Scarborough (NSW) to Dee Why (NSW)
90.65 kms
1st November 2014
How the day went:-
We had stayed the night in Austinmer which is a beachside suburb 6 kms south of Scarborough. It was my first booking through airbnb.com – and if this was anything to go by – the 6 others I have booked for the rest of the trip should be great. Despite every reason to sleep well on a comfort scale, the excitement and nerves about what was about to begin meant I slept badly. So when the time to get up arrived I was pleased!
After breakfast and around 7:30 am, we left Austinmer and rode 6 kms around the beautiful beach front to our “start line” – the Scarborough Hotel. What a thrill it was to find a recently discovered “Noonan” relative there. It was fabulous that you travelled there Kerry – I really appreciated it! Thank-you so much!!
Photo’s were taken, a quick chat – and we were on our way!! The first 10 kms took us over an hour! It is a spectacular coastline – but wow – there are some hills!! We were not helped by the wind either, and the next day my brother informed me that there were gusts up to 80 kms through Sydney that day. The running rail at Rosehill Racecourse had blown over causing delays and in one of the three violent electrical storms that swooped through a 15 year old lad sadly lost his life. As well as that – Don’s bike computer showed 42.5 degrees C at one stage when we stopped at Mascot.
Annie was crowned Queen of the Mountains as she was the only one of us not to have a wee walk on the steepest of the hills. Well done Annie – fabulous effort!
I had really been looking forward to cycling across the fabulous looking piece of road - the Sea Cliff bridge. Unfortunately it turned out to be one of my scariest times on the bike as the wind blew incredibly strongly and it took all my strength just to stay on the bike!! Spoiled it somewhat, but it was still spectacular to look back down on when we reached the lookout.
There were a lot of cyclists out and about on this Saturday morning so it must be a popular ride. The following day would see the MS ride “”Sydney to the Gong”, and there was a lot of signage around for pending road closures. Once we joined the Princes Highway with its excellently marked bike lane, we flew along and picked up time and a very low average speed.
Before too long though the traffic started to get busier and it became difficult to maintain contact with our support vehicle so upon reaching Sutherland and getting some advice from local riders we decided that Pat should head over to Mosman while we battled our way to the Opera House by heading for the coast and picking up bike paths.
A lovely young cycling lady (who is about to compete in the Tour de Bright) slowed down and led us towards cycle paths – until she headed off to do more hill training – she had already done 72 kms of them! When we got to the paths they were wonderful and peaceful after the busy city traffic, but to negotiate them does require local knowledge!! I know it is the same with the Brisbane bike path, you need to know how to join sections of the tracks together!! We did spend considerable time reading paper maps, looking at google maps and using local signs which were all often at odds with each other. The temperature by now was in the mid to late 30’s!
This all took time, so progress was really slow. Fortunately (at times) there were cyclists about who happily gave advice – but their – “just follow the signs, and its bikeways right to the city” advice went well for a while – until signs could not be found again!
By the time we got around the airport and to Mascot we were running on empty, the physical exertions of the hills at Scarborough and the mental exertions at trying to get to Sydney meant we just had to stop for food. A Subway and long cold drink plus the chance to sit in an air-conditioned building, certainly hit the spot and gave us all energy to continue. Unfortunately Don had started to get leg cramps too – probably due to the extremely hot conditions.
The slow road by road, check each intersection for bike tracks progress continued – some great sections of dedicated roadside bike path would go for a time and then disappear. More stop start, stop start progress, until eventually – we ended up riding down George Street – the main street of Sydney!!! That wasn’t the plan originally, but at least I knew where we were heading!! At one intersection a bus behind us gave Don “the nod” and he gave us shelter through the busiest intersections!! Thank you Sydney bus driver!!
What a relief it was to get to the magnificent Sydney Opera House, it is certainly magical no matter how often you go there, or how you get there! Wow what a feeling!! The place was swarming with people as there was a cruise ship in port – it was all part of the glorious picture that Sydney Harbour is.
We took pictures and moved on. We’d caught the edge of one storm racing through already and we could see another brewing. Unfortunately Don’s leg cramps continued as we crossed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Again the wind was strong. We carried our bikes from the pedestrian (eastern) side down steps, through a tunnel under the bridge and then back up steps to get to the cycle path (western) side. Pedestrians told us how they had hired bikes to ride the bridge but couldn’t get across because of the wind and had turned back. Undeterred – and because we had to get to Dee Why – we continued on. The trains rumbled across beside us, and despite the wind it was super to stop for pics and look up the harbor to the west.
At the end of the bridge, I made my biggest mistake of the day. I asked another cyclist who was zooming through what was the best way to get to the Spit – which was where we were to rendezvous with Pat and the Jucy van. I had every intention of getting on to Neutral Bay and Military Road as I had ridden this part before once when holidaying in Sydney. I must admit that was about 5:30 am on a Sunday – and the traffic now at 2:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon was quite different!! Anyway – we were told – it was much better and safer to go the "back way" ……….. and again …… "it’s all signposted you’ll be right"!! Well we weren’t, more time lost trying to find our way, poor Don by now cramping badly and needing to take frequent walking spells and - another storm about to blow through.
