I think this has just become my new favourite cycle route. 70km of magic scenery! Well, OK maybe their is a few KM of fairly ordinary main roads along the way… But for the most part, the ride from Manly to Akuna Bay is just gorgeous.
Following the coast line for as long as possible winding North from Manly until you get to Mccarrs Creek rd. Then it is a nice undulating ride up to West Head rd. This is a gorgeous section of rd which slowly changes from bay side suburbia into tree lined road as it winds deeper into the national park.
Descending down into Akuna Bay is a 4km or so down hill dream run… except for a few nasty little bumps which will jolt you quite quickly back into reality if you are spending too much time watching the scenery and not enough time focusing on the road. 😉
Stopped in Akuna Bay to refill the water bottles as it was a stinking hot day… and a quick coffee (thanks Ravi)
The west side of Akuna Bay is a fairly solid climb out of the valley. My good mate Ravi is still getting his cycling legs sorted out (he has only been on the bike for 3 weeks… yet he is pulling out 70km rides!! that is awesome!) so it was a nice easy ride back to the top. We passed a couple of guys who were jogging up this hill… then they passed us. These guys were machines just powering up the hill at a solid 8km an hour. Hats off to them.
Then back to Manly for second breakfast… bacon, eggs, beans, cheese and a strong coffee! Oh Yeah!!