashed the bike riding down the Goat Track from Mt Nebo this week. I got some pretty bad scratches, and suffered a painful shoulder injury which will need a week or two to recover.</p><br /><p>Rather than mope around the house, Liz and the kids agreed to come for a hike through one of my favourite mountain biking places. We drove up to Mt Tibrogargan and hiked 8.8km around the Trachyte Circuit in the Glasshouse Moiuntains.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5498414905/" title="Our Team by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5498414905_4f6e4cd4ff_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Our Team" /></a><br /><br />Liz and the kids walk along one of the many trails with Mount Tibrogargan hunched over pensively in the background.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5499011448/" title="Enjoying the Walk by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5499011448_5be15479a5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Enjoying the Walk" /></a><br /><br />We wound our way up towards the Jack Ferris Lookout which has some great views of the valley.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5499013366/" title="Two Mothers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5499013366_c95522d571.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Two Mothers" /></a><br /><br />Liz and Beerwah – two legendary mothers.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5498418537/" title="Tibrogargan by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5498418537_3b9250bb3a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tibrogargan" /></a><br /><br />Harrison enjoys the view of Tibrogargan from the lookout.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5499014970/" title="Tiberoowuccum by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5499014970_cba14f286f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tiberoowuccum" /></a><br /><br />Lilly checks out Mount Tiberoowuccum from the lookout.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5499012692/" title="Walking the Dog by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5499012692_7e0a6cc534.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Walking the Dog" /></a><br /><br />This blue healer cattle dog was sitting eagerly on the back of a ute driving past us. Suddenly the driver stopped, turned around, let the dog off, and started driving again.</p><br /><p>The blue healer happily ran along in front of the car – rejoicing in his dogginess.</p><br /><p>And the driver seemed pretty happy that he didn’t have to walk while his dog got some exercise.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5499015322/" title="We Did It! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5499015322_19f07134b6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="We Did It!" /></a><br /><br />Harrison and Lilly celebrate finishing our walk. </p><br /><p>Well done team. 8.8km, 548m ascent, just over 2 hours. Thanks so much for a great time.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/71277247'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-4589433081641585817?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-68213934383150375072011-02-25T18:48:00.000+10:002011-03-31T00:31:01.946+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/suburban-wildlife/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>A koala gatecrashed our Friday drinks on the deck this afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5476079222/" title="Koala by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5476079222_048b7825fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Koala" /></a><br /><br />He quickly scrambled up the paper-bark tree then jumped into a neighbouring eucalypt before munching on some gum leaves.</p><br /><p>When I took this picture he was probably less than a 2 metres away.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5475480177/" title="Golden Orb Spider by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5475480177_2d2f014771.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Golden Orb Spider" /></a><br /><br />While I was leaning out taking photos of a Koala I didn’t realize how close I was to this golden orb spider. Looking like a strange little potato with spindly legs, these little creatures can be found all over our garden</p><br /><p>It’s wonderful to get such amazing visitors.</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6821393438315037507?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-25700136698715588552011-02-19T20:56:00.000+10:002011-03-31T02:31:04.055+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/kondalilla/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5457689523/" title="Kondalilla Falls Panorama by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5457689523_79d26694e8_z.jpg" width="640" height="224" alt="Kondalilla Falls Panorama" /></a><br /><br />“This is paradise” I gushed to Liz as we walked through this spectacular national park today.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5457692989/" title="Kondalilla Falls by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5457692989_d768af3d8f_z.jpg" width="640" height="481" alt="Kondalilla Falls" /></a><br /><br />“Kondalilla” means “Rushing Water” in the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabbi Kabbi Aboriginal Language – a reference to the amazing 80m waterfall that pours out of the rainforest down to the rocks below.