Bike Leichhardt

Meet outside Manly ferry wharf at 8:45am (after arrival of 8:10 ferry from Wharf 3 at Circular Quay). Ride on road and cycle paths 12km to Narrabeen Lagoon and circum-cycle it (8.5km path). Return along the earlier 12km, with coffee stop at Dee Why after 25km. A deviation to Freshwater Lookout makes the total ride 33km. The Pace will be "steady", 20kph when on flat, wide bitumen, but slower when fiddly or climbing. There are a two tough-ish climbs each way, at Freshwater and Dee Why, gaining about 35M. We'll wait and regroup after climbs. The rest is rather flat, as can be seen from the route profile. We should be back to Manly by midday. But the first "slow" ferry isn't until 12:40, because of the Ferrython. Fast ferries are at 12:10 and 12:30, but cost more and mightn't fit all our bikes. If we're more than 7 riders and we have another willing leader, we'll split into two groups to circum-cycle in opposite directions, meeting at the loos which are almost halfway. This will split disruption to walkers. Most of the lagoon path is packed dirt, so you might struggle on skinny tyres. Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31732258

Ride to Central for the train (aiming for the T4 line at 08.52) to Cronulla. Then its an easy 10 km to Kurnell. If interested we could stop at the bird watching site on Botany Bay. Faster riders can go ahead. Regroup at the FIRST roundabout in Kurnell, and then ride into the National Park to Cape Banks for great cliff and ocean views. Coffee break at the Village Store on the bay-side. Return to Cronulla for a train back. Swim opportunity if you want to stay on. Bring water, sunscreen, spare tube that fits your wheels. If you want to get on the train at Sydenham or Wolli thats OK, but let us know here. I’ll check the timetable but we should be on the T4 train that leaves Central at 0852 (next one is at 0902).

We as a group are considering opening the Portal with Body Torque so new jerseys can be ordered. I need to know what interest there is by 9 February. Prices: Short Sleeve $89 Long Sleeve $99 When we know there is enough to open the portal we will arrange for Body Torque to send us jerseys in each size for Men & Women for you to try on before a ride one Sunday morning. Register here as if you are joining our ride.

• What we'll do The Newcastle weekend tour is on again for the 11th year, train it to Tuggerah then a very scenic ride on bike paths adjoining Tuggerah Lake to The Entrance for a coffee stop. The ride continues along the lake to Budgewoi, where we first make a slight deviation to visit Norah Head Lighthouse and then onto Budgewoi for lunch at the famous Fish and Chips Cafe. After lunch we continue onto the Pacific Highway which does have a fair amount of traffic, but the shoulder is quite wide and safe to ride on. For those that are faster, there’s the option of a detour to Catherine Hill Bay for a drink at the “Catho Pub” and a swim in the Bay. Then overnight at Swansea in two Motels depending on numbers; with another swim in Lake Macquarie followed by dinner on the water at Swansea RSL. On Sunday the ride joins the Fernleigh Rail Trail (17kms) at Belmont continuing onto Newcastle for lunch. Train back to Sydney from Hamilton Station. This tour is suited for moderate level riders with the Saturday afternoon ride along the highway, a potentially challenging experience, with heat, traffic and a few hills. We ride 65kms and 33kms over the two days. You need to be fit enough for two days in the saddle and to also have a bike that is in very sound working condition, and carry a spare tube with a pump. Not to forget your togs, it could be hot. RIDE LEVEL. This is a medium level ride with hills, busy roads and a Saturday distance over 50km carrying gear. ROUTE MAP - http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/LBUG-Lakes-and-Beaches TRANSPORT: – Saturday 22 Feb – Newcastle train departs Central 7:15, Strathfield 7:31 and arrives at Tuggerah at 8:52. Aim to start the ride about 9:15. Sunday 23 Feb – return train from Hamilton departs 12:55, 13:46, 13:59 and 14:55. The train availability is subject to trackwork restriction, which may change things (Transport NSW website currently does not have trackwork scheduled for the Newcastle line for Feb). ACCOMMODATION: - Black Swan Motel Swansea – we have tentatively reserved all the rooms at the hotel so please CONTACT THE HOTEL TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM -[masked]. The overflow will be at the Swansea Hotel -[masked]. RIDE LEADER: Your ride leader is Bob Dunn - on-ride mobile is[masked] • What to bring WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS RIDE: A change of clothes for the evening meal at the Swansea RSL. A bike in good mechanical order; helmet; water bottle; and spare inner tube in case of puncture. REGROUP: We will regroup a number of times on the ride, so please ride behind the Ride Leader to avoid any confusion. WEATHER: Ride will be cancelled if there is severe heat forecast, or significant rain on the morning of the ride.