Most regular riders have a favourite local ‘rat run’ which you default to when you don’t want to plan a new ride or transport your bike somewhere else. This one is mine.
Sydney’s Northern Beaches is a tightly defined region, with the Pacific Ocean on the east, Pittwater to the North and West, and Sydney Harbour to the south. So there is only one ‘spinal route’, and it never strays far from the beaches. You can link sections of shared paths, trails, footpaths and quiet streets, thus avoiding busy roads.
Strava route link:
This ride went from Manly Harbour, North Head, Manly Beach, Queenscliff, Freshwater, Curl Curl and Dee Why. It then steered towards Narrabeen Lake, then up to Beacon Hill, Wakehurst, and Seaforth. The Lake was avoided as too busy on weekends. The ride is adjustable in length, and I often stretch it to Mona Vale instead of returning via Beacon Hill.
A few photos and a 5 minute GoPro clip show the typical sights of an early Sunday summer morning on the Northern Beaches. Week-days are quieter of course, but there is something lovely about seeing masses of humanity get outdoors after the weirdness of 2020.
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eBiker Diary 
Richard, just recently did that ride though I came back via Manly Dam. I drove down from Brisbane last month and completed a number of your rides, Narrabeen to Manly rtn,Gladesville bridge to bridge, Manly to the spit rtn, there were a lot of steep hills and dead ends on that ride. Terry hills to West head via the Centre trail. The Parramatta ride and on leaving Sydney I dropped into The Entrance to ride around the lake. I am looking forward to returning to Sydney in the new year when the weather gets a little cooler to take on a few more on the south side,Tony
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Great to hear from you Tony; so glad to know that other riders are trying these routes.
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I could almost smell the bush at North Head. What a great “local ‘Rat Run'”. Jealous!
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This is a great ride with fantastic scenery!
I start at Dee Why and do the ride to Mona Vale via Long Reef Golf Course, then back to Dee Why via the west side of Narrabeen Lake and Cromer, before heading to Many via the cycle paths through Brookvale, and heading back to Dee Why via Fairlight, Harboard and Curl Curl. I generally do this ride on a Monday or Tuesday morning to avoid the crowds!
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Pure heaven Alf!
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Another great post – what a wonderful regular ride for you, such a beautiful part of the world. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for commenting Kathryn.
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Wow. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Victor
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You’re welcome Victor.
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