Saturday Leisurely Cycle: 17km Loop: Hamilton to Callaghan University

Name: Saturday Leisurely Cycle: 17km Loop: Hamilton to Callaghan University
Start: 2025-07-26T10:00:00+10:00
End: 2025-07-26T11:45:00+10:00
Location: Gregson Park Playground

Hosted By

Philippa

Saturday Leisurely Cycle: 17km Loop: Hamilton to Callaghan University

Details

This is a free 17km guided bike at a leisurely pace of 15km/hr.

☀️ This loop showcases two bicycle-friendly routes from Hamilton to Callaghan University. A map of the route is in the photos below.

We first cycle to the uni via Jesmond, then we traverse the uni campus, before returning via Waratah.

Whether you're after a recreational ride, or you want to learn quiet cycle routes around Newcastle, this ride does both.

The main aim of this group is to showcase quiet routes & safe cycling principles so people have the option to cycle around town for everyday short trips 😁

Come along to explore bike routes that avoid main roads, enjoy the outdoors, meet others and build cycling confidence.

☕️ Optional coffee after the ride at the Clocktower Cafe, Beaumont St.

Max 10 spots. New members very welcome. Any questions, message me or comment below :)

Start/finish point: Gregson Park Playground, Hamilton - meet at the park entrance on Steel St, opposite James St

Start time: meet at 9:45am for a 10am start
Finish time: 11:45am approx

Distance: 15km
Pace: leisurely, max 15km/hr
Active pedaling time: approx 1 hour 20 minutes

Topography: mostly flat; a couple of very short but steep hills; about 6 x 100-200 metre-long medium inclines

Cycling fitness level: very easy/ easy /MEDIUM/ hard/very hard
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You’ll need:

helmet
bike with good working brakes and tyres pumped to the recommended PSI
bike lock, phone & opal card in case of mechanical issue/puncture
a repair kit, pump, spare tube, if you have them
water bottle

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What we'll do:
9:45am Safety briefing
10am Depart. Cycle 6.5km to the University, via Lambton & Jesmond. 5km of shared paths & 1.5km of quiet streets
10:40am drink break once we reach the campus
10:45am Cycle 2.5km to the other side of the uni campus
10:55am Cycle 6km back to Hamilton, via Waratah, Georgetown and Hunter Stadium. 2km shared paths, 3.5km low-pressure streets, 500m of a medium-pressure street
11:35am approx Finish at Hamilton. Optional coffee.

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This ride showcases parts of three Council cycle routes:

R5 City to Wallsend via Broadmeadow, Lambton & Jesmond
R6 City to Callaghan University via Mayfield & Waratah
R4 Kotara South to Mayfield, TAFE, & University: via Georgetown, Lambton, Broadmeadow
Find maps for the R routes here: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/living/transport-and-parking/cycling/cycleway-maps-49cb902251261d82b043ae1457f42af2

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How we ride: A quick safety briefing at the start of the ride will establish how we will ride together. I lead the ride and provide instruction at certain junctions. We stick together & ride in an alert, slow manner. We position ourselves to be very visible, keeping clear of drivers' blind spots, & keeping a predictable trajectory/speed. We ride in single file, clear of the doorzone & of the mouths of side-streets. We frequently take primary position (claiming the lane) to prevent unsafe passes, & to turn right. We pass pedestrians slowly. You are responsible for your own safety at all times. If you have never heard of primary position, or the doorzone, it doesn't matter! I explain things at the start. Just follow along and you'll pick up it up as we go :)

Suitable for those who have recently learnt to ride through to those who are experienced.

However, you must be able to effectively: stop and start, pedal, steer, signal left and right, look over your shoulder to check for what's behind you, be always alert to upcoming hazards, and anticipate the behaviour of pedestrians and vehicles.

Indemnity and release of liability
By participating in this activity you unconditionally indemnify the organiser/host against any and all claims, demands, losses, injuries, damages, liabilities or other costs, whether present or future, relating to your participation and/or dealings with Bike About Town - Newcastle, including but not limited to, any accident, loss or damage to property or death or injury to any person.
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Getting there

By Bike: https://www.newcastlecycleways.org.au/way-finding, or find routes on the group’s Komoot account https://www.komoot.com/tour/1831416099?ref=itd , or message me for a low-pressure route :)
Coming by train? Bikes travel free. Alight at Broadmeadow Station.
Parking: on surrounding streets

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If the weather is looking unfavourable, check the comments below for updates; heavy rain may result in cancellation.
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Great videos with tips on safe cycling principles for everyday city trips!