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5457687709/" title="Bunya by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5457687709_056dd7d9e2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bunya" /></a><br /><br />What’s also special about this rainforest are the amazing <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bunya-dreaming/" target="_blank">Bunya</a> Pines (Araucaria Bidwillii) which tower above the forest on ridges and hill tops all over the place. Some of them looked to be at least 70 metres high. This is the homeland of the Bunya Pine – a majestic tree so important to the Aboriginal people who have inhabited this part of the world for thousands of years.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5457694587/" title="Neil and Harrison by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5457694587_47228856a7_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Neil and Harrison" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5458295874/" title="Liz and the kids in the forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5458295874_2a9809a6bf_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Liz and the kids in the forest" /></a><br /><br />It’s mountainous terrain – not for the faint-hearted. We climbed 300 metres during our 6km walk. But it was well worth the effort.</p><br /><p><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=f0162fe7c8&photo_id=5458293552"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=f0162fe7c8&photo_id=5458293552" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />As an added bonus, a friendly Lace Monitor swaggered up to me and gulped down a chicken bone while I was filiming him.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5457697297/" title="Montville Panorama by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5457697297_ceb7ddd53b_z.jpg" width="640" height="154" alt="Montville Panorama" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5458305212/" title="Mount Ninderry by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5458305212_00a6d9f402_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Mount Ninderry" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5458304408/" title="Mount Coolum by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5458304408_7cbd7d49aa_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Mount Coolum" /></a><br /><br />The icing on the cake was the stunning views from the lookout at Montville. We were able to see all of the Sunshine Coast, including Mount <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-coolum-2/" target="_blank">Coolum</a> and Mount <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/ninderry/" target="_blank">Ninderry</a>. </p><br /><p>Yes, this is paradise, and we’re so lucky to be living in it.<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/68950123'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2570013669871558855?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-38510015219346213672011-01-26T19:49:00.000+10:002011-01-26T20:30:56.642+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/daguilar-range-national-park/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5389909444/" title="Jollys Lookout Panaorama by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5389909444_fbec1728b3_z.jpg" width="640" height="176" alt="Jollys Lookout Panaorama" /></a><br /><br />To celebrate Australia Day, Liz and I took the kids for a walk through the rainforest in D’Aguilar National Park.</p><br /><p>There are various traditional owners of the D’Aguilar Range area, including the Turrbal, Garumngar and Jinibara Aboriginal people. The country is magical: the calls of Bellbirds ringing in the forest, the cool mountain breezes, the dense rainforest and the towering majestic tress. I can only wonder what it would have been like thousands of years ago before European settlement.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5389905568/" title="Maiala Rainforest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5389905568_e401af9fcd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Maiala Rainforest" /></a><br /><br />We started our walk through the “Rainforest Circuit” in the Maiala section of Mount Glorious. We followed an easy 2km trail through some lush rainforest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5389905248/" title="Harrison at Maiala by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5389905248_32d2c3a2a3_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Harrison at Maiala" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5389908370/" title="Liz and Lilly at Maiala by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5389908370_ce5d158de7_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Liz and Lilly at Maiala" /></a></p><br /><p>At different points in the forest we spotted giant Sydney Blue Gums towering over the forest. Before this area was logged in the 19th century, the area was full of these majestic trees. Now they’re much scarcer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5389906828/" title="Giant Sydney Blue Gum by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5389906828_78b1084198.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Giant Sydney Blue Gum" /></a></p><br /><p>We then finished our walk following the trail from the “Western Window” lookout, through the bush back to the car park, before driving down to Jollys Lookout for some stunning views of the Greater Brisbane Area – no wonder Lord Mayor William Jolly built a road to it in the 1930’s!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5389305777/" title="Jollys Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5389305777_78cdc27253_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Jollys Lookout" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5389303161/" title="The Four of Us by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5389303161_75dfaed3fc_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="The Four of Us" /></a></p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/65190815'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-3851001521934621367?