Ride starts at 7.45am at Eastwood East side. If you want to skip the steep Kissing Point climb, you can meet us at Cameron Park ,Turramurra at 8.20am.
This is a long hilly ride usually ridden at a brisk or fast pace and is one of the hardest rides on our program. You should only attempt this ride if you have easily completed lesser graded Bike North rides.
To complete this ride you must be fit, be riding regularly, be comfortable in traffic, be skilled on fast bumpy descents, be comfortable riding in a tight group and be competent to fix minor breakdowns. This ride uses roads which are narrow and not marked with cycle lanes and traffic will pass close by.
From our start point we head to St Ives via Brown's Waterhole, up the steep Kissing Point Road to Turramurra Shops.
Then the pace quickens along Mona Vale Rd to Terrey Hills and then descend McCarrs Ck Rd until the West Head Rd takes us to the left. The first 2km steep climb brings us out onto the undulating ridge which we follow for 11km. We climb ''the Wall'' (you will know when you reach it) and then regroup at the picnic area and toilet. There is no water out on West Head Road the only toilet about 500m from the lookout. The water there is NOT drinkable. So please bring 2 filled water bottles and snacks
When descending the final section great caution is required on the sharp tightening right hander at the bottom. The highlight is the view from the West Head lookout where we stop for a few minutes giving you time to consume some snacks from your pocket for an energy burst before the hills to come.
Return along the ridge sheltering from the wind behind the stronger riders, you will find as much climbing on the way back. We take the bumpy descent carefully to Akuna Bay before tackling the steep climb back to Terrey Hills. On the climb up from the marina the grades are from 7% to 11% for about 1.5km before becoming slightly less steep. The hill is used as a climbing time trial course by local cycle clubs and you will often see racers here on Sundays.
From our regroup point at Terrey Hills , we make the run along Mona Vale Rd back to St Ives often into a headwind. We ride 2x2 to safely through the St Ives shops in a tight group. The roads of Turramurra can be busy with traffic by the time we take the run back down through Brown's Waterhole and the final section back to the start.
The ride is suitable for strong riders on road bikes or light flat bar bikes setup for fast road travelling. Two water bottles, snacks and tyre repair tools are compulsory.
Ride will be cancelled if raining or roads are wet
Please bring snacks and 2 filled water bottle as coffee will be at 66km into the ride at Frank Beckman Reserve. There are toilets, bubbler and across the road , coffee and snack shops.
As safety is paramount, please do not come for the ride if you have a hangover.
Distance: 88.00
Elevation Change: 1226
Effort Index: 128
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of
harm. Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an
inherent part of cycling, and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others
into danger. By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe
and responsible manner and to obey all Australian Road Rules.
Keeping us COVID-safe
- Registration for Bike North rides is compulsory. Walk-ins will not be permitted to join a ride.
- Physical distancing of 1.5 metres should be observed where possible.
- All riders are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer.
- Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
Social media
While on Bike North rides and activities, you may be photographed or videoed. Photographs and videos
may be used by Bike North for social media or promotional purposes. If participants do not wish to be
included in social media, they should make it known at the beginning of the activity or as soon as possible
and other participants must respect their wishes.