Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club

In preparation for some upcoming sportifs (e.g. Peaks Challenge Gold Coast) - and also because it's fun - a few of us are planning a 2-day adventure ride into the heart of the Blue Mountains

And we'd like to extend the invitation more broadly to our club mates

On Day 1 (Sat 9 July), we'll leave Marrickville early; then head westwards towards the mountains via the Great Western Highway. We'll then climb into the mountains via Old Bathurst Road - by all accounts, a sharp challenging climb - then continue the gradual ascent up the mountains, stopping for refreshments at one or more charming villages along the way (e.g. Springwood, Leura, Blackheath etc). At Mount Victoria, we'll then detour into Hartley Vale via the Darling Causeway, whereupon we'll tackle one of the hardest climbs in greater Sydney - the climb up to Hassans Walls Road - a brutal 2km at 11% average. We should arrive in Lithgow by early afternoon, following which those not staying overnight can catch a train back to Sydney

On Day 2 (Sun 10 July), we'll leave Lithgow early; then head southwards towards Jenolan Caves, where we'll stop for refreshments and photos. We'll then tackle the challenging climb out of the caves - regarded by many as the hardest climb in NSW - including a savage 3km stretch at 13% average. We'll then ride through delightful eucalyptus forest to Oberon for lunch; then through bucolic rolling pastures to Lake Lyell. We should arrive in Lithgow by late afternoon, following which we'll catch a train back to Sydney

Further details as follows:

Day 1: Saturday, 9 July 2016

Start: Marrickville (post office square) at 5:30am

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/5402417

Distance: ~136km

Elevation gain: ~2,630m

Finish: Lithgow station (early afternoon)

Overnight (optional): Lithgow - Commercial Hotel

Day 2: Sunday, 10 July 2016

Start: Lithgow - Commercial Hotel

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/5402429

Distance: ~150km

Elevation gain: ~3,045m

Finish: Lithgow station (late afternoon), followed by train back to Sydney


Notes: 1-day riders should bring 2 x spare tubes, pump/CO2, water, snacks + money for refreshments. 2-day riders should bring the same, and leave an overnight bag (with additional / change of clothes, toiletries etc) with Diana Mullineux (whose mum has kindly offered to provide support, drive up to Lithgow etc) before the ride. Please contact Neil Moxham (who's organising accommodation) ASAP if you are not currently on the list below and would like to participate in the 2-day option

List:

Paul M (2-day)
Neil M (2-day)
Diana M (2-day)
Renee H (2-day)
Ben S (2-day)
Emanuel DS (2-day)
Dave E (2-day)
Cameron A (2-day)
Peter B (1-day)
Phil D (1-day)

I have found pub accommodation at the commercial hotel in lthigow $45.00 a bed it's shared bathroom I'm going to hold 10 beds I will need numbers by next Wed the 29th please they also said that we can post things up

Paul M (2-day)
Neil M (2-day)
Diana M (2-day)
Diana M's mum - SUPPORT
Renee H (2-day)
Ben S (2-day)
Emanuel DS (2-day)
Dave E (2-day)
Cameron A (2-day)
Andrew M (2-day)
Dave B (2-day) - TBC
Peter B (1-day)
Phil D (1-day)

Excluding the girls who out of you lot snores now be honest

It's snowing in Leura & Lithgow...

I'm in guys. Looking forward to it.

Paul M (2-day)
Neil M (2-day)
Diana M (2-day)
Diana M's mum - SUPPORT
Renee H (2-day)
Ben S (2-day)
Emanuel DS (2-day)
Dave E (2-day)
Cameron A (2-day)
Andrew M (2-day)
Dave B (2-day) - TBC
Peter B (1-day)
Phil D (1-day)
Tony (1-day)

Paul M (2-day)
Neil M (2-day)
Diana M (2-day)
Diana M's mum - SUPPORT
Renee H (2-day)
Ben S (2-day)
Emanuel DS (2-day)
Dave E (2-day)
Cameron A (2-day)
Andrew M (2-day)
Dave B (2-day) - TBC
Peter B (1-day)
Phil D (1-day)
Tony (1-day)
Scott D (1-day)

Unfortunately I can't even make the one day. I forgot I'm rostered ride leader that weekend.
Have fun
Paul M (2-day)
Neil M (2-day)
Diana M (2-day)
Diana M's mum - SUPPORT
Renee H (2-day)
Ben S (2-day)
Emanuel DS (2-day)
Dave E (2-day)
Cameron A (2-day)
Andrew M (2-day)
Dave B (2-day) - TBC
Phil D (1-day)
Tony (1-day)
Scott D (1-day)

You will be missed Peter, don't forget every one I'm booking accommodation on Wed.

