FULL MOOD RIDE REPORT 3/2/26
The Heavens were angry that night my friends. It was with a feeling of trepidation that 5 brave souls left the CRIT track for the Full Moon ride. Our brave President, Paul, was full of confidence, “ There’s nothing in this “ he said and so with his infectious spirit and one eye on the darkening sky, we set off for the Full Moon Hotel on the second Full Moon ride of 2026.
“I hope we can get a table” came up the line as I led the way, “I did book” I said, only to realise too late that I was having my leg pulled.
As the winds swirled around us, with some gusts causing the grip on the handle bars to tighten in a reflex action, I was thankful that for the most part they were pushing us along rather than forcing us back.
With the night drawing it’s curtain of darkness around us and the mandatory headlights beginning to pay their way, we were forced to dodge the many fallen branches on the track. Nothing too big, but still with the potential to cause harm. More on this later.
We made our way to the wetlands without incident, apart from a small deviation for the three of us who chose the path rather than Nudgee Road, due to some fallen trees. A common occurrence along this stretch. A regroup before the entrance to the wetlands and on we pushed.
It was close to the Boondal Train Station that the fallen branches finally found their chosen victim with Stuart flipping a stick into his rear wheel, resulting in a broken derailleur. The enterprising retired electrician was able to get mobile by taping the chain out of the way with electrical tape. He then was able to skate along to the train station and catch a train to Sandgate, making it to the Full Moon Hotel just as the rest of us sat down to order.
The Monday night steak special was a popular choice with 2 of the company signing up for membership and earning a $5 discount for their trouble. A good idea to have in place before the next ride.
We left Stuart to coast down the hill to catch the train, “It’ll take me almost to my front door” he said. But this was tempting fate when it was just not his night. Arriving at the deserted station, Stuart found that due to track works there were no more trains that night and even the pleadings of the Station Master would not convince the replacement bus driver to allow the bike on board an otherwise empty bus. But here is the silver lining, a call to RACQ confirmed that indeed the membership covered the bike as well and Stuart was able to get an Uber ride home, covered by his policy. I am certainly going the check my cover for future rescues.
As for the rest of the crew, we battled the winds all the way back to the CRIT track and made our way home from there.
Did we see the full moon? Not this time. Should have gone the night before. Not to worry, we enjoyed the ride, the company and the meal, there is always next month.