Metro train - Tallawong to Epping ride : October 29 2024

Got 3 more days of Great Cycle Challenge 2024 to go and just short of 100 kms to ride. Put together a plan to use the new Metro to get to Tallawong in the north west and ride back - that will be close to 50 kms. I have ridden that far a gazillion times

Trian to Chatswood and Metro from there. Interchanges were seconds. Got a spit in the wheelchair slot. Train pulled off at sone speed - bungee corded it to keep in place

Journey plan ringed - Chatswood to Tallawong. I was there

Bike parked at Tallawong ready for the ride home. An easy ride along bike paths until crossing the M7 and M2 and then onto known back streets into Epping

Selfie for a change

Bike paths into Ponds Parklands - a few quiet kms of newly constructed bike paths

Iconic Aboriginal art - spears upright on a semicircle - gymea lilies too

Saw a sign saying be aware of snakes. Just then saw this lizard sunning itself on the track. It allowed me to get quite close

Just below on the edge of the water - also in the sun - a red bellied black snake. About a metre long

Long run along the Northwest T-way bike path - easy cycling on a smooth road mostly downhill

Cross the freeway - views to Parramatta town centre

Jacaranda view to Parramatta

Road from here has a few ups and downs. Was really struggling - put in any exertion and developed a thumping head ache and pain in chest and weak legs. Stopped for lunch and coffee break in North Rocks to gather strength.

Pushed every hill from here - could ride bottom third only

Here is a sample from the ride record - 10 years ago climbed this in 39 seconds and pushed today

This underpass was a welcome sight - not too far to Epping Station. Got a way to get home without cycling the big hill from Lane Cove NP

Epping Station beckons - train to Hornsby and then home to Gordon

Got 30 kms done - not quite the plan but it pays to listen to what the body is telling you. The average speed tells the story. Might have to visit the doctor to find out what is going on

Got two more days of the Great Cycle Challenge to go. Not going to get to 400 kms but have passed the total ridden in the past 6 months. 6 months in a month feels like a win

Dinner: Cottage pie

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Cycling, Daily Activity, House Chores