Adventure Day at Sydney Park launches Rides Festival

Mountain boarding, parkour, a super cross track and BMX stunts will turn Sydney Park into an adventure playground to launch Sydney’s biggest bike festival on Saturday 10th October.

The all-day Sydney Rides the Park event kicks off just after dawn with free yoga for bike riders. There will also be a super cross track and mountain boarding with kids of all ages running, vaulting and climbing Sydney Park’s green hills.

Balance bike workshops will give confidence for those learning to ride, while those needing more inspiration can enjoy BMX stunts from the big air school team.

Children can also explore an edible garden, take part in a planta-pot workshop and learn about native animals at the Taronga zoo-mobile.

Those taking part in Sydney Rides the Parkcould also win a new bike by collecting three Sydney Rides stamps to enter the prize draw.

New bike tracks and routes at Sydney Park include a shaded learn-to-ride area for cycling courses, a ‘wetland explorer’ bike route for older riders and a two-kilometre circuit linking the major zones of the park.

Introducing the day, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated “it’s a great opportunity to get out, get active and explore one of Sydney’s best parks.

“This year’s Sydney Rides Festival will be our biggest ever, and you don’t need a bike to be involved – with everything from film nights to night-time discovery rides, there’s something for everyone.”

“Bike riding is one of the most effective ways for children and adults to improve their fitness.”

An award-winning children’s playground next to the bike tracks includes tactile play equipment to stimulate the senses of touch, hearing and sight.

Other Sydney Rides Festival highlights include:

Sydney Rides Challenge (10th to 31st October)
An online competition allowing riders to clock their trips and kilometres to compete for great prizes.

Sydney Rides to Eat (10th to 31st October)
Visit supporting local cafes and restaurants for rider freebies and discounts during the Sydney Rides Festival.

Light the City Discovery Rides (13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 27th and 29th October)
Sign up for a stunning evening Discovery Ride showcasing the joy and exhilaration of riding at night.

Suit Ride (Ride2Work Day 14th October)
Don a business best and join city workers on a Midday Sydney Suit Ride and lunch to celebrate National Ride2Work Day.

Sydney Rides Film Night (15th October)
A selection of bicycle inspired films from around the globe at Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay.

How to Cycle with Style for Women and Men (16th October)
Vélo-à-Porter’s Sarah Imm is passionate about combining riding and fashion. In this workshop at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, Sarah will show cycling fashionistas how to cycle with style.

Dirt Film Night (16th October)
Held in an old warehouse on the harbour, Pier 2/3, Dirt will be an eventful night of off-road films, bike games and a pop-up bar.

Explore Your Wild Ride: Night Ride Workshop (17th October)
Presented by Sutherland Shire Cycling Club, beginner and intermediate mountain bike riders can join this free workshop for practical tips on riding at night. It includes a guided night ride in the Royal National Park.

Saturday Slowies (17th, 24th and 31st October)
Grab your bike and join a relaxed weekend ride through Newtown and Redfern to Centennial Park. Cruise the flats or take to the hills for a more strenuous ride before returning to Marrickville for brunch at the Marrick Café.

Spring Cycle (18th October)
Join Sydney’s most iconic bike ride and choose either 12, 50 or 105 kilometres for a picturesque ride through the city. The family City Ride rides finishes in festival style at Pirrama Park, Pyrmont, or make the extra journey to the final finish line at Sydney Olympic Park.

Copenhagenize Sydney (20th October)
In partnership with the Danish Consulate, this event brings together world cycling experts from Denmark.

Roller Racing (24th October)
An event at The Standard in Taylor Square featuring bands, DJs, pinball machines, 10-pin bowling and roller racing on stationary bikes.

Tour De Hunters Hill (25th October)
Enjoy a guided ride around stately Hunters Hill as the jacarandas are blooming.

Light the City (31st October)
A night-time ride like no other, experience light installations and special effects on a 2.5-kilometre loop around Sydney’s stunning harbour at twilight.

Visit www.sydneyridesfestival.net for program details and booking information.

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