Saturday Leisurely Cycle - Fernleigh Track: Adamstown to Redhead Beach Cafe

This is a free guided bike ride at a slow relaxed pace (15km/hr on the flat) along the Fernleigh Track from Adamstown Station to Redhead Beach cafe for coffee, and back. Option to start halfway at Whitebridge🤗🚲☕️🏄‍♀️🌳

The Fernleigh Track is a sealed shared path through beautiful bushland. Enjoy morning tea overlooking Redhead Beach.

In each direction it's 10km on the Fernleigh Track shared path, plus 1km of low-traffic streets.

Map below, and here is a link to the route on Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1896522252?ref=itd

This is a leisurely, social ride suitable for all types of bikes, and most skill levels.

It requires a moderate cycling fitness level.

I will ride at the back while on the Fernleigh, in case of any incidents.

Go at your own pace while on the Fernleigh (slow & leisurely, or faster).

We will stop & regroup at Whitebridge & at the Redhead turnoff, after which I will lead the group along the final 1km stretch of quiet streets to the beach.

New people very welcome. Any questions, don't hesitate! 18 spots only. No children.

Choose from two start points:

9am at Adamstown Station carpark, Park Ave.

• please arrive at 8:45am for a 9am departure
• 22km return
• approx pedaling time in each direction: 40- 50 minutes
• Message me if you're after a safe route to the start point
• Coming by train? Bikes travel free on opal card trips
• free parking at Adamstown station carpark

OR, 9:30am at the old Whitebridge Station

• meet us on the Fernleigh Track (where the black & white Whitebridge sign is), cnr of Hudson St & Station St
• 11km return
• approx pedaling time: 20 minutes there, 30-40 minutes back
• free on-street parking on Station St, Whitebridge
• we could be running 5-10mins late, but be there at 9:30am and you won't miss us!

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Finish time: approx 11:45am at Whitebridge, and approx 12pm at Adamstown
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Relative Cycling fitness level: very easy - easy - MEDIUM - hard - very hard

Topgraphy: On way there: 5km continuous gentle incline from Adamstown to Whitebridge; 5km of continuous gentle downhill from Whitebridge to Redhead (uphill on the way back!); 1km of fairly flat streets through Redhead, plus a brief 30 metre steep hill.

How it'll go:
9am - Depart Adamstown Station
9:30am Arrive at Whitebridge. Drink break. Toilets & a bubbler are here.
10:10am approx - Arrive at Redhead Beach cafe. Have coffee, a bite to eat. Toilets and a bottle-refilling tap are here.
11am - Depart Redhead
11:45am or earlier- Arrive at Whitebridge
12pm or earlier - Finish at Adamstown Station

What you'll need:

• helmet
• bike with good working brakes & tyres pumped to the recommended PSI
• bike lock/s
• phone & opal card in case of puncture (a repair kit if you have one)
• plenty of water, 1 litre recommended
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Suitable for: those who are new to riding a bike through to those who are experienced. No prior experience cycling on roads necessary.

You must be able to effectively: stop & start, pedal, steer, signal left & right, balance at an almost walking pace, look over your shoulder to check for what's behind you, be always alert to upcoming hazards, & anticipate the behaviour of pedestrians & vehicles.

How we ride: While on the road, I lead the ride. We stick together & ride in an alert, slow manner. We ride within the field of vision of drivers, keeping a predictable trajectory/speed. We ride in single file, clear of the doorzone & of the mouths of side-streets. We frequently take primary position (claiming the lane) to prevent unsafe passes, & to turn right. On shared paths, please slow to a safe speed to pass pedestrians & give them early warning as necessary. Give other path users a wide passing distance. If a safe passing distance is not possible, wait until it is safe to overtake. The How We Ride Policy & the RSVP Policy are located on the group's homepage. You are responsible for your own safety at all times.

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Indemnity and release of liability
By participating in this activity you unconditionally indemnify the organiser/host against any and all claims, demands, losses, injuries, damages, liabilities or other costs, whether present or future, relating to your participation and/or dealings with Bike About Town - Newcastle, including but not limited to, any accident, loss or damage to property or death or injury to any person.

If the weather is looking unfavourable, check the comments below for updates; heavy rain will result in cancellation.
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A video with key tips on safe cycling for everyday trips around town! 😎

• How to cycle safely at road junctions | Cycling UK (youtube.com)

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Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/user/4040550065485?ref=imk-qr