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-46525551711203081872011-01-23T17:11:00.000+10:002011-01-23T20:30:54.732+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-nebo/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5380293100/" title="Mount Nebo Summit by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5380293100_799f675138_z.jpg" width="640" height="366" alt="Mount Nebo Summit" /></a><br /><br />The kids were a bit restless this morning, so we decided to burn up some of their excess energy by taking them on a hike. We drove up into the D’Aguilar Ranges and hiked from the road to the Summit of Mount Nebo (620m) and back – a total of about 6.5km.</p><br /><p>We followed a forestry fire trail for about 2.5km to the summit, and came back via a walking track on the southern side of the ridge, which meant we were able to check out a number of different ecosystems.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5379687377/" title="Liz and the Kids by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5379687377_8d9cecce0b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Liz and the Kids" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5380290054/" title="Neil at Mt Nebo by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5380290054_438a486b84_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Neil at Mt Nebo" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5379692359/" title="Lilly in a Tree Stump by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5379692359_4030d7aabb.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Lilly in a Tree Stump" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5380299408/" title="Mount Nebo Walking Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5380299408_1b72c964a4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Mount Nebo Walking Track" /></a></p><br /><p>It’s a different world in the rainforest. Worries seem far away!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5379697539/" title="Palm Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5130/5379697539_4fb177b767_z.jpg" width="640" height="242" alt="Palm Forest" /></a></p><br /><p>Let’s do this again soon <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /><br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/64668973'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-4652555171120308187?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-56524137381247387772011-01-19T18:50:00.000+10:002011-01-20T00:31:05.739+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mangoes-at-clear-mountain/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5369641918/" title="Liz in the Mango Orchard by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5369641918_cf8153cfff_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Liz in the Mango Orchard" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5369641434/" title="Mango Orchard by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5369641434_f0f458d2a5_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Mango Orchard" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5369033081/" title="Mango Orchard by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5369033081_e1fe70c59b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Mango Orchard" /></a><br /><br />It was getting late in the afternoon, and neither Liz nor I had done any exercise for the day. It was too late in the afternoon for me to consider going on the roads in peak hour in the dying light, so we decided to go for a walk along one of my favourite mountain biking tracks at Clear Mountain.</p><br /><p>It’s a state forest reserve, but it doesn’t take much looking to realize that this land had other uses. Right at the start of the walk there’s a very old orchard of Mango trees poking out of the undergrowth. The only problem is either someone got there before us, or the wind in the storms was particularly strong, because there’s no mangoes on the trees at all.</p><br /><p>The route we took is a great one-hour workout with about half a dozen steep hills to walk up and plenty of peaceful looking scenery to check out along the way. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5369032623/" title="Where's My Stump? by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5369032623_f391512aab.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Where's My Stump?" /></a><br /><br />Perhaps the strangest looking thing was this Eucalypt which appeared to be suspended in mid-air without any stump – an entire tree that must weight a ton. I’m guessing the stump burned away during bush fires last year, and the rest of the tree ended up nestled into one of its neighbors. It’s still a weird looking sight.</p><br /><p>God its good to get out into the bush!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/64099541'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-5652413738124738777?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-15031586105093455502011-01-16T11:16:00.000+10:002011-01-16T16:31:04.369+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/one-mile-creek/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>There are two major creeks in our area with misleading names. One Mile Creek is about Seven miles long. Four Mile Creek is about Ten miles long. Both creeks have their source in the beautiful bushland of Clear Mountain. Here’s some pictures of my ride through Clear Mountain and over the upper reaches of One Mile Creek.