Dull and boring , this training ride ain't. Some of the scenery is breathtaking, there are enough hills to keep you interested and good roads and paths to bring the heart rate up whilst sprinting either by yourself or with a riding Buddie. It is, in my opinion, much better training with a partner because it makes you try that little bit harder, especially if you lack discipline and are easily distracted as I am.
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| Poinciana Tree adjacent to Cleveland Railway Station |
This ride starts at Cleveland Railway Station and proceeds up a laneway on the eastern side of the station where it continues on to Ormiston.
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| Sleath Street, Ormiston |
Here is where we encounter four hills of increasing gradient all in a row, Bainbridge Street, Crowley Street, Dundas Street East and Sleath Street (pictured). Although they are short in nature, they are quite steep and will certainly get the heart pumping.
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| Raby Bay Harbour |
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| Raby Bay Beach |
From Ormiston, we backtrack past the station and Raby Bay Harbour and head east along Masthead Drive to Raby Bay Foreshore park where you will discover a series of little beaches.
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| The Lighthouse Restaurant and cafe at Cleveland Point |
We ride along the foreshore of Raby Bay taking in the beaches and bay vistas before heading to Cleveland Point via Raby Bay Boulevard where a slight diversion will allow you to ride by the water's edge to the entrance to Endeavour Canal and then on to Cleveland Point.
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| The historic Grand View Hotel
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Having ridden around the foreshore of the point, you then head along past the historic Grand View Hotel situated on Shore Street North adjacent to Linear park which incidentally, has a path running through the entire length of it. Being a training run though, it is better to stick to the road.
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| Eddie Santagiuliana Way |
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| A pleasant distraction on Eddie Santagiuliana Way |
Another pleasant portion of the ride takes us along Eddie Santagiuliana Way which should be avoided on weekends due to the popularity of the area for both recreational riding and walking. This area can be avoided by taking Passage Street, but only if you are strictly a roadie as the road is not nearly as pleasant as the pathway although a tad slower than the road.
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| Take notice of diversion from track to road |
Once reaching Oyster Point, you are required to take a short diversion along Ray Street, turning left into Erobin Street, left into Passage Street, right into Long Street and left into Channel Street which will lead onto the path past Fitzroy Park.
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| A collage of photographs along Santagiuliana Way |
Once you have reached Manning Esplanade you are officially in Thornlands.
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| I couldn't resist taking a phot of this old tree on George Thorn Drive, Thornlands |
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| Wonderful birdlife at the end of George Thorn Drive, Thornlands |
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| Thornlands |
Ensure you pay particular attention to your map whilst riding the Thornlands section as it is not straight forward riding. If you are using this route for training, you have a choice of riding either the pathway or the road, both carry light traffic outside the normal peak periods.
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| The red line denotes a partially hidden path |
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| Parts of this portion are retracing your original route |
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| I was surprised at the gradient of this hill on South Street, as well |
Once you have reached South Street, you turn left and start the longest ascent of the ride. On reaching Bloomfield Street, take care crossing and ensure you are seen by the drivers on both sides of you. As you descend, turn right into Waterloo Street, follow your map closely and you shouldn't have any problem finding your way back to Cleveland Railway Station.
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| Koalas taking a midday nap |
As you are riding in the Redlands, there is always the chance of seeing one of these cuddly little creatures perched high in the fork of a eucalyptus tree.
This ride is easy and as fast as you may like to make it. There are approximately 5 hills which make the ride more interesting. Distance is approximately 32 km.
My thanks to Google and Map my Ride as they make my life as a rider/blogger so much more interesting.
Cheers and safe riding,
Jimmy Bee
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