2022 XMAS PARTY RIDE
Ride Report 4/12/2022 CHRISTMAS PARTY RIDE
The Bushrangers Christmas social club ride garnered a decent gathering filling the Ewan Maddock Dam carpark. Some riders summoned their festive spirit and adorned themselves with subtle hints of Christmas. 2 ride options were on offer with ride leaders Toby and Chipper guiding their charges.
Chipper’s ride promised plenty of km’s and elevation with the first climb ascending toward the heavens via the formidable Brandenberg Rd …. thank goodness summer took a day off and the group embraced the cool breeze at the top.
Those with engines managed to engage in conversation all the way up and the pedal pushing powerhouses were probably wishing they could silence them. Once the lactic burn abated, it was off to McCarthy Shute via closed slipped roads, Mary Cairncross Reserve and the stunning Glasshouse Mountains vista complete with a soaring eagle. So far the ride had been footpaths, tarmac and dirt roads so there was audible excitement and frothing aplenty when we finally assembled at the first downhill singletrail. The downhill lads were away with a tail flick a whoop and disappeared in an instant. The remaining riders self seeded and rode at a pace more conducive to self- preservation … the trail did not disappoint …. Fun and a squeal from Alex as she approached the skinny water crossing! Chipper gave us creek crossings, rolling green pastures, hidden forest trails and yet more hills. We are truly blessed! All made it back via ‘choose your own adventure’ finishes and ready to partake in a well-earned post ride Christmas feed.
Toby led out 15 merry revellers who were looking for a more social and chilled Xmas pace. They headed out around Ewan Maddock dam where they stumbled across wandering Wayno and so 15 became 16. Out through Landsborough township, Toby took his charges across Steve Irwin Way to get up some extra km’s, skirting the Beerwah State Forest before circling around into Ferny Forest carpark for a coffee stop at Brewhaha coffee van. Fuelled by caffeine there were a few races through the Ferny circuit before heading out the backend Glenview exit and back to Ewan Maddock carpark via the road. A 35km loop and it was lovely to have retro Steve’s son join in and by all accounts he rode very well.
All riders came together tucking into food and chilled beverages put on by The Bushrangers Club. We also farewelled the lovely Emma who is soon to start some vanlife adventures in Tassie. Thank you to the ride leaders who ensures everyone gets back and to the Social committee members for bringing the Christmas lunch all together. Thankfully the weather was kind and although not quite swimming weather we didn’t get rained out! 
