Trip report
| 2009-01-21 | M7 Bike Ride at M7 Sydney |
| Trip report: | |
| The weather forecast for the ride wasn’t promising, with temperatures predicted to be 38 degrees in Sydney’s west accompanied by possible storms. By late afternoon the possible storms became definite and the weather radar showed lots of red across Sydney. At 5:30 pm it was decided to give it a go anyway and we braved storms and traffic jams to converge on Station Street, Rooty Hill, at 6:30 pm. Exceptions were Mike and Jo, who were unable to load up their bikes in the torrential rain, and Ros and John, who were behind schedule driving a truck somewhere along the East Coast. There was a lot of activity as bikes were assembled and tyres pumped up and, although several nasty-looking storms were hanging around, the weather was kind to Rooty Hill. We set out shortly before 7:00 pm and headed south across the Light Horse Interchange. Michael E, Nicholas, Murray and Graham set a cracking pace and arrived at “the water tap” well before those at the end of the party. Nicole and James used the stop as an opportunity to swap their bikes and passengers, with Angus getting on the tag-along and William into the bike trailer for the climb up to Elizabeth Drive. A further stop at The Horsely Drive allowed the party to re-group. Storms to the south provided us with impressive lightning strikes as we peddled up the hill while storm activity to west and north suggested the return trip might get wet. We finally arrived at Elizabeth Drive at around 8:30 pm. This location provided a view over the lights of Sydney’s south-west but also proved a muddy place to park our bikes. We re-assembled for the return trip north shortly before 9:00 pm, following a much-needed snack and drink. The appeal of the long downhill going further south was too much for Graham, though, and Mark and then Rick were sent off in hot pursuit to retrieve him (some three or so kilometres later). Most of the remaining cyclists set out on the return journey while Graham, Rick and Mark retraced their steps back up to Elizabeth Drive. Kim and Nicolas also stayed back so that Nicholas’ gear-less BMX could be shared around if needed. Some good downhill stretches on the way back which made for a quicker return trip. The rain held off despite ongoing storms in the area and an occasional breeze made for pleasant riding. Elanor, Murray and Michael led the group back to the cars, followed by Glenyss and Nicole (and William). Rebecca and James (and Angus) maintained a steady pace on the last leg and arrived shortly before the final group of Mark, Graham, Kim, Rick and Nicholas, who all peddled hard to arrive as soon as they did. All cars and bikes were loaded up and we departed shortly after 10:00 pm. Overall, the return ride was about 26.5 kilometres (and over 30 km for Graham and Mark!) and it was an enjoyable way to spend a Wednesday evening. James | |