Ride Report BVRT – Australia Day 2026
Alex - our ride leader and organiser
6 BBTA members enjoyed riding part of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail on Australia Day.
The route from Coominya to Esk was chosen as it afforded the most shade and despite forecast temperatures approaching 40 degrees, the early start and shade made for most pleasant cycling conditions. The drive to the start just just over an hour.
We had plenty of company on the way to Esk as the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association had its annual 44km Fernvale to Esk event – many sporting Australia Day themes. Most took the shuttle back so it we had the trail to ourselves for the return journey.
Enjoying the bridge for most - but not all!!!
The Trail was in excellent condition for a gravel ride and the 1 incline of about 2% was hardly noticeable.
Some enjoyed the challenge of avoiding the bridge!!!!
Morning tea was at the Valley Roasters – right on the Trail on the far side of Esk. It has been in business now for 3 years and regularly serves 160 to 200 riders a day. It sources mainly local ingredients. Cycling tourism along the Trail is big business much appreciated by the local community.
Murray & Helen
On the return journey, I commented to Murray that his bike would get the prize for the narrowest tyres on the Trail – they seemed like 21mm but I am sure they were wider but the comparison with gravel bike tyres made them look very narrow. He said that the tyres had an interesting history. The tyres came with a new bike and as he wanted a lighter set, they were his as the bike shop could not sell them. They ended up in Townsville when a friend set up a bike shop. Years later and the bike shop ceased trading and Murray was offered the tyres back which he accepted. The tyres went on his eBike which he was riding on this trip. He had no longer finished his story on the provenance of the tyres when he had a flat! A new tube was quickly and expertly inserted, and he was on his way in no time.
All in all, a most enjoyable ride with good company.
Many thanks to Alex for organising.