The GABBA

A flat ride around Brisbane? We don't think so!!! Here's a challenging ride that will take you through Galston Gorge,  Arcadia, Berowra Waters, Brooklyn, And back.

Do the Gabba and you'll be on a super scenic roller coaster ride through Sydney's northern outskirts. The ride begins with a twisty descent into the cool reaches of Galston Gorge followed by a challenging climb out.  Then you'll roll through the orchards and rural settings around Arcadia before returning to sea level for the ferry across Berowra Waters. Off the ferry you go on a longer but easier climb up to Old Pacific Highway. A few kilometres on and it's all downhill to the Hawkesbury.  Turn into Brooklyn and sample the delicious local oysters and fish and, depending on how you feel, climb back out and return via Pacific Highway, or…hop on the train!

Detailed Directions

0.0 Have you checked the website to make sure the ferry isn't in for maintenance? Great! Let's go.  Turn into Galston Road from Pacific Highway.

2.8 You'll start your descent into the Gorge at this point. Be especially careful on the switchback turns, approaching each turn as wide as possible to ensure you stay in your lane.  Keep your speed well down and you should be OK.  Remember to keep your weight back so you have better control of your bike.

6.0 At the bottom, breathe in the cool air and have a look around.  The first of two bridges affords a nice view of Berowra Creek.  The second bridge just 100 metres ahead is a wood bridge. Take care crossing it and walk it if it's slippery. One more breath of relaxing cool air and you're on your way up! Shift down and settle into a steady rhythm.  It's 3.3km to the top and the middle part is the hardest.

9.3 Congratulations!  Knew you could do it!

10.4 At the roundabout turn right into Arcadia Road. You're headed to Berowra Waters. Over the next 10 kilometres you'll enjoy the gentle rolling scenery of Arcadia and Berrilee.  You'll pass by colourful orchards and lovely rural properties.  Enjoy it and soak up the sunshine.  Arcadia Road becomes Bay Road along the way, but you wouldn't know it for all the scenery.

20.5 Down you go!  You've got a 3.6km descent to the Ferry.  There are a few tight turns and bumps along the way so don't let it all hang out.  Berowra Waters appears seemingly out of nowhere.

24.1 Go past the marina and take the road to the very end where the ferry departs. The ferry runs continuously during the day so you won't have to wait long if it's not there waiting for you already.  The metal grates of the ferry are slippery so walking on is advisable. Even then, be careful if you've got your roadie cycling shoes on. On the other side you'll climb gradually for 4.3km.  Enjoy the views of Berowra Waters as you climb.  It's picture post card material in places.

28.4 You've reached the top. Turn right (see the sidebar on the Polar S710!) at the first roundabout and follow the signs to Pacific Highway-Sydney-Hornsby.

30.1 The traffic light is Pacific Highway. Turn left and go north.

31.4 Veer left on Route 83 to Cowan. Most of traffic hops on the freeway so you'll have a relatively peaceful ride to Cowan and Brooklyn from this point.  On weekends many motorcyclists frequent this route but don't be daunted by this.  They're aware that many cyclists enjoy this route too.

38.3 Pie in The Sky is on your right.  Drop in for a cup of coffee or a pie to top up the fuel tank. Check out the view all the way to the Hawkesbury River.  That's where you're headed next!  The descent starts just after Pie in the Sky.  There are one or two tight turns and one patch that's usually wet since it never sees any sunshine.  Until you know the descent well, take care and feather on the brakes as need be.  A good way down, you'll cross over the freeway and then take a steep sweep to the left.

42.6 Turn right on the road that leads to Brooklyn.  It's well marked and just at the point where things level out.  It's another 3.7km to the Hawkesbury River Marina and the train.

46.3 When you get into town, there's plenty of places to eat including a little shack by the train station that has fresh oysters and fish that are loaded off boats just 100 metres away.  In fact, the entire area has plentiful oyster farms and lots of fishing activity. If you want to meet others and eat at one of the nicer restaurants, be sure you book in advance.  You might try Riverside Brooklyn restaurant at the Marina on a sunny day if you have the time. The views are great and so is the food.  Lunch or not, from here it's back by train or bicycle.  Let's ride on.  Retrace your route out of Brooklyn.

50.0 Turn left at Old Pacific Highway and climb to Pie in the Sky. Once you pass Pie in The Sky at 54.3km, the road levels out and gently rolls on past Berowra. Stay on Pacific Highway all the way into the outskirts of Hornsby. As you approach Hornsby, there's more traffic but also a well-defined bike lane on the shoulder to take you in.

71.4 You'll come to a fork in the road here. Asquith train station is on your left. Most traffic goes straight on Jersey Street. You want to veer right, though, continuing on Pacific Highway toward Galston. Take care getting into the right lane. The light at the train station may help you get across.

72.3 The next light is Hookhams Corner.  You're back now.  Oh, and by the way, you ascended a total of 1,166 metres over your journey. Well done!

We gave our Polar S710 heart rate monitor (and the heart driving it) a good workout on this ride. Here's the graph.

Treat the brown altitude line as a relative curve.  (I hadn't calibrated the altitude prior to starting.)  Also, the distance is 3.2km longer because I took a left turn at the Berowra roundabout. The yellow area bounded by red is my heartrate (no comments please!) and the blue line is my so-called "speed".