Special start location - Adjacent Epping Station, Corner of Bridge and High St South-West side of the station
This ride encompasses elements of three existing rides: Alternate Big Loop, M7 and Prospect Canal. The ride travels through streets of Eastwood and Carlingford to Pennant Hills Rd and then follows an undulating route through West Pennant Hills with some short challenging climbs (up to 18% gradient) before undulating through the back streets of Baulkham Hills, through to Winston Hills and meeting up with the start of the M7 cycleway near Glenwood.
An undulating ride along the M7 before we stop near the M4 @ Spaghetti Junction for a water stop. We continue along the M7 with a reasonable amount of climbing before we turn left at Abbotsbury and climb up to Moonrise Lookout, which is in Western Sydney Parklands and stop for a snack and take in the view.
We then drop down from the lookout. We need to exercise caution due to a steep descent. Coffee Stop at Granatas Pemulway. After coffee we retrace our route and then follow along the old Sydney water canal which leads to Prospect reservoir and the cycleway route along the old water canal and passing Merrylands to Parramatta and thence under the M4 (cycleway) and Parramatta Valley Cycleway to Meadowbank, then take the gentle climb up the hill to return to Eastwood.
The ride is suitable for strong self-sufficient riders on fast road bikes. Riders will need to be competent and cautious in suburban traffic environments. This hard grade ride has a surprising amount of climbing with some quite short but steep pinches at 10-18%.
Riders must come prepared with two water bottles, tyre repair tools and food snacks for a long ride. The coffee stop is toward the second half of the ride at about the 60km mark. In warmer months managing food and water intake will be important as the there are some quite exposed sections to sun.
Distance: 97.00
Elevation Change: 1100
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.