The Curve Crew flew into Brisbane for an action packed weekend of gravel flashpacking! Determined to showcase the incredible cycling and adventure Queensland has to offer beyond the rail trail!
The team were riding the brand new Curve GXR4 with our G4T Carbon wheels and 44mm tires (although this route would be perfect on anything 40mm+), the comfort of titanium is perfect for loading up for any bikepacking adventures!
Day One: Linville to Nanango
A group of adventurous riders met at the Linville Train Station bright and early on Saturday morning, ready for the journey ahead. Not dampened by the overcast clouds, but cherishing the shade from the summer sun. The route was 80km, with a mix of sealed, unsealed and gravel roads, and a fair bit of climbing along the way.
The group rolled out, friendly introductions were made and spirits were high with everyone enjoying the first 25km that gradually climbed off into the countryside, only joined by the free roaming cattle on the hills in the distance.
The roads soon turned to gravel, and with that the small rollers became larger hills. Leading us further and further from civilisation and closer to the two large climbs that defined the days adventure. As the showers came and went, with the sun breaking through the clouds, we hit the base of the first climb. Steep dirt ramps as far as you could see through the trees. Every few minutes you'd get the relief of a brief downhill breeze, before it ramped up again and we were back in the oven.
As the group crested the climb and regrouped, there were two thoughts on everyone's minds. First was the beautiful champagne gravel descent that was the perfect reward for such a tough climb. The second was a snack stop organised by The Rail Trail Refuge, giving all the riders a chance to top up the much needed water and enjoy a sugar hit in the shade from the beating sun.
The second climb of the day came quickly on the rested legs. This time a sealed climb, much to everyone's approval. Luckily, the rain came through, so there was no overheating on this climb! The crew followed the ridge line along a rolling road, full of sweeping corners and steep ramps, before rejoining the gravel with fantastic views overlooking the whole surrounding area. It was easy to forget just a few days earlier we were in the busy centre of Brisbane.
The final few climbs of the day flew past, as everyone prepared for a smooth downhill run into Nanango, of course the weather had other ideas. We'd done so well to get so far in such a tidy state. Clean bikes turned into a mechanics nightmare in a matter of seconds, with gritty teeth and muddy backs, not the best sight for the hotel receptionist upon our arrival.
As we rolled into town, and everyone located their hotels for the night, the team took a quick second to hose off the mess of the final few kilometres. Then it was straight to the pub to find some dinner and carb load up for the return leg...
The Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/13012832897
Day Two: Nanango to Linville
We woke to heavy showers, which made the morning bakery breakfast feel extra cozy. The highly recommended Twisted Whisk did not disappoint! With yesterday's ride still heavy in the legs, we set off towards the rail trail, for a slightly easier return leg. The route today was 60km, but it came with its own challenges and adventure!
Soon we were out of Nanango and into the forest, where a normally traversable trail had soaked up plenty of the overnight rain and turned into an impassable mud trap. With a bit of help from some sticks and everyone getting their hands dirty, we had to shed some of the mud before the riding could continue.
Lucky for us, an upcoming river crossing smoothed the process! It wouldn't be a Curve ride without some adventure, right?
A few punctures was the only thing between us and a lunch time bakery stop, no better way to shelter from the rain than with a coffee in hand. It was an exciting time as Ollie got to experience his first Australian pie! With a glowing review and the rain easing, we headed back out on the final stretch back to Linville. A muddy gradual descent meant the group was flying along and everyone was thrilled to enjoy the final moments on a great weekend of adventure.
The Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/13020267469
If you're close to Queensland, or just fancy a different adventure, be sure to check out this route and let us know how you get on! It is a beginner friendly gravel flashpacking route! Just be a bit careful for water if it's super hot out there, so make sure to carry plenty!
A huge thank you to everyone that came along for the ride, we really hope you enjoyed it and we could impart some Curve craziness onto your next route planning session. Be sure check out Epic Cycles if you want to take a closer look at the Curve range, and I'm sure it won't be long till the Curve Crew are back in Queensland!
