Bike Leichhardt

Meet at the BLAXLAND RD entrance of Rhodes train station. Arrive at 9.45 for a 10am start. Mostly shared pathways, small stretches on quiet roads. We'll cross the Parramatta River and head west on the north shore pathway next to the river, then head up the new light rail path to Carlingford. Its a steady climb. If you want, bring your Opal card to catch the tram to the terminus at Carlingford. We'll turn around there to return to Parramatta on the same trail which is mostly downhill with good views. At Parramatta we'll rejoin the northern riverside pathway going west around Parramatta footy stadium then into the historic Female Factory precinct, where we'll stop for brunch at the Havenstone cafe. We rejoin the light rail path towards Westmead but head left into Parramatta Park for a loop and a half, then back along the river path to Silverwater Bridge, crossing the river and through Wentworth point on the south bank into Rhodes to finish at the starting point at the Blaxland rd entrance of the station.
There will be pedestrians on our journey, so please be considerate, calling or using your bell before passing people or other cyclists. No rushing, We'll stop to regroup as required.
Approx distance of 40 klms.

You need a water bottle, bike in good order, a helmet, spare tube, tools & pump. Sunblock and a sense of humour will be useful. The distance, some chicanes, tight turns and pedestrian traffic means this is best for practiced riders.

(Trying for better weather than the late-March Newcastle w/e, when all but the hardiest baulked. THIS event might be cancelled at two days notice if weather forecast bad).

We'll start riding from Fassifern Station ASAP after expected 9:27 arrival of the train from Central at 7:21.

We'll finish at Newcastle Beach YHA about 4pm.

Route: 54km [+410M] https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38681334

Some features of the route show in the text, bottom left of route page.

At 9am Sunday, we'll ride from that YHA, completing a loop back to Fassifern, hopefully in time for the 3:22 "fast" train south.

Route: 55km [+440M] https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45881109

(This route is near the YHA after 12km, so we might ride that first section as a prolog, leaving luggage behind).

Fit or electrified riders only, please, currently well capable of successive days of 50+ undulating km at a medium leisure pace (with regroups). The leader might advise unsuitability beforehand.

Dinner: (Optional) group dinner arrangements on Saturday night are TBD.

Accom: Make own arrangements, at YHA or elsewhere. The event might be cancelled late, so refundable booking is recommended. YHA is good for that, and for bicycle security.

Driving: It's logistically possible to park at Fassifern Station before the ride and return there that arvo after the BL ride. You'd probably ride some 6km to Broadmeadow or Newy Int, then train. The reverse would be possible early on the Sunday. Drivers might post a Comment if they're willing to store train-commuters' luggage in their car.

If you only want to ride ONE day, please don't register until May, if still capacity. I.e. two-day riders are prioritised.

The ride is approximately 60km in distance.
The majority is on cycle paths, but there is some road riding with traffic.
Meet at Concord West Railway station on the King St side, where there is some parking. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE RIDE DOES NOT RETURN HERE.
The route is Concord West Station - Olympic Park - M4 cycleway through to South Wentworthville-Old Prospect Rd to Pemulwuy for coffee and snacks. Back onto cycle path to Fairfield-Guildford-M4-Lidcombe-Rockwood-Cooks River cycleway-to Dulwich Hill light rail. Several bailout points available but check transport availability! Guildford, Lidcombe (and in between!)

What to bring:
Good Humour. A bike in good mechanical order, a helmet, water bottle/s, a spare inner tube(s) and a pump in case of a puncture.

RIDE LEADER: Helen Zammitt - on-ride mobile is 0424014662

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 significant rain on the morning of the ride. Check meetup for any changes. Call Ride Leader if unsure.