Thirroul to (almost?) Kiama

This is an oft-scenic cruise for fit cyclists capable of 50 flat-ish km. Being coastal, the route minimizes summer heat.

We follow the popular 15km to Wollongong waterfront, then continue to Port Kembla, Lake Illawarra and Shellharbour. We divert to view the new developments at Shell Cove, then continue to Minnamurra (53km), and to Kiama (60km) if body/battery permit.

Almost all of the route can be on paths and backstreets. The leader will sometimes give choice of path or adjacent road, regrouping often. There are some short sharp climbs in the final 7km after Minnamurra Station.

We start ASAP after arrival of train due 8:51, that left Bondi Jn at 7:13. (Research best station for you).

With reasonable progress, we should easily catch the 3:05pm train back, due Bondi Jn 5:31. The previous train, 1:56pm from Kiama, may be possible, especially if joining at Shellharbour Jn. or Minnamurra.

Coffee waterside around Wollongong after 14 or 15km (we may split). Lunch waterside at Shellharbour after 43km: BYO or buy at options nearby.

Several loo/water options on the route. Rail-bail options nearby throughout first 26km, then gap to 49km: Shellharbour Junction (46km if skipping our lunch stop and Shell Cove).

Cycling can be an enjoyable and exciting activity. However, like many recreational activities that require physical exertion, cycling carries with it the risk of physical injury. The risks associated with cycling include the risk that:

• you may be involved in a collision with people, animals, objects and/or vehicles;
• you may lose your balance;
• you may suffer from the effects of heat, cold, wind, rain and other weather conditions;
• you may suffer from physical exertion;
• you may become separated from the cycling group; and
• you may fall from your bicycle.

These risks may result in death, bodily injury, disability, property damage and economic loss. There are other risks to which you may be exposed. You should ensure that you wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment, including a helmet.

By participating in the cycling activities provided by the organising Bicycle NSW Affiliated Bicycle User Group, you agree:

• to obey all Australian and NSW road rules;
• that your bicycle and equipment is in good mechanical order.
• to comply with all directions given to you by Bicycle NSW employees or agents of the organising Bicycle User Group;
• to take full and sole responsibility for any person under the age of 18 years who accompanies you in these cycling activities;
• that you participate at your own risk; that the agreement for services provided to you by the organising Bicycle User Group does not include any implied or express warranty that the services of the organising Bicycle User Group will be rendered with due care and skill or that any materials provided by the organising Bicycle User Group in connection with the cycling activities will be fit for the purpose for which they are supplied;
• that the organising Bicycle User Group has no liability to you for personal injury or death arising from the services that the organising Bicycle User Group provides to you; and

to indemnify organising Bicycle User Group against any claim, loss, damage, liability, cost and expense that may be incurred or sustained by the organising Bicycle User Group in connection with any act, matter or thing done, permitted or omitted to be done by you or which was in any way connected with your involvement in the cycling activities.
An approved Australian Standards helmet is required to be worn on all rides. No helmet, no ride. No exceptions. Please ensure your bike is in good working order and bring a spare tube, a pump, tyre levers, a full water bottle and any other tools you may require. It is also recommended you bring money for food and/or fares and your mobile phone.

Children – these rides are not a child minding service. Every rider under the age of 18 must be under the direct supervision of a parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must watch and control their children for the duration of the ride. The parent/guardian agrees to take full and sole responsibility for their children’s safety. Please contact the Ride Leader in advance to discuss the suitability of a ride for your children.

Feedback can be sent to rides@bicyclensw.org.au