**RIDE LEAVES ON TIME - No margin for error as we must catch the 08:23am Ferry from McMahon's Point**
?This ride offers sensory overload for your vision, hearing, smell and tastebuds. A scenic and flavour-packed ride through some of Sydney’s most iconic and character-filled neighbourhoods. It’s ideal for intermediate cyclists or casual riders looking for a full-day adventure with plenty of stops.
Begin your ride with a ferry trip across the emerald harbour from McMahons Point to East Balmain. The views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and city skyline are a stunning way to start the day.
Roll through the charming streets of Balmain and Birchgrove, where Victorian terraces, leafy lanes, and harbour glimpses set the tone. These suburbs are full of character and history, with quiet roads perfect for cycling.
Join the Bay Run at Callan Park, a flat, scenic loop around Iron Cove. This shared path is popular with locals and offers water views, parks, and a relaxed pace. Continue through Five Dock and into Concord, enjoying wide, bike-friendly streets.
In Burwood, stop at 7am Café for a bánh mì which can be enjoyed on shaded benches in Burwood Park, watching the ducks and local community members practising folk dancing and swirling phoenix and fish kites.
Or head into Ashfield, another hub for Vietnamese cuisine. Grab a bánh mì from one of the many bakeries near the station—crispy, fresh, and packed with flavour.
As you ride through suburbs like Summer Hill, Lewisham, Petersham, Newtown and Redfern, keep an eye out for vibrant murals and street art. The Inner West is known for its creative energy, and you’ll spot everything from bold political pieces to whimsical illustrations on laneways and walls. Plus, there’s a café on nearly every corner so every excuse to stop for another cuppa.
Make sure to include a short detour to Brickfields Bakery in Chippendale to pick up a treat - lookout for the date & walnut loaf—a dense, nutty bread that’s perfect to take home.
Continue on through Darling Harbour on shared paths and cycleways, and ascend onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the spectacular views which make for a memorable finale.
Roll into North Sydney, where the markets may be on - you can grab a final coffee, relax in a park, or hop on a train home. The full loop is around 42km, mostly flat with a few gentle climbs, and is best suited to weekends. There are many bailout points at ferry wharfs and train/metro stations along the way.
Features: A stunning ferry ride with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Meandering through historic Balmain & Birchgrove. Following the Bay Run through to Concord. Explore multicultural Burwood & Ashfield with its vibrant Vietnamese & Chinese community.
Suitability: Participants should be comfortable and confident with medium distance with continuous riding on quiet roads and shared user paths. There are a few busy intersections to be mindful of, and depending on time of day and week, the traffic could become busier.
Suggested precursor rides that participants should be competent at prior to undertaking the ride.
- Inner West Line
- Inner City Cafes (West)
- Little Italy
Suggested duration of the ride: About 4 hours at a 17 - 19kmh overall average pace with controlled stops.
Potential bail out options: The second half of the route provides many bailout options from Burwood Station through to the City train and metro stations. The riders should make themselves aware of any scheduled trackwork that may impact their options.
Additional options:
- Option for meeting at the pre-determined Ferry departure time from McMahons Point Whart instead of Victoria Cross Metro.
- Toilet stop at Ballast Point Reserve (& Timbrell Park if required). Other options are marked on the route map.
- Recommend short stop at Brickfields Bakery in Chippendale to pick up bread and coffee before heading home.
Distance: 43.00
Elevation Change: 460
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 road rules and other legal requirements.
All riders 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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and other participants must respect their wishes.