BEACH RIDE FROM RED BEACH TO WOORIM

10^th November

Leaders:

Bob Stutter

John Price

Today was a good day to ride along the beach as a low tide coincided with the usual Saturday start time. Eleven riders showed at the jetty, nine of whom decided to take the beach route, two the normal road ride. We arranged to recointre for coffee.

Although the skies are overcast and a slight drizzle is in the air as we started, the rain didn't last and we managed to complete the 10.3 km assisted by a tail wind to the main beach at Woorim; the temperature of 22 degrees being quite pleasant for the ride. There was little signs of humanity on the ride other than a couple of dog walkers and a few fishermen. We saw a lone sea eagle high in a tree (see photo), a couple of dolphins popped up only 50 metres from the beach and some kayakers were seen paddling through the waves. So peaceful, just the sound of the waves breaking on the shore, the cry of the gulls and the crunch of our wheels upon the sand – aah, at one with nature.

THE LONE SEA EAGLE
BUT IS HIS MATE THERE TOO?

THE BEACH RIDERS

DITTO

THE SEA MEETS REMAINS OF OLD DEAD TREE

BIKES AND BIKERS

We eventually arrived at the main beach at Woorim where there was a little more activity, a few swimmers in the surf and more walkers. Good time for a coffee break as the drizzle had returned. We met up with the others for coffee and chats before heading for home. Six of us rode the beach home exiting at the jetty, approximately 12 km, into the wind on return trip making us work a little harder.

EN ROUTE TO WOORIM

YOUNG BRONZIES AT WOORIM BEACH
SAMANTHA AND TANITA
QUALIFIED SURF LIFESAVERS

A great ride. Thanks to Bob and John for organising.

TWILIGHT RIDE

8^th November 2012

Cyclists:

Leaders:

Tom

Mary

Riders

Peter

Ute

Sandra

Richard

Bob

Socialites

Adele

Keith

Laurel

The cycling group met at the usual meeting spot – Information Centre at 4.30 p.m. Tom led us on a very nice ride through the back streets and paths of Bribie – away from the main tracks that we usually ride – Richard, in fact, didn't have a clue where he was on occasions – but then he is a new migrant to Bribie and still learning his way around. It takes at least eight years, Richard, to become a fair dinkum Bribie Islander. Be patient, one day it will happen!

Good time for a ride with summer approaching and temperatures dropping a little at the end of the day. The ride terminated at Sylvan Beach, Pacific Harbour end of the cycling track. Bike bags were opened and very soon a yummy array of nibbles and drinks were displayed on the wall – Lauren even brought a table cloth – so it all looked very posh – that was until the wind blew up and disrupted our nice display.

The socialites, Adele, Keith and Lauren met the riders and joined the party. Mary, thank you for arranging the ski board rider who was being towed by a tinnie and performing some daring acrobatic manoeuvres each time he passed us – no doubt, encouraged by our shouts of approval. Thanks also for the dolphins who popped up and joined our party. They also must have heard there were celebrations in progress. We mustn't forget the beautiful sunset. As dusk approached we bade farewell to one another and took ourselves home.

As we all enjoyed this ride we have decided to make it a weekly summer regular with a three week route rotation (as in the other weekly rides) and it will appear on the new ride calendar. We hope to see more riders taking part on these rides. Of course, socialites are welcome to join us at the end of the ride. So consult your calendar to see where the ride will finish.

CHEERS

HAPPY HOUR AT SYLVAN BEACH

SOCIALISING AFTER THE RIDE

MELBOURNE CUP DAY

6^th November 2012

Bribie Island's beautiful people turned out for the Melbourne Cup celebrations today. This included 12 Bribie Bug members who congregated at the Bribie Island Surf Club for The Race That Stops the Nation celebrations. The surf club was in full swing for the Cup party. Sweep tickets were being sold by the surf club. Leonie organised a sweep for our table with 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes. Of course, many of us had already visited the TAB for a wager on our own fancied nags.

