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

South Arm Loop

An early spin with Kathren and Iain. The roads around Bellingen are very badly potholed and worn due to cattle crossings and farm gates. The valleys in this region are beautiful. Coffee stop at the "Old Butter Factory". Garmin Connect link here

Valla Explorer

Down and up the Sacred Mountain with a short loop to Deep Creek and Valla Beach to check out the surf. Garmin Connect link here

Newcrest Orange Challenge 2016

With Tony and Harry. Broke rear derailleur cable 5km from start. Bugger! So this was a two speed effort. Every climb was a slow grind out of the saddle. I managed to tie off the cable and bring the swing arm and guide pulley up to middle of the cassette to give me two reasonably usable gears. Certainly makes for a challenging ride - 175km with only 2 gears on a hilly course. Garmin Connect link here

A memory from one year ago with Lefty Wright

Lefty and I took on the Peaks Challenge in February 2015. This year he returns to join our group of friends; Paul, Anne and Jane for another attempt at the 250km assault on the Vic Alps. Bonne Route! This ride is one of the longest and most difficult Cyclo Sportif events in Australia

Rider briefing on the evening before the ride

SICBUG Mt White

A splendid morning on the bike. A total of approx 12x SICOs were assembled at the off 7am from N Turra shops with Caroline leading the way.
A few stray emus joined along the way; Kevin at Kalkari and four others (Torodes and Anne/Paul) at "Bite Me Bakehouse" (formerly "Rubber Duckies"). On the warm up to "Pie In The Sky" (PITS) a steady pace in the cool morning air was just what the group needed to set them up for the climb to Mt White and Calga. Several riders turned at PITS and a few others turned at Mt White. I enjoyed breakfast at the "Old Road Café" as the remaining group of 8x rode on to Calga. After a quick dash out and back they were back at the Café before I could finish my bacon and egg roll!
After the usual scenic descent to the Hawkesbury River the group once again called upon their legs to get them back up to PITS. After a quick water stop it was a solid paced clip back to Mt Colah where the final climb of the day through Bobbin Head was followed by a much anticipated coffee stop at N Turra. Thanks to all for an enjoyable ride. Garmin Connect link here

Cowan Creek early morning

"Old Road Cafe"

"Old Road Cafe"

misty morning at Mt White