The "Ascension"

As the peleton were leaving N Turra at 630am I decided to forego the ride out through Bobbo and head straight to Galston. After a quite climb in cool conditions up Galston I arrived at the top to find Charles already there. Soon the usual suspects arrived including Sam, Jack, Hamish, Mustafa. Eventually we had a good size group of about a dozen riders.
Off to Berowra Waters at a steady clip and the cool morning made for very pleasant cycling. After crossing on the ferry we were then split up at the top of BW climb unto the "Mt Whiters" versus the rest who elected to return to N Turra or Hornsby.
Craig and his slightly smaller peleton headed up to the "Old Road Café" Mt White while the rest of us (about 5x) turned right at Berowra for the home run. After coffee at N Turra I made a pleasant return home through Bobbo. Thanks to Craig for his leadership on this ride. Garmin Connect link here

Past teh Monastery

BW Ferry

Bobbin Head Marina

SICBUG West Head

15x SICOs left St Ives bound for West Head and Akuna. Rain did not dampen their spirits. 1x SICO pulled the pin at Terrey Hills Thai due to a severe deformity in his rear rim. Weather God and cycling Guru Jim Jam decreed that "no further rain will fall on this ride!" Unfortunately he left the group 5 minutes later to take the path of least resistance to Akuna Bay along with 3x of his disciples. Rain promptly fell again as the remaining 10x splashed their way along to McCarrs Ck. At the West Head turn 2x SICOs decided to skip the scenic delights of West Head and disappeared into the mist heading towards coffee followed by a hot shower. The 8x steely and steadfast surviving SICOs set their sights on seeing out the final spin to WH and up the Akuna climb back to St Ives. Spirits slightly wet but definitely not extinguished, the SICOs satisfied their coffee cravings at Eden Café. Mount Colah Cycling

Seven Survivors

SICBUG Patonga

Misty Bobbo West

Hawkesbury River Bridge

"Old Road" bridge

Mooney Creek

Kariong stop to repair Annes flat

Tascot

Phegans Bay bridge

Fish 'n Chips Patonga

Patonga Ferry Wharf

Cottage Point

Bobbin Head

Our group headed out early (6am) from North Turra as the key issue seemed to be the timing of the ferry at Patonga (1130am) and allowing time for the keenly anticipated "Fish 'n Chips" at the ferry wharf.
Our group consisted of 13x riders as we headed up the Pac Hwy. Some turned at Mt White which left us with 10x. The ride through Mooney was particularly pleasant as the Bellbirds and Lyrebirds sang their merry tune as we pedalled along. Leader "Lefty" Wright managed not to repeat his 3x flats from our previous ride to Ettalong along this same section of road.
A steady clip to Umina brought us to the foot of "that bloody awful Patonga climb" and the prospect of working out in the mid-morning heat to earn our coke/coffee and fish 'n chips at the ferry wharf.
Of course the usual suspects (Sam and Gra Domestique) led the way up the "bloody awful Patonga climb"and into the tiny hamlet of Patonga and that tricky descent. There we met up with Tats and after assuring us that "no, he hadn't come across on the ferry" we placed the order for fish 'n chips and enjoyed the very pleasing outlook from the front verandah of the cafe.
Our trip across to Bobbo was quite relaxing and helped to erase the memory of "that bloody awful Patonga climb"! Coffee was enjoyed by a few of the remaining SICOs at North Turra.
Absolutely maaarvellous day for a ride to the Central Coast for fish n' chips and a ferry ride back to Bobbin Head.  Garmin link here

Audax Alpine Classic Extreme 250km 2016

The usual body jarring, gut wrenching, smash yourself up and down the hills affair! Thanks to my riding mate Tony Gasparre for stopping with me to fix a flat 10km from the start. Marshals reported that tacks had been thrown on the road at Germantown. Some people are just stupid! Garmin link here

Jan 2016 Strava update (click the badges below for details)

SICBUG Maraylya

Top of Galston Gorge

fixing Kevins flat (Pitt Town Rd)

Pitt Town Rd Kenthurst

Top of Galston Gorge Hornsby Heights

A superb ride into the Hills District northwest of Sydney. 12x keen bikers joined this ride led by Neil. Garmin link here

SICBUG Ettalong

An enjoyable loop to Ettalong and return via ferry to palm Beach and St Ives. 12x bikers started this ride, and 10x completed the loop back to St Ives for pizza and beers with Birthday Boy Andy. Well led by Dave in spite of the rain and three flats along the way. Garmin link here YouTube link here https://youtu.be/jxz762kryL4

quick stop at Berowra servo

Calga re-group

M1 looking south from Pac Hwy overbridge

Somersby re-group

fixing Dave's first flat on Kariong Hill

Ettalong ferry wharf with 5 minutes to spare

"Fantasea"

Umina and Ettalong from the ferry

Sag wagon Andy arrives with supplies and a cheery smile!

Church Point

Andy's birthday cake!