Take this survey if you live, work or otherwise engage with the St Leonards / Crows Nest area. You may want to make comment about developments or other aspects of the area, but do include comments on the need for much better walking and cycling connections. NSW Planning is developing their strategy for this area which is changing rapidly through developments including the new Crows Nest Metro Station.

Bike North is a stakeholder for this project, providing input on cycling issues and suggestions. Some of the highlights we propose include ...

- Separated cycleway along Pacific Highway between Park Road (Lane Cove) and Mater Hospital/Cammeraygal High School (North Sydney)
- Direct link to St Leonards Station from the Gore Hill Cycleway along the eastern railway line
- Continuous cycling connections across the Pacific Highway at Christie Street
- New cycling underpass of the Pacific Highway to Herbert Street
- Upgraded separated cycling routes along Clarke Road in Crows Nest
- New bike parking sheds at St Leonards and Crows Nest Stations
- Pedestrian / cycling bridge over River Road to Berry Road

This week's Leader's Lowdown is written by Gerrit Hagen. Gerrit has written about the trip he and Willemina took visiting the rail trails in Eastern Victoria.

The article is presented as a Chain Link on the Bike North website.

Bike North's annual Easter cycle festival will be held again in Cowra from March 30 to April 2 and includes rides each day suitable for every level of rider.

As has been the case in every other year in Cowra, the 'Bike North cyclist HQ' for participants will be the Cowra Van Park. Of course you must arrange your own accommodation and can choose to stay in the Cowra Van Park, (tell them you are with Bike North when you book your spot), or somewhere else.

Tour de Cowra is open to all bike riders and not just Bike North members.

A small charge is applied to cover organisational costs and to provide rider fuel each day (i.e. snacks!). The social club will also be organising a Wine and Cheese night on the Saturday night. For the first time in many years the charge has increased, with cost for members $11, and $16 for non members.

For more information and to Register see More Information...

The New and Redesigned Bike North Century Challenge will be held on Sunday 6th of May 2018.

For 2018, the entire course, including the start and end points, have been changed and the routes are now available on our Calendar. Teams of 3 to 4 members will take on the Challenges that correspond with our ride grades - Easy-Medium at 30 kms, Medium at 60 kms, Medium-Hard at 100kms and Hard at 130 kms.

For this year, BNCC will be a timed, navigational challenge with all participants required to be past the finishing line by 1.30 pm. Please nominate preferred start time.

Registrations are now open for the Bike North Century Challenge. Members can register as per usual Bike North Rides.

Easy Medium (28km)
Medium (54km)
Medium Hard (95km)
Hard (129km)

*minor changes to routes should be expected to cater for road closures, etc

The redevelopment of the Ivanhoe Estate at Macquarie Park will mean major devlopments of the old Housing Estate that borders Epping Rd, Herring Rd and the popular Shrimpton's creek Cycleway near Macquarie Centre and Uni at Marsfield.

The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) and Aspire consortium have plans here on the transformation of the 8.2 hectare site, and are also holding a information session on

Date: Monday 19 February 2018
Time: Drop in any time from 5pm - 7pm
Venue: Dunmore Lang Conference Centre, 130 -134 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, 2113.

Give your ideas, feedback on the plans, and thoughts on its effect on the Shrimptons Creek path, on one of our most used cycling and pedestrian assets.

After the BN tour to Vietnam in 2014 and Cambodia in 2017 another cycling adventure is happening - this time cycling in Germany on a inn to inn self-guided group cycling tour package. (eg bike hire , accommodation inc breakfast and luggage transfers).

On one of the top rated cycle tour routes in Europe: Trier to Koblenz on the Mosel River cycle path with a side trip on the Maare Rail Trail, followed by 2 days Koblenz to St Goar /Rudesheim section of the Rhine river , on cycle path. Good access by train to the starting and finishing towns.

Dates are September Friday 22nd Sept - 30th Sept 2018

Participants will make their bookings through Outdoor Travel - a company who are the Australian agents for this tour and many other cycling tours. Approx. cost $1300 AU 9 days twin share . Suitable for riders interested in travel by bike and capable of the lower end of medium rides or above. Average 42km per day. Overall route is mostly flat but there are some short climbs from the river pathway to the town centres.

Tour is confirmed to run as there are no minimum required number of participants. Booking?forms / deposit will need to go in by end of February.

To register your interest in the trip and be sent a booking form or for any other information including pre-tour options. email Alison alison.pryor@health.nsw.gov.au

>>> From Member Andrew Brown: "I'm taking part in the World's Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation and they need your help, now."

Like me, you have all wondered what I would look like bald. Stone. Cold. Nude nut - and not just for the aero!"

Sponsor me and you'll find out! Just click here http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/andrewbrown - any amount will help."

>>> 145Classic: Ride for Youth (www.145Classic.com) that offers everything a cyclist could ask for....a unique challenge, beautiful scenery, the opportunity to bond with fellow cycling enthusiasts, a free commemorative bike jersey, as well as a fully supported ride with safety cars, nutrition and hydration all provided! Also, by saying ''YES'' to the ride, you will raise essential, life-changing funds for some of Australia's most vulnerable youth. Sunday 8th April 2018.