Hi everyone, below are the details for bag drop off. I'll no doubt be around outside some of those time as well so feel free to text me to make alternate arrangements. My number is 0415 183 522.

Address
111/141-143 McEvoy St, Alexandria. My building is called The Foundry and is near the corner with Fountain St.

Times
Mon 4 July - after 6:30pm
Wed 6 July - after 6:30pm
Fri 8 July - after 5pm

OR I work in the CBD so you could drop during the week at the office (30 Hickson Road) if that's easier.

OK so I'm booking tomorrow guys I'm booking 8 beds in the pub accommodation with is shared bathroom.
For the ladies I'm booking motel accommodation

Oops if anyone wants to change this I need to know tonight or first thing in the morning 0412252827

Paul M (2-day)
Neil M (2-day)
Diana M (2-day)
Diana M's mum - SUPPORT
Renee H (2-day)
Ben S (2-day)
Emanuel DS (2-day)
Dave E (2-day)
Cameron A (2-day)
Andrew M (2-day)
Dave B (2-day)
Phil D (1-day)
Tony (1-day)
Scott D (1-day)

OK rooms are booked and we can pay when we get there so take your money

Paul M (2-day)
Neil M (2-day)
Diana M (2-day)
Diana M's mum - SUPPORT
Renee H (2-day)
Ben S (2-day)
Emanuel DS (2-day)
Dave E (2-day)
Cameron A (2-day)
Andrew M (2-day)
Dave B (2-day)
Phil D (1-day)
Tony (1-day)
Scott D (1-day)
David J (1-day)

ok boys and girls there is a train back at 6.23pm however it only takes 5 bikes as its a country link train Cam has offered his car to take 5 people back i will get the train and make a booking for one bike spot, if there are 4 more that want me to book the train which is $40.00 including the ticket and your bike i need to know by 8pm tonight. also we only have enough room for 10 in total for the second day.
OR this is a big or if any one has a willing partner to drive up and take them home?
my number is 0412252827

ok boys and girls there is a train back at 6.23pm however it only takes 5 bikes as its a country link train Cam has offered his car to take 5 people back i will get the train and make a booking for one bike spot, if there are 4 more that want me to book the train which is $40.00 including the ticket and your bike i need to know by 8pm tonight. also we only have enough room for 10 in total for the second day.
OR this is a big or if any one has a willing partner to drive up and take them home?
my number is 0412252827

Someone can borrow my car if you want - it's got racks for 4 bikes and can take 4-5 people. I'm not offering to drive it though. Or go on the cold, wet torture ride.

I'll take a ticket to ride thanks Neil. Pass $40 to you when I next see you.

BTW there's a good Audax 200km ride down south on 1st August - https://www.audax.org.au/portal/index.p ... Itemid=101 - if this one gets washed out.

DavidJ are you there for the 2 days

there is a change on bag drop off now Dave Emerson will be taking our bags up and back he will post his details tomorrow

Have you checked what the go is with CountryLink and bikes?

It used to be *censored* ie they required you to box it

Website says this is still the case

If you are travelling with a bicycle, please arrive at least one hour before the scheduled departure time in order to disassemble and pack it into a bicycle box. You can ask at your station about obtaining a bicycle box or source one from a bicycle retailer.
http://www.nswtrainlink.info/your_journ ... el/luggage

Might only practically have room for 5 on the second day

Thinking of bailing.

And trackwork
http://www.sydneytrains.info/service_up ... 2128FCDDD6

Saturday 9 July 2.00am to Monday 11 July 2.00am
Buses replace trains between Penrith and Central.
Trains from Penrith to Blue Mountains Line stations leave 40 minutes later than normal. Trains from Blue Mountains Line stations to Penrith run to the normal timetable.
Buses also replace T1 Western Line trains between St Marys, Richmond and Granville.
Trains between Bathurst and Central run up to 25 minutes later than the normal timetable.
If you are travelling to Lithgow to connect with NSW TrainLink Regional Coaches, please call 132 232 to confirm departure times.

Public transport back does not seem practical.

Hi all we are sorted with enough cars to drive us back on sunday. A note to the one day riders on Saturday there are no trains from penrith to central so you will be on a bus

Hi All,

I will be driving to Lithgow on Saturday fairly early in the morning and staying overnight so I can ferry bags up there and back.

My mobile is 0421961619, call me to arrange a time to drop your things off if you would like them there for Saturday night. Neil will also be driving up so you can leave things with him too if needed.

I will be home in Marrickville every night this week.

Cheers,
Dave

Hi all,

Given the complications involved with Saturday's return journey I might sit this one out - riding's about simplicity after all. To all you brave souls heading out, enjoy the ride.

Scott