Group rides around The Hills district?
-
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:15 pm
Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Oz-Geo » Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:58 pm
I’ve recently moved to NSW and am looking for a weekend group or training ride bunch. I'm a competent cyclist, having ridden a bunch of 100km (~2 ½hrs) and 160km (~4 ½hrs) sportives in QLD, and competed a couple of club level (B-C grades) road races, but am not interested in racing in circles on a criterion track.
M7 solo ride: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/328510857" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
QLD 160km: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/304941139" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
As such I'm looking for a friendly group who average 30~35km/hr on the flats that might happen to start/finish somewhere in the Parramatta to Castle Hill region on a weekend? I'm hoping to get out on the bike again this weekend so please reply if you know of a group that might be suitable?
Best Regards,
Lee
- Arty
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2010 10:04 am
- Location: Sydney
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Arty » Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:36 am
There's a couple of options for you..
The Trek Store (AT) Rouse Hill run a weekly shop ride that leaves from out the front at 6.30am on Saturdays. 2 Groups, a slow & a not so slow
There's the Universe bunch from Parramatta on Saturday mornings as well.. someone else can probably tell you the leaving time / meeting place cause i'm not sure sorry.
Failing that jump onto http://www.bunchridefinder.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Best of luck!
Cheers..
- Leethal
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:24 pm
- Location: Waitara, NSW
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Leethal » Wed Jul 10, 2013 1:16 pm
I've also found a few more that I will follow up over the next few weekends. e.g.
- A couple of the NSCC bunch rides: http://northernsydneycyclingclub.org.au/node/19264" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Might be a few by Men In Action - Peleton: http://meninaction.com.au/assets/Cyclin ... 20Ride.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- I can't find much from Parramatta Cycling Club, maybe they expect people to signup first?
So hopefully we'll have some sunny days this weekend.
Cheers, Lee
-
- Posts: 420
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 2:49 pm
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby trek52 » Thu Jul 11, 2013 2:43 pm
Been doing the ride for 25 years, feel free to join us. it is about 50km round trip but most of us ride from home so we get a bit more in. We have a coffee in parra after the ride and there is a group of us that head up to Baulko from coffee each week.
I will be in Red/White/Black Net Registry gear on a black Focus, or ask anyone to point out Matt Smithson/bigboy. Most of em know me, come and say hi and I will make sure you are looked after on your first ride with us.
- Leethal
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:24 pm
- Location: Waitara, NSW
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Leethal » Fri Jul 12, 2013 8:25 am
I'll break out the beanie, and anything else warm that I've brought down with me, given this mornings rather fresh start!
I'll be wearing a light blue shell, black leggings and riding a black/blue Specialized Roubaix (shown my Avatar) so will look out for you.
Cheers, Lee
CX: Trek Boone 9, Ultegra mechanical
MTB: Yeti ASRc, XTR Di2
-
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:48 am
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby RomanTheCube » Fri Jul 12, 2013 9:16 am
- Leethal
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:24 pm
- Location: Waitara, NSW
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Leethal » Fri Jul 12, 2013 9:23 am
RomanTheCube wrote:when I lived out there the only one i've done is the trek store ride which can get mighty cold this time of year!
I'd definitely be interested in hearing about any weekend rides that start mid-morning or later to take advantage of the sun? Only been down here a month and I've almost lost my cyclist's tan.
CX: Trek Boone 9, Ultegra mechanical
MTB: Yeti ASRc, XTR Di2
-
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:48 am
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby RomanTheCube » Fri Jul 12, 2013 10:34 am
- Xplora
- Posts: 8272
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:33 am
- Location: TL;DR
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Xplora » Fri Jul 12, 2013 10:52 am
I recommend the MIA and trek rides, good mix of abilities and it hurts as much as you want. Few sandbaggers on the faster trek rides lol and sometimes it is me!
