Pie in the Sky
- Group:
- B1
- Distance:
- 73km
- Route Description:
- The route for this ride is pretty much as simple as they come, especially on the way to Brooklyn.
On leaving Lane Cove, turn left onto Burns Bay road, follow the road and turn left onto Longueville Rd. Turn right onto Epping Road at the lights, and take the exit ramp to the Pacific Highway and turn left.
Follow the Pacific Highway through Chatswood, Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, Pymble, Turrarmurra and Wahroonga. At Pearce's Corner turn right and continue along the Pacific Highway. At the intersection of College Crescent, again turn right to continue along the Pacific Highway. In Hornsby, follow the road to the left to cross over the railway bridge, and then follow the road to the right.
Continue on the Pacific Highway as it passes through Asquith, Mt Colah, Mt Kuring-Gai and Berowra. At the Cowan turnoff, veer left onto the Old Pacific Highway. Pass through Cowan and after a few minor hills, pull into Pie in the Sky for a brief water and toilet stop.
Leaving Pie in the Sky, head South down the Old Pacific Highway and return back through Cowan. The Old Pacific Highway joins the Pacific Highway at Berowra, follow this back through Mt Kuring-Gai, Mt Colah and Asquith.
Once past Asquith Train Station, take the left hand turning onto Jersey Street North. At the T intersection, turn left onto Bridge Rd and then right into George St. At the Service Station, turn left into Burdett St, proceed along here to the Roundabout and turn Right into Muriel St. Follow Murial until it meets Edgeworth David Ave at the T intersection, and turn left.
Follow Edgeworth David Ave follow it around to the right, go straight through the lights and the road becomes Myra St. Follow Myra St and at the lights turn left onto Alexandria Pde, follow this over the F3 and it becomes Millewa Ave. Watch out for the speed humps and potholes along here, and at the end turn right onto Illoura Ave. Once over the railway bridge, continue straight through the roundabout and follow Redleaf Ave back to the Pacific Highway.
Turn left onto the Pacific Hwy, and follow it back through Turrarmurra, Pymble, Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Chatswood. At Epping Rd, turn right, and then left into Longueville Rd. Take the first right into Birdwood Ave and follow this back to Renegade and the Cafe.
- Ride Description:
- This is an interesting ride for the B Group, it is slightly longer than most of the other B Group Rides, but it doesn't contain any major climbs. There are a few ups and downs along the route, but nothing huge.
On leaving Renegade, the route follows the Pacific Highway all the way north, and then takes the Old Pacific Highway at the Cowan Turnoff. Watch out for Pymble Hill, it is only short but it can spread the bunch out. The group will always reform afterwards, so don't be concerned if you can't match the stronger climbers.
Until the road leaves Hornsby behind, The scenary is the standard urban sprawl that an unfortunate staple for riding in Sydney. After that, you get to experience some fantastic views to the West overlooking the myriad of valleys in that area. It is especially spectacular in winter when they are sometimes filled with fog.
After turning onto the Old Pacific Highway the road becomes a single lane each way, so watch out for traffic behind the bunch. While this is usually fairly light, it does contain the odd motorcyclist on their souped up cruise missile.
After passing through Cowan, there are a few short climbs to pass through and you will get to Pie in the Sky. There is a tap around the back as well as toilets for those who have been drinking all of their water on the way up. Some of the riders may attempt to fit in a coffee during the break.
The return is back down the Pacific Highway except for the standard back way through Honsby that Renegade take. Once past that, is a fairly enjoyable run back down the highway to Renegade and the Cafe (for another coffee).