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5358838674/" title="Clear Mountain - Centre Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5358838674_12e86e2ff6_z.jpg" width="640" height="374" alt="Clear Mountain - Centre Road" /></a><br /><br />This is the trail head of one of my favourite rides through Clear Mountain. Starting at the top of the mountain near Old School Road, Centre Road winds steeply down the hill through the eucalypts to a few crossings over One Mile Creek.</p><br /><p>There are lots of trees, lizards and no sounds except bird calls and wind through the leaves.</p><br /><p>It’s a great place to ride, and I’m so glad most of it is a state forest reserve.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5358228643/" title="Clear Mountain - One Mile Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5358228643_8a52d432fd_z.jpg" width="640" height="398" alt="Clear Mountain - One Mile Creek" /></a><br /><br />The crossings over One Mile Creek have created some steep banks which are challenging to cycle in and out of, but are always enjoyable.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/63426040'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1503158610509345550?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-74036733863538147132011-01-14T14:30:00.000+10:002011-01-14T16:31:01.641+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/noosa-heads/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>When most people think of Noosa Heads they think of Hastings Street and pretentious yuppies sipping latte’s or Chardonnay.</p><br /><p>The best part of Noosa Heads is the National Park – a vast expanse of unspoilt wilderness covering most of the headland with a heap of different ecosystems.</p><br /><p>When the sun came out for the first time since who knows when, Liz and I decided to take the kids for a 6.5km hike around the national park, and we’re really glad we did. Here’s some photos of our walk:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5351360249/" title="Noosa Heads National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5351360249_cb285222c7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Noosa Heads National Park" /></a><br /><br />Liz and the kids enjoying one of the trails in the park</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5351355661/" title="Noosa Heads National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5351355661_1b4ffa3b6e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Noosa Heads National Park" /></a><br /><br />Harrison checks out the view of one of the headlands.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5351269001/" title=""Hells Gates" - Noosa Heads National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5351269001_ba3c3aa538.jpg" width="500" height="384" alt=""Hells Gates" - Noosa Heads National Park" /></a><br /><br />Hell’s Gates</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5351182661/" title="Noosa Heads National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5351182661_a77b469ed8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Noosa Heads National Park" /></a><br /><br />The kids and I enjoy a break at “Hells Gates” partway through our walk through the national park.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5351173685/" title="Noosa Heads National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5351173685_5a1f153dd7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Noosa Heads National Park" /></a><br /><br />Lilly and Harrison having fun at one of the lookouts on the headland.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/63187953'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-7403673386353814713?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-25869720981560943032011-01-08T16:40:00.000+10:002011-01-08T18:30:54.256+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/coolum-dirt-roads/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5334650259/" title="Darned Rain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5334650259_5e83aa43ff.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Darned Rain" /></a><br /><br />It was pouring rain at the resort we’re staying at. What better reason to get out for a ride? A bad wet day on the bike will always beat a good dry day in front of the TV. So I took off into the bush west of Coolum looking for dirt roads and rain forests.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5335270488/" title="Pineapple Farm, Huon Road, Yandina Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5335270488_d2df1e5b82.jpg" width="500" height="186" alt="Pineapple Farm, Huon Road, Yandina Creek" /></a><br /><br />I found a dirt road leading off behind a farm, but the road wasn’t marked on the map. So it I had to follow it to see where it ended up. This is a stitched together panorama of one of the pineapple fields adjoining the road. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5334644115/" title="Road through the Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5334644115_5c4f0b8172.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Road through the Forest" /></a><br /><br />One of the many dirt roads through the rain forest near Peregian Springs, on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.</p><br /><p>Dirt roads are underrated. Mountain bikers love single track, and rough trails, but in rainy weather it’s pretty difficult to find any tracks or trails that won’t get damaged, or end up boggy and impassable. The dirt roads west of Coolum are a great compromise.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/62409101'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2586972098156094303?