SICBUG Ettalong (via Kariong)

Today was an excursion into the northern parts, and a test for the "mustard" riders (as in "Keen" as...). The 6am off was probably a limiting factor as most SICOs were probably still ensconced under their doonas. Leader Lefty Wright delivered the ride briefing with a warning that lack of bike kms in recent weeks could require the group to "carry" him up the final climbs. Fortunately this didn't eventuate and our group of 6x all managed to stay aboard our bikes and survive the fairly testing course. Lefty, Sam, Craig, Bro Pete, Ian (AKA Roger Wilko) and myself cruised to the top of the first climb at Mt White. Speed at the front provided by Ian meant that we were running ahead of schedule. After leaving Ian at "Old Road Cafe" (he returned on the same course) we set out for Calga and Kariong via Mooney Creek gorge. And what a beautiful part of the world it is! Early morning sunlight (and not too many motos) plus the ringing of the Bellbirds made for a most enjoyable climb. After descending on the new "improved" surface of Kariong Hill it was Sam who led us at speed along Brisbane Waters Drive with Lefty leading the way through the back streets of Woy Woy to the ferry (and coffee) stop at Ettalong Beach. After coffee and (rushed due to slow service) breakfast we joined the ferry for a pleasant cruise across to Palmie. A quick regroup and water stop at Church Point prepared us for the final climb to Terrey Hills. Beer and lunch at Papas St Ives capped off a perfect morning on the bike. Thanks to Dave for his organisation and lead, and to all of our small band of bikers for their company. Check ride details and pics on Strava

SICBUG Palm Beach

9x SICOs made the cold 7am Depart this morning. 2× (Tom and Tony) made the turn at Chuch Point to head home. Bro Pete led us toward the sea using his trusty new Garmin to keep us "on track". No sooner had we arrived at Palm Beach and we were "off-course". Never mind, using the ocean as a fairly good reference point we headed clockwise around the Palm Beach/Whale Beach circuit and made a collective wish that we could have bought a beach shack up this way sometime in the '60s! Even the most basic dwellings with any type of view start at $2mill! Back to MVR after climbing McCarrs Creek Rd and Sams invitation to bike out to Duffys Forest went largely unheeded. The overwhelming vote was to head straight to coffee at St Ives. A chilly but enjoyable mornings ride. Check out my ride on Strava: