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