Notes: Cancelled if raining or adverse weather conditions
We ride through the hilly Lane Cove River valley, along the flat areas south of the Parramatta River in Sydney Olympic Park, going down and up the Ryde escarpment in both directions.
Mainly using roads, with and without marked cycle lanes, but also some cycle paths, it is a good ride for anyone comfortable with A to C or Pie in the Sky. Our pace when on cycle paths is appropriately low for safety so there is plenty of time to recover.
Expect this ride to take four hours from start to finish. Take at least one water bottle, spare tubes and a pump with you.
We ride from the Eastwood start up the local commute route to North Ryde and then to Delhi Road. Enter Lane Cove Park, our first big park of the day, via the little-used Plassey Road entrance and roll down to the weir for a rest stop at this turn-around point.
The second leg climbs back up through the forested park then after a few of the Macquarie Park roads we pick up the Shrimpton's Creek cycleway for a while before heading into the back streets of Ryde. The view down the escarpment of Melville Street is great followed by a fast descent taken with care.
The streets of West Ryde lead us to Meadowbank, then around Shepherd's Bay to the cycleway across the Ryde bridge. Some more back roads and a relatively unused railway underpass brings us to Liberty Grove then to Sydney Olympic Park, our second big park the day. Once in the heart of the park we take the opportunity to ride a 5km road training lap.
Coffee is one of the options in Olympic Park or Newington. We don't get to this stop is until 75% of the ride is complete so you are advised to have a breakfast before coming on the ride or bring a snack to consume on the route.
After coffee we continue our direct road route to Silverwater bridge and via Melrose Park to West Ryde to follow the railway line back to our starting point. Yes the route is uphill at the end, but at least we don't climb back up Melville Street!
[This is a modified version of the original ride with thanks to Fran Griffin for her legacy in designing the ride in the first instance.]
Distance: 49.00
Elevation Change: 420
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of harm.
Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an inherent part of cycling,
and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others into danger.
By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe and responsible
manner and to obey all road rules and other legal requirements.
All riders wear an approved helmet and carry water, at least one spare tube plus a pump.
Health Warning
Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
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