The start of the ride via the Fig Tree and Gladesville Bridges Birkenhead and the less used east side of the Iron Cove Bridge provides us with an access route through the middle of Balmain to join the traditional Balmain Bummel route. The ride continues as a ramble via narrow suburban streets and waterfront areas through historic Balmain and Birchgrove. Balmain began with a rich maritime history and the creation of the famous Mort's Dock. Transformed from a quiet harbour front village into a bustling workers suburb, the Balmain of cars, cafes and boutiques we see today is vastly different from the shipyards, soap factories and Workingmen's Institutes of the past. Join us on the bike and lets see what we can rediscover while enjoying some unique harbour views from Peacock, Ballast and Yurulbin Points. Built heritage sightings include Hampton Villa, Balmain Watch House, Mort's Dock, Colgate and Caltex industrial sites. Enjoy a coffee usually at Birchgrove or Balmain before looping back through Callan Park to the Anzac Bridge, Jackson’s Landing, Barangaroo and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
RIDE LEADER NOTES for Friday March 29th
Coffee stop later in ride - Haberfield via Callan Park. Bring a snack if needed. Moderate pace where route allows. Please contact leader if this is your first Bike North ride. Cancelled if raining.
Distance: 50
Elevation Change: 639
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.
Keeping us COVID-safe
- Registration for Bike North rides is compulsory. Walk-ins will not be permitted to join a ride.
- Physical distancing of 1.5 metres should be observed where possible.
- All riders are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer.
- 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.
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.
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.