After meandering around for some time, up and down hills, sheltering from a heavy storm shower, I finally decided to seek directions to Military Rd and we’d just cycle with extreme care on that busy road. Thank goodness – in no time we were safely at the Spit and met up with Pat for some rest and refreshments.
We were buoyed by the fact that there was only 10 kms to go – so sent Pat on ahead to the accommodation. Again, poor Don got cramp shortly after our re-start, and after crossing the Spit Bridge – more walking was required. As we were heading up the hill to Seaforth, one local informed us in no uncertain terms that we were not allowed to walk there and had to take the cycle track. Again from my time there, I knew that this was a long winding route, but I spotted some stairs that would be a shortcut!! They had been closed when I was there – and after getting up the first 3 flights carrying our bikes – we looked up and saw an unending number of steps above us!! It was either going to kill or cure Don’s cramps!!!! We pushed on, the weather got stormier and as we got on our bikes at the top large drops of rain started to fall. Luckily it was a short downhill roll into Seaforth so we sheltered while a huge electrical storm passed by.
During the enforced stoppage for bad weather, and taking into account all the events of the day and the current weather conditions, I decided not to do the additional 8 hilly kms that would have taken us into the suburb of Clontarf!! A wise decision in hindsight, even though it irked me at the time!! Perhaps this will cure my "OCD" for travelling from "place" to "place" on my rides!
Once the rain stopped we were back on the bikes, and in pretty smart time knocked off the few kms left to Dee Why – through Manly Sea Eagles country. We were very warmly welcomed by Annie, John and Luca to our second airbnb.com stay. The welcoming cup of coffee they made for us certainly hit the right spot, and after we were all showered and changed we were able to reflect on all the events of the day.
Sure it didn’t all go to plan, yes, I had always been concerned about getting through Sydney – but we had done it we were here!!! Luckily we were in walking distance of many café’s and chose a super Italian spot to “carb load” for the next day!!!
It was late by the time we got back, and unfortunately I had left my mobile in the handlebar bag of my bike which John had wonderfully locked away in his secure basement garage. When I finally got a chance to get on-line that night, my sister had been trying to phone me so I needed to send her Pat’s number. I felt in my boots it was not good news.
We had stayed the night in Austinmer which is a beachside suburb 6 kms south of Scarborough. It was my first booking through airbnb.com – and if this was anything to go by – the 6 others I have booked for the rest of the trip should be great. Despite every reason to sleep well on a comfort scale, the excitement and nerves about what was about to begin meant I slept badly. So when the time to get up arrived I was pleased!
After breakfast and around 7:30 am, we left Austinmer and rode 6 kms around the beautiful beach front to our “start line” – the Scarborough Hotel. What a thrill it was to find a recently discovered “Noonan” relative there. It was fabulous that you travelled there Kerry – I really appreciated it! Thank-you so much!!
Photo’s were taken, a quick chat – and we were on our way!! The first 10 kms took us over an hour! It is a spectacular coastline – but wow – there are some hills!! We were not helped by the wind either, and the next day my brother informed me that there were gusts up to 80 kms through Sydney that day. The running rail at Rosehill Racecourse had blown over causing delays and in one of the three violent electrical storms that swooped through a 15 year old lad sadly lost his life. As well as that – Don’s bike computer showed 42.5 degrees C at one stage when we stopped at Mascot.
Annie was crowned Queen of the Mountains as she was the only one of us not to have a wee walk on the steepest of the hills. Well done Annie – fabulous effort!
I had really been looking forward to cycling across the fabulous looking piece of road - the Sea Cliff bridge. Unfortunately it turned out to be one of my scariest times on the bike as the wind blew incredibly strongly and it took all my strength just to stay on the bike!! Spoiled it somewhat, but it was still spectacular to look back down on when we reached the lookout.
There were a lot of cyclists out and about on this Saturday morning so it must be a popular ride. The following day would see the MS ride “”Sydney to the Gong”, and there was a lot of signage around for pending road closures. Once we joined the Princes Highway with its excellently marked bike lane, we flew along and picked up time and a very low average speed.
Before too long though the traffic started to get busier and it became difficult to maintain contact with our support vehicle so upon reaching Sutherland and getting some advice from local riders we decided that Pat should head over to Mosman while we battled our way to the Opera House by heading for the coast and picking up bike paths.
A lovely young cycling lady (who is about to compete in the Tour de Bright) slowed down and led us towards cycle paths – until she headed off to do more hill training – she had already done 72 kms of them! When we got to the paths they were wonderful and peaceful after the busy city traffic, but to negotiate them does require local knowledge!! I know it is the same with the Brisbane bike path, you need to know how to join sections of the tracks together!! We did spend considerable time reading paper maps, looking at google maps and using local signs which were all often at odds with each other. The temperature by now was in the mid to late 30’s!
