In memory of dad celebration – Bloom Family 17.12.20

Wendy wanted to organise a “In memory of dad celebration”. “My husband passed away 2 years ago tomorrow and we have decided to celebrate him as a family every year by doing something fun together. We are really looking forward to our ride.” His wife and three kids are doing a wonderful thing, having fun keeping his memory alive. He would want that.

So, our trike riders Craig and Steve picked them up from their hotel. Even though they live in the north west of Sydney, they stay in the city for a mini holiday.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

Kirribilli

Next, after riding across the Harbour Bridge they rode past Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. After that, they rode around the corner to Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge. A perfect place to stop for photos.

The Kirribilli Loop

They rode under the north side of the bridge and continued on their tour. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. So far, the in memory of dad celebration is a lot of fun.

They continued riding on through North Sydney and Crows Nest before joining River Road. It is a fun road to ride on. River Road leads to Burns Bay Road which, in turn, leads to another bridge but not one of the main three.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

The Fig Tree Bridge opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. After that bridge, they continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. Then they got to bridge #2 of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city.

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road. They travelled along for a short while before turning off into the inner west suburb of Drummoyne. Following the shoreline of Iron Cove, which is part of the Parramatta River, they saw some lovely water views. It is part of the 7 km long Bay Run. So far, the fun 3bridges trike tour was a huge success.

ANZAC Bridge

Our favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #3. Similarly, it is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view.

Most noteworthy, the stay cable design concept development and final design for the new bridge were carried out by the Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW. Finally, the bridge was opened to traffic on 03 December 1995 as the Glebe Island Bridge.

The bridge was given its current name on Remembrance Day in 1998 to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as Anzacs) who served in World War I.

However, time was nearly up so Steve dropped our passengers at their drop off place. The In memory of dad celebration was just that – plenty of fun and very memorable. A wonderful way to celebrate life and memories. Feel the freedom!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

surprise celebration trike transfer – Denise + Nicky 11.12.20

Nicky organised a surprise celebration trike transfer for her friend Denise. She wrote: “It’s my friend’s birthday in a few days and she is also nearly finished with her PhD. So I wanted to treat her (and me) to a trike ride. I have organised a little birthday dinner for her at Newtown. Denise lives with cerebral palsy and uses 2 crutches to move around.” Yes, we can tie the crutches to the trike.

Brighton-Le-Sands

Our trike rider Brian, picked our passengers up from home in Peakhurst. A southern suburb of Sydney. Firstly, they drove along side the Georges River, also known as Tucoerah River. The total length of the Georges River is around 100 km long. Next, they rode towards Brighton-Le-Sands and alongside Botany Bay. So far, the surprise celebration trike transfer is so much fun!

La Perouse

Then they rode around the southern perimeter of Sydney Airport. This led them to La Perouse. La Perouse is an important part of Sydney’s history. It’s where Captain Arthur Phillip’s First Fleet initially landed in 1788 before deciding on Sydney Cove. The area is named after a French explorer who missed the First Fleet by days.

However, time was nearly up so they rode through the city to the drop-off point – at a restaurant in King Street Newtown. In conclusion, the surprise celebration trike transfer was a real surprise and a huge success.

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/la-perouse

Georges River

The Georges River is an urban river in southern Sydney. It flows from the headwaters on the Illawarra escarpment and Appin down to the river mouth at Botany Bay. The catchment area of the Georges River covers an area of approximately 960 km2. It’s population is approximately 1.5 million people.

The water is fresh above Liverpool Weir and is tidal and saltier below the weir down to Botany Bay. The Georges River catchment is home to almost 1.4 million people and 454 species of fauna (including aquatic and land animals). Also home to 30 riparian or riverside vegetation communities and 29 Endangered Ecological Communities.

fun trike tour present – Gloria + Rhonda 10.12.20

Gloria organised a fun trike tour present for her sister and a friend. The friend had to work so Gloria had the ride with Rhonda instead. They are from outer NSW and came to Sydney for a holiday.