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-19992406499695020442011-01-05T18:52:00.000+10:002011-01-06T00:30:54.761+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/dundalli/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><div id="attachment_1558" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 221px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Dundalli1.jpg"><img src="http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Dundalli1-211x300.jpg" alt="Dundalli Sketch by Sylvester Diggles, 1854" title="Dundalli Sketch by Sylvester Diggles, 1854" width="211" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-1558" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Dundalli Sketch by Sylvester Diggles, 1854</p></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10137b.htm">Dundalli</a> was an Aboriginal leader and fighter from the Dalla people of the Blackall Ranges who was eventually adopted by the fearsome Djindubarri people of Bribie Island in the 1840’s.</p><br /><p>He was convicted of the murder of Andrew Gregor and Mary Shannon in 1846. People much more qualified than I have described how the trial and conviction of Dundalli were unjust. I won’t regurgitate those arguments here, but if you’re interested, you might like to read some articles by <a href="http://eprints.usq.edu.au/7217/1/Connors_JRHSQ_2005_AV.pdf">Dr Libby Connors</a> and <a href="http://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/38383/GIER_Working-Paper_1_Aug07.pdf">Dr Dale Kerwin</a>.</p><br /><p>His execution was particularly gruesome. The hangman botched it while his distraught relatives looked on in horror from the hillside on what is now Wickham Terrace. The rope was too long, at the drop Dundalli actually landed on his coffin, and the hangman had to bend his legs and drag down on them to kill him.</p><br /><p>This happened exactly 156 years ago today. So I decided to honour Dundalli by cycling into the city to the GPO and back (about 80km), stopping by “Yorks Hollow” – an important traditional camping ground for Aborigines prior to European settlement.<br /><br /><br clear="all"/></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5326609174/" title="York's Hollow by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5326609174_cfe9145681.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="York's Hollow" /></a><br /><br />Yorks Hollow used to cover most of what is Victoria Park Golf Course and the Exhibition Grounds. Today it’s little more than a small park beside the busy Inner City Bypass motorway. But it’s still a beautiful park – especially when you pause to think about what it was.</p><br /><p>In her book, “Tom Petrie’s Reminiscences of Early Queensland”, Constance Campbell Petrie says of it:</p><br /><p><em><br /><br /><blockquote>Another big “tulan” or fight, Father remembers at<br /><br />York’s Hollow (the Exhibition). He and his brother Walter<br /><br />were standing looking on, when a fighting boomerang thrown<br /><br />from the crowd circled round, and travelling in the direction<br /><br />of the brothers, struck Walter Petrie on the cheek, causing<br /><br />a deep flesh wound. The gins and blacks of the Brisbane<br /><br />tribe commenced to cry about this, and said that the weapon<br /><br />had come from the Bribie blacks’ side, and that they were<br /><br />no good, but wild fellows. The brothers went home, and the<br /><br />cut was sewn up. It did not take long to heal afterwards.</p><br /><p>At that fight there must have been about eight hundred<br /><br />blacks gathered from all parts, and there were about twenty<br /><br />wounded. One very fine blackfellow lost his life. His<br /><br />name was “Tunbur” (maggot). In the fight he got hit<br /><br />on the ankle with a waddie, and next day died from lockjaw.<br /><br />They carried the remains, and crossed the creek where the<br /><br />Enoggera railway bridge is now, and further on made a fire<br /><br />and skiimed the body and ate it. My father knew ” Tunbur”<br /><br />well; he was one of the blacks who accompanied grandfather<br /><br />Petrie on his trip in search of a sample of ” bon-yi ” wood.</p></blockquote><br /><p></em></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5326612608/" title="The GPO by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5326612608_c1518eee47.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The GPO" /></a><br /><br />I was pleasantly surprised to find out someone else had the same idea and had erected some signs about Dundalli in Post Office Square across the road from the GPO. The GPO was actually built in 1871 on the site of the old Female Convict Factory.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5326008417/" title="The GPO by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5326008417_1e12647d8f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="The GPO" /></a><br /><br />What struck me today was the irony. Here was a war memorial on the front wall of GPO comemorating soldiers who had died for their country in the First World War, yet it was the same place a black man was killed for trying to protect his country and uphold his people’s laws.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5326006849/" title="Dundalli and Glasgow by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5326006849_44d9651701.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Dundalli and Glasgow" /></a><br /><br />Even the grand statue of <a href="http://www.bwm.org.au/site/Thomas_Glasgow.asp">Major General Sir William Glasgow</a> appeared to look away in shame from the GPO and the memorial posters there.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5326610954/" title="Memorials to Dundalli by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5326610954_244693e7c5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Memorials to Dundalli" /></a><br /><br />The trouble is we often become emotionally immune to irony, even though it can sometimes highlight painful truths. I’m glad I did what the sign said, and walked in his tracks.