- Leethal
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:24 pm
- Location: Waitara, NSW
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Leethal » Fri Jul 12, 2013 11:24 am
CX: Trek Boone 9, Ultegra mechanical
MTB: Yeti ASRc, XTR Di2
- Xplora
- Posts: 8272
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:33 am
- Location: TL;DR
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Xplora » Fri Jul 12, 2013 12:06 pm
- queequeg
- Posts: 6485
- Joined: Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:09 am
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby queequeg » Fri Jul 12, 2013 2:21 pm
I usually just do a solo run, and as I have two young kids I am usually starting at 5am so that I don't lose half the day with them. Most social rides I have done will start at 7:30 or 8am, so I don't get home until after lunch. This is because a) they ride at a fairly sedate pace (for me), and b) the coffee stop is about 40min.
From home I am pretty much at the start of the 3 Gorges, so nearly all my rides feature Berowra Waters and Galston Gorge.
- renstheripper
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:50 pm
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby renstheripper » Mon Jul 15, 2013 8:17 pm
I have heard about the Trek store ride at Rouse Hill which is just around the corner from me so I am considering checking that out.
If anyone else knows of any groups that I'd be suited to, let me know. I'll look into the other rides mentioned earlier as well.
- Xplora
- Posts: 8272
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:33 am
- Location: TL;DR
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Xplora » Mon Jul 15, 2013 8:48 pm
- renstheripper
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:50 pm
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby renstheripper » Mon Jul 15, 2013 9:31 pm
Is it recommended to contact the shop or just show up on the day?
- Xplora
- Posts: 8272
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:33 am
- Location: TL;DR
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Xplora » Tue Jul 16, 2013 10:07 am
- Leethal
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:24 pm
- Location: Waitara, NSW
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Leethal » Tue Jul 16, 2013 1:19 pm
renstheripper wrote:I'm looking for a group around here too (sick of an unreliable mate pulling out every other weekend). I don't have any group riding experience so I am a bit of noob in that respect but happy to plod along anywhere between 27-32kph.
I joined the universe bunch last Saturday morning, and we averaged ~32kph due to having to stop at nearly every set of lights on the course - probably one of the worst runs I've experienced: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/341583364" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
However, once on the Great Western Hwy the lead guys upped the pace to >50kph in sections. So I wouldn't recommend to someone new to bunch riding, but those looking for a faster group might appreciate to know this one is in the district. I'm looking forward to the next one already!
CX: Trek Boone 9, Ultegra mechanical
MTB: Yeti ASRc, XTR Di2
- renstheripper
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:50 pm
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby renstheripper » Tue Jul 16, 2013 11:28 pm
If I am allowed to bring an ocky strap and attach myself to another rider at opportune moments then I am in!Leethal wrote: I joined the universe bunch last Saturday morning, and we averaged ~32kph due to having to stop at nearly every set of lights on the course - probably one of the worst runs I've experienced: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/341583364" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
However, once on the Great Western Hwy the lead guys upped the pace to >50kph in sections. So I wouldn't recommend to someone new to bunch riding, but those looking for a faster group might appreciate to know this one is in the district. I'm looking forward to the next one already!
- Xplora
- Posts: 8272
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:33 am
- Location: TL;DR
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Xplora » Wed Jul 17, 2013 8:41 am
Hopefully we'll see you lads soon?
-
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2010 11:07 pm
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby Pakman » Wed Jul 17, 2013 9:09 pm
These are the rides with the Bike Barn (all rides are approx 2 hours except for public hols):
Mon - leave shop at 6am - recovery ride (2 hours in 39/21)
Fri - leave shop at 6am - sprints at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre
Sat - leave shop at 6.30am - mix of rides (Mt Druitt Loop / Sydney Olympic Park Loop / McGrath Hill [windsor] / Galston Gorge / Merryland Oval (track) / Dunc Gray (crit track)
Sun - leave shop at 6.30am - slower than the Sat rides - same as Sat + Haberfield
Public Holidays - leave shop at 6.30am - 3 to 3/5 hour ride - regular ride on public hols is Windsor to Richmond to Penrith and back to Parramatta
Bike Barn does not accept riders turning up without notice. You will need to see Geoff or Brian at the shop before coming on rides. You can join the mail group for the shop - and there are about 60 people on this list. I would say there is a core group of about 20 riders across the week with about another 20/25 riders not as frequent. Numbers kick up in summer months of course.
