SICBUG The Pie Run

The 3x Musketeers (Neil, Glynn and myself) set off from Hookhams Corner at 7am with the prospect of a couple of very chilly descents and maybe a hot pie and coffee at Glenorie. After a foggy ride down through Berowra Waters the pace stepped up a notch through Arcadia as Neil and Glynn peeled off towards Galston. They missed the turn into Wylds Rd and couldn't hear my shout from 100m behind as they pushed on ahead. A short wait at the corner saw them return after realising I was no longer with them. Pies, bacon and egg rolls and sausage rolls were devoured at Glenorie Bakery before setting off back to Hornsby via Galston. At the bottom of Galston Gorge I heard the rear derailleur cable on my bike snap leaving me without gears for the climb to Hornsby Heights. On closer inspection it was not the cable which had broken but the rear cable guide had snapped off the frame. With no resistance for the outer cable this meant the inner cable was totally slack. With the help of my co-riders I managed to lift the derailleur high enough up the cluster to give me a climbing gear. An eventful ride now followed by a trip to the bike shop. Thanks to my two riding companions for their assistance. Check out my ride on Strava

Glenorie "The Pie Run"

The morning started with drizzle and mist and looked pretty uninviting as I set out from home at 0715am to "Bite Me" Bakehouse (formerly "Rubber Duckies") Mt Colah.

After waiting 10mins it was apparent that no-one from SICBUG was on the road this morning. Then an email message came through to cancel the ride.
I checked the horizon ahead and saw the clouds moving north and decided to go for it. Some spots of rain through Berowra Heights but mostly dry roads through to Berowra Waters.
Quite a few riders gathered at the ferry crossing and it was then that we were joined by ex-PM Tony Abbott and his group of 4 riders. They looked pretty chuffed to be out in the back-blocks and enjoying their ride. One of the group was on an e-bike. I was going to suggest to Tony that he grab the seat post for a "tow" up the Berilee Hill but thought better of it. He did make a Wong turn though and I asked him if he was trying to Shorten the ride.
Anyway, I was now determined to beat Tony and his e-bike friend up the hill and after following for 2km I mounted an attack! It was an attack similar to Cadel's on the Corkscrew climb in TDU 2104 (at least in my mind). It was unchallenged all the way to the top when one of his mates edged his wheel ahead just as we reached Chilcott Rd.
Never mind, at least I aced Tony! After a friendly rer-group I joined them for the dash through to Arcadia. Tony took a turn at the front and I enjoyed taking his wheel for a few kms. At Arcadia they waved me "Goodbye" and stopped for coffee at Andy's takeaway. 

On my pie-seeking mission to Glenorie I scoffed down a very tasty pie with sauce and coffee at the Glenorie Bakery. I headed back through the Gorge and on to Hornsby where I met my wife Kathren for a further refreshment break.
The weather was quite comfortable by this time (11am) so I elected to complete the full course with a spin out and back through Bobbo.
An enjoyable outing after a dodgy start! Garmin Connect link here

Glenorie Pie Shop

Plenty to choose from!

Pie and coffe - much needed energy for the return trip!