November 20, 2017
Another little piece of South Burnett Rail Trail history was made on Saturday night when the South Burnett Mountain Bike Club (SBMTB) held the first-ever public “Pizza Ride” between Kingaroy and Wooroolin.
Towards sunset, a group of 15 cyclists – some SBMTB members, some not – braved intermittently showery weather to gather at Kingaroy’s Memorial Park before setting off along the trail.
The event was a social bike ride and most participants covered the 16km distance at a leisurely pace in about an hour.
After this, the group paid a visit to the Wooroolin Cafe to enjoy a wood-fired pizza dinner, before riding back to Kingaroy by the light of their bike lamps.
SBMTB secretary Jason Wyeth said the day’s wet weather and the absence of some club members who were taking part in a competitive ride outside the region had kept numbers down, but he was pleased with the turnout.
The event was a brand new idea for the club, and probably something it will repeat in the future.
The SBMTB is currently developing its own circuit of dirt trails in the Mt McEuen State Forestry area at the end of Wondai’s Mackenzie Street, and when these are completed they’ll become a new addition to the South Burnett Rail Trail.
Riders looking for some off-road action will be able to cycle the bitumen-sealed trail to Wondai, then take a short detour to the nearby forestry to enjoy some off-road cycling action.
“We were within days of signing an agreement with the State Government to develop the trails when the election was called and everything went into caretaker mode,” Jason said.
“If the current Government is returned on Saturday, we hope to sign an agreement pretty quickly. But if we get a new government, it could take a few months.
“Either way, we’re confident we should be able to open up our first new bike trails fairly soon.”
Jason said the club plans to start with two trails, which are existing forestry trails with some additions, then gradually develop a network of additional trails in the area.
“We’ve been told the Government is willing to commit to a three year arrangement initially, and if they’re happy with what we’re doing they’ll extend it,” Jason said.
“It’s a long-term project for the club.”
Jason also believes the time has come to form a South Burnett Rail Trail user’s society to coordinate events along the rail trail.
The group would function in much the same way as the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association, which organises regular events on that trail, and also ensures there are no conflicts with other user groups’ activities.
He intends to propose this to the South Burnett Regional Council in the near future.
Cyclists who’d like to find out more about the SBMTB’s activities – including any future Pizza Rides – can join the club’s Facebook page, send an email, or phone Jason on 0418-881-289 for more information.
- Related article: Cyclists Want To Create New Trails
