Banks Creek Road is a quiet, rural road that passes through cattle country on the outskirts of Fernvale. Undulating in parts, it has numerous water crossings, the major one being the causeway over the fast flowing Brisbane River at Savages Crossing. Nearly two years after the floods of January 2011, this section still bares the scars from the volume of water that flowed through here at that time. The road connects the western fringes of D'Aguilar National Park with the Brisbane River Valley region. As a result, it is an ideal corridor for epic rides from either Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious to the east or the Somerset Region to the west. The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, conveniently passing through Fernvale, increases the options in a northerly direction as far as the small township of Yarraman. Couple these routes, with the regions very rideable Bicentennial National Trail, and you have the makings for a mega ride. Unfortunately, I picked the wrong season to ride here. Herds of cows roamed the road which, in itself, is usually not a problem. However, being mating season each herd had a bull attached. Protective of their herd, bad tempered and aggressive, they were determined to end my ride. I now know, given a headstart, I can out ride a bull. Twice in fact, but only just!. It made me ponder on the legalities of allowing bulls to roam along what is a public road.
I love that part of the world. Where did you start / finsih? The steep tracks out of D'Aguilar NP make it a one-way trip for mere mortals. I have one or two super-human friends who have ridden from Samford to Fernvale and back along this road. But I don't think even they would attempt it in the heat of summer. Well done.
ReplyDeleteCount me as one of the mere mortals Neil. It was my first ride on the bike in 14 months after injury, so I was taking it very easy. The scenery was all the better for the recent rain, with a nice tinge of green. I see a multi-day bike-packing trip in this region in my future, during winter of course. Enjoying your FNQ blog series.
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