General Cycling Discussion - When the rain broke, 2004 in pictures...

Ladies and gentlemen,

Throughout this year we've called 2004, I have had some of the most awesome cycling experiences imaginable. If opening the year with Tasmania's west coast wasn't enough, we've had some unique conditions up here, due to the worst drought ever being snapped like a lame twig under some serious rain. Some things have returned to normal, some have been changed by the combination of the conditions, and some just never change. This humble thread is an attempt to share some of the things I've seen riding over the last four months. Somehow I've condensed it to around 20 pictures. However, should I ever get bored, there is plenty of quality that just didn't make the 'cut' this time around.

Starting with a humble lake in Tallebudgera Valley...

What I find impressive is the way some strands of rainforest managed to survive three years virtually without rain.

I'm actually doing this ride again tonight. Beautiful by day, I wonder how it will be in darkness...

That's purty.

Well, of course there was climbing, I was just coming to that. Rosins Lookout, just out of the village of Beechmont.

This was Lower Beechmont before the rains came through. That pathetic puddle on the left was actually Hinze Dam -- our water supply. Just as well that it now looks completely different.

Cougal's Cascades - Currumbin Valley. We have water again.

Change of scenery. Cabarita - Tweed Coast. No high-rises - Ra!

Remember I said somethings never change? This mangrove patch south of Pottsville is just what I was talking about.

Flowers on the water, Hastings Point.

I just love a place with an epic name. This is somewhere on the descent of Mt Jerusalem

Generally regarded as the halfway point by those climbing Springbrook - or at least, those of us who ride right to the top (not everybody does).

Purlingbrook Falls. Awesome after the rain!

Would be easy to spend all day in a place like this.

Twin falls through the mist - not much can match this.

This humble thread is an attempt to share some of the things I've seen riding over the last four months.

ThanX for sharing Chris! your pix made my day. :)

I've cycled to the end of the world -- here is the pic to prove it! :D

There is something special about cycling in the clouds.

Been riding to Springbrook for the best part of a decade now -- and still not tired of it.

What I've really loved about the last couple of months is that the combination of dry and then wet has created life everywhere. I've never seen these wildflowers before...

... Almost as if to prove the last flowers weren't a fluke...

Heavy rain creates a small but elegant waterfall, which doesn't normally exist here.

Everyone needs those special places - this is one of mine. I'm not revealing it's location however - that privilege is reserved for those who happen to be riding with me at the time.

... And at the end of a long ride, I come home to this! At least when my passionfruit vine isn't overgrown.

Such a hard life. I feel terrible for you, Chris L...

Obviously I need to start packing my digital camera on some tours. In defense, I had a beautiful ride today up the Columbia Gorge in Oregon-- saw about five waterfalls, multiple scenic vistas, a historic highway all to myself. All about 40 minute remote start away from home. A good day, even without mangroves.

Why would anyone want to experience these sights on anything but a bicycle?

Gorgeous pics. Keep it up. Try not to feel too guilty.

Chris,

Great pictures. Makes me want to visit Australia.

vey beautiful...I dream of places like this. Nature the only place on Earth with a big heart.

Oh, man... boy does that make me feel homesick!!! It's just gone 2 years since I was last back in Queensland. Even in the middle of drought conditions, QLD was a heckuva lot greener than Colorado! I've almost forgotten what green looks like living over here!

I just showed your photos to my wife... she wants you to send passionfruit over :D.

Thanks a million for sharing all of those grand pictures of your rides with us. If I were a young man I think I would be down there to share it with you. It may interest you to know that my old skiing buddy and I used to talk about how when we retired we were going to ski North America in the winter and New Zealand in the Summer, but I lost my leg in an auto accident and along with other injuries I am unable to ski and very lucky to still be able to ride a bike.

I just showed your photos to my wife... she wants you to send passionfruit over :D.

Not sure about the import regulations of the US. It's not the first time I've had that request before. Actually, the passionfruit on my vine are very sweet and exotic, I've only ever seen them in one shop. Maybe I could post a picture of one at some point.


It may interest you to know that my old skiing buddy and I used to talk about how when we retired we were going to ski North America in the winter and New Zealand in the Summer, but I lost my leg in an auto accident and along with other injuries I am unable to ski and very lucky to still be able to ride a bike.

You are an inspiration! There aren't many people who would consider themselves "very lucky" after losing a leg. I think it's great that someone can look on the bright side of life like that. You know, you really should try to get down here for a winter one day if you can (not a summer tho, they suck). The thing is, while many of the rides I do involve a substantial amount of climbing, there are some really nice places to ride that don't (some of which appear in that little sequence), so it's really worth considering.

Amazing photos chris, thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing. I had no idea that Tasmania was such a beautiful country.

It's no wonder you can pile up such high mileage. Just checking out your favorite spots and the new wildflowers can keep you busy. Our flat grass beside the freeway is getting green and has many white wildflowers (or is that trash). It dosn't take much to make me happy.

I'm sold, I'll be there in a few days. Get the spare room ready!

Stop making us feel jealous of the scenery, show the pics of where you fell off, where you had to walk, and the mud you had to bypass, Great pictures, great Country, and Thanks.

Thanks for sharing your part of the world.

Thanks for sharing. I had no idea that Tasmania was such a beautiful country.

The pictures in this thread are from where I regularly ride (Queensland). Follow the link in my signature for the pictures from Tasmania.

I'm agog. Beautiful, Chris. You certainly have a way with a camera.

What does "agog" mean? Am I missing something?

Agog = Excited. I liked your pictures.

Agog = Excited. I liked your pictures.

What does "agog" mean? Am I missing something?


Agog = Excited. I liked your pictures a lot. :D

What th--! Apparently I liked them a lot a lot!

What camera did you use to take these pics? How well has it held up to your cycling?

Awsome Chris!

What camera did you use to take these pics? How well has it held up to your cycling?

Kodak Easyshare LS633, which I bought last year for $920AUD (including spare battery and 256MB memory card). So far it's held up pretty well. I was quite astounded by the battery life in Tasmania when I went several days (and over 100 pictures) between recharging -- didn't even get the low battery warning on the first one.

Thanks Chris. Great place.
Joe

Next break I think must be up north... Just got to get used to the humidity... Thanks for the pictures Chris. Really great stuff. Any pictures of birds or animals your way?

Next break I think must be up north... Just got to get used to the humidity... Thanks for the pictures Chris. Really great stuff. Any pictures of birds or animals your way?

Unfortunately, I don't see too much wildlife on my rides these days -- except for the really early ones. There is a little thing called the canetoad that has done some serious damage in that respect. :mad: God knows what I'll do if the little suckers ever poison the waterfalls.

To see any wildlife in Australia anymore, you really need to visit Tasmania.

Yes, Tasmania is overwhelming with its animals. I even started bleeding from an echidna - I was just trying to get it off the road. A friendly passerby hiker type showed me the best method is with a jacket/coat instead of the hand under the belly :). The main highway is not the best place to decide to dig your way into for an echidna. Luckily, the things aren't poisonous - that's the platypus - and I'm still here to tell the tale. I think last trip to Tas we managed to see in the wild every significant animal except a Devil (even a tawny frogmouth). Walking off the road/track for a little 'relief' in the middle of the night is an amazing experience. Things start hopping and bounding in all directions away from you. Quite an experience.... Just wish the place was a bit warmer.

Once again, thanks for sharing your photos.