When I was discussing with some of the Queensland Committee members about becoming the newsletter editor one theme seemed to come out often and that it is good to have someone that participated in the rides on a regular basis. For the most, I seem to tick that box except for the long rides so to speak. One advantage is I also get an opportunity to take some cool photos. Mark’s editorial theme was the free coffee for unravelling the puzzle, you will notice the occasional photo that I have taken on a ride. Full points if you recognise the photo above that I took on a recent ride. I am also taking the opportunity to inform you of any changes to events and where possible advise how the recent rides have gone.
Ride Cancellations – Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Transport and Main Roads have recently introduced an event permit system for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The impact of this is that while the permit system is navigated to achieve approvals to hold Audax rides on the BVRT, we cannot have any rides on the BVRT. To this effect, ‘A Show Ride‘ and Esk-Lowood on May 25th has been cancelled.
We will keep you posted about the June and July calendar rides for the BVRT. If we don’t have an approval in place by then, we can’t hold the events.
Second 2019 Oppy opportunity
Far North Queensland is hosting the FNQ Fleche Opperman All Day Trial on May 18th to avoid the very wet season in the region. Please contact the regional co-ordinator Gayle Stitcher via email at gayle.sticher@bigpond.com with any enquiries.
More Maintenance tips?
Drive train maintenance
Mark Riley has provided an interesting take on drive train lubrication. Have a read of OilsAintOils
Rider Maintenance
I often wondered why I hadn’t seen David Booth riding for several months and was glad to see him for this year’s Oppy. David underwent some rider maintenance and shares his experience, Read Light at the end of the tunnel
Completed rides
Easter Eggsertion
An intrepid quintet of riders set out at 7 in the morning. The last two riders finished with 10 minutes to spare due to mechanical issues. Jeff finished in just over 11 hours. Awesome effort Jeff.
Mt Mee Dawn Service
Mt Mee hosts one of the more heartfelt services I have attended with significant involvement from the community. Andrew took the challenge to make the start of the service this year.
Rocky Gully Ramble
fove riders for the 100km completed between 5 and 5 1/4 hours and 12 riders for the 200km finishing between 8 1/4 hours through to just over 10 1/4 hours.
Eight Tableland Towns in a day
Wow – 80 starters for the day.
- 74km gravel – all finished between 3 1/2 hours through to just under 6 hours
- 100 km road – all bar two finished from just under 3 3/4 hours to 6 hours 40.
- 200km – all bar 1 finished with times from 7 1/2 hours to 10 hours.
Ride reports
Wangaratta Wahine
Raoul traveled south for Easter to take part in the Wangaratta Wahine completing his first 1000km ride. I do believe they may be trying to do the Aussie thing and claim him as Victoria’s own….
Andrew Taafe has wanted to provide a brief summary of the ride which ended up as a much longer story. Read it here
Easter Eggsertion
This was my third 300, second Easter Eggsertion and Peter Lovell’s first 300. Have a read of Easter Eggsertion take 2.
As always, I welcome articles and ride reports to include in the newsletter Please send them to qld.communications@audax.org.au.
Upcoming Rides
Click on the ride name for more information and online registration.
Downs & Back 600 (2019)Westlake to Dalby on Darling Downs and return. Ride Date: 04-May-2019 7:00 am |
River Loop May (2019)
A social ride followed by a coffee somewhere interesting on Montague Rd Ride Date: 07-May-2019 5:30 am |
Fleche’s Big TrOppy (2019)
After our cyclonic efforts in 2018, FNQ is the only place in Australia with a different date for the Oppy. So set up your local team and join those visiting southerners looking for a second crack at this Australia-wide Audax event. Teams of 3, 4 or 5 bicycles. Choose your own starting point and plan your own route – just ride 360km in the 24hrs from Saturday morning. Join all the teams for a Sunday morning breakfast at Port Douglas to brag about your efforts! Ride Date: 18-May-2019 7:00 am |
Fleche’s Little TrOppy (2019)
Teams of 3, 4 or 5 bicycles. Choose your own starting point and plan your own route – just ride 155km in the first 12 hours from 7am Saturday, and 25km in the final 2 hours from Sunday morning. Join all the teams for a Sunday morning breakfast at Port Douglas to brag about your efforts. Check here for more information about the FNQ Little TrOppy. Ride Date: 18-May-2019 7:00 am |
Fassifern Folly (2019)
A meander through the food bowl of the Fassifern Valley taking in country scenery and mountain vistas. The ride will be undulating and traverse some of the less travelled roads in the valley. Ride Date: 19-May-2019 7:00 am |
Downs & Back 400 (2019)
Up to Clifton & Pittsworth via Ipswich, Laidley, Gatton & Ma Ma Creek, then return via Toowoomba, Grantham, Gatton, Laidley & Ipswich. Ride Date: 25-May-2019 7:00 am |
Audax Queensland 
Hey guys,
Any chance we could find out about rides coming up beyond 1 month? Unfortunately I need a bit more time to plan these sorts of rides outside of my family commitments.
I’ve done a few and would love to do some more.
Hi,
To look at the entire calendar for the year, have a look at http://www.audax.org.au/public/ridecalendar. This will show you a month Australia wide. At the top of the calendar you can refine your search to regions (states), specify a range of months and a few other items.
Hope this helps,
John