Poetic Inspiration By Greg Noble

In need of some poetic inspiration to get you up and active.

Well, Greg noble of Drive-By Poetry has just the inspiration you are looking for. He was out and about on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) this morning, riding from Brassall to Lowood and return, around 80km.

Here’s his poetic account of this ride.

Thank you, Greg, for the permission to share your work.

Greg's Poem

Training

I was scheduled for a ride But even after food I was just not feeling it I was in a negative mood. I needed some motivation To get me through the pain Then in a flash of inspiration I focussed on a train. My headlamp was the lamp As I travelled down the track The miles stretched out before me With the sunrise at my back. I imagined the many stations Urgent deliveries to be made And saw the ghosts of people past As they lived and played. My legs were as pistons Spinning in good time My wheels were like a train’s Rumbling down the line. My hands felt the vibrations The shudders and the tension And because this is a family page My caboose I will not mention. This was enough to clear my head And to get my mind right And revel in the BVRT And savour every sound and sight. I’ve not ridden it in a fortnight And I know deep down inside That I am a much better person When I just get out and ride.

I wasn’t feeling it this morning - a few little things unsettled me and my mind wasn’t right.

I went out anyway.

I got to thinking of the trains that travelled this line and before I knew it, I was loving what I was doing.

Our minds shape who we are and how we engage with others on any day, moment to moment. We must be mindful of that.

The video footage was taken by a trained stunt professional - Captain Risky’s somewhat lesser known, but abundantly more talented brother, Major Somewhat Cautious.

Greg Noble 10 February 2018

Experience the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Queensland’s Greatest Rail Trail is open all year round. Really close to Brisbane, it’s all off-road and traffic free, just South East Queensland’s big skies and distinctive landscapes to enjoy. Come and experience for yourself why thousands of people love exploring the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail at a leisurely pace on bicycle, on horseback or on foot. Get a group of friends together and come and find out what Queensland country is all about.

About the Trail

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) follows the disused Brisbane Valley rail line that commenced construction at Wulkuraka near Ipswich in 1884 and was completed at Yarraman in 1913. The BVRT winds its way up the Brisbane valley, traversing farmland, forests, picturesque rural settings and country towns. Being on the old railway line, the BVRT provides an easy climb up the valley for day trippers, overnight camping or longer term adventures.. Although it’s open all year round, some sections of the BVRT may be closed for short periods following severe weather events.

Where is the Trail

The BVRT officially starts at Wulkuraka Station in Ipswich and then continues to Fernvale, before looping westwards to Lowood and then continuing north to Coominya, Esk and Toogoolawah. The section from Toogoolawah to Moore is currently under construction, but in the meantime there is an alternate scenic route by minor country roads. From Moore the trail continues northwards to Linville before turning west to Benarkin, Blackbutt and finally Yarraman.

Completion of the Trail

Following a successful community campaign led by the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association, the section from Wulkuraka Station to Wanora is now open and a total of $3.4 million funding has recently been awarded by the Queensland State Government and the Australian Federal Government to complete the section between Toogoolawah and Moore. Construction work has commenced and under the terms and conditions of the Federal Government grant, work must be completed by June 2018.  

Eat and Sleep

Most of the towns along the BVRT have a variety of pubs, bakeries, shops and cafes that offer excellent food and drink. Overnight accommodation is available in Fernvale, Lowood, Esk, Toogoolawah, Moore, Linville, Blackbutt and Yarraman. Be sure to take plenty of drinking water, although there are water troughs for horses at several locations on the trail.

Events

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association organises a number of great cycling events on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.  http://www.brisbanevalleyrailtrail.com.au/

A map of the trail can be found by following the link : http://www.brisbanevalleyrailtrail.com.au/map-of-the-bvrt/