recreation event reports

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Bike Ride to Redcliffe (added 19/01/04)

On Sunday 18th January a group of us met at the Treasury Casino all geared up for a ride to the Redcliffe Pier. The ride was instigated by a work collegue of mine and hijacked by me - (I conned a few BC members to come along).

Peter, Mary-Anne, Dave B and I joined Mike and Mahlon for the 35km ride. Grant piked out – a sore knee he says – aged creaking bones we say! Peter, Mary-Anne and Jonathan added about 11km by riding into the city. Some of us added a further 10 by riding further North to see if Bribie Island was still there.

It was an early start - meeting at 5:20am - but this was necessary to avoid heat and traffic. A ride through the city managed to have us meet all the red lights. Mike reckons traffic lights have “context” and seeing as there was no traffic took us through a left turn on the red only to find two pineapple cars parked just round the corner – luckily they seemed more interested in patrons spilling out of the Treasury! Thanks Mike! And speaking of Treasury Casino patrons – I have not seen a more bleary eyed smelly bunch since the morning after my 21^st. One had to be carefully riding around those hazards. The rates at the local hotels must have been a bit high too – judging by the number sleeping it off under the bus shelters on William Street.

Anyway, back to the red lights - my rendition of Monty Python's traffic light song did not go down well. I dunno – I reckon I sound alright in the shower. ;-) We progressed out via Breakfast Creek Road, Kingsford Smith Drive to Nudgee Road and on to Sandgate Road. The ride along the Esplanade and on to the old Hornibrook Bridge was just lovely at that time of the morning. A few cyclists along the way provided a bit of drafting practice – it's amazing how much riding is like paddling a kayak – I never miss a wash ride opportunity.

Crossing towards the Esplanade after the bridge had us finding a “Slippery when wet” sign adjacent our path which was covered in about a metre of water! Onwards via the road, we arrived at the pier a good half hour ahead of schedule. Whilst some opted for an immediate breakfast at the cafe, some of us continued north.

Various lifts arrived (thanks Sarah...) and an excellent breakfast was had – all in pleasant company – looking out on the bay. A quick dip was had by some, and off home we went – Pete and Mary-Anne via a ride to the train station – all suggesting we'll do it again sometime soon.

Jonathan

Report: Social paddle for 31st August 2003 on Bulimba Creek Canoe Trail

Thanks so much to Janice and Mike for organising this paddle. Unfortunately Mike was unable to join us in the end. Seven of us in four boats set out on Sunday afternoon; Dave and Jill in the Queen Mary, Janice in the SK1, Graeme in his SK1 and Jonathan and Sarah with Emily in the middle in the bath tub (TC2). Graeme also towed a baby rec boat in the hope that Emily would have a go, but conditions at the destination boat ramp were certainly not conducive.

A wee shower of ran after about 30 minutes on the water damped things down a bit - but not the spirits. Emily did a good job of splashing Mummy using her custom built cut down paddle complete with tennis ball handle.

A 1:20 trip with the tide ended with a muddy and slippery exit at Tingalpa. I think we need to have a few words with the Council on the conditions of this canoe trail facility.

After some car shuffling we returned to the starting point, but with cold four year old and the rain starting we decided to make tracks whilst Janice, Jill, Dave and Graeme stayed for coffee and nibblies in the Meadowlands Road park. One highlight was the biggest most complete rainbow any of us had ever seen hanging to the East. Hopefully, we'll have some photos soon.

Please keep an eye out for info on the rec paddles that Janice and Mike are organising. These paddles make a nice relaxing change to paddling in our club area.

Jonathan

This page last updated Friday 19 December 2003

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Web site constructed by: Jonathan Clark

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