This all took time, so progress was really slow. Fortunately (at times) there were cyclists about who happily gave advice – but their – “just follow the signs, and its bikeways right to the city” advice went well for a while – until signs could not be found again!
By the time we got around the airport and to Mascot we were running on empty, the physical exertions of the hills at Scarborough and the mental exertions at trying to get to Sydney meant we just had to stop for food. A Subway and long cold drink plus the chance to sit in an air-conditioned building, certainly hit the spot and gave us all energy to continue. Unfortunately Don had started to get leg cramps too – probably due to the extremely hot conditions.
The slow road by road, check each intersection for bike tracks progress continued – some great sections of dedicated roadside bike path would go for a time and then disappear. More stop start, stop start progress, until eventually – we ended up riding down George Street – the main street of Sydney!!! That wasn’t the plan originally, but at least I knew where we were heading!! At one intersection a bus behind us gave Don “the nod” and he gave us shelter through the busiest intersections!! Thank you Sydney bus driver!!
What a relief it was to get to the magnificent Sydney Opera House, it is certainly magical no matter how often you go there, or how you get there! Wow what a feeling!! The place was swarming with people as there was a cruise ship in port – it was all part of the glorious picture that Sydney Harbour is.
We took pictures and moved on. We’d caught the edge of one storm racing through already and we could see another brewing. Unfortunately Don’s leg cramps continued as we crossed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Again the wind was strong. We carried our bikes from the pedestrian (eastern) side down steps, through a tunnel under the bridge and then back up steps to get to the cycle path (western) side. Pedestrians told us how they had hired bikes to ride the bridge but couldn’t get across because of the wind and had turned back. Undeterred – and because we had to get to Dee Why – we continued on. The trains rumbled across beside us, and despite the wind it was super to stop for pics and look up the harbor to the west.
At the end of the bridge, I made my biggest mistake of the day. I asked another cyclist who was zooming through what was the best way to get to the Spit – which was where we were to rendezvous with Pat and the Jucy van. I had every intention of getting on to Neutral Bay and Military Road as I had ridden this part before once when holidaying in Sydney. I must admit that was about 5:30 am on a Sunday – and the traffic now at 2:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon was quite different!! Anyway – we were told – it was much better and safer to go the "back way" ……….. and again …… "it’s all signposted you’ll be right"!! Well we weren’t, more time lost trying to find our way, poor Don by now cramping badly and needing to take frequent walking spells and - another storm about to blow through.
After meandering around for some time, up and down hills, sheltering from a heavy storm shower, I finally decided to seek directions to Military Rd and we’d just cycle with extreme care on that busy road. Thank goodness – in no time we were safely at the Spit and met up with Pat for some rest and refreshments.
We were buoyed by the fact that there was only 10 kms to go – so sent Pat on ahead to the accommodation. Again, poor Don got cramp shortly after our re-start, and after crossing the Spit Bridge – more walking was required. As we were heading up the hill to Seaforth, one local informed us in no uncertain terms that we were not allowed to walk there and had to take the cycle track. Again from my time there, I knew that this was a long winding route, but I spotted some stairs that would be a shortcut!! They had been closed when I was there – and after getting up the first 3 flights carrying our bikes – we looked up and saw an unending number of steps above us!! It was either going to kill or cure Don’s cramps!!!! We pushed on, the weather got stormier and as we got on our bikes at the top large drops of rain started to fall. Luckily it was a short downhill roll into Seaforth so we sheltered while a huge electrical storm passed by.
During the enforced stoppage for bad weather, and taking into account all the events of the day and the current weather conditions, I decided not to do the additional 8 hilly kms that would have taken us into the suburb of Clontarf!! A wise decision in hindsight, even though it irked me at the time!! Perhaps this will cure my "OCD" for travelling from "place" to "place" on my rides!
Once the rain stopped we were back on the bikes, and in pretty smart time knocked off the few kms left to Dee Why – through Manly Sea Eagles country. We were very warmly welcomed by Annie, John and Luca to our second airbnb.com stay. The welcoming cup of coffee they made for us certainly hit the right spot, and after we were all showered and changed we were able to reflect on all the events of the day.
Sure it didn’t all go to plan, yes, I had always been concerned about getting through Sydney – but we had done it we were here!!! Luckily we were in walking distance of many café’s and chose a super Italian spot to “carb load” for the next day!!!
It was late by the time we got back, and unfortunately I had left my mobile in the handlebar bag of my bike which John had wonderfully locked away in his secure basement garage. When I finally got a chance to get on-line that night, my sister had been trying to phone me so I needed to send her Pat’s number. I felt in my boots it was not good news.