LACC are great training sessions at Sydney Olympic Park. All rides start at 6am at SOP train station. 5 loops that take approx 35/40 min. You do need to be cautious on these rides as there are so many riders who do not know each other.
Mon - recovery ride - single group (up to 30 riders)
Tues - training session (5 or 6 groups)
Wed - recovery ride - single group (up to 30 riders)
Thurs - training session (5 or 6 groups)
The groups on Tues and Thurs can get large - esp in warmer months. Up to 30 riders per group in the warmer months. If you are looking for 30 to 35km/h average - I would recommend Group 4 for Tues and Thurs. Group 3 would average 38 to 40km/h with a max speed of 44km/h on the fast side of the paceline. Group 2 and 1 are a step up again.
Waratah Vets can be found on the web.
The other option out of Parramatta on weekends is the Universe Bunch Ride on Sat mornings as some other posts have mentioned.
- renstheripper
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:50 pm
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby renstheripper » Wed Jul 17, 2013 11:52 pm
Yeah, I don't think I am allowed an ocky strap so that rules me out.Xplora wrote:I'm not sure the Universe ride is a good place for the bunch noob when you have options. You're also much more exposed to cars which is a deal for some. Sadly, Trek_Arty had a bike written off and a day in hospital after being rear ended on Great Western by a car doing the Universe ride. Of course, you could have the same happen elsewhere but he's an experienced rider... maybe a good idea to have a ride with a smaller group who are dealing with new faces all the time, then have a crack at some different bunches over time. Some of the quick Trek guys do the Universe ride every 6-8 weeks just for something different.
Hopefully we'll see you lads soon?
I plan on making the Trek Store ride this Saturday so hopefully I'll see you there.
- TimW
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Wed Jun 16, 2010 3:37 pm
- Location: Near the M7C
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby TimW » Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:48 am
- RonK
- Posts: 11508
- Joined: Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:08 pm
- Location: If you need to know, ask me
- Contact:
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby RonK » Thu Jul 18, 2013 9:06 am
Why not? Seems shortsighted. Surely every rider is a potential bike customer even if not a current one?TimW wrote:Bikebarn do not accept riders who have not bought a bike from bike barn. How do i know this? Mr Stoker told me at his old shop.
-
- Posts: 106
- Joined: Thu Jun 11, 2009 2:49 pm
- Location: Baulkham Hills NSW
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby mactype » Thu Jul 18, 2013 9:17 am
Told me the same....TimW wrote:Bikebarn do not accept riders who have not bought a bike from bike barn. How do i know this? Mr Stoker told me at his old shop.
Pivot Firebird
- TimW
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Wed Jun 16, 2010 3:37 pm
- Location: Near the M7C
Re: Group rides around The Hills district?
Postby TimW » Thu Jul 18, 2013 9:41 am
He appears different Ron, I went to his store to buy a pair of road shoes, whilst he was trying to sell me a bike(which i did not need or want at that time as N+1 had not kicked in) we got talking about bunch rides. At that time i was riding with the Trek shop at Rouse Hill. I asked him if all riders were welcome at his shop rides like they are at Rouse Hill, and he gave an emphatic, No!! So i have never stepped into his store again and never will, 1.because of his attitude and 2.because of the price he tacked onto the shoes, which i later found out was excessive.RonK wrote:Why not? Seems shortsighted. Surely every rider is a potential bike customer even if not a current one?TimW wrote:Bikebarn do not accept riders who have not bought a bike from bike barn. How do i know this? Mr Stoker told me at his old shop.
Makes much better sales sence to me to encourage all riders, and not attempt to be an eletist, but thats just me, and I will never own a bike shop lol.
edit as a postscript after N+1 did kick in, i now own 5 bikes lol bought from both the Trek Shop at Rouse Hill, and my 50th present to myself a focus team 3 Izalco ,with campy record eps from the bike shed at Mortdale. Top staff at the bike shed, highly recommend.
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- MTB
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross and Gravel Grinding
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Cargo Bikes and Utility Cycling
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+10:00
- Top
- Delete cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The Australian Cycling Forums is a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.
Bicycles Network Australia
Forum Information
Connect with BNA
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.