Articles - Bike North Inc.

Volunteer Award 2025: Roger Pottie - Rides

Published On 8/17/2025

Long time member and more recent Ride Leader, Roger has been awarded the Volunteer Award in 2025 for his ongoing commitment to the Club.

Published On 8/17/2025

Mary Ann Irvin has successfully campaigned for years for improvements to cycling improvements in Willoughby and her tireless efforts have earned her recognition for a Bike North Volunteer Award

Published On 8/17/2025

President of Bike North for five years, Phill Hart's wide ranging contributions to the club have been recognised for a 2025 Volunteer Award.

Life Membership: Alison Pryor

Published On 7/27/2025

Alison has contributed to Bike North for 20 years and has helped shaped numerous areas of the club. This year Alison has been awarded Life Membership.

Summer Cycling

Published On 9/18/2024

As summer approaches here are a few points to consider to make the rides more enjoyable and survivable!

Published On 9/11/2024

Sarah has been recognised for her contribution across a number of areas of club activities including social media, ClubExpress transition, Constitution update and insurance research.

Published On 9/4/2024

Andrew has been presented with a Volunteer Award for 2024 for his contribution to Rides at Bike North.

Published On 8/27/2024

Bike North’s activities fall within two broad categories: rides and advocacy. It is for his tireless work in advocating for better outcomes for cyclists in North Sydney that Tony Stanley has been recognized for a Bike North Volunteer Award for 2024.

Published On 8/20/2024

Marc de Silva has been awarded a Bike North Volunteer Award for 2024. Read about his valued contributions to Bike North.

Published On 7/17/2024

This could be the answer to some of your riding problems. Mark de Silva takes a look at the advantages of wider tyres.

Published On 3/4/2024

Our President, Phill Hart, launches the new 2024 website for Bike North to our members

Published On 2/1/2024

Bike North members supported a local Foundation and has been thanked by its members.

Is this a Bike?

Published On 2/1/2024

One of our global roamers has gone all paparazzi in Germany. Here are some fascinating images of bike variations to wet your appetite.

Bike North recognises those who go above and beyond in the service of the Club. in 2023, David Thomson is one of two Bike North members recognised as Volunteer of the Year.

Bike North recognises those who go above and beyond in the service of the Club. In 2023, Brian Lynne is one of two Bike North members recognised as Volunteer of the Year.

E-bike regulation update

Published On 9/16/2025

update on e-bike regulation

Bollard Busting

Published On 1/21/2025

With Bicycle NSW, Bike North is campaigning for systemic change in the way bollards are used for cycling infrastructure.
A web page has now been created where BUGs and individuals can record details of bollard incidents – access here Bollard busting! Find out more here

Willoughby City Council Draft Reports

Published On 12/3/2024

Willoughby City Council has recently made public two draft reports which contain sections that confirm what many of us have known or suspected about cycling around Willoughby, and more specifically in the Chatswood CBD.

Published On 10/9/2024

The Introduction to this Strategy details the challenges to achieving their vision. Challenges such as limited funding, competition with other road users, the need to balance with on-street parking and the need for retrofitting. Read the full article for further comments on this Draft Strategy

Published On 10/9/2024

Andrew Nelson, Bike North member and former Willoughby Active and Integrated Transport Advisory Committee Member, highlights some points on the Draft Cycling Strategy

Willoughby – A Vision for Cycling

Published On 9/25/2024

Willoughby Council has a draft Cycling Strategy and Action Plan on exhibition. Read this article and add your comments to the survey regarding this strategy.

Published On 3/26/2024

For the past two years, Hornsby Shire Council , Bike North and the residents of Brooklyn have advocated for reduced speed limits on the Old Pacific Highway between Berowra and Brooklyn. Transport for NSW has taken heed and have now reduced the speed limit from 80kph.

Ku-ring-gai Family E-bike Trial

Published On 3/4/2024

Bike North’s advocacy team are always on the look-out for opportunities to promote active transport - and cycling in particular - to the community at large. Here is another initiative for support.

Rubbing out another Bollard

Published On 2/1/2024

Bike North has poorly placed bollards in its sights to improve safety for cyclists. Another bollard has been removed in the Hills area following this danger being raised with Hills Council.

Hills Shire Bike Plan Adopted

Published On 12/10/2023

At a meeting of The Hills Shire Council on Tuesday 28 November, 2023, a proposal to adopt The Hills Shire Bike Plan was accepted. This plan replaces the 2009 Plan. ike North Advocacy Convenor for The Hills, Brian Lynne, spoke to the motion, pointing out that the Plan was riddled with errors.

Safer streets to benefit our children

Published On 12/10/2023

Bike North has shown it is ahead of the pack yet again with one of its Strategic Plan goals to encourage more children to ride. Now Transport for NSW are seeking ideas for such activity.

A momentous day in Parramatta

Published On 11/1/2023

Our Advocacy were present for the long awaited Alfred St Bridge opening on 31 October 2023 by Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, together with Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Pierre Esber.

