On this ride, one or more of our members will be riding Pino bikes. It is our chance to connect people who want to ride with people who can. Have you seen the recent Chain Reaction articles about the Pino bikes? They are a type of tandem bike where the person at the front is recumbant, and pedals but does not steer or use the gears or brakes. This means that the person at the front could be vision-impaired or otherwise unable to ride.
Of course, all our members are very welcome to join this ride.
We start this ride at Meadowbank Wharf and cruise along the northern shore of the Parramatta River following the Parramatta Valley Cycleway (PVC) route. We deviate off the route travelling via some back roads to enter Parramatta Park. After less than an hour and a lap of the park return via Parramatta. (If you are keen there is always time for 2 or even 3 laps of the park.)
After leaving the Park we travel east directly through Parramatta City to a choice of coffee shops in the city or at the Parramatta Wharf, then some more back roads through Harris Park to join the M4 cycleway. This "cycleway with a roof" runs under then alongside the M4 motorway and provides a low stress route back to Homebush.
The ride may choose one of two ways back to the beginning.
The first is to follow the cycleways all the way back to Sydney Olympic Park where a long deviation to the river's edge and than around the shore of Homebush Bay ensures that the full distance is covered.
The second route heads north through the back streets of Silverwater to cross Silverwater Bridge and reverse the route to the starting point.
The ride normally takes about 3 and a half hours at a steady pace.
The PVC route has gradually been upgraded over many years by both Ryde Council and Parramatta Council using grant funding. The goal is to provide a series of off-road cycleways all the way into Parramatta Park. Currently the only uncompleted section is between Wilde Ave and Parramatta Park.
Distance: 42.00
Elevation Change: 420
Effort Index: 9
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.
All riders must wear an approved helmet and carry water, at least one spare tube plus a pump.
Health Warning
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.