Our trike rider David picked them up from outside the Novotel Brighton-le-Sands. They really wanted to go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so David made sure he took them. Firstly, they rode around the back of the airport, it’s still quiet but is picking up. Next, they rode through the city. There wasn’t much time for sightseeing but riding on a trike through the city is a lot of fun. You will see things you have never noticed from inside a car.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

After that, they rode over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic. The fun trike tour present was such a success.

Blues Point Reserve

After you ride off the Harbour Bridge, a left hand turn and a ride up a few streets, leads to Blues Point Reserve. The views over Blues Bay towards the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD are just stunning. All the more stunning because of the lovely weather.

After a stop for a stretch and a few photos, they hopped back on the trike and David took them back over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They rode back through the city. However, time was up so he dropped the passengers back at their hotel. In conclusion, the fun trike tour present was a winner!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Blues Point was named after Billy Blue, a convict who arrived in Sydney on the Minorca on 14 December 1801, transported for stealing a bag of sugar. Physically imposing, he was described as a “strapping Jamaican Negro ‘a very Hercules in proportion’ with a bright eye and a jocular wit”. (credit: Wikipedia).

post lockdown trike tour – Eloise + Hannah 08.12.20

Now that all the states are opening up, we are doing a few post lockdown trike tour. Hanna is from the Sutherland area of Sydney. Eloise is from South Australia and is over for a couple of days for work. They both took a day work off to catch up.

Craig our trike rider picked them up from Milsons Point, on the north side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He took them on the 3 Bridges tour.

Kirribilli

Firstly, they rode past Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. After that, they rode around the corner to Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge. A perfect place to stop for photos.

The Kirribilli Loop

They rode under the north side of the bridge and continued on their tour. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool.

They continued riding on through North Sydney and Crows Nest before joining River Road. It is a fun road to ride on. River Road leads to Burns Bay Road which, in turn, leads to another bridge but not one of the main three.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

The Fig Tree Bridge opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. After that bridge, they continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. Then they got to bridge #2 of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city. So far, post lockdown trike tour was a big success.

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road. They travelled along for a short while before turning off into the inner west suburb of Drummoyne. Following the shoreline of Iron Cove, which is part of the Parramatta River, they saw some lovely water views. It is part of the 7 km long Bay Run. So far, the fun 3bridges trike tour was a huge success.

ANZAC Bridge

Our favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #3. Similarly, it is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view. Most noteworthy, the stay cable design concept development and final design for the new bridge were carried out by the Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW. Finally, the bridge was opened to traffic on 03 December 1995 as the Glebe Island Bridge.

The bridge was given its current name on Remembrance Day in 1998 to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as Anzacs) who served in World War I.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

After riding over the ANZAC Bridge, they rode over the flyover and saw Barangaroo on the left. Next, they rode over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

However, time was nearly up so Craig dropped our passengers back at their car. The post lockdown trike tour was such a fun experience and very memorable. Feel the freedom!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

70th birthday Harley tour – Mary 06.12.20

The 70th birthday Harley tour was organised as a surprise for Mary. Her daughter Leanne knows how much her Mum loves riding on a Harley. As Leanne wrote later, “She was like a little kid waving her arms when she realised Pat was taking her on a ride”.

We organised our Harley rider Pat to pick Mary up from her home in Narrabeen. We love the northern beaches, it is such a great place to explore. Beautiful beaches, national park with a few curves in the road.

Firstly, they rode up Powder Works Rd. It’s fun on a bike as it is bendy and you really do feel the freedom of being on a bike. Then it was onto Mccarrs Creek Rd. Almost straight away they rode into the lovely Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. So far, the surprise 70th birthday Harley tour was a huge success.

Church Point

Next, Church Point which is home to artists and authors. The sublime waters are perfect for boats of all shapes and sizes. The road leads to Mona Vale which back at the coast. After that, they headed north to Palm Beach.

Palm Beach

There’s a reason that Palm Beach doubles up as the setting for Summer Bay, the fictional beach in TV show Home & Away, the golden sand and sparkling blue sea make it look too good to be true. But there’s more than just sea and sand here, explore Barrenjoey Head, Sydney’s northernmost seaside point and lots more.

