A group of 20, 12 peddlers and 8 paddlers gathered at the old Linville Train Station to ride the rail trail to Blackbutt. Jenni gave a brief, cut unceremoniously short by Stan chomping to get away. Stan was the holder of the key and kindly herded everyone through before securing the gates as they were. It was a cool grey day and the gathering clouds looked full of promise. Perfect for the steady uphill climb.
Some paddlers distinguished themselves early by canning off. Dave did it in style - more like a slow barrel roll maintaining seven point contact (2 hands, 2 feet, 2 eyes and 1 butt) whilst flipping over the edge on a steep uphill climb into rough terrain. He emerged calling out "did you see that" and had avoided any broken spokes or bones. A peddler came a cropper but that was on a steep rocky descent which most sensible self preserving paddlers walked.
It is a pretty ride, in places the old line is cut into the
hillside with impressive rock formations on either side. Rusted rail spikes and remanents of sleepers were scattered over the track as well as plenty of loose rock. The area looked very dry and several places had been recently burnt. Mark scored a
puncture. Dave and Jenni were on hand and their experience soon showed by finding where the puncture was in the tube and then checking the tyre in the corresponding location to find the fine glass shard which would have otherwise been easily missed.
Onward and upward. By now the peddlers were off in the distance. A vote for morning tea by the tail end charlies meant less fruit
cake in my pannier and a rest for some tender seats. By the time Mark came back down the track suggesting morning tea, it was too late the cake was in the bag and we were off.
Lunch was had under the shelters in the park around the corner
from the bakery where it was a long wait for somewhat ordinary pies. Slippery bike pants almost scored two ignominious landings off the bench onto the concrete. The peddlers had eaten, packed their gear and were ready to head off with the early spats of rain. By the time the paddlers had packed, the jackets were on.
On the return one peddler had a tyre ripped open by a rock. The downhill ride was great although a little unnerving at times with the loose sand and rock. However, as Stan
said the faster you go the easier it is to go straight. Also the harder you can off. Fortunately this did not happen (again). The jacket proved itself to be very waterproof and comfortable to ride in - just like the label said.
The finish came with a change into dry clothes and a beer at the pub across the road with the local kitten and pug. This is a great ride and one I would do again.
Tip: This would not be a good ride in heat of summer as shade is limited
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