Eco online

When you stage an event that regularly attracts more than 100,000 people over six days, it makes sense to encourage patrons to travel lightly and leave their cars at home. This helps to cut back on those worrying carbon emissions, reduces congestion and makes the festival experience more pleasant for everyone.

With this in mind, the Woodford Folk Festival promotes cycling as a good way of getting there. Sounds daunting? Combined with a luggage service and a ride on the CityTrain, it becomes very manageable.

It’s an easy ride if you cycle regularly, but you don’t need to be a Lance Armstrong – anyone of average fitness can do it.

Cyclists can leave their luggage at a drop off point for collection before the festival begins. The luggage service -- it’s free for cyclists -- has been operating from Brisbane since 2004, and this year is available for Sunshine Coasters too. The drop off point is the SCEC office in Nambour on December 22 and 23 – be aware though that booking for this service is absolutely essential.

Unhindered by camping gear and everything else needed for a week at Woodford, you can then take your bicycle (it travels free) on the CityTrain to either Beerwah or Beerburrum stations, and start riding.
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The ride to the Festival site is less than 30 kms, and follows scenic roads through forest or farmland. Starting from Beerburrum station is the quietest and safest route, although there’s a fair bit of gravel road.

It’s important to take your time – it’s not a race, ride at a relaxed pace, hop off your bike and walk up that one big hill that lies between the train station and Woodford no matter which way you go.

Once at the festival gate, cyclists – well exercised and elated - receive priority and are encouraged to jump the queue. There’s more red-carpet treatment at Cyclist Camping, a designated car free camping area in a quiet spot along a rain-forested creek bank.

Here, along with some very pleasant camp sites, there’s a roomy marquee with your luggage waiting and plenty of room for secure bicycle parking or socialising with other cycling festival goers.

The festival has produced a Cycle to Woodford Guide/Map which will help you decide which way to go, along with other useful details. There’s a strong emphasis on cycling safety.

For a free copy, phone the Festival office (5496 1066) to have one posted, or collect one from the SCEC office.

Bookings for the luggage service - phone 5447 6993 or 3368 2324.

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