After an early start and 100km From Yarraman to Esk on day one, we opted for a later 8am depart on day two. Shaun pulled up sore but functional after his crash, and thankfully the morning was slightly warmer. We were both looking forward to completing the length of the BVRT with this final section into Wulkuraka.

Day 2: Esk to Wulkuraka (67km)

Riding out of Esk the trail “trends upwards” at around 2-3% for the first 12km. That made for a great warm-up to get the blood flowing and a big change from yesterday’s freezing downhill start. The top of the climb is reached after a road crossing and the sign for Mount Hallen Station. Keep an eye out on the right for the Avocado farm!

After passing the Avocado farm we were treated to a beautiful descent towards Coominya (24km) and onwards through gently rolling countryside via Lowood and into Fernvale. The gravel surface is smoother on this half of the BVRT. Being closer to Brisbane and relatively flatter, it is more popular with day-trippers so it receives more regular maintenance. Many of the big dips and river crossings have been replaced by bridges, which makes for an easier beginner friendly ride.

While mostly flat, the steep dips for creek crossings can sap your legs!

This stretch is also a popular place to spot koalas. In fact, there are regular koala sightings along the entire length of the BVRT. I spent a lot of time on both days scanning the gum trees either side as we rode!

Number of koala sightings: 0

We took a break in Fernvale (44km) to fuel up and strip off a couple of layers. I am fairly certain I did not fuel the first day’s ride well enough, so was making sure to keep my carbohydrate and fluid intake high. Shaun rang the support team to let them know our ETA at the finish, then we set off to tackle the final 24km into Wulkuraka.

Fuelled by Allen’s Killer Pythons. I need a sponsorship!

As you approach the last 5km into Wulkuraka the gravel ends and the trail turns to concrete. This makes for a fast finish! Near the end there is an underpass with some beautiful murals painted underneath. A great photo opportunity. Unfortunately both sides had been defaced by graffiti, so we didn’t bother stopping.

Celebratory post-up under the finish arch!

Then before we knew it we’d crossed under the finish arch in Wulkuraka! Of course, there was the obligatory sprint finish to top off two excellent days of gravel riding. Parking our bikes at the picnic table, we hardly had time to congratulate each other before April and Samantha (our awesome support crew) rolled in with the car. Perfect timing.

And with that, Shaun and I had completed the entire 161km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail over two days. The ladies drove us back to Esk with a stop in Fernvale for some celebratory bakery treats. I was feeling good, so in the afternoon I snuck out for another ride of the Esk – Mount Hallen climb section, giving me a second 100km day of golden gravel goodness.

Aside from a few dramas, the BVRT was hands down two of the greatest days of gravel riding I have done. Shaun was super stoked to ride the entire trail also. He’d ridden most of it in smaller chunks, but never the full route in two days. I cannot wait to get back to Brisbane and tackle it again. Perhaps I’ll even plan a trip to ride the full length in one day.

The BVRT is an absolute gem and should definitely be on your gravel riding bucket list!