Mosman Alps is a challenging, hilly ride for experienced riders and people who wish to test their climbing ability. The route includes various steep pinches and stunning viewpoints as their reward.
The ride is less about speed, and more about testing oneself climbing up some of Sydney’s steepest streets.
The ride departs from The Square at 5:15am sharp. However, most riders join at either the corner of Wattle Street and Broadway (at 5.30am sharp) or Pyrmont Bridge (western side) (at 5.35am). It then heads over the Harbour Bridge and into Mosman, Balmoral, The Spit and back via Cremorne. The exact route changes weekly depending on the consensus of the group. No matter which hills are taken, the ride generally covers about 55km of distance and 1000m in elevation. The bunch will regroup at top of all major climbs.
We recommend being comfortable riding Eastern Hills and riding in variable traffic conditions. If you do not stop for coffee / breakfast (at Milsons Point), you can expect to be back at the Harbour Bridge shortly after 7.30am.
This can be a really tough ride, especially if you are not used to climbing. Some of the hills reach gradients well above 10%. The climbs are relatively short in comparison to, say, the Gorges or Akuna Bay, but with their steepness, they can be tough.
Yes, there are ways to skip some hills and even return early. However, there will not be someone able to show you the way, so you will need to be familiar with the roads in order to do so.
You should have decent climbing experience (and a thirst for a challenge)! At a minimum, you should be comfortable riding Eastern Hills.
Photos by Mark Ross, Bike Racing Sydney, Richard Scriven, Thomas Ellis, Tarryn Myburgh and various DHBC members. Website by TM Creates
