"Burned" out

As if I needed another reason to dislike summer, but I'm getting ahead of myself here. I had been planning to attempt to ride two imperial centuries in the first two days of 2005, but being sunburned today on the final day of 2004 has put paid to that. I can really only blame myself, it was in the final stages of the ride home from Brisbane -- reflection off the water mainly. Guess that's what happens when you take the coastal route.



Of course, the time in Brisbane was spent assisting my mother with moving apartments. Something she seems to do with alarming regularity. At least she's now eliminated most of the really big furniture. Small inner city apartments in Brisbane don't leave much scope for that I guess. I did get a pleasant early morning trip to Mt Coot-tha -- a reserve to the west of Brisbane city, but that was about the only exciting thing I've been up to in the last couple of days. It was nice to see the mist obsure the surrounding suburbia that day.







Apparently there was a road rage incident near Brisbane Airport yesterday. I'm told that two drivers had a heated argument over a parking space, one guy took off at high speed when he lost, clattered into a young woman on a pedestrian crossing, who ended up with serious brain damage as a result of the collision. The driver himself suffered a heart attack as a consequence and died.

The reason I say "apparently" above is because the local news didn't see fit to report it. Now I know the Tsunami in South East Asia has quite understandably taken up a lot of media space in recent times, but surely this incident deserves some kind of billing -- especially in view of the fuss made over the "selection shocks" in the Australian cricket team. What I want to know is this -- is this another function of society losing focus? Or have incidents like this (and indeed deaths on roads generally) become so common that it's not considered worth even a 30 second news report?

Some free time at last!

Yes, it's been a while, with Christmas and so on, since I actually had a day to myself, to do whatever the heck I damn well liked. Of course, there was nothing for it but to ride an imperial century was there? Some people may disagree on that, but I just had to get away from all the chaos of the post-christmas "sales" -- 1,000 people all pushing and shoving, trying to get the one bargain, when there really is, only, the one bargain!

The early morning headwind down the Tweed Coast was pretty intense, as it often is in those parts. There would be no complaint from me, for 'twas a southerly, meaning cooler conditions. The temperature was a relatively "freezing" 23 degrees C as I cruised through the coastal scenery -- even discovering an undeveloped beach -- how long will that last I wonder?





Inland near Billinudgel, and stopping in the absolute wrong place to apply sunscreen. Being swarmed by mosquitoes isn't much fun, but, incredibly, the sunscreen seemed to deter them. Strange, because the insect repellent doesn't. Then it was on to the short, but steep climb of Mt Jerusalem, and beautiful greenery in the process.









The ride home covered Uki (where the cafe was closed), Murwillumbah (a pleasant detour on Baker's Road), Urliup (of course), Bilambil (where the bakery was open) followed by the last 35km of suburbia. 174km total distance for the day all told. In the time between Urliup and Miami (Gold Coast suburb close to home) the temperature rose from 24-30 degrees C. I hate summer.

I'm off to help a family member move house for a couple of days. It's not really the way I want to spend my holiday, but I promised I'd do it, and she'd be struggling without me there. I might even try to get some riding done in Brisbane in some idle early morning moments, but it's doubtful. I don't think there's much there to see. Oh well, roll on 2005. I'm thinking about 25,000km for the year in 2005. Not sure if I'm up to it mentally, but I'll find out one way or another.

"Crazies" and others

My last bike tour made me think about some new goals and re-kindled a few others. Riding a fully loaded century which included Mt Hotham (and then another a couple of days later) made me realise I've been selling myself a little short the last couple of years. Then I brought up an old long-term goal I had that I'd departed from -- that being to ride an imperial century in every Australian state. Of the actual States I only have Tasmania (hoping for the Ash Dash in 2005), and Western Australia (perhaps a ride from Perth to Albany and back again(?) in 2006) to go.Then I started thinking about the territories, and this is where this post really gets started.

One day I think I'd like to ride from Alice Springs to Darwin in the NT. I think this has the potential to be a wonderful trip -- the hills rising out of the red rocks in the centre, gradually giving way to increased vegetation, flowing watercourses and whatever else in the tropics. However, it seems nobody agrees with me.It's not so much the experience or the ride that anybody's concerned about, it's just the "crazies out there". I find it ironic, nobody I've yet spoken to about this resides in a city of a population of less than 500,000. It's ironic, because, according to the stereotype, it's supposed to be the "crazies" in these remote areas who have issues with people "not from around here, boy." Could it be that the "civilised" urbanites exhibit the same traits as the supposedly "simple" country folk (i.e judging people in places they've never been)?

