Chris L

That's right folks, it took me over eight years to climb that mountain - mainly because I didn't even know it existed until about two weeks ago when I chanced a look at that map. Nestled between the bigger climbs of Binna Burra and O'Reilly's, it's managed to escape my attention... until today.

This afternoon I set off on my quest. The ride through the Coomera Valley, as done before. However I actually took that left turn 2km short of Canungra, headed for the Mariam Valley. This is a very nice valley for a ride, there are hilly and less hilly options down here, following the Coomera River toward Lamington National Park.

A couple of km into this ride, I found a right turn on "Toe Lock" road. I took this and started onto a mind-buggeringly steep climb on a dirt road. This was one hell of a battle, having to stay in the saddle to maintain some basic rudimentary traction on the road.

I knew it couldn't last for long, and I looked ahead and saw the grade ease off and, incredibly, a paved road ahead. I let out a short laugh... "now I've got you!" A little too soon as I rounded a corner and saw a gate with a sign - "trespassers will be prosecuted". I've done all that work for a wrong turn? Well, at least the view was nice.

I descended back into the valley and continued gradually climbing toward Lamington, until I saw the right turn on a dirt road - Tabletop Road. This was it. I decided to follow the valley to the end (a very nice ride) and get Tabletop Road on the way back.

Another steep climb on a dirt road - not as steep as Toe Lock road but looser gravel this time. A quick glance down into the valley revealed the speed at which I was gaining height, the grade eased soon. Here was where I made my mistake, I started thinking about the report I was going to post on BF and not on what I was doing - Crash!

Fortunately the crash took a long time to happen (nearly pulled off a brilliant save!), and at low speed little damage was done (just some skin off my fingers, it hurts to type) and some gravel rash on my left hip. I washed out my broken skin with some water from my bottle. Now this was personal. I was going to finish this if it killed me.

The grade picked up again toward the end - and gave rise to some spectacular scenery from not only the valley below, but also the cliffs on the mountain. I continued climbing, rounded a right-hand corner, and I was there! Finally! After eight years and a particulary galling set back during the week (I won't mention it again, it's been discussed enough). I only hope the camera and film survived the crash so I can save the pics I took and post them here - eventually.

I was tired and sore on the ride home (it was my second ride today, after all), but satisfied. I realised that things like this are the reason we put up with all the other crap that goes on in life. It's setting ourselves challenges and how we meet them that defines our character and who we are. It's that special combination of elation and exhaustion that makes what we do worthwile.

Is anyone still reading this?

uciflylow

What can I say? Chris L, YOU DA MAN!

I love to find new roads and take them myself!

Malvern star

Sounds like you have much fun Chris

I did some riding through various places in Queensland. Some of the best rides were Koombit tops , Harveys Ranges ,and Burdekin area , Main range Nat Park and around Mt Morgan and Kalpowar and also Hidden Valley and Paluma . So many great places to ride , so little time
Like to explore Lamington National park didn't really have time to look at it last time I was in Q'land.

Pete Clark

Breaking in a virgin bike, eh Chris?



Yep.

joeprim

Neat Chris
Joe

closetbiker

Gee, I was feeling good about my 8 year quest that was brought to an end.

I cleaned out my bike closet because I couldn't find my Phil Wood Tenacious Oil when it dropped on the floor and disappeared!

Good work Chris!

VegasCyclist

of course

I really enjoy climbing and I like to hear others stories of how they came to new mountains

Chris L

Yeah, I've been up to Main Range a couple of times. I'm thinking of heading up there on the upcoming long weekend. Haven't been anywhere near Burdekin yet, but I've thought about it a few times. Lamington is absolutely magnificent, as are some of the other areas like Springbrook and Mt Tamborine. When I get around to it I'll post a few pics.

Pete Clark

(Um, of course, I'm sure you two will be together a long, long time...)

:thumbup:

Bokkie

Chris, great ride, mate!

You described it so nicely. I was riding invisibly alongside you all the way. By the way, I'm so sorry for clipping your rear wheel and causing you to fall.

Chris L

Ahhhh! I knew it wasn't my fault!

Malvern star

I'll be headin up there in late August/September , sort of a work/holiday , definately spend at least a few days riding.
I'll be in the Maryborough/Hervey Bay area for a two week job.

Wouldn't mind looking at area around Kenilworth and Wongi , a couple of days at Lamington on my way back would top it off. After that in October/November I wouldn't mind doing an epic ride at Barrington in NSW.

Chris L

Nice riding around Kenilworth. I spent a few days up there last year. Drop me a line if you want to get in touch - we have a long weekend in late August up here (Gold Coast show day) - and I'm thinking about heading up there again.

In Lamington I defintely recommend the Ships Stern walk at that time of year - if you're up for 19.5km (plus a couple of optional detours). It's definitely worth the effort.