Day 2: Gayndah to Eidsvold

I soon understood why Ray was so keen to fix his gears. As we were leaving, I had a fleeting glimpse of a sign that said "Alternate route to Munduberra. Steep gradients ahead". It was a very apt sign. For the next 40 kms, we fought the 30kph headwind as we climbed higher and higher. I had to use my lowest gear and even had to walk about 200 metres up one hill, which had a lookout at the top. At least we were on a backroad and the locals gave us a wide birth! And there were no flies because they had all frozen to death. We didn't take our jackets off, even when climbing, as the wind was freezing.

I was spent by the time we reached Munduberra, but we were only half way to our destination. After a few nuts and a loo stop in the park, we headed out tentatively on a backroad to find a river crossing. Ray had checked with an old guy at the information office, which just happened to be in the park. He assured him that there was a crossing and that it would be the shortest way to reach Eidsvold. Why was I not convinced?

We managed to cross a creek and get onto a dirt road but had not crossed the river. Several kilometres and one massive hill later, we found ourselves at the highway. So we turned off it a short distance along, and crossed the said river and got back onto a dirt road. By this time it was about 3.30pm. Luckily, we were only about 15kms from the end. We glided into the beautiful city of Eidsvold at 4.15pm, just thankful to be still upright.

Our cabin in the caravan park is a delight. Very seventies, naked fluorescent lights and all. We got a discount because of a water hammer problem. Apparently no tradesmen exist here. Anyway, was no big deal as we worked out not to turn the cold water tap. The hot water was just the right temperature to ease aching bones.

After a couple of hours discussing the correct length of time to sit on a bike for one day (4hours maximum - not 5.30 as we did today) and lying around moaning about sore bottoms, we headed off for dinner to the local pub. It did not seem the most salubrious place to eat, but the people were friendly and the steak was excellent. We met a bridge builder from Ipswich, who recommended the steak.

Now we are ensconced in our little home, looking forward to another 78 kms on the cold and windy road tomorrow.

Established 1928. Note how they never say when they went bust. The bowsers look like they haven't been used in 20 years. We were at a nearby pub a couple of weeks ago and we could see in behind the facade. There are a couple of big old sheds and other assorted buildings. Such a great opportunity to grab a slice of local history and create something BIG. Any takers? How about a bridge?

We couldn't travel through the citrus capital of Queensland without taking a shot of and orange orchid. We did see a few but maybe not as many as could be expected. This one was beside the river . My guess is that they have a water license and can draw water from the Burnett.

What has become symbols of North Burnett. Oranges and rolling hills.

There was a bloody big hill leading to this lookout. Fortunately the road was relatively quiet as we had to get off the bikes to walk up the last few hundred meters of the hill. The headwind prevented us from getting a super thrill from going back down.

Behind the bump mid left is the town of Mundubberra. What was visible to the naked eye, but perhaps not in this pic is a big tall double silo just to the right of the bump.

The detailed work of navigating and keeping a certain individual up to date, informed and happy is quite demanding. No, it is impossible. It takes a real optimist to believe otherwise.

Dambusters here we come.

The work in keeping our legion of fans informed takes reall concentration. Take note of our luxury donga.

 

Ride Notes

• We varied somewhat from the original Goole map route because of uncertainty as to whether or not some roads existed.
• We were originally going to cross the Burnett near the locality of Humphrey and travel along side the river and trainline. We did not want to risk running into a dead end
• Eventually the proposed rail train will cover the route between Gayndah and Mundubberra. For now, prepare for a few steep hills.
• For us there was the added bonus of a 20 - 30 klm/hr headwead to ride into
• The traffic on this backroad was certainly better than what we experienced out on the main highway
• The backroads between Mundubberra and Eidsvold were not too bad but Google maps can not be relied upon.
• We were hoping to cross the river at O'Bil Bil road, but we could not find a bridge. We eventually crossed at Malmoe.
• "A Creek Road" (its actual name) was a bit crappy but rideable. Some corrugations and a bit rough in places.
• We were to straight ahead at McCord Creek Road (along A Creek Road) but there was no road and McCord Road was a no through road.
• We went out onto the A3 which was close by and did the remainer of the journey out on the black top. Being Saturday it was not too busy, but it is not comfortable out there.
• It seems thee is an alternative by turning left at Winston Rd about 1klm prior to getting out onto the highway.
• Can't vouch for the quality of the road but it is probably a little less hilly than the main road