Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club

Over the past few years, cyclists around the world have been taking on the challenge of riding 500km in the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (and providing Strava evidence to earn a commemorative badge)

This year, DHBC is offering you the chance to work towards (and hopefully achieve) that objective, by proposing a ride of monumental proportions, of which you can take part in some (or all)

Steel yourself for the ultimate challenge: a 500km ride which encompasses Australia's two principal steel cities - Wollongong and Newcastle

The route has been carefully considered, and, for convenience, has been split into two discrete legs:

• First Leg (https://www.strava.com/routes/3723338): Marrickville - Waterfall - Helensburgh - Stanwell Park - Thirroul - Wollongong - Thirroul - Bald Hill (Cat 3 climb) - Helensburgh - Waterfall - Inner West / City - Gordon - Mona Vale - Palm Beach

• Second Leg (https://www.strava.com/routes/3723308): Ettalong - Woy Woy - Gosford - The Entrance - Budgewoi - Swansea - Newcastle - Swansea - Budgewoi - The Entrance - Gosford - Kariong (Cat 3 climb) - Mooney Mooney Creek (Cat 4 climb) - Brooklyn (Cat 3 climb) - Hornsby - City - Marrickville

So far, three club members have committed to attempt the whole ride. And whilst the mere idea of this is likely to be abhorrent for many, it would, nevertheless, be wonderful if others were to show their support, and work towards achieving their own Festive 500 objectives, by joining for some (or all) of the adventure

Proposed itinerary as follows (with timings approximate only):

• 04:00: Marrickville
• 08:00: Wollongong
• 13:00: Inner West / City
• 15:30: Palm Beach
• 16:00: Ferry to Ettalong
• 17:00: Gosford
• 18:30: Lake Tuggerah
• 20:30: Swansea
• 22:00: Newcastle
• 23:30: Swansea
• 03:00: Gosford
• 06:00: Hornsby
• 07:30: Marrickville

Notes: We'll stop for food, beverages, mechanicals etc (as required). Please bring spare tubes, pump, water, snacks, money (cash + credit card), phone, portable battery charger, appropriate lights etc

List:

Dougie (attempting whole ride)
Adam W (attempting whole ride)
Paul M (attempting whole ride)

Huzzah!

Dougie did you start this?

Ride steel for added effect

Dougie did you start this?

(Maybe)

You people are insane. Really.

De inspiratie: https://vimeo.com/83397896

im going to slap you Dougie

This conversation came up in today's ride... I'm keen for the first leg.

This conversation came up in today's ride... I'm keen for the first leg.

Great! Our first wind blocker... I mean riding companion. Welcome.

The technical term is "Wind Pig"

I'll give the first leg a red hot go

Onya lads; would love you to join for as much as you can [insert thumbs up emoji]

LOL! Hoping by the first leg, I would have already hit the 500km mark from previous rides but we'll see..... Nevertheless, it'll be a great week on the bike!

I would like to do the first leg, however for now I am a tentative as I need to wait till the end of this week once some other obligations pan out.

Cheers,
Dave

any stops for sleep? That is one crazy, I mean aspirational, ride

I'm up for the the first return

I'm up for the first leg - assuming pace isn't too hectic?

Awesome guys

Ben DQ - no plans to stop for sleep. But obviously there's an option to check-in to a motel somewhere (e.g. between Gosford & Newcastle) if we run into trouble / can't go on

Diana M - pace won't be hectic, but would be good to stick as close as possible to the proposed timings

List:

Dougie (attempting whole ride)
Adam W (attempting whole ride)
Paul M (attempting whole ride)
RiderT (attempting First Leg)
Dave M (attempting First Leg)
Dave E (attempting First Leg) - TENTATIVE
Neil M (attempting First Leg until return to Inner West / City)
Diana M (attempting First Leg)

So Paul you are saying if you dangle the carrot I may follow

fortune favours the bold!

Dougie (attempting whole ride)
Adam W (attempting whole ride)
Paul M (attempting whole ride)
RiderT (attempting First Leg)
Dave M (attempting First Leg)
Dave E (attempting First Leg) - TENTATIVE
Neil M (attempting First Leg until return to Inner West / City)
Diana M (attempting First Leg)
Phil D (attempting First Leg)

you guys are nuts !!.....

Dougie (attempting whole ride)
Adam W (attempting whole ride)
Paul M (attempting whole ride)
RiderT (attempting First Leg)
Dave M (attempting First Leg)
Dave E (attempting First Leg) - TENTATIVE
Neil M (attempting First Leg until return to Inner West / City)
Diana M (attempting First Leg)
Phil D (attempting First Leg)
Katie U (attempting First Leg)

Dougie (attempting whole ride)
Adam W (attempting whole ride)
Paul M (attempting whole ride)
RiderT (attempting First Leg)
Dave M (attempting First Leg)
Dave E (attempting First Leg) - TENTATIVE
Neil M (attempting First Leg until return to Inner West / City)
Diana M (attempting First Leg)
Phil D (attempting First Leg)
Katie U (attempting First Leg)
Jonathan W (attempting to make it to the Square by 4am)

Dougie (attempting whole ride)
Adam W (attempting whole ride)
Paul M (attempting whole ride)
RiderT (attempting First Leg)
Dave M (attempting First Leg)
Dave E (attempting First Leg) - TENTATIVE
Neil M (attempting First Leg until return to Inner West / City)
Diana M (attempting First Leg)
Phil D (attempting First Leg)
Katie U (attempting First Leg)
Jonathan W (attempting to make it to the Square by 4am)
Adam F (attempting first leg - don't we need to ride back to M'kville from Palm beach?)

4am start? No whiskey tonight by the looks of it.....