After reading a report on the Cycle Atlas Site about this ride, I thought that it had been a long time since my bike had been out that way and it was about time to do it again.
The ride is a loop that starts from Hornsby or nearby and visits Galston Gorge, Berowra Waters and Bobbin Head. On my old website it is ride 4.1
I was joined by Stu, Enmoore and Rob. We met at Hornsby at 9am and set of for Galston Gorge. This is not far from Hornsby and reached by fairly quiet roads. The last part down to the Gorge is down a series of switchbacks and is great riding.
We stopped at the bottom and were greeted by one of the resident chooks that seem to live there. Then it was over the two bridges and up the climb to Galston. Of the three climbs – I think this one is the steepest.
Traffic was not too bad, but increased on the top near Galston. But then we turned off and headed along the much quieter Arcadia Road towards Berowra Waters. On the way we turned off and spent some time in Fagan Park where we visited the Gardens of the World. Here there are gardens featuring plants from most of the countries – England, Australia, Dutch, North America, Mediteranea etc. An interesting place to visit and worth half and hour or more.
Then it was back on the bikes and out to Berowra Waters. One thing I could not help noticing was the huge amount of rubbish on the side of the road. Most of it seemed to be packaging material from a major fast food chain.
The descent to Berowra Waters is great on a bike – fast with little traffic. It doesn’t take long to reach the bottom. Then it is a pleasant ride on the punt to the other side and then another uphill. This ride is easier – on a series of switchbacks up a gentle slope to reach Berowra Heights then a short ride to Berowra and the Pacific Highway.
We stopped at Berowra for lunch at a nice cafe just before the highway. A set of bike racks outside showed they were cycle friendly.
Stu had a broken spoke, so after lunch, he took the train option home. The rest of us set off along the highway towards Mt Colah and the turnoff to Bobbins Head. We could not help noticing that some big storm-clouds had formed. So we rode fast.
Most of the highway ride was along a cycle lane – so not too bad, but it was nice to leave it and ride down the very quiet road to Bobbin Head. More fast downhill riding to the bottom. Here, Rob decided to ride back up to Mt Colah as being the best way for him to get back to Hornsby. That left me an Enmoore to continue and ride up the hill to North Turramurra and then to Turramurra Station where we caught the train home.
Our ride was about 60 kms which included some loops at Fagan Park.
This is a great ride through scenic country. The local riders complete as an early morning training ride – “round the block” – but it is a good ride for any rider, with easier and harder options.
More photos are on my website here.