This is one of the hardest rides run by Bike North and you should complete lots of other hilly rides first, such as Brooklyn Brunch, Three Gorgeous Pies, Akuna Bay and Church Point. You should be comfortable at the front of other medium-hard and hard rides before you attempt this ride.
We start at Cameron Park, Turramurra and travel the back streets up to Hornsby and head to the fast descent down Galston Gorge through the 6 hairpins. Lots of care must be taken, especially early in the morning because of dew or rain on the steep road.
A hard pull up for 3 km brings us through the village of Galston and then we undulate through attractive rural Arcadia and Berrilee regions. These roads are generally dead to ride on but are improving so you will need to keep the effort up until the next descent down to Berowra Waters. This is another fast tricky descent and you won't be able to relax until you see the ferry ahead.
The time waiting for the ferry is a good chance to have a snack, stretch and drink because the next stretch is a 4km climb up a steady grade to Berowra. The steepest section is at the bottom but don't forget to keep plenty in reserve. This is by no means the end of the climbs.
We follow the ups and downs of the Pacific Highway for the next 9km to shake the hill out of your legs before we tackle another 4km descent to the bottom of the Brooklyn Hill. Depending on the day we will choose to either go into Brooklyn or return to the pies at the top of the hill at Pie in the Sky. Either way you get to climb again up a steady 5% gradient either before our food stop or straight after.
South back along the highway for 15 km after leaving Pie sees us dropping back down to sea level once more into Bobbin Head. This descent is the trickiest of all with steeper, bumpier roads and tight corners. We have a chance for a comfort stop at the bottom before the 4km and 5% ascent to the top again. By now most riders are really starting to feel the hills in their legs.
The good news is that it's not far to home through the backstreets to Turramurra. Once back you should have a great sense of achievement.
This is a long and arduous ride, even harder with poor weather conditions on the day - wind, heat, cold or humidity. Riders must bring plenty of water/sports drink and additional food to consume on the ride to maintain energy levels.
You should not attempt this ride without first consulting the ride leader.
Distance: 85.00
Elevation Change: 1427
Effort Index: 126
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
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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.