A classic ride that has not been on the Calendar for some time.
Start at Katoomba Station after the arrival of the train due at 9.26am (7.38am from Strathfield; 7.25am from Central).
Bring: snacks to keep you going until morning tea at Hazelbrook; clothing suitable for whatever the weather brings.
This ride starts in the upper reaches of the Blue Mountains and has a fair bit of descending where you don't pedal as hard but does have some uphill pinches. The weather conditions in the mountains can be considerably different to those experienced in the Sydney basin, especially in the early morning. Riders must be prepared for cold weather and are advised to wear layers and be prepared for damp conditions to ensure they are able to stay sufficiently warm and dry to complete the ride.
From our start point, we ride to the Three Sisters Lookout. Then using back roads and a short stretch on the Great Western Highway, and stopping at further lookouts, we make our way to Wentworth Falls Lake after 14 km where there are toilet and water facilities.
Continuing on sometimes narrow and gently undulating back roads we arrive at Hazelbrook after 25 km for coffee.
At Woodford we ride downhill on the shoulder of the Great Western Hwy to Faulconbridge where we visit the Corridor of Oaks to view the trees planted by successive Prime Ministers since Federation.
Lunch stop at Springwood.
The ride continues mostly on back roads to the historic Mitchells Pass Rd that was surveyed and built by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1823. We stop at Lennox Bridge, the oldest stone arch bridge in mainland Australia. The bridge was completed in 1833 and is named after its Scottish design engineer and built by hand-picked convicts.
After a rest stop here, we descend the last few kms to Penrith Station for one of the frequent trains back to Sydney.
Water and toilets are available at most of the many reserves and Rail Stations along the route. The route is never far from the railway and stations are frequent should anyone need to leave the ride.
We ride mostly on back roads as well as along the Great Western Hwy on a substantial shoulder for approx. 13.7 km so experience with fast moving traffic is required. There is significant descending on this ride, so all riders must be competent at cornering and descending.
Pace is listed as 19-22kph but may be less if that suits the group.
Distance: 56.00
Elevation Change: 224
Effort Index: 13
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.
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