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/62031628'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1999240649969502044?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-24135464916627403162011-01-02T18:48:00.000+10:002011-01-02T22:30:58.025+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cruising-by-the-lake/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I took a slow ride by the lakes today. It’s amazing how much more you see when you slow down!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5314863995/" title="Lake Samsonvale / Mount Samson by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5314863995_f4f03d6876_z.jpg" width="640" height="189" alt="Lake Samsonvale / Mount Samson" /></a><br /><br />Mount Samson and its pyramid peak overlook lake Samsonvale.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5315460430/" title="Lake Kurwongbah by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5315460430_ea5f3cc2bd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lake Kurwongbah" /></a><br /><br />Some houses overlook the shoreline on the far side of Lake Kurwongbah</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5315462650/" title="Tree house by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5315462650_4d806a9562.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tree house" /></a><br /><br />I think a goblin lives here <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5315465034/" title="Grass Trees by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5315465034_b5f3b26084.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Grass Trees" /></a><br /><br />Grass Trees at Forgan Cove<br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=d19a0c0f58&photo_id=5315458658"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=d19a0c0f58&photo_id=5315458658" height="480" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />It’s a great feeling riding a mountain bike along these paths!</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/61504187'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-2413546491662740316?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-63390870704828655112010-12-30T21:00:00.000+10:002010-12-31T02:31:21.543+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/ewen-maddock-dam-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>Rainforest, Lakes, Mud, Flooded Trails, Railway Tunnels and angry Goannas – just some of the fun things I discovered with Tim today as we explored Ewen Maddock Dam and Dularcha National Park.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5305701613/" title="Mono through the Mud by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5305701613_01923a772e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mono through the Mud" /></a><br /><br />Even though most of the trails were pretty soggy from all the recent rain, they were still fun to ride.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5305700901/" title="Dularcha Railway Tunnel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5305700901_c026d4d91e_z.jpg" width="640" height="372" alt="Dularcha Railway Tunnel" /></a><br /><br />The Dularcha Railway Tunnel was built in 1890 as part of the original Brisbane – Cairns railway line. A newer, flatter route was built in 1931, when this particular section of the line was abandoned. It’s now part of the Dularcha National Park which contains beautiful rainforest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5306294008/" title="Dularcha Railway Tunnel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5209/5306294008_e5ecce5430.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dularcha Railway Tunnel" /></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5305702723/" title="Goanna by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5305702723_335c343804_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Goanna" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5305908925/" title="Goanna by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5305908925_cb24c7379f_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="Goanna" /></a><br /><br />At the end of the ride we met a beautiful goanna who let us get pretty close to take photos, but started hissing loudly at us to let us know he didn’t like us crowding him too much.</p><br /><p><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=https:%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fneilennis%2FHome%2FBurpengaryEwenMaddockDam.kmz&sll=-27.276321,152.973925&sspn=0.014857,0.021286&ie=UTF8&ll=-26.784081,152.982903&spn=0.053635,0.072956&t=p&z=13&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=https:%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fneilennis%2FHome%2FBurpengaryEwenMaddockDam.kmz&sll=-27.276321,152.973925&sspn=0.014857,0.021286&ie=UTF8&ll=-26.784081,152.982903&spn=0.053635,0.072956&t=p&z=13" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6339087070482865511?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-65100323025126665632010-12-29T19:16:00.000+10:002010-12-29T22:30:53.000+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-samson-summit/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>If you ever drive into the Pine Rivers district and look west, the chances are you’ll see a pyramid-shaped mountain on the horizon. You can’t miss it. The 18th century English navigators didn’t miss it – they drew it on their sketches of the area. And the chances are if you read this blog you’ve already seen it in some of my photos:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5088891666/" title="Mount Samson, D'Aguilar Ranges by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5088891666_88dbd38e0b_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="Mount Samson, D'Aguilar Ranges" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5182766903/" title="Lake Samsonvale and Mount Samson by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1006/5182766903_a0acb43502_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Lake Samsonvale and Mount Samson" /></a></p><br /><p>A week or so ago I decided I’d like to climb it, but I wanted to take my bike as far as I could up the mountain. It’s a tough climb for hikers, so when I told my plans to my dear long-suffering wife, she gave me a look which gave no doubts that I should ask some friends to come as well in case anything went wrong.