Summary

This blog covers an unsupported bike ride from Ipswich, south- west of Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane. The route is the long way through the Brisbane Valley, along the D'Aguilar Highway through Nanango and Kingaroy, up to Kilkivan, across to Gympie on the Wide Bay Highway and then head home through the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Catching the train to Ipswich.

Roughly half the trip is off-road via the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail which takes you through Toogoolawa to Linville, back to Blackbutt, then through to Yarraman. From what I've read, this should be great cycling. Nice part of the world out that way, really looking forward to it. 

Planning one night at the Kilkivan pub. Stayed there on a previous ride - what a cracker!!

Distance is around 450 km over 4 days with climbing of maybe 3,500m. There's a few hills between Linville and Blackbutt, but should be OK otherwise. 

Gear is my Cannondale Lefty hardtail MTB with home made trailer. An oldie but a goody!! Towing weight is about 25kg's.

Training has been a bit unusual - at least one hours cycling every day for the last 30 days.  In theory, that should be an OK preparation. Feeling pretty fit, we'll soon find out!! 

The likely route

Packed and ready to go!!