Saturday Arvo Leisurely Coastal Cycle - The Beaches of Newcastle Loop - 12km

This is a free 12km leisurely guided bike ride at a very slow relaxed pace (15km/hr on the flat) showcasing quiet cycle routes around town.

• Ocean views & quaint inner city streets
• Mostly flat.
• Quiet streets & shared paths only.
• No high-speed, high-pressure roads
• Great for most skill and fitness levels.
• Low-stress routes linking multilple suburbs

Starting and finishing at Nobbys Beach, we cycle a lovely loop that passes by Newcastle, Bar, Dixon, and Merewether Beaches.

See map in photos below.

Come along to learn quiet cycle routes around town, meet others, enjoy the outdoors, and build cycling skills and confidence.

New members welcome. 10 spots. No children. Any questions, DM me or comment below :)

Start/finish point: the outdoor showers next to Nobbys Surfhouse.

Start time: meet at 4:45pm for a 5pm start
Finish time: 6:30pm or earlier

Cycling fitness level: very easy/ EASY/medium/hard/very hard (Easy topography but the distance makes it a Medium)

Distance: 12km
Pace: slow, leisurely, max 15km/hr
Active pedaling time: approx 1 hour
Topography: flat, except for 2 steep 50 metre hills, a 200 metre gentle-to-moderate hill (you can walk these if you like).
Infrastructure: 7.5km of shared paths, 5km of low-pressure, low-speed, low-traffic streets, two sets of low-pressure traffic lights
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You’ll need:

• Front & rear light if low-light conditions

• helmet

• bike with good working brakes and tyres pumped to the recommended PSI

• bike lock/s, phone and opal card in case of puncture (a repair kit if you have one)

• water bottle

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How we ride: We are a group of people with varying experience, confidence levels and cycling styles. The group's aim is to give people the skills & route knowledge to use their bike for everyday short trips. I lead the ride and provide instruction at certain junctions. We stick together & ride in an alert, slow manner. We position ourselves to be very visible, keeping clear of drivers' blind spots, & 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. We pass pedestrians slowly. You are responsible for your own safety at all times. Haven't cycled much on roads? Don't worry! It's all about building people's confidence. I give a safety briefing. Follow along and learn as you go! :)

Suitable for those who have recently learnt to ride through to those who are experienced. No prior experience on roads necessary.

However, you must be able to effectively: stop and start, pedal, steer, signal left and right, look over your shoulder to check for what's behind you, be always alert to upcoming hazards, and anticipate the behaviour of pedestrians and vehicles.
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This ride will showcase a low-pressure bike transport route that connects Nobbys Beach, Newcastle Beach, Hunter St Mall, Queens Wharf, Newcastle Library, Darby St, Bar Beach, Merewether Beach, the Watkins St shared path, The Junction Village shops, Cooks Hill.

Getting there

• By Bike: Cycleway maps - City of Newcastle (nsw.gov.au), or the group’s Komoot account https://www.komoot.com/tour/1831416099?ref=itd , or message me for a low-pressure route.
• Coming by train? Bikes travel free. Alight at Newcastle Interchange, then cycle about 10mins (3km) along the foreshore shared path to Nobbys.
• Parking: free at Nobbys Beach carpark. Or park at the Wickham outdoor carpark & cycle 10mins (3km) along the foreshore shared path to Nobbys.

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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 may result in cancellation.
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Great videos with tips on safe cycling principles for everyday city trips!
*: How to cycle safely at road junctions | Cycling UK (youtube.com)

• How to negotiate simple junctions when cycling | Commute Smart (youtube.com)
• Road positioning for cycling explained | Cycling UK

Facebook https://facebook.com/BikeAboutTownNewcastleNSW
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1831416099?ref=itd