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 Cottage Point Church Point

All the SICBUG fathers were busy attending their Fathers Day activities today, so the ladies almost outnumbered the men on todays ride. 7am St Ives at the "off" were Ride Leader Anne, Jill, Caroline, Jane and Sophie  (Craigs daughter) along with the men including Sam, Craig, Neil, Mustafa and yours truely.
A quick trip out to the Cottage Point turn-off and the girls were happy to assign the climbing duties to the men. Craig and Sophie opted to miss the joys of clambering out of Cottage Point in favour of a trip to West Head. The four remaining males went to the bottom of Cottage Point to sample the delights of the 23% 300m ramp. After a slight mechanical halfway into the steep section I got going again after walking 150m. At the top the 4 waiting ladies offered their encouragement as we each sweated our way over the crest.
After a brief attempt to split the ride into two parts - the girls "soft" option to head straight back to St Ives versus the mens "lets stay on the chosen path" option, we all stayed together and cycled out to the scenic turnaround at Church Point. At the top of McCarrs Ck Rd we met Craig and his daughter Sophie again and ambled back to Eden Cafe while Sam and Neil did their lap of the Terrey Hills Golf Course. Weather conditions were perfect and announced the start of the spring cycling season. Check out my ride and photos on Strava

SICBUG August rides

Check out SICBUG August rides here

SICBUG Maraylya

The "Infamous Five" mounted up at 7am and headed westward towards the hills. Led by chief rustler Neil, the gang was made up of a small band of 'ornery varmints including myself, "Wrangler" Robin, "Cowhide" Craig and "Shotgun" Sam in the caboose. After a steady warm up through the Galston Gulch it was off to "Rawhide" Round Corner at a measured trot. Neil took the reins from Kenthurst along the Pitt Town trail and lifted the pace to full on gallop. With the Law well behind us now it was time to ease up in the saddle and water the horses on the Maraylya "mail route". With no signs of the chasing posse we took the Cattai Creek crossing to conceal our tracks. Then suddenly ALL HELL breaks loose! Gunshots ring our across the valley! Sam calls from behind for the mob to "take cover". I quickly realise that the problem isn't an ambush; it's my horse which appears to have thrown a shoe and pulled up lame! After Sams expert farrier skills have been called into action we set off back towards Hookhams "Hideout", somewhere hidden in the rugged hills around Hornsby Heights. Nursing my steed on all the tricky descents we made it back to Galston Gultch with Sam and Robin taking the climb at a canter. Back at the "Florence St Saloon" it was time to for a round of "moonshine" to sooth those dry and dusty throats! What a ride...once again the "Six Gun" SICOs have dodged the Law. Check out my ride on Strava

SICBUG Warriewood

A splendid winters morning with the SICOs. Wet 'n wild Warriewood was our destination today. On board the "Dawn Patrol" were "Gnarly" Neil, "Cowabunga" Craig, "Maui" Mick and Tony "The Tube" plus yours truely. To the strains of Little Patti and "Stompin at Maroubra" we stomped on the pedals out to Terrey Hills. 

First stop at Illawong Bay was a total "Wipe Out" - not a wave...not even a ripple! By the time we reached Church Point, "The Tube" had pulled the pin and headed home. Despite the roads to the beach being closed for the annual Pub 2 Pub fun run we managed to paddle through the Rip and get out the back for a few sets before "chucking a 180" back to St Ives. Met a few surf chicks in the form of Jane and Jill on the return trip through Bobbo. Thanks to everyone for coming out and "carving it up" this morning. Check out my ride on Strava

SICBUG Calga

Today promised great things with the rain clearing and the forecast of more pleasant conditions in the days ahead. Today there were 8x at the off! from Hookhams Corner. A minor mechanical forced a stop at Mt Colah but soon we were rolling again towards Berowra and the Brooklyn descent! The ladies, Caroline and Jill, turned for home at Brooklyn leaving the "blokes" to tackle Mt White. Soon it was clear that the run to Calga was going to be more of a sprint with Sam on the front. The return trip was no different once Sam started to pace the group back to the Old Road Cafe (formerly Road Warriors). Last climb of the Brooklyn Hill tested the legs all around with most of the group keen to get to the coffee stop in Hornsby. Neil proved most keen setting a cracking pace along the Berowra to Asquith section. Thanks to Bro Peter for leading us to the wilds of Calga and back! Check out my ride on Strava

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