Convict 100 MTB 2016

Placed 2nd in "Old Farts" age group (60yrs plus). Won't mention that there were 3 entries in the male 60yrs plus category. Well.. at least I beat one poor soul. Had a stack at 50km mark on the Old Great North Road after Shepherds Gully. Skinned my knee and bruised it but was able to get going again after a quick check. For photos and ride details check out my 100.2 km Ride on Strava

A chance to try out my new (old) bike on the hills near home.

This bike is a Avanti Sportivo steel frame racing bike from early 1980s. I acquired it for $80 and rebuilt it using nearly all original components. It has been repainted red with white trim on the lugs and fitted with new tyres, chain, groupset and clipless mtb pedals. Check out my 25.6 km Ride on Strava

West Head Akuna Bay with Kath

This was our coffee ride on Anzac Day. Saw a small (6x) group of SICBUG riders coming back on WH Rd. For photos and ride details check out my 44.8 km Ride on Strava

SICBUG Maroota

With showers forecast and some dark clouds gathering it was likely that this ride was not going to be too popular. After arriving at "The Off" at 7am no starters were around so it looked like a solo outing might ensue. Slowly signs of life emerged as firstly Michael and then Mustafa appeared. Through Galston and on towards Glenorie the plan was to maybe shorten the ride to a "Pie Run" (Glenorie) or maybe even the ferry option at Berowra Waters to complete the loop. At Glenorie the pedals kept turning as the prospect of coffee and bacon and egg rolls at the "Stone House" Cafe lured us on. After a brief rest stop at "Yoothamurra Kiosk" (Forest Glen) it was all stops out to Maroota. At the "Stone House" Cafe the kindly staff gave us the sustenance required to complete the 85km ride. Mustafa announced that he had no front gears as his cable had broken. We briefly discussed a possible fix with two other cyclists from Arcadia, Ricci and Ingrid. They were on the same loop although much shorter than ours. The fix was not possible, So the small chainring would have to do for the climbs remaining. After a brisk canter along Wisemans Ferry Rd to Halcrows Rd, we started the long but not too steep climbs back to Glenorie to complete the loop. Michael lifted the bar a notch with a sprint up Galston east and a coffee stop at Hornsby completed a most enjoyable ride. For photos and ride details check out this link Strava

SICBUG West Head

Today was the gathering of the faithful for the promised "Ascension" including the climbs of Bobbin Head, Galston, Berowra Waters, Mt White, Brooklyn and return via Bobbin Head. Many of the faithful claimed they would be sacrificed on these climbs and so declared their desire for a shorter ride including two gorges and return to Hornsby for wine, bread and the Confessional. I met this group of 12x riders at Galston Gorge and promptly latched at the back only to be told that this group were not the "true believers" I assumed.
So after a further 10 mins wait in the morning mist I was greeted by Sam followed by Mustafa, Jane, leader Craig, and Saffa Rob. A change of the route had been discussed with the intention of riding to Berowra Heights and returning via the Gorges thus eliminating Mt White and Brooklyn.
So it was off to the ferry where we were greeted by a fine mist stretching along the river. Mustafa practiced his "Selfie on the bike" skills on the climb. At the turnaround we met up again with the "short group" who were surprised to see us turn around and head back down to the ferry.
The second ferry unloaded what appeared to be a limitless number of cyclists. They just kept coming!
After the climb to Berilee Sam took the helm and led us at a gallop back through Galston to Hornsby Heights. More traffic to contend with on the gorge now. At this point Jane opted to wait at the Café on the corner of Somerville Rd and restore her energy ehile the "Famous Five" rode a lap of Somerville.
Rolling together again toward Hornsby and Jane "pulled the pin" on thr final climb through Bobbin Head. After the Bobbo climb the "Famous Five" met her again at North Turramurra park entrance and completed our ride with coffee, pastries and prayers at N Turra. For photos and ride details check out this link Strava

SICBUG Five Gorges

This was just a glorious autumn day. For photos and ride details check this link Strava

SICBUG Reverse Gorges plus Crosslands

13x SICOs turned out for this mornings "climbing feast" or as the Swedes say a "Smorgasberg" of hills. Bro. Pete, Dave, Rob, Robin, Michael, Craig, Mustafa, Sam, and myself gathered at the "off" at N Turra.
Soon after our early push through Bobbo we were joined by the Torodes and Kevin at "Bite Me Bakehouse" Mt Colah.
After a super smooth descent to the ferry at Berowra Waters we formed up a tidy peleton for the run though Arcadia to Galston.
The Gorge provided the usual challenge with traffic in the narrow sections and a small tipper truck nearly took out 3x riders with its wing mirrors.
At the top of the climb it was time for the decision of whether to inflict the pain of Crosslands on the legs or to retire for coffee and cakes. DT and Kevin set out for the Hornsby coffee and cake option, while Robin, Bro. Pete, Dave and Sam headed home. ET and Craig joined the last four crazy Crosslanders for the ride along Somerville Rd. Myself, Rob, Mustafa and Michael descended the "Road of Tears" to Crosslands Reserve and after brief words of despair regarding the gradient we had just observed it was time to head up into the "Parcours of Pain".
Having survived the 20% sections of the 2.5km ramp we regrouped at the top. Only "Bobbo" to go and a well deserved coffee break. Water bottles were refilled at Kalkari and Michael led us a brisk chase to N Turra to finish a most enjoyable ride. For ride maps etc check out this link Garmin Connect link here

SICBUG West Head

With 13x SICOs. Gra Domestique for company on return through Bobbo. Led by Stuart. Garmin Connect link here