Autopilot

Yesterday I took a ride to the Garden of Eden at Tomewin -- high up in the Macpherson ranges behind the Gold Coast. This place has, of course, been the scene of a couple of other memorable rides in the past. Yesterday was no exception in terms of the scenery, which didn't disappoint. However, there was an overwhelming feeling that I was basically doing the ride on instinct rather than any kind of initiative.



It was perhaps a function of the heat and humidity (which generally renders the temperature irrelevant), although the forests of Urliup (above) offered some relief from that. Normally reaching Urliup and the start of the dirt is a source of excitement for me -- especially in view of the fact that it's a matter of time before this beautiful dirt road is sealed. Yesterday that "excitement" was delayed until I went into a corner too fast, skidded the back wheel and had to put my left foot down quickly to avoid crashing.

The climb of Tomewin might have tempted me into an attack, but didn't do so. Instead I adopted a more methodical approach to it, just relying on the ability to eat it up gradually, which may have been the best approach in the heat. Reaching the summit I turned onto the deviation at Garden of Eden road, following the ridgetop route as it winds through the forest.

There was a minor scare here as I descended rapidly to a fallen tree across the road, but saw it late because the various light effects caused by the sun shining through the trees concealed it. I got the brakes on hard, produced a skid much bigger than any I've ever intended to do, and missed it by literally centimetres. Sadly, that particular picture didn't work out, even if I was tempted by another shot shortly after.



After this, it was the ridgetop route on the otherside toward Bilambil and the coast. There were some steep, rocky sections here too, but again they didn't really concern me. I began to think that perhaps being on "autopilot" is the best way to do a ride like this. Feeling "lazy" means I don't concern myself with worrying about the obstructions in the road, simply riding on without a care in the world. It also provides a chance to enjoy the scenery, be it the mountain views...



... or the wildflower wonderland.



Unfortunately, the return home along the flat coastal strip against the blisteringly hot northerly wind did force me out of my comfort zone. It also created some bushfires which have forced me to delay today's ride until the arrival of the southerly change. Looks like another night expedition coming up now, although that in itself has potential. I'll just see what can tempt me this evening.