The ladies and gents were all dressed to the nines with the ladies sporting some very swish hats. Menu ordered lunches were scrumptious and served promptly. Our table was situated close to a television so we didn't have to leave our table when the race was run but our corner did become rather crowded as other patrons jostled for a viewing spot.

At 2 p.m the horses jumped and set off for the 3,200 metres to the finishing line. Despite a loaded 24-horse field full of big-named favourites, underdog (or should we say under-horse) Green Moon pulled off a thrilling dash to the finish to win the 2012 Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Fiorente came in second and Jakkalberry took third, both at long odds. Much to the joy of the bookies, no favourite took a place. Prince Charles and Camilla were trackside and the Duchess presented Brett Prebble, the jockey of Green Moon with the Cup, while the Prince awarded a trophy to the winner of the next event, the Diamond Jubilee Plate.

The Bribie Bug were very proud that two of our members received the Best Dressed Couple Award. Peter and Ute certainly looked the part, Ute in a very fashionable hat that sported a little wooden horse at its centre and Peter in his smart top hat, frilled shirt and silk scarf. They were presented with a bottle of champagne and two champagne flutes. Very well done, Peter and Ute.

Our Table

Ted, Bob, Isabelle, Tom

Tom and Mary

Ute and Peter

The Winners Receive their Prize

BRISBANE RIVER RIDE

Date: 25^th October

Cyclists:

Leader: Peter

Ute

Richard

Sandra

Harry

David

Robert

Lauren

John

Isabelle

We assembled at New Farm Park at 9.30 a.m, unloaded bikes from cars and prepared for our ride through the city. The many jacarandas in the park, in full bloom, were beautiful as they form a lilac carpet on the ground beneath.

The cyclists set off, as did the socialite (Keith) who took the more leisurely mode of transport (the City Cat) along the Brisbane River where he planned to meet us for coffee at Queensland University

We travelled along a fairly quiet street before we reached the cycle path that took us into the city and along the river pathway passing the moored yachts and boats opposite Riverside. 

Brisbane River from Riverside

The path led us into the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and through the mangrove area. (See photo below.) One could be mistaken for believing that we were in a rainforest somewhere in the bush and not in Brisbane City. We crossed over the Goodwill Bridge stopping to photograph some good views of the Storey Bridge and Jessica Watson’s Pink Lady yacht which is moored adjacent to the Maritime Museum. (As we all know Jessica single-handedly circumnavigated the world (23,000 nautical miles) as a young 16-year old). When one sees the size of the vessel she sailed, one wonders how she would have coped so admirably for seven months alone at sea. What an achievement for such a young girl.

In the bush at Brisbane Botanical Gardens

Jessica Watson's Pink Lady
Doesn't it Look Small

View of the Storey Bridge and City Skyline 

Continuing on our ride, we rode through the shared pathways into South Bank. The crimson bougainvillea just coming into flower looked particularly stunning. We passed the manmade Kodak Beach, the water looking extremely inviting, today’s temperature being 32 degrees C. Sandra and Lauren lost the rest of the crew as we took advantage of some photo opportunitie. We rode on hoping to run into them at some point. Not to worry as Richard and Isabelle came back to look for us. We assembled outside the 'Brisbane Wheel – thought it another good photo spot – of course the 'S was missing off of the ‘Wheel’ and possibly ‘Bribie Wheels’ would have been more appropriate. (See photo)

In front of the Brisbane Wheel

Sandra in front of Kodak Beach at South Bank

We followed the river around on the cycle path which eventually wound us around to the Victoria Bridge where we crossed and continued on through Toowong passing the lovely old lacework building of the Regatta Hotel. (See picture). The bike path ended soon after and we travelled along the road (the hills made sure we pumped those legs) phew; eventually arriving at Queensland Uni where we had a welcome rest and coffee at one of the cafe areas. We were hoping to see Keith here but he didn’t show. As there are apparently 39 coffee shops in the somewhat large area of Queensland Uni we didn’t rouse on him too much. Although it would have been helpful had he had his mobile switched on! This was our half way mark at 17 kilometres so far.