Of course none of the comments concern me, I heard them all just before I took off for Tasmania (Rowan, did you have the extra head specially removed? ).And if we want to talk about "crazies", allow me a moment to tell you all what happened on the "civilised", sanitised Gold Coast yesterday, shall I? Basically, some nutter barricaded himself inside a hotel room that he'd filled with explosives, and held a "siege". His demands? A cup of coffee. I am not making a word of this up. Just who are the "crazies" here?

So this is Christmas

Regular readers of this blog will by now be aware of what I truly associate with Christmas. The shopping queues (already ranted about those), the stress, the heat, the short fuses etc. Well, it was all there today. First of all, my mother and I had a huge argument about something totally irrelevant, but which somehow, due to the aforementioned short fuses (from both sides) became almost major enough to de-rail the whole day quite early.

Then during the day there were the usual back and forth arguments about tired old political issues (the same debates that were being had 15 years ago). These haven't managed to tear this family apart the way so many others have gone, but it is a little tedious to sit there and listen to it (for those in the room, and the neighbours too I expect). At least the arrival of some other guests put this one on hold for a while.

Actually, this part of the afternoon/evening wasn't quite so bad. My uncle's latest girlfriend (no, I won't go there). Actually, she seems to be able to hold a more interesting conversation than many other people I've met, so perhaps the day wasn't all bad. Oh, the food ended up being pretty good, and the company, despite the shouting matches, wasn't at all bad. I'm just not sure that it's all worth all the other hassles that go with it.

A moment of relief...

Martin and I decided on an early morning ride to Springbrook. We actually had quite an enjoyable time on the climb, trying out do each other, before I clinched the KOM points with a late attack right at the summit (of course, I'd already had to stop and wait at Salmon's Saddle, but that's another issue). Springbrook, on the morning of Christmas Eve was delightfully quiet, green and cool.

Purlingbrook Falls:






About the only company we had all morning:


Anyone for a dive into the pool?






Ahh, bliss. Actually, it was a day of redemption. It was here I had a calamity some months ago (http://life-cycle.blogspot.com/2004/09/glad-that-ones-over.html). It really felt good to be back to a place that always feels like home, so many times have I been here.

It's just a shame we had to come home to all the other crap. Let me tell you, last minute shopping for Christmas supplies in the heat of a Gold Coast Summer, next time I go to Springbrook, I'm spending the day up there.

Does anyone out there actually enjoy this?

A little off-topic perhaps, although perhaps not, as it's the reason I've not had as much time on the bike as I would have liked this weekend. But seriously, if I hear one more thing about Christmas, I'm just about going to puke violently. It seems that everyone out there is happy to nag me for things, but it's just about impossible to get anyone to co-operate. Yes, I know this is an exaggeration, but right now it's just how I feel. I've been trying to get a bed moved from Brisbane to the Gold Coast all week, and all I'm getting from the so-called removalists in this area is short shrift. Even those who claim they can do it are asking ridiculous prices, or worse, making promises and not keeping them (I'm glad I didn't rely on that lot who promised to call me back).

Then there's all the other rubbish with regard to family get togethers. Now I have nothing against my family at all. However, is all the other rubbish really necessary? Is it really that important that I spend all afternoon tomorrow (after a near full day at work mind you) pushing through the last minute shopper crowds trying to find a heap of ingredients to some salad, most of which (the ingredients) will end up going to waste because they can't be purchased in the exact quantities required, and because they're unlikely to have any other use?

Then there are the hours of preparation in what will undoubtedly be oppressive heat (this is summer in Queensland after all), and the hours of cleaning up (ditto), which usually falls to whomever gets bored first and is still sufficiently coherent to do it (i.e. me). Forget about looking forward to the "holidays" -- I think I'd rather still be at work.

I'm planning to head for Hinze Dam tomorrow morning regardless, just for a bit of relief. A quick 4.15am ride out there isn't quite a rainforest-filled night at Austinville, but at least it might take my mind off things for a while. At least the sunset this evening was nice.

Bonus!

Yes, that's right, a bonus. Well, I didn't have a good week last week, maybe it's just a bit of retribution. I opened up an envelope handed to me at work yesterday, expecting some lame christmas card, and I find a cheque for $500. And thanks to Rowan in Tasmania, I now have it earmarked for spending.

Recently on the forums over at bicycling.com, a question was asked about 2005 cycling goals. Two of the goals I listed (a night time century, and a double-century -- of the imperial kind) would have required lighting that lasts longer than what is currently available to me. Then I see another thread there about lighting on long-distance rides, and a lot of pleasant comments about the Schmidt Dynohub, and now I have an Australian distributor (had to be in Melbourne, didn't it?). $360 for the hub, then the wheel rebuild on top of that. There goes the $500.