</p><br /><p>So I asked on the excellent local mountain biking website <a href="http://MTBDirt.com">MTBDirt.com</a> for some riding buddies. “You have to be crazy to do this ride”, I said. “I’ve never done it before, I don’t know if it’s rideable, it will be wet and muddy. If you’ve got any doubts, don’t come”. So seven other guys turned up this morning for the ride. I was stoked <img src='http://blog.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p><br /><p>We had permission from the local land owner who let us ride through their property up to the national park. (Thanks Gab & Shirley – we love you!). But when we got there, we took a wrong turn and ended up bashing through a few hundred metres of lantana before we’d even really started:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302330285/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5302330285_d8084d485f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a></p><br /><p>Eventually, we found the fire trail, and half-rode, half dragged our bikes up the hill:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302312877/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5302312877_24a56cb311_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302319289/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5302319289_ffb895f106_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302316379/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5302316379_75fe330aea_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a></p><br /><p>We eventually made it to the 500m line which marks a saddle between the lesser peak to the north, and the imposing pyramid of Mount Samson. It’s at this point that Hang Gliders used to jump off and glide into the valley below. The views, even at this point, were spectacular – despite all the clouds and rain in the area:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302912470/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5302912470_1857f3f3a0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302314671/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5302314671_e1fafed7c9_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302314015/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5283/5302314015_078793f6b9_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302906102/" title="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5302906102_0b33b3414b_z.jpg" width="640" height="448" alt="Climbing Mt Samson on a bike" /></a><br /><br />We pushed on and eventually reached a thick bunch of lantana that was impenetrable. There was no way we could drag the bikes any further, and as we tried to push through it, the horrible weed cut us and made any further progress impossible.</p><br /><p>So we did what any fun-loving mountain bikers would do, turned the bikes around, and rolled down the hill. What a ride! About 450m of descent in 3 or 4 km. I crashed a couple of times as did others – but there was so much undergrowth that it was like landing on pillows. Also, while riding down we discovered the route we should have used coming up. It would have saved us some crazy hiking at the start and maybe saved us half an hour.</p><br /><p>But it was a great ride with some really fun, fit, and slightly crazy guys. I’d love to try it again once I have a better idea of where to go when we reach the saddle at the top.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5302311183/" title="MtSamsonProfile by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5302311183_23d55b8c9a.jpg" width="500" height="286" alt="MtSamsonProfile" /></a></p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/60963369'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-6510032302512666563?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Neiliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-14014920962750219762010-12-28T17:19:00.000+10:002010-12-28T20:30:59.164+10:00<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fun-at-the-spillway/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p>I thought I’d take the boys for a ride around some of the locally flooded creeks.</p><br /><p>Here’s some photos of them having fun.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5299477896/" title="Brothers getting up to mischief by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5299477896_c32c7c0cf6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Brothers getting up to mischief" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5298876537/" title="Walking on Water by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5298876537_34d62ea119.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Walking on Water" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/5298887011/" title="How do I turn this thing off? by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5298887011_34e3f0d8ee.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="How do I turn this thing off?" /></a></p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/60853988'></iframe></p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7687043-1401492096275021976?l=neilius.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>