Gong Ride 2015 and return

[gerardvok]

Hi.
Wondering if there are any riders who are doing the Gong Ride and also riding back? I'd like to do this but would like to group up with other riders for the return. Any suggestions from those who have done this before? Is it safe to do being that the organizers don't cover people going the opposite way?
Thanks
Gerard.

[Leethal]

Where are you riding from and back to? Plenty of small groups form on the day for the return leg, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a group that rides around your speed.

The return requires slight detour (police controlled) to avoid collisions along Lady Wakehurst Drv, e.g. my first gong ride last year: http://www.strava.com/activities/214473610" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers, Leethal

[gerardvok]

Great. Thanks very much for the information. I'll check out that strava link. (Just dont want to get lost on the way back )

[gerardvok]

Looked at the data. Thanks very helpful.
Impressive riding BTW.

[gerardvok]

Did you find the return difficult in terms of staying out of the traffic? Shoulders etc? I assume the lack of marshalling etc would make a difference in some spots?

[Xplora]

If marshalling is a concern, and you don't have a group to ride with, Gong return might not be an appropriate ride for you because it is a BIG day in the saddle and it's a very long way from home if something doesn't happen according to plan.

I came back via Bulli Pass and then Heathcote Road, up the M7 Cycleway. 210 all up. Harder than the two 300+ rides I have done. Much harder. There was a bit of breeze and I recall having all sorts of issues with deep dish wheels on strange roads. The 15%+ ramp for Bulli Pass wasn't the only hard part LOL

[grantw]

You don't see too many locals riding Bulli pass, steep is one thing, the lack of room is another. Riding back through to Bald Hill then either continue through the RNP if you have the legs for the climbing or across to the M1 via Helensburgh is the less stressfull way.

[KGB]

Agreed. I'm from cronulla and a wollongong loop training ride is about 110km. I normally go down bulli pass but would never ride up, too dicey. Especially when it narrows toward the top.

Back up bald hill, then either back through the park our across to helensburgh. From there, you have the freeway or the old highway to choose from to get back to waterfall. Both are ok.

[gerardvok]

Thanks for the info. I'm happy with the distance and climbing but the shoulder is essential to me so I'll avoid bulli pass. Does the RNP have a reasonable shoulder on the return? Do you see many returning from the gong ride that way? Hoping I can link up with one or more riders on the way back, I'm just not sure if that's a popular thing to do (ie my chances of finding someone to ride back with). Looks like I'll be on street view tonight.

[grantw]

There's not a lot in the way of shoulder in the RNP but I feel quite comfortable in there, the traffic is lighter and the scenery is superb.

[sir_camel]

I did it return up Bulli last year. Bulli Pass was awful. So narrow and steep and I got big leg cramps too. BAAAAD memories.

[Addictr3]

im keen on riding back, you wanna still do it??

[rheicel]

My 2 cents! I wouldn't consider riding back from Gong to Sydney during the event. Why? Motorist have already suffered most of the day along that route, so I wont be surprised if a rider or small bunch or riders heading north will suffer verbal abuse from lots motorist. Also, if you are fit and capable of riding back to Sydney, that means 50-70% of 90 km-riders are still southbound so motorist have to give way to a lot of cyclist in both directions in a very long stretch of road. You can always try doing 200km ride in some other time or join some events with 200km distance

[gerardvok]

Definitely still planning on riding back.
Pm me if you want to group up. I hope to average about 29-30kmph coming home but just depends on how I've done getting there and weather etc. If this is of interest then I'd be happy to join you.
Regards.
Gerard

[Addictr3]

Definitely still planning on riding back.
Pm me if you want to group up. I hope to average about 29-30kmph coming home but just depends on how I've done getting there and weather etc. If this is of interest then I'd be happy to join you.
Regards.
Gerard

Sweet I am keen. ill inbox you.

[Addictr3]

My 2 cents! I wouldn't consider riding back from Gong to Sydney during the event. Why? Motorist have already suffered most of the day along that route, so I wont be surprised if a rider or small bunch or riders heading north will suffer verbal abuse from lots motorist. Also, if you are fit and capable of riding back to Sydney, that means 50-70% of 90 km-riders are still southbound so motorist have to give way to a lot of cyclist in both directions in a very long stretch of road. You can always try doing 200km ride in some other time or join some events with 200km distance

Cool story there

[Derny Driver]

Don't go straight home. You can't miss the criteriums at the Harbour.
NRS and international stars ... amazing circuit, incredible racing.

[mikesbytes]

When I rode back, I went back up to Stanwell Tops, turning left to Hellensburg and right onto the Princess Hwy back to Waterfall. Then I followed the route that the Sunday bunch rides take, which is pretty similar to the Gong ride

[Derny Driver]

When I rode back, I went back up to Stanwell Tops, turning left to Hellensburg and right onto the Princess Hwy back to Waterfall. Then I followed the route that the Sunday bunch rides take, which is pretty similar to the Gong ride

Yep that is the BEST way to go, 100%

[KGB]

I agree, best overall route to return. I train through the park and around there a fair bit .

[gerardvok]

Video link posted below of some excerpts of my ride up until the end of RNP.
Got into a pretty quick bunch of guys at the 6am start line and the rest was history.

https://youtu.be/Rdcgz-Li2lY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.
I took Stanwell Tops option and all was great. Hardest ride coming back though with a massive headwind the whole way (left Gong pretty late), and after doing the ride down there in 2:40 my legs were a little uncooperative. Worst part of the ride was just south of the airport and trying to negotiate the best way back to Redfern.
@addictr3 sorry we couldnt meet up. Lack of communication on my part. Hope you made it back successfully.

Will definitely ride back next time.. earlier. Hope you all had as good a time as I did. Great day out!