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Muggaccinos Pedlars Sunday Cyclists – The Bullsheet Sunday, 25 Nov, Mt White, Peats Ridge Somersby "Bellbirds" - Hornsby 125km or Cowan 97km Ride
contacts: Hardcopy these directions and bring on Sunday · Park in Hornsby train station car park [70 metres north of Railway Hotel - NW of rail line] by 7:05am for 7:15am rollout. · Or pick up the caravan around 7:50am at Cowan train station. The Bikie Hangout at Mt White [35.5km] is our 1st Nosh Stop (30 min) around 8:35am. Around 9:05am we roll on to/past the MidCoast Petroleum, Peats Ridge [55km] for 1st Sag Stop (10 min) to re-group. About 700m after departing the familiar gas station, rather than taking a L to Central Mangrove, we veer R remaining on Peats Ridge Rd and head due E then S/E twds the coast to Somersby, then to Somersby Downs to the pleasant dulcet tones of "pinging", Bellbirds. After 66km we take the off-ramp [at sign to Somersby/Gosford] and shortly thereafter [10:45am] pull in at Somersby General Store (4372.1269ph) for a 2nd Nosh Stop (20min) - strictly burgers 'n coke territory. Six clicks further on [74km] we turn R to Gizzaroll and descend to the bridge over Mooney Mooney creek and then commence a steady, delightful climb where, at the Calga Interchange after 85km we L (at "Scenic Road" sign to Brooklyn) and continue 7km returning to Mt White Village Store [92km] around 12pm for 3rd Nosh Stop (25min). Around 12:25pm we head for Pie in the Sky descending to Brooklyn Bridge over Hawkesbury River and passing Brooklyn Rd [106km] taking our 4th Nosh Stop (25 min) around 1:05pm at Pie in the Sky [108km]. Around 1:30pm we commence the final 19.2km leg to Hornsby passing Cowan [112km] around 1:30pm, returning to Hornsby [125 km] at 2:15pm. Shorter options: (a) Continue NE from Somersby to the Shell Garage at Kariong and then turn right for 12km down hill to Woy Woy and catching an all stops Iron Horse at Woy Woy [six stations back to Hornsby] at 1:26pm, 2:26pm and 3:16pm. Express trains, which take 34 minutes to arrive at Hornsby depart from Woy Woy at 1:02pm, 2:02pm and 3:02pm. (b) If you fade fast twds the end, climb aboard an Old Rattler at Hawkesbury River Station in Brooklyn [109 km from Turra'] at 2:40pm; 3:30pm or at Cowan [112 km] 2:52pm, 3:42pm. (c) Turnaround at Mt White for a 72km round trip from Hornsby. The Scribe's rap-up of Sunday, 18 Nov, "Rain, thunder, lightning, hills 'n hail stones" - 72km Five fearless fools, ToothFairy, Suicide Blonde, Bryony, Whippet 'n Scribe, braved threatening skies 'n showers to muster at Hornsby a tad after 7am, intent of a leisurely 93km ride to Yarramalong Manor with a train home from Wyong. But 'twasn't to be. Approaching the Hawkesbury, after intermittent showers became less sporadic, and gleaning that Pie in the Sky hadn't opened yet, we took refuge at Peppers Cafe at Brooklyn.
As we sipped on our flat whites, a blue patch to our West became bluer 'n bigger, so we jettisoned plans for lunch further North at The Manor, and headed SW for GreenShades 'n brunch.
Around 11:30am as we'd pigged-out on good grub at GreenShades, incl Eggs Benedict, prevailing blue sky 'n sunshine got gobbled-up by more clouds from the West which got bigger 'n blacker. Alas, during the final leg back to Hornsby it dumped somethin' serious, with a patch of hail. But we had fun.
Annie Oakley's rap-up of a sloshfest Cycle Sydney Despite the threatening sky, Bike North had a huge team of 84 in Cycle Sydney, and won the biggest team in the BUG category. The 7am photo shoot got everyone moving very early. The "furry animal on helmet" theme was a marvelous success. The poor animals ended up saturated, as did we when the skies opened up. We encountered lightening, rain, and ankle high water along the way. Fortunately it cleared up by the time we reached Marios, but by then a number were soaked to the skin. But, nothing that a good coffee and cake couldn't solve though! At Parramatta Park we were greeted by a beautiful blue sky, a band, and lots of team members to catch up with. Prizes for our team win were raffled before the start. Kin-Yat Lo, who worked on the day as a marshal, won the heart monitor. The refund of entry fee was won by one of the Kendricks. Despite the at time bleak conditions, a great day was had by all. Following Sunday, 2 December - Tour de Windsor: i) from Turramurra @ 7am via M2, Marayong, Riverstone, Mulgrave, Vineyard to Windsor ii) or from Dural @ 7:30am via Kenthurst, Maraylya to Windsor. Both groups then - 1. follow the 37km Wilberforce, Ebenezer, Sackville loop; and 2. return via Maraylya, Glenorie, to -
The Scribe 'n The Whippet - 19 Nov 2001 |
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