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Brisbane
Riding in Brisbane is very different from riding in Perth. Whereas riding in Perth is totally on flat level ground, Brisbane is very hilly and quite a challenge for me. Michael took out this book from the library and picked out rides that had the lowest category for me to ride. On days that he went by himself, he picked the harder rides. We normally start at about 5.00am, when the sun rises, as it gets too hot by 7.00am.
My first ride was to the entrance of this forest
Taken from Wikipedia:
"The Western side of Mount Coot-tha Forest or Gap Creek Reserve as it is known to the locals is a haven for Brisbane mountain bike riders. The establishment of a world class mountain bike trail network by the Brisbane City Council has created a diverse range of recreational experiences for off-road cyclists.
The mountain bike trails at Mount Coot-tha have been assigned a grading under the International Mountain Bicycling Association , Trail Difficulty Rating System. The multi-use trails in Mount Coot-tha provide the least degree of technical challenge to mountain bike riders, however many of them are steep and loose. Pay special attention when riding over the erosion control banks (water bars) which have been the downfall of many a novice rider. The trail ratings provide a guide to the relative difficulty of each trail.
The multi-use tracks are used by horses, pedestrians and mountain bikers. Each year orienteering events are held on the mountain."
The off-road trail. No, we didn't go there.
What's allowed and what's not.
Queensland government initiative. Would the Penang government put up that much to make it easier and safer for people to get out and be active, as well as to tackle traffic congestion and contribute positively to climate change outcomes?
Part of the very popular path right next to a freeway.
Nice ride around the river.
Fancy a houseboat?
They even have dedicated crossing lights for cyclists.
Testing my bike after some adjustments.
Part of the Brisbane River
Having a rest
My favourite ride is the Riverside Loop where much of the path is actually on floating pontoons!
Part of the Riverside Loop takes you across Story Bridge
There is a dedicated bike/pedestrian way on the right which is very busy.
Paddle steamers
South Bank
Going across Goodwill Bridge. NO SPEEDING!
Another trail we went on was the Bulimba Creek Trail.
Ride Log from the cycling book.
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Regular breakfast. (Take note of the blue paper cup which is filled with ice).
This is what you do if you forget your water bottle. 
This is how we carried our bikes.
The park we rode through.
Warning!
On one Sunday, Michael rode with a local bike group who went through part of the Bulimba Bike Trail.
Oops! Puncture!
Sunrise at another bike trail. We went on so many that I lost track.
This is a really, really long bike/pedestrian bridge running parallel to a motorway.
If you get tired, or lost , just hop on a train.
Interesting bike rack. Bikes are parked almost vertically.
Okay, now to show how serious Queenslanders are about road emblems.
This stretch of road is very similar to our road to Batu Ferringhi, narrow and winding. Their solution?......... Can we canvass to have this?
Notice the narrow green lane next to the lane with the left-turning arrow? That's for cyclists who wants to go straight.
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G'day Dr Lim,
Lately, due to the booming housing industry in Batu Feringgi and Tanjung Bungah (i.e Ivory Moonlight Bay, Planitude opposite Rasa Sayang and BSG Casa Permai), there are many trucks carrying earth/cement using the winding coastal road. Unlike RAPID Bus drivers, some of these trucks drivers are simply inconsiderate, they will really RUB SHOULDER with the cyclists....very scary
. Perhaps they are trying to make more income by maximising their trips.
Is there a way G Club (being a prominent cycling club) seek the assistance of the Local Authority to advise the Developers or Contractors in the vicinity to ensure their truck drivers to be more considerate to other road users particularly cyclists ?
Appreciate your help. Thank you
sk
Thank you eskay for having faith in the G club. We are trying to promote safe riding and I agreed at the current phase of development in the area mentioned and of course the heavy vehicles trafficking the area, it is hardly conducive to cycle. Somehow yesterday's ride will about 70 strong cyclists, we managed to "dominate" the road although just for a short while.
We should talk to our ADUN and MP for this area about approaching the developers but I was told by the chairman of the Tg Bungah Resident Association who are up in arms against the developers at one time with regard to hill developments in those areas, it is quite tricky dealing with them.
While they are in the midst of constructing and widening the road, this is the best time to approach them to cater to cyclists. We will try YB Teh ADUN for Tg Bungah to do something.
How I wish Penang would be like that someday. The photos really look super friendly to bikers. Great photos taken there too Diana. How's your bike coming along? Joining us this Sunday?
As you would have noticed, I did join the goup.........eventually.....LOL
Make me want to move to Brisbane instead of wasting time here fighting with all these ineffectual bureaucratic even for basic things such as bicycle signs (and thst is also hv to beg from corporate sponsorship) not to mention bicycle lanes. Hats off to the Aussies, they hv the political will and also the financial means to do it. In Brisbane airport, I was amazed that they hv cut down water consumption by almost 75% over the last few yrs. They are using waterless urinal in the man's toilet as part ot the conservatory efforts.
Make me want to study at Brisbane at the future instead of living in this unstable country . Bad politic , bad people communication and Unfair goverment . I like Brisbane evironment and the well done goverment . Any universtiy or college there ?
Check this out :http://education.qld.gov.au/marketing/service/higher-education/university/qld-unis.html
Bit drastic eh, look368? Think of all the MYR2.50 Hokkian Mee and Char Kueh Teow that you'll be missing out on if you move to Brisbane!
But seriously, you do feel alot safer riding on dedicated bike lanes and when the community is very aware and supportive of cyclists. Many a time, I have stopped at a pedestrian crossing (some without traffic lights) and cars actually stop to let me cross. (Maybe I look like a foreigner or maybe it's the clothes I wear! Hahaha!)
Yes,Diana you are right.One of my friend got all his cash burn into ash by drinking a Coke which cost about MYR 7 and a piece of Roti canai that cost about MYR2.50.Thinking of drinking or eating at the lowest price,please hire yourself as a cook.Anyway,the decision is up to you all.
cheers
seng chiang
Hi Diana and Michael,
I am sorry to tell you that I did not know at all till now that both of you have been a great riders in Australia as well . The attached several phototes reminds me of our riding to Brisbane in 2008 with my wife and riding friends. South Bank, Several huge bridges which are all well constructed and very nice to see and crossover.
I do hope I will be able to visit these areas again in Aril or May. See you on G-club Sunday ride.
Susumu
2008! Time for a revisit. Hope you get to go on the rides you did with your wife and friends when you go back in April or May.
See you this Sunday.
Hi Diana,
Nice pictures. Very kind you to share with us. Really appreciate it.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed them.