Published On 11/1/2023

Bike North has lodged a complaint with Budget Direct regarding an ad campaign which we see as divisive, dangerous and offensive. Read a summary of the responses.

Published On 10/21/2023

An offensive ad campaign run by Budget Direct has raised the ire of cyclists. Bike North airs concerns about this campaign.

Another Hazard Removed!

Brian Lynne has another win with a bollard removal!

Spring Cycle Events 2025

Published On 9/28/2025

three cycling events in Spring 2025

Cycle Less - My New Year's Resolution

Published On 1/15/2025

After 15 years of dedicated (/obsessive?) leisure cycling, it’s time to get a life! To pursue other outdoors hobbies, and to face the myriad tasks that need doing around the house. I’m not quitting, just halving my cycling.

Central West Cycle Trail (CWCT)

Published On 10/15/2024

Malcolm has been wanting to ride the Central West Cycling Trail for a while so he gathered a few cycling buddies, made some plans . . . well, read on for the story. It's a good one!

Pino Assisted Rides

The 'Pino' is an electric tandem bike of a special design. It connects people who want to ride, with people who can.

Is Your Body Ready?

Published On 9/4/2024

Before your get out on your bike after a break it is worth checking that your body is ready too!

The Grand Fondo Experience

Published On 5/14/2024

One of the highlights of any Grand Fondo is the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes and picturesque locales. This article reveals the many reasons why you can enjoy this challenge.

Century and Double Century

Published On 10/21/2023

Ride Leader Andrew Elliston has notched up not only a century of rides but a double century.

Rolling with Rhonda

Find out how 'Rhonda' of Ride with GPS can help you navigate your route.

Published On 10/15/2024

The Munda Biddi trail stretches from Mundaring, just outside Perth, to Albany and at just over 1000km is Australia’s longest off road ride. Read Greg's account and advice for some great insight into this wonderful ride.

Off Road Cycling Resources - Trailforks

Published On 9/25/2023

In this part 3 of the Off Road series we take a dive into Trailforks, which is extremely useful for riding gravel and MTB trails.

Published On 9/19/2023

This is the second article in our series of resources to help plan your riding off-road. In Part 1, we looked at AllTrails and the NPWS site. In this article, we find out the changing weather and track conditions for our ride, using Epic Ride Weather.

Published On 9/12/2023

Phill Hart, gravel and MTB enthusiast, shares some of his favourite resources when he is planning when and where to ride off road.

Mountain Biking - an introduction

Mountain biking can take you (to differnt) places! Why not give it a go?

BN Members ‘Wowed’ by Photography!

Published On 7/10/2024

Members who enjoy snapping photos to record their journeys and destinations had a treat on this first ride for the Wow, Photography Interest Group around the edges of Sydney Harbour

Far North Queensland Bike Pioneer Trail

Published On 8/26/2025

270km of gravel riding near the Atherton Tablelands was definitely an adventure!

Cycling Canberra's Centenary Trail

Published On 3/18/2025

The Centenary Trail around the nation's capital has many interesting aspects to offer the keen cyclist.

Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge 2024

Published On 11/18/2024

An adventurous group of 16 Bike North members and friends signed up for the annual Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge (SVCC). Several distances are available including 20km,45km,72km,117km and 160km. SVCC has always been a friendly, well run reasonably priced event: a nice spring ride in the Snowy foothills with great scenery.

Eurobodalla Trails and Tracks

Published On 10/21/2023

The ‘Wallets on Wheels’ crew recently spent a week discovering the trails and tracks around Narooma on the NSW south coast. The six riders, now all progressed to e-MTBs, enabled rides to include some rough fire trails as well as dedicated mountain bike tracks.

Recce of Orange

Gerritt takes a look around Orange and surrounds, and is pleasantly surprised.

Tour de Orange 2018

Published On 7/16/2023

So much to see in the West - best by bike!

Wine and food made it to this tour!

The Gilmore Valley Circuit

Close to Tumut, and en-route to Tumbarumba, this loop ride provides scenery galore!

Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail

A rail trail in Southern NSW

Rail Trail fun in the Snowy's

Riding the Gippsland Rail Trail

This rail trail offers a variety of vistas and experiences across regional Victoria

Tour de Nowra 2018

Read about the 2018 Tour de Nowra

A Brief History of ... Tour de Cowra

Published On 5/31/2025

Tour de Cowra has been a fixture in the Bike North calendar for many years. In this article, Keith Griffin uncovers how it all began.

Gravel Rebels at Cowra

Published On 4/28/2025

Exploring gravel rides around Cowra provides an alternative to the 'usual' road routes.

Tour de Cowra 2018

Read about the fun had on TdC 2018!

Tour de Cowra 2016

Relive TdC 2016

Tour de Cowra 2015

Read about the TDC through the eyes of four first-timers.

Kia Ora from Aoteoroa!

Published On 5/31/2025

This bucket-list ride did not fail to impress Marjorie and her Bike North buddies.

A2O - An Awesome Ride!

Published On 5/3/2025

A small group of Bike Northers tackled the classic NZ ride the Alps 2 Ocean and were not disappointed with the scenery.

Published On 1/27/2025

Andrew and his partner enjoyed the NZ classic A2O ride and encourage others to explore this adventure

Cycling in Korea

Published On 1/21/2025

South Korea is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. My wife and I have toured various countries, but Korea stands out due to its exceptional cycling infrastructure, scenic routes, and warm hospitality. The country boasts a 2,700 km network of bike paths, including the iconic Cross-Country Cycling Road from Seoul to Busan and the picturesque Jeju Island loop.

Munda Biddi Part 2

Published On 11/13/2024

Read this wonderful Part 2 account of the Munda Biddi ride in Western Australia with so much valuable information and insights

Bikes that Ate Amsterdam

Published On 10/30/2024

Having just cycled extensively in the Dutch countryside, the other major cities, and plenty of towns, I say that Dutch cycling works a treat, including for pedestrians. It’s exhilarating to be immersed in a culture where “Bicycles Rule”, where all drivers are sometime cyclists, their families all cycle, etc. And The Netherlands is quite scenic and “livable” (climate aside for a Sydneysider).

NZ North Island Cycling Tour

Published On 3/13/2024

Before you head across the ditch take a look at the insights of this article into some great rides with tips to make it even more enjoyable.

Northern Italy Bike North Tour

Published On 10/25/2023

This article focuses on a Northern Italy route – a linear tour from Innsbruck to Verona. The region has many of the elements that make for great easy paced cycle touring.

Wandering Elbe-side

Published On 10/21/2023

Another inspiring ride in Europe following the Elbe River offers some brilliant sights. Overall impressions: green, forests, ferries, dykes, quiet, sleepy (until the opposite in Hamburg). History.

Pedalling in London

Published On 9/20/2023

There's no need to take your bike with you now to London with plenty of bike hire options and better conditions for cyclists. Here are some updates for your own London explore by bike.

The Great Allegany Passage (GAP)

One of the best US trails that runs from Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA

Cycling in Malaga, Spain

Visiting Malaga? Why not tour the city by bike?

Cycling in Budapest, Hungary

Cycle around Budapest to soak in the ambience!

Portuguese Camino by Bike

Undertaking a camino requires commitment but are the efforts worth it?

Bikes on Trains in Europe

Preparation is key if considering taking your bike on a train in Europe. Here are some tips to help you.

Only Lyon

Lyon is a great stop over in central France and cycling is well supported

'Bicing' in Barcelona

Cycling is well supported in this Spanish city

Living by Bike in Switzerland

Living in Switzerland for six months provided a great opportunity to explore by bicycle

Living by Bike in Tokyo

Bikes offer a cheaper option for travel than trains in Japan

Tootling around Tauranga

Published On 5/14/2023

New Zealand Tauranga

Setting your saddle height

Published On 12/2/2025

A quick rundown on how to get the most of your saddle

Published On 8/20/2025

When you mention pedals, every cyclist knows what they are and what they are used for. Simply, push your foot down and the bike goes forward, but there is more to these often-ignored devices.

Editing RidewithGPS Maps

Published On 8/12/2025

Find out how to easily adjust maps on Ride with GPS

Road Rules

Published On 7/6/2025

All cyclists must obey relevant road rules. Here is a remninder...

Watch the Lip!

Published On 3/7/2025

Riding up lips on kerbs can present issues for cyclists. Rides Co-ordinator Brian Lynne provides guidance on how to navigate lips safely.

How Many Metres Will/Did We Climb?

Published On 12/1/2024

There is no “correct” answer to this question but here are some suggestions and tools we can use.

Published On 9/10/2024

Recording your ride on a camera can have many benefits not only for remembering the scenery but possibly capturing an incident. Here are some excellent tips for equipment.

Activ8 Bike Preparation

Published On 8/27/2024

Warm weather, sunny days and a bike that's calling for a ride! But first that bike needs a health check! In preparation for Activ8 or indeed as a regular annual task, here is an checklist and tips to get your bike ready!

Published On 5/21/2024

It's essential to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to signs of concussion promptly and effectively, after an incident. This article gives us all some tips for identifying symptoms and important steps to take.

Stay on Track

Published On 12/10/2023

Bike North uses Ride with GPS to manage its routes and route data and invites all Bike North members to join our free Bike North Ride with GPS club. Here's how to access this resource.

Come in Spinner

Published On 11/1/2023

The Bike North Coaching Team are keen to provide skills and safety tips to our members. This article gives helpful information about Cadence.

Anti-door Technology

Published On 8/14/2023

All cyclists fear having a run in with a car door being opened by an unaware driver. New technologies are being rewarded by ANCAP

Pedals & Cleats

Why use cleats? Which ones?