Regatta Hotel

The Great Court at Queensland University

And so it was back on the bikes for the return leg to New Farm Park and lunch. We exited university by riding over the Green Bridge (so called because by banning cars and encouraging walking, cycling and public transport use, the bridge will meet the community's desire for an accessible, clean and green city. We headed through Dutton Park passing the Mater Hospital, through South Bank, calling into Cycle Queensland in Vulture Street before heading back down the Brisbane River cycling track at South Bank and following the river to the Storey Bridge which we crossed via the cycling/walking path and then enjoyed the downhill run back to New Farm Park.

Total kilometres: 36

Back at the park, we enjoyed lunch under a shady tree and were happy to eat, drink and rest for a while before returning home to Bribie Island. This was a lovely ride with lots of interest, the river in view for most of the way; it was quite a hot day at 32 degrees. We agreed that a cooler day would have been better but if we do a future trip earlier in the year we would miss the flowering jacarandas. As always it’s the luck of the draw with a ride regarding temperatures, wind, cloud or showers.

Relaxing over Lunch in New Farm Park

Tommy (from Penang) Rides in Japan

1. Taken at Odawara Castle

This castle is located only 33 min by Bullet Train from Tokyo station. This was our first place to visit after the arrival at Tokyo Haneda airport. We arrived at Haneda at 23.00 hours. After few hours napping at airport, we started off towards Odawara by normal train. It took 1 hour and 25 minutes. Eight out of nine friends are first time to visit Japan so Japanese castle seems to be very exciting for all. When we reached Odawara, it was the day for the classic car exhibition so you may surprised to see so many classic cars even in Japan.

At the Castle

2. Hakone ride with foldies

We decided to go with foldies except one friend, because it is so easy to pack and unpack whenever we take a train or monorail in Tokyo. However, I found it is not so easy and comfortable to go for a long ride. One of our longest ride was 72 km per day, so many up hill and down hill.

Riding in Hakone

With Our Foldies

3. Odawara station starting point

8 am.  After having a breakfast at station, we all are ready to go with full engine.

Odawara Station

4. Hokona Yumoto - Dinner at Hotel

It was one of the spots we all are looking forward to since we left Penang.

Sashimi, grilled fish, all kind of Japanese food were waiting for us. Of course Sake and Japanese beer as well.

Dinner at the Hotel

5. Japan Bicycle Tour Label

One of our friends made special T-shirts for this ride. In the centre on this label you may see, Captain Susumu. Since this t-shirts will be only one in the world, I bought 6 of them. Ha-ha.

Summary of this trip

We had nine riders altogether, from 43 years old to 72 years old including

two medical doctors and all of them are businessmen. Only I am retired.

Originally the idea of visiting Japan was to go in October 2013. However, it is too long and cannot wait so we decided to make it this year.

All wanted to enjoy Onsen Hot Springs taking bath naked, Genuine Sasimi and all kind of Japanese food. I was a caption as well as a tour guide so very busy to look after all. But enjoy our first experience. Just for your information the route we took was the one I have riden as a solo rider at the age of 20, so it was for me a kind of sentimental journey.

The second day was a bad weather day, heavy rain and wind. We cross over the hill which is about 800 meter sea level. We all struggled to complete the ride. The distance was only 30 km but an unforgettable ride for all.

The third day was the longest riding day, 72 km.  However, we were all encouraged to complete this ride. The dinner at Shimoda, Chinese dinner which all were missing and were so happy with Japanese style Chinese meal.

Every day after the dinner we all enjoyed Onsen Hot Springs. As you know when we take a hot spring, we just jump in without any clothes, very exciting moment.

That is all about our Japanese Bicycle Tour

Submitted by:

Tommy (Susumu)

Note: A very interesting account of your cycling trip in Japan, Tommy. It is great to have some reports from our cycling members who live overseas and cycle in another part of the world. We look forward to your return to Bribie Island in April next year when we will be interested to learn of your experiences first hand.