Days 1-2 Sydney to Gosford

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After some scepticism when this idea was first raised 3 of our regular weekly riders have decided that this is a doable adventure. The first objective was to get our bikes & gear down to Sydney with a planned start from Manly to avoid the heavy Sydney traffic. Ian & I flew while John went by train so all bikes needed to be boxed then re-assembled at either Sydney airport or the CBD. Ian & I caught the airport train to Circular Quay & then a ferry to Manly for a next day meet-up.

John stayed in town overnight & caught an early morning ferry to join Ian & I at near our overnight Queenscliff accommodation.

The Weather was forecast to be ugly with rain & wind. Thought we had dodged a bullet at the start but copped a heavy shower along the way. We knew it would stop as soon as John stopped to put on a rain jacket. The planned route was off-road but we soon worked out the hills were more severe ( up to 14%) & better to go on the main roads.

The planned stage was 60 Kms to pre-booked accommodation at the Gosford Hotel. The trip was a tough introduction with most of the day’s hills along the Northern beach suburbs but interspersed with spectacular beach views.

Approximately half way we took a ferry from Palm Beach after a fairly hectic race to catch the midday ferry. The ferry crosses Broken Bay to Ettalong Beach & is both a spectacular alternative way to the central Coast as well as a welcome rest & refreshment stop. From Ettalong riding was on quite coastal bike paths through Brisbane Water National Park. Reached Gosford by 2pm for an all up brilliant day to start our adventure.

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Comments

[Jo]

Beautiful start in Manly! We are so envious! And an early finish at 2pm; hope the Gosford hotel is comfy.