This has been an annual Bike North event, going back a number of years. Future Spring Classic weekends will be published here.
The last Spring Classics weekend went to Port Stephens – 10th to 13th November 2022.
The weekend was a lot of fun. This is what was planned:
The Bike North Ride Leader was John Williams willijoh@fastmail.fm ph 0409-324-317
Explore Port Stephens, by bike. We will be based at Nelson Bay, two hours drive north of Hornsby. Rides will be at a gentle pace, with the whole point being to have a look around while we ride.
COVID RULES:
The rides will be run under Bike North Covid Safe protocols in force at the time and will include limited ride numbers. Note: Bike North membership and pre-registration is required for these rides.
Rides Summary
| Date | Cycling & Activities |
| Thursday 10th November | 1pm Start. Port Stephens – Nelson Bay, visiting Anna, Graham and Bob (Easy/medium) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38659605 Optional ride for those who can come a day early. |
| Friday 11th November | 1pm Start. Port Stephens – Nelson Bay to Fingal Bay Explorer (Easy) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38659675 A chance to explore the sublime Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay. Coffee on the beach at Nelson Bay near the end of the ride |
| Saturday 12th November | 9am Start. Port Stephens – Nelson Bay to Birubi Point (Easy) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38659760 Coffee on the beach at Birubi Point, for morning tea. Stockton Beach is the longest beach in NSW and longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere and curves in a gentle south-trending arc from Birubi Point for 31.8 km to the mouth of the Hunter River at Newcastle These truly awe-inspiring dunes reach heights of over 30 metres with slopes of up to 60 degrees, to form a majestic landscape. Join us for a lunch at the famous Bub’s Fish and Chips at Nelson Bay to finish. |
| Sunday 13th November | 9am Start Port Stephens – Nelson Bay to Soldiers Point (Easy) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38659873 Coffee at Soldiers Point |
These will be led rides and conducted under the ride protocols of Bike North with a sign on sheet, briefing at the start etc. Rides are mostly on road with some cycle paths or on-road cycle lanes.
All rides will leave from Admiral Nelson Motel, Gower St Nelson Bay. This is 500m from Wests Diggers Club in Nelson Bay.
Participation
Riders must be 18 years and over. Restricted to members of BN. (got friend who wants to come with you – easy; have them join BN $35).
Registration
Pre-registration via the Rides Calendar or send an email to John Williams willijoh@fastmail.fm
Gear.
Normal on bike requirements, warm clothing for on and off the bike. Include a wet weather jacket if forecast include showers. If you plan to use your bike for evening transport – make sure you have lights on your bike.
Meals:
Breakfasts, up to you. Coffee stops on every ride. There will be and an early lunch stop on Saturday’s ride for those who wish, or a chance for a second coffee.
Dinners: Final details on the evening meal options will be discussed on the Spring Classics weekend. Make your own arrangements, or, for those who would like to join us, venues being considered are:
Thursday Newcastle & Port Stephens Game Fish Club, 57 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
Friday Gianni’s Italian Restaurant, 55 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay (02) 49811334.
Saturday Wests Diggers Club, 88 Shoal Bay Rd, Nelson Bay
Sunday Newcastle & Port Stephens Game Fish Club, 57 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay. For those who will be saying the extra night
Transport
Transport to and from Port Stephens will be the responsibility of participants. Travelling by train to Newcastle is an option, but you will have to ride the flat 50km to, and from, Newcastle to Nelson Bay.
Accommodation
Participants need to make their own accommodation bookings. Some of us will be staying at the Admiral Nelson Motor Inn, Gowrie St., Nelson Bay. The Admiral Nelson will give you a discount if you book direct.
Admiral Nelson Motor Inn,16-18 Gowrie Avenue, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 info@admiralnelson.com.au. Phone them on (02) 4984 9902 and ask for the direct booking discount, or, book on their website 10% OFF – CODE ’LOYALTY’ –
OR, you can make your own arrangements, to suit yourself. There is an Information Centre at Nelson Bay (phone: 1800 808 900, or http://portstephens.org.au ) which can provide a choice of accommodation including apartments, B&B, hotels, motels, resorts, holiday homes, holiday parks and backpackers.
Previous Spring Classic Locations
Spring 2021 – we were in Covid lockdown: 2020 Bundanoon