We look forward to welcoming you at Toogoolawah Station by 3.30 pm for a 4.00 pm departure on Saturday 8 November 2025 for the BVRT Westaway Loop Ride n Dine cycling event (59 km).
Ample street parking is available in Cressbrook St adjacent to the station:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVN8J57Sp8faoton6
The current BoM weather forecast summary for Saturday is looking good, but with a chance of some rain, so please bring a light rainproof:
Saturday 8 November – Sunny day. Late shower or two. Max, 32°
Medium chance of showers in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 13 and 17 with daytime temperatures reaching around 30.
The weather system in BVRT region tends to be dryer than the coast, so we’re hoping for the best, but definitely pack that rain proof.
Now for the ride briefing…
The first part of the ride will be on minor country roads with one short section of well graded gravel (please use flashing lights to warn traffic of your presence). We will turn left at the delightfully named Happy Creek Rd that leads to the Westaway Rd Stock route, which as you might imagine, is a bit of a rough track. There is one 50 metre section at the far end that has a labyrinth of deep erosion channels where we will ask you to dismount for your safety and the safety of others – there have been a few falls there, including yours truly.
On exiting the stock route we have a mostly downhill run on Hemstedt’s Road to the D’Aguilar Highway, where our marshals will direct you across the road to a side track that runs alongside the highway through into Moore where we will pause at the toilet block for a comfort stop.
We then continue on the rail trail from Moore back to Toogoolawah as night falls. The surface is mostly good with three big gullies with wide concrete culverts to traverse, and there are a couple of steep hills on either side of Harlin where the trail deviates from the original corridor.
Google Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Poh-y4XlIaPp4Xcul4khy6NfvK9s06E&usp=sharing
On return to Toogoolawah, dinner catered by Splityard Social will be served in the Toogoolawah Bowls Club (licenced bar), 7 Dingyarra St, Toogoolawah at about 8.00 pm.
Google map – https://maps.app.goo.gl/w5KxTdS21fjY2evR6
We remind participants that participation in this event is entirely at your own risk.
Mountain biking and trail riding can be dangerous activities – registration and participation in this event is an acknowledgement that you have read and fully accept our terms and conditions and that the organisers and trail managers will not be held liable for any accident you may have, regardless of the circumstances:
https://www.brisbanevalleyrailtrail.com.au/liability-release-indemnity/
We recommend membership of an organisation such as Bicycle Queensland that includes public liability and accident insurance or having your own accident and public liability insurance.
Please read the following notes as they contain information you need to know about the event.
A reasonable level of fitness is essential for this ride.
Bicycles must be in good condition and fit for off-road cycling. If you have any doubts about the suitability of your bicycle, please seek advice from your local bicycle shop.
A good bright front bicycle light with a minimum of 750 lumens and with a battery that can last at least 2½ hours is mandatory for the night ride. We also strongly recommend having a second light as a backup.
We ask people not to use rear lights at night on the trail as it interferes with the night vision of the cyclists behind you. You will be perfectly visible from your front light alone.
It can be quite cool up at night. We advise participants to carry a warm layer you can put on if it gets cold and a lightweight waterproof will be worth carrying if we get any of that rain.
BVRT Code of Conduct:
All participants are required to comply with the BVRT Code of Conduct:
- Keep left and give way to walkers and horses.
- Slow down when approaching horses and give an audible warning with your voice.
- Alert other users when approaching from behind and pass at a reduced speed.
Safety First: Participants are responsible for their own safety and should always exercise due care and attention. Please be aware of other cyclists around you if you change direction.
Please bring adequate drinking water, a basic toolkit, including a puncture repair kit and a spare inner tube unless using tubeless tyres. If your bike needs a service, the day before the ride is not the time to organise it.
Although the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail itself is traffic free, there are some road crossings with a 100 kph speed limit where care needs to be taken when crossing.
Should there be any safety issues, we need to know exactly where you are. For your own safety, please stay between the front and rear ride marshals at all times.
Water: Please be sure to bring plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated as there is no potable water available on the route.
Mobile Phone coverage: Telstra service is fairly good. All other service providers are patchy in rural Queensland and cannot be relied upon.
Public Toilets are available in Toogoolawah, Moore and Harlin.
Emergency Phone numbers
Ride Coordinator – Paul – 0417 342 854.
First Aider: Peter – 0431 831 400.
Most of our ride marshals are first aid certified and carry a first aid kit.
In an emergency, please call 000 and give them the nearest BVRT location marker reference or your GPS location (the Australian Government ‘Emergency Plus’ app available on iOS and Android gives you an immediate location).
We look forward to seeing you for the check-in at 3.30 pm for a 4.00 pm departure on Saturday afternoon.
Many thanks.
Paul Heymans for
BVRT Users Association crew.
