If you feel like something short and sweet before the start of a busy day, the Lane Cove National Park may be just the treat. It is not a huge park, and the entry gates stay locked until 9am which means car-free road riding until then. With free parking near the gate on Lady Game Drive, I was riding on the weir by 7:30am and already there were cyclists everywhere.

The park has a single main road of about 7kms with many smaller trails that lead into separate picnic areas and reserves. So, the mileage you clock up is by exploring the various sections. It’s a bush-lovers paradise.

Wha’s there to see? All the usual park activities: fishing, canoeing, a swan snuggling a dinghy…and lots of walkers, like Jen who stopped for a chat (thanks for the tip about the Ourimbah Forest trails).

The road and tracks rise and fall; easy on an ebike but many riders use regular bikes. It’s also nice to lock your bike and explore some tracks.

The Strava map may suggest a delirious rider, but its only me exploring; such a pretty area and I was in no hurry. Only 20kms in total over 1.5 hours: a great way to start a day. If you want to try it, remember the 9am car-free curfew.