What makes Palm Beach, a narrow peninsular, so spectacular is its unbeatable location. It won nature’s lottery and is surrounded by water on three sides: Pittwater to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and Broken Bay to the north at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, which meanders inland to historic Windsor.

After having a look around Palm Beach and stopping for a stretch and photos, they hoped back on the Harley and headed south. Pat rode past the beautiful beaches along the coast. However, time was nearly up so he headed back to Narrabeen and dropped Mary off at her home. In conclusion, the 70th birthday Harley tour was a huge success.

Testimonial

Hi Katrina,

The Harley ride was a surprise for my mum for her 70th bday.

She was like a little kid waving her arms when she realised Pat was taking her on a ride.

Mum had an absolutely great time and said Pat was a great driver. She’s done a Harley ride at for 35, 50 and 70th birthdays. She was full of adrenaline and smiling all afternoon at her party.

Here is a great pic I got and perfect timing of the hot rod driving behind her.

Thanks again to Pat.

Regards,
Leanne

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

92nd birthday Harley ride – Les 05.12.20

Andrew contacted us to organise something for his Dad. We ended up organising a 92nd birthday Harley ride for his Dad Les. A Harley ride has been on Les’ bucket list forever. As Andrew said, it’s taken me sooo long to find the perfect present for Dad.

Les knew exactly where he wanted to go. He wanted to do the famous Old Pacific Road route to Mt White. Then he wanted to stop at the Road Warrior Cafe for a stretch and a coffee.

Old Pacific Highway

Our Harley rider Phil picked Les up at home on the northern beaches. Firstly they rode along the amazing, curvy and bendy Old Pacific Highway. As the NSW Government website says: “A short – but sweet – ride through national park, full of slices of history and the ever-popular Pie in the Sky café. Older, more unpredictable corners up to Mount White are to be treated with caution, even for experienced riders.” How good is the 92nd birthday Harley ride so far!!

After a good chat at the cafe, Phil rode them back to Les’ home in the Upper North Shore of Sydney.

In conclusion, the 92nd birthday Harley ride was a huge success, see below.

When Phil emailed us the photos, he wrote,
“Great guy. Took us a while to get him on the bike but from then on it was easy. He’s now scrubbed it off his bucket list.
We went there Old Pacific H’way and came back the Motorway after having a long chat at the Road Warrior. It was a good ride.”

Testimonial

Hi Katrina,
Dad had a great ride and he thoroughly enjoyed Phil.  It seems both are engineers.  Thank you and Phil so much for Dad’s adventure.

Thanks for the photos and it is ok to use a photo on your social media.

Rgds
Andrew

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/
Here is an interesting post about the Old Pacific Highway. http://www.storiesofbike.com/stories/old-pac

A Harbour Bridge trike tour – John + Nancy 04.12.20

A last minute decision to do something fun! Yes, we can organise a Harbour Bridge trike tour for the next day. John + Nancy are staying at Watsons Bay. If we picked them up from there (which we could have), they wouldn’t have enough time to go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The time you book your Harley / trike tour, starts counting down at pick up.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Our trike rider Craig, met them at the pick up point in Circular Quay. We email a map and instructions of where to meet.

Firstly, they rode through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point, home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. There is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Interestingly, Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. Moreover, it was easy for Elizabeth as she had convicts to do the dirty work. For instance, she ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

Finger Wharf, Woolloomooloo

Secondly, they rode past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels which is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. It is in the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomooloo. So far, a Harbour Bridge trike tour is a lot of fun!

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

Thirdly ?, they rode through the city and over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

Kirribilli

Next, after riding across the Harbour Bridge they rode past Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.

After that, they rode around the corner to Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge.

The Kirribilli Loop

They rode under the north side of the bridge and continued on their tour. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool.

However, time was almost up so they rode back over the bridge. Craig dropped John and Nancy back at Circular Quay. In conclusion, the a Harbour Bridge trike tour was a success. Feel the Freedom! https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/harbour-bridge-ride/ http://www.sydneyharbourbridge.info/

surprise