Balmoral - Naval Base - Taronga Zoo
- Group:
- C
- Distance:
- 30km
- Route Description:
- Leave Lane Cove and head towards Epping Rd via Rosenthal Ave, Birdwood Ave and Longueville Rd. Turn right onto Epping Rd, and then for once, turn right onto the Pacific Highway. Head South along the Pacific Highway through St Leonards.
At the Falcon St intersection, turn left and head East along it as it becomes Military Rd. At the intersection of Spit Rd & Military Rd Mosman, turn right and follow Military Rd down to Middle Head Rd. Follow Middle Head Rd, and then just past the Naval Base (HMAS Penguin), take the right down Chowder Bay Rd. Follow Chowder Bay Rd to the roundabout and do a full U-Turn and head back the way you came.
At the end of Chowder Bay Rd, take the left and head back up Middle Head Rd. Follow Middle Head Rd to King Max St, and turn left. Turn left again onto Bradleys Head Rd, follow this and turn into Athol Wharf Rd, at the Taronga Zoo Wharf, again do a full U-Turn and climb back up Athol Wharf Rd and onto Bradleys Head Rd. Follow Bradleys Head Rd to the intersection with Belmont Rd, and turn left.
Follow Belmont Rd until it meets Military Rd and turn left. Follow Military Rd back through Neutral Bay and continue along as it becomes Falcon St. Turn right back onto the Pacific Highway.
Follow the Pacific Hwy to Epping Rd, turn left, and then left again into Longueville Rd to return to Renegade and the Cafe.
- Ride Description:
- This is a ride to be cautious with, that isn't to say that it can't be a lot of fun, but don't be deceived by the short distance, there is some climbing to be done. Most of the climbs are only short, so strong climbing isn't a necessity. Furthermore, many of the climbs are a down and out, so it is possible to avoid them all together if your legs are feeling it.
The ride takes a right hand turn onto the Pacific Hwy, at this time of the morning, the traffic is pretty light and so the group can usually move freely between the left and middle lanes to avoid the parked cars. Taking the left onto Falcon St gives an important lesson that not all roads are equal, watch out for the potholes along this section. When it becomes Military Rd the surface does improve.
Continue to follow Military Rd through Mosman and down to the Naval Base, and then Taronga Zoo. Both of these climbs are down and out, so it is possible to either cut them short or to cut them out all together if you don't feel up to it.
After the Taronga Zoo climb, the group will return to Renegade Cycles and a much deserved Coffee at the Cafe.
