Bike Leichhardt

Distance: approx. 25km
Easy pace ride (with historic content) - riders should be confident on fairly quiet roads with a little traffic. A mix of cycle paths and streets.
Meeting at Central Station, just outside the entrance to the country platforms (near Pitt Street) - see picture provided) we will meander around the quiet streets of Chippendale, with historic commentary on breweries, churches, swamps, street art and murders! This part will be a bit of 'ducking and weaving' (and a bit stop/start) in these quiet eclectic backstreets before we wind through a little of Redfern, past the reinvigorated Locomotive Workshops at South Eveleigh and onto the George Street cycle path heading to East Lakes Shopping Centre for a coffee; and return to Central Station on a similar route.
Rider Leader: Marlene Shepherd - 0419 013120
Keep and eye on posts in case any last minute updates.
Riders must be 2024 financial members (first time riders can trial a ride and then be asked to join).

We are at the end of whale migration season, but who knows….? Maybe we can see the odd Humpback or Southern Right making their way North.
We will cycle out to spectacular Cape Solander, within Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell, which is a great spot to look for whales and offers panoramic ocean views from high sea cliffs.
The new whale watching lookout was awarded the Landscape Architecture Award for Tourism in 2023.
Meet at Tempe Station carpark.
Distance is around 30km (double if you want to ride back to Tempe). Finish at Cronulla to take the train to Wolli Creek, or Tempe.
You will need a bike in good working condition, helmet (of course), spare tube for punctures, water, OPAL card if taking the train.
Bring binoculars if you like – you never know what you will spot….
The route is mostly on cycle paths but there is some on road through Ramsgate. The shoulder on Captain Cook Drive to Kurnell is quite wide and safe.
Riders must be financial for this year.
First time riders may have a trial ride with us before joining ($10 a year) - please contact ride leader before attending.
Ride Leader: Laura Cunningham 0439 901 613

THE RIDE

Wednesday – 75kms
We will be doing the OWW ride, cutting out Bumble Hill (thanks Bob Dunn) and starting the ride in Ourimbah. After the early morning train to Ourimbah, we follow Dog Trap Road to Mangrove Mountain, where we have lunch. There is a local shop selling hot food and sandwiches. After lunch, there is the well-earned descent to Mangrove Creek. Coffee is on offer at Spencer, before the final 25km along the spectacular Hawkesbury River. We stay overnight at Wisemans Ferry. This day is all on sealed roads. Dinner will be in the Pub bistro.

Thursday – 55kms – Moderate
Breakfast: Bring your own or purchase at the local café/general store.
Day two is an easier day, and very scenic. The quiet route continues to trace alongside the Hawkesbury River as we make our way via Lower Portland. We generally stop at the small riverside caravan park at Leets Vale to regroup. We continue on and climb out of the Hawkesbury valley before joining the Sackville road. We head downwards and cross the river via vehicular ferry at Sackville (40km mark). A very short distance from the ferry is the Tractor 828 café where refreshments can be undertaken. From there we continue straight ahead passing through Wilberforce before finishing up at Windsor where we alight a train homeward bound. The roads today are sealed with a small section (1 km or less) of well compacted dirt.

TRANSPORT
Train from Central 6.47am or Strathfield 6.58am on Wednesday arriving at 8.25am Ourimbah Station
Trains back on Thursday from Windsor run every half hour
Timetable and null trackwork to be confirmed

ACCOMMODATION
Booking of accommodation will be entirely self service – BOOK YOUR OWN ACCOMMODATION. If you wish to buddy up, feel free to post a message offering to share your room.

Option 1:
The Wisemans Pub motel rooms - $135 per twin room. Queen rooms $140-$200. For room bookings at the Wisemans Pub please call (02) 4566 4301 and book yourself in, or go to the web page https://www.wisemansinnhotel.com.au

Option 2:
The Retreat at Wisemans -from $124 per room . For room bookings at the Retreat at Wisemans please call (02) 4566 4422 and book yourself in, or book online http://www.wisemans.com.au

Option 3: Camping is available

ON THE RIDE … by your RSVP you agree to abide by the instructions of the ride leader. If you choose to ride ahead of the ride leader and you are unsure of the next turn or regroup point, you do so at your own risk. The ride leader is not obliged to search for you.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS RIDE: A bike in good mechanical order; a helmet, a water bottle; spare inner tube(s) in case of puncture; lights for riding in the dark to the station. Casual clothes for Wednesday night plus any overnight necessities. A change of riding clothes for Thursday, if desired. Bring money to purchase food and drinks. Sunscreen is advised. Please note ride leader’s contact mobile number.

Ride Leader: Patsy Quealy 0427 106 276

Start and Finish: Terminus St side of Petersham railway station (opp. White Cockatoo Hotel)
Start Time: 8.45am for a 9am departure
Finish Time: Approx 12.30 pm
Cycling fitness level: very easy/easy/MEDIUM/hard/very hard
Distance/ Speed: Under 40 klms; moving speed averaging under 14 kph
What You Need: Bicycle in good working order, helmet, spare tube, pump, water, sunscreen, rain jacket & bike lock (just in case), Opal Card in case you need to bail out early.
Description: This an intermediate level ride because of distance & some steady hills & chicanes. It’s a tour of cricket ovals with picket fences. Most are in lovely parks & all are reminiscent of a colonial aesthetic. There will be some history too. We will stop for only a few minutes at each oval. The ride is on a mix of roads & bike paths. Riders must be comfortable on narrow roads with some passing traffic & there will be hills, intersections, roundabouts & traffic lights.
From Petersham station we visit Petersham and Marrickville ovals, west to Pratten Park then Cooks River path to Gough Whitlam Oval, Cahill Park Oval, onto Sydney Park & Alan Davidson Oval, then Erskineville Oval & a coffee at one of the many cafes. On to Alexandria Park then Sydney Uni. Oval 1 & St Paul's oval, then on to Jubilee Oval at Glebe before heading back to Petersham station.
We will be on shared paths which may get congested. Be considerate of all pedestrians - give a brief ring on your bell or a friendly call, moderate passing speeds and give plenty of clearance. We will also go along streets & across intersections, so be aware of traffic. Be patient & wait for cars or people as necessary to stay safe. We will stop to regroup as required.
There are various drop out points along the way near both light & heavy rail stations.
Keep an eye on posts on Meet Up for any last minute changes.
Riders must be 2024 financial members ($10 cash on day accepted). First time riders get one free ride & then join for any following rides.
If you don't think you can make the ride, please cancel as soon as possible so others get a chance to ride
Contact Ride Leader Tim Coen on 0408 691 541 for any queries.