Katharine & Paul wrote
Quoted message said:Are there any group rides leaving from inner city areas on weekdays?
Assuming you want road rides there are heaps - just cruising around
Centennial Park any morning (but esp on a Tuesday or Thursday) any time
after 7am you will get you chatting to any one of 2 or 3 cycling club or the
same number of tri clubs warming down and usually in chat mode (usually
training from 5.45am, done by 7).
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons after 4pm will get you a fast bunch ride in
the park.
Saturday or Sunday there is a coffee caravan in the middle of the park with
bunchs coming in after about 8.30 - good place to meet cyclists.
Suggest you cruise around and chat to riders in wind down mode about their
rides - different groups do different things - if you are an experienced
bunch rider most groups don't mind you joining them if you ask, and after
having chatted to a few make your choice.
Quoted message said:Also, are there any velodromes near the city, or on a quick train ride out
of the city which the public can use? ie - open any time, no charge to
use?
Graded flat track road racing at Heffron Park (30 minutes from the city down
Anzac Parade) every Saturday afternoon. You can access the track anytime but
watch the surface - up to the standard of most of Sydneys roads - get used
to calling holes
Only inner city velodrome I am aware of that is still functional is just
across the road from Tempe railway station - short train ride from the city
and I think they still race Wednesdays - its only opened up for booked
fixtures so you would need to check times. The flash Dunc Gray velodrome is
a cut lunch and a compass away (try over an hour) and I think has races most
Fridays and Saturdays - good venue to watch races.
Quoted message said:
Any other tips for cycling in Sydney?
You could look at the Roads and Traffic Authorities maps of cycle friendly
roads (a work of fiction) at -
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficinformation/bicycles/bicyclemaps/index.html
there is also a commercial guide of off road cycling paths at -
http://www.bikepaths.com.au/
But I really think you are better off getting with an experienced bunch and
chatting about rides and whats happening.
If you are not put off by clubs you could try any of -
http://www.sydneycyclingclub.org.au/
http://www.waratahvcc.asn.au/
http://www.randwickbotanycc.com/News.htm
all of which conduct well organised safe rides and races.
Bike shops can also be useful - try Clarence St Cyclery in the middle of the
city or Cheeky Monkey near central railway for advice.
There are bike shops in Clovelly Rd near Centennial Park that will hire
bikes (? quality) if you need one.
Hope you enjoy yourselves - best Andrew (remove the .x1 to reply)
Quoted message said:Paul
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficinformation/bicycles/bicyclemaps/index.html
http://www.bikepaths.com.au/