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Date: 8/5/2026
Subject: Chain Reaction 5 August 2026
From: Bike North



  5 August 2026              Your Bike North NewsLETTER

Advocacy Heritage Ride


Have you ever wondered how we got the 3km of off-road Shrimpton’s Creek cycleway or the 12km Epping Road shared path or the vital Browns Waterhole missing link?  

On the recent “Heritage Rides – Advocacy Wins” ride, Bike North members got a glimpse into the past from those who were there at the time.  Bike North icons, Doug Stewart and Carolyn New were on hand to tell us exactly how these projects were brought to life through Bike North advocacy.  

Members rode from Turramurra to Browns Waterhole, to Shrimpton’s Creek and the rail bridge at Meadowbank.  Then on to the 5km shared path along Pittwater Road, Epping Road, Gore Hill Freeway and eventually to the SHB Ramp.  We got to know the efforts required to keep the vision alive through persistence and determination.  Meaningful change rarely happens overnight, and these routes were the result of consistent lobbying and working with all levels of government over decades by Bike North advocates.     

Over coffee at Naremburn Carolyn New spoke about the advocacy journey for these projects and showed off her original “Rail Trails” t-shirt (yes, BN coined the term!)

The personal recollections and details from Doug and Carolyn made the day so worthwhile.   

Members can recreate the ride by using the Ride with GPS route in our library:   Heritage Ride - Advocacy Wins - Ride with GPS 

Advocacy remains one of the two objectives of Bike North. If you are interested in joining the advocacy team, contact advocacy@bikenorth.org.au.
 

David Thompson

President | Bike North Inc

Willoughby Street Fair

 

Call for Helpers at Willoughby Street Fair – Chatswood – Saturday 5 September

 

Once again we are running the huge Willoughby Street Fair in Chatswood.

 

MaryAnn is organising the stall this year and she needs lots of helpers. We’ve looking for people to do two hour shifts throughout the day.  Please contact her ASAP with your contact details and times you are available (or not available).

 

Its always a fun positive day, talking with people who are keen to know how to get cycling.

 

Contact: Maryann.Irvin@gmail.com

 

 

Seeking Bike Tools for Community Bike Maintenance Sessions

Do you have spare new or used bicycle repair tools you could donate for community use? We are collecting bike-specific tools and supplies to launch bike maintenance and repair sessions at Telopea Community Shed. The Shed has both men and women attending, has just recently been given additional workshop space to expand the range of activities. Setting up a bicycle workshop and running bicycle repair sessions are the first of the new activities the Shed wants to get going with the new space and there is a bike mechanic helping out. The plan is the bike sessions at the shed will give people the chance to work on their own bikes, learn practical repair skills, and receive guidance from a bike mechanic. If you have ever called in at the Bicycle Garden at Sydney Park, you’ll get the idea. We’ll give a shout out when the bike sessions at the Shed start (with the next 3 month) as Bike North members might want to join in.

So basically, we are on the hunt for bike related tools - and I'm sure there are some Bike North members with some old or un-used ones that could find a new home for community use.

As well as a couple bike repair stands, we are looking for the range of bicycle specific tools like pedal spanners / cone spanners / chain breaker / cassette removal tools/ tyre leavers/ spoke keys etc ….. as just some examples

Ways you can donate the tools

  • Bring them to the Anniversary Dinner on Aug 8 - there will be a collection point, or
  • Contact Alison (0497423998) who can arrange to collect them or
  • Drop them in to Telopea Shed (one street away from the cycle path at Telopea Light Rail Station) on a Wed or Sat morning.

Maintenance

A well-maintained bike is a safe bike and far more enjoyable to ride. As we head towards Spring and Bike North’s Activ8 in September, it’s now time to check that your bike is properly maintained.

 

Have a look at the following article and ensure your bike is in top condition. Your safety could depend on it. Click here

Bike North Team Store Opening

 

The Bike North Clothing Shop will be open 24 August until midnight 16 September 2026

Samples will be available to try for sizing at the AGM Sunday 23 August 2026 

Queries Cuore or Louise Smith jmrl1921@gmail.com (Bike North Clothing Shop)

 


Connect With Us

info@bikenorth.org.au
ABN 54 709 768 966