Still, it really is the ultimate riding solution here, because I still have my 6w NightPro Bullet as a back-up, or flashlight for changing a tyre in the unlikely event of a flat (I know, I should keep my mouth shut), or even to provide extra illumination on dirt roads. Finally, I might have the light issues solved. Now just which weekend is that midnight century this year?

Another day...

... Another ride route discovered. It's kind of uncanny the way this keeps happening, but I keep finding new routes to ride on. This one is just beautiful. It all started with a ride south, but after Kingscliff, I opted to head back inland through the hills just behind the Tweed Coast.





Here the riding was pleasant, and I found that link road that went the back way to Pottsville. This could be an interesting project to make more of one day, but for now I was satisfied, almost. Now it was time for the inland route through Cudgera Creek -- and a 180metre climb on dirt roads through beautiful rolling hills and forests.





Reaching Burringbar was almost a disappointment, so beautiful was this stretch of road. Oh well, I can still gloat to Martin about it, this is all that matters. The ride home took me across the Burringbar Range, and detours through Richard's Deviation and Stokers Siding. I was aiming for a century. With 152.6km, I still fell a little short, but maybe next time. I've survived the century-a-month challenge for this year.

Oh yeah, the return was again via Urliup, this time it was a roadside garden that captured my attention.



Pity it was so damn hot out there today -- sweat washes off sunscreen on days like this one. I guess the heat was the only real downer of the day. My next challenge is to find the ultimate tyre solution -- I think with slightly narrower full slicks I can go 2km/h faster, and hence produce longer rides (I want to attempt a 300 this year). However, the issue here seems to be whether they could also cope with the dirt roads. Today's weren't really too bad, but I guess I need to check the Tweed Valley Century again before a final decision.

20 updates

Well, not quite, but it could well be. Largely due to my being so far behind schedule. Actually, most of the events concern Thursday, and I have to say, I came out of it a little more cynical (if that was possible). Thursday night was the Bicycle Gold Coast Christmas dinner, and it was a sad reflection of the "within the designated areas only" cycling culture that this place has. First there was the "why?" and the strange look when I mentioned that I had gone for a ride rather than watch a criterium in Surfers the previous Sunday (oh puh-leaze).

Then, of course, there are the usual people with the usual whines about "dangerous bikepaths", but no vow not to actually use them. I don't know why so many cyclists feel as though they have a duty to use these things when there are so many patently better options around (i.e. the existing road network). I guess there's the old "they mightn't build us any more facilities if we don't use them". Well, it's not like they know how to build them now. Nights like this make me seriously wonder about cycling advocacy at all.

Then, of course, there are the usual homophobic morons on the Gold Coast if a male dares to wear lycra while cycling. The scary part is, I actually think one of them was trying to come onto me on Thursday night. Even if I was that way inclined, I doubt a 45-year-old teenager in a ute would do anything for me. I think the sign in Bright best summed it up: "Boys will be boys, and so will a lot of middle-aged men".

Still, I managed to get a pleasant Austinville ride in this morning. Totally buggered up the obligatory photo (being stung by a wasp does that), but it was still a pleasant ride. Might ride a century tomorrow.

Bad hair day

And this is the second one in four months. Actually, I was having a good run before this, but "failure of spares" seems to be a recurring theme right now. It's always good fun to walk out of work and find a flat tyre. Of course, this shouldn't be a problem. Just insert the spare, pump it up, and you're off again. However, it didn't quite work out that way this time around. First of all, the spare (a brand new tube for that matter) didn't hold any air. I located two punctures and patched them both, but it was still leaking.

At this point I gave up on the spare, and went back to the original tube, where I was able to find the leak (or so I thought). Three patches later... Actually, I think that one was just coming apart at the seams. By now, of course, time was getting on a little, and the nearest bike shop had just closed (I walked over and checked to make certain). Shit. I was supposed to be meeting Martin for a ride at 7pm, there was no way I was going to make that now. Hang on, he lives close by, and if they can phone a friend on that stupid Who Wants to be a Millionaire show (the one for the people too stupid to be on Sale of the Century), surely I'm entitled to do the same thing.

A 2km walk to Martin's place enabled me to get hold of a tube that would hold some air, so I could be on my way again. Not so fast, as the light mount on the back of my saddlebag then decided to break as well. Great. Still, I had the panniers from the ride to work, so I managed to rig up an emergency mount on one of them, and now I was free. The ride home was one of those lethargic "when will this day be over" rides. Surfers Paradise (a.k.a Sufferer's Parasite) was as full of idiots as it usually is, except that a 31 degrees C night seemed to make things worse.

I managed to pick them off without getting annoyed (mainly because I was beyond that point now), then an amazing thing happened. As I entered Broadbeach, and got up close and personal with the ocean, the traffic disappeared. For a few moments, it was just me and the roar of the endlessly rolling South Pacific. For a few moments, all in the world was right, and nothing mattered. Even if (unthinkably) something else broke, it would be an easy walk home anyway. To borrow a quote from Sarah Blasko (because she's amazing):

Always worth it,
if only to realise.
Not always perfect,
but somehow deserving of time.

That moment next to the ocean, made all this crap worthwhile. I would do well to remember another quote from Sarah Blasko:

If only you were at your best, instead of fighting yourself as well.

Next time I'll remember to check the bloody spares before hand, and all this could have been avoided.

Saviour Urliup

Would you ride across this?



We did.

Martin and I decided on adding a little twist to the Numinbah Valley circuit -- we headed out there via Hinze Dam. I have to say this is probably the more interesting way to go as it stands. More hills, and slightly less suburbia than the Nerang route, although how long that will remain the case is difficult to say. It was nice to see some water in Hinze Dam/Advancetown Lake for the first time in quite a while, too. One hopes people don't get to complacent as a result, a couple of dry months (particularly at this time of year), and all the old concerns about running out of water will start to re-appear.





Of course, the southern end of Numinbah Valley is well known for it's mountain landscapes, nestled between Springbrook and Lamington Plateau. What was special today were the extra waterfalls created (even if I did miss one on the descent into the Tweed Valley after crossing the Gap). Of course, owning a ute driver on the descent is also a special moment of satisfaction.







A couple of interesting things down in the Tweed Valley. Checking out Chilcott's Road (a little dirt deviation between Chillingham and Crystal Creek) was definitely a plus -- even the flooded creek at the top of this entry. I think it's going to be a regular fixture on the Tweed Valley circuit, which is in need of having more dirt roads due to the danger of the existing ones being paved or sealed. Also interesting to note that a boy-racer (motor cycle rider with a very small penis) passed me a little closer and a little quicker than he passed Martin. I'm guessing that my conclusions about wearing red (which I was doing) are true. Sometimes I feel like a mad scientist conducting experiments on sub-human motoring primates in this part of the world.

It was hot, reaching 34 degrees C in places, and disgustingly humid. What better way to come home than Urliup? For one thing, it was a couple of degrees cooler (as usual). For another, there were beautiful rainforest streams there in which to cool off. The number of times I've utilised this stretch of dirt road this year is getting ridiculous. Put simply, Urliup is the ride of 2004!

When it rains...

After a rather negative entry on Thursday, it was nice to see the beauty of life being reinstated over the last two days. Yesterday morning on my ride to work I had another meeting with "the poser" -- although I'm not sure who should be calling who names here. There's this old guy I see running in Surfers Paradise every so often as I ride to work. We always give each other a wave, but for some reason, the wave is more like a pose than a wave -- as if each of us is waving to a huge crowd of admirers clapping on the side of the road. I don't have an explanation for how this came about, just that it started one day shortly after I commenced this commute, and it happens everytime our paths cross now. Still, it's a nice way to start a day I guess.

Speaking of yesterday's "issue", I was specifically called into my boss' office today to be told that they approve of my lifestyle (like they had a choice there), but still have the issues that I mentioned yesterday. Maybe they'll come around later, maybe not. Maybe there's something I'm not being told. Either way, I'd be happy to let this issue die for now. I did get to round off the week with a ride home in beautiful rain. It was a real downpour, and it felt so pure! If only it would do that more often.

So onto today's ride, and a chance to enjoy the fruits of the downpour in Currumbin Valley this morning.









As can be seen from the swollen creeks and waterfalls, the rain of this week left a legacy. So many people complain about rain, the way it stops them from doing things, or it's too cold or whatever. I take a different view. If it's too cold wear Goretex, and it won't stop you from doing anything. Instead, get out and enjoy it, look at the new life it creates, the beauty it creates in a once barren landscape. Immerse yourself in it, but just do it! Once you let go of the pre-conceived "rain is bad" notions, you'll realise that it isn't so "bad" after all, and that feeling is quite liberating, and you're left to enjoy the beauty, free of distraction and worry, and free of the interference of those who are coddling indoors because "rain is bad".

Some people just don't get it.

Well, I guess we all knew that anyway, but perhaps some just don't want to believe it. I'm at a point in my current job where I'm now starting to venture out to see clients, as opposed to merely having them come to me. Naturally, I'm intending to ride to my appointments, partially because I can, but mostly because it's the best option. It's cheap, reliable, and a damn site quicker in city traffic. Today's appointment took me into Surfers Paradise, an area that I know well.

On the ride home last night I made sure I knew where the place was, and where I could change out of my riding clothes (which takes all of five minutes) before showing up. This morning I rode out there, presented myself, arrived at the scheduled time -- only to find the client was still recovering from a big night last night (bucks party), and wasn't able to deal with things. No matter, I rode back to the office. I Didn't lose any time at all, and certainly wasn't gone for a huge chunk of work hours.

However, when I get back to the office, my boss apparently now has an issue with me cycling to appointments. It had nothing to do with the time taken (he acknowledges that I'll usually be quicker anyway), it had nothing to do with how I presented myself after a ride (it's never been an issue on riding to work), it was a "safety" issue apparently. To use his words: "I'm concerned about sending you out on a bike in a situation where we have a duty of care". It's not a safety issue, it's a "somebody might sue me" issue. I tried to explain to him that it really was no more dangerous than anyone driving to an appointment. I even promised not to sue him in the unlikely event of something happening, but it was a waste of time. I suspect there's something I'm not being told here.

So now I'm not sure how I stand on this whole thing. I have no intention of paying a heap of money and going into debt to get a car that I might use once or twice a month at most, so it basically looks like taxi fares once or twice a month. This all seems quite pointless, when I have a bicycle that can do the job just as well. On the other hand, my boss overall has been pretty good about most things, and there were no qualms about time off to attend my grandmother's funeral earlier in the year, so perhaps I should just play this game for a while and see what happens. It's not really the end of the world yet -- even though it still bugs me for some reason.

As I said before, sometimes, some people just don't get it.

Another goal achieved

At the start of the year, I made it a stated goal to ride an imperial century in every calendar month of 2004. Now it's been achieved, and with a few weeks to spare. Turned out Martin did make the ride today, which was worth doing, too. After the pleasant cruise down the coast it was time for the climb of Tomewin...





... the up and down ride to Chillingham and Tyalgum...



... the dirt back to Uki in the rain (beautiful rain it was, too)...





... and the return home through Stokers siding, Murwillumbah and, of course, Urliup.





A few surprises today, the above waterfall shot was taken from a viewpoint that I didn't realise I could access, there are a few other things to explore in this area (Bald Mtn, Chilcott's Road, Chowan Fire Trail), and a few old detours to take another time. The rain was, as I mentioned, beautiful, and the temperature never rose above 22 degrees C. I don't think I'd want to ask for more than that -- even if I could. Just a perfect day. I guess it was saving the best century for last.

Urban Dweller

Quite unlike me, but in the seven days I've been back, I've not really taken a trip into the hinterland (unless you count a night trip to Austinville on Thursday, during which a rear light jumped off a saddlebag, need another way to attach those). I guess parts of the 'Coast still feel "new" (i.e. no real suburban rides while I was away). Or maybe it's just an inability to tear myself away from the South Pacific in recent days.





Tomorrow I'm planning to ride a century. Still waiting to hear back from Martin if he's going to join me, and I'm a little doubtful on that score, but I'll ride it regardless. I still seem to have boundless energy at this point. An imperial century tomorrow will also give me at least one in each calendar month of 2004, one of the goals I set for this year (the other was The Great Alpine road, which I accomplished just over a week ago). Let's hope the southerly wind stays tomorrow and keeps the temperatures down.

Of course, I forgot to buy muesli bars at the supermarket today, just a minor annoyance, I'll have to stock up on the road tomorrow.

Cop that!

A rather unusual incident last night, or perhaps not so unusual, but it highlights yet another benefit of going by bike. I was on the way home from a ride with Martin through Helensvale/Paradise point (and whatever is in between). That had been quite fun, doing some sprints was quite a change from a tour -- even if I did get fatally owned as sprinting is not my strong point.

Despite the fact that Schoolies' week is officially over, the police are still closing off the Esplanade through the centre of Surfers each night and diverting traffic elsewhere (at 17 days and counting, schoolies "week" seems to... oh forget it!). I pass through this section on my way back from Southport and, naturally, it was closed to all last night. I coasted up to the policeman standing on the barrier, and I saw a small gap. As I looked toward the cop for direction, he gave me a look that seemed to say "I didn't see anything". Great! Straight through the gap, out the otherside unobtrusively, and on my way totally unhindered!

Now if everyone else could find such an unobtrusive way to travel, perhaps we wouldn't need roadblocks. Must have been a strange night all 'round. Martin and I actually got a friendly honk (and a friendly wave) from a sportscar driver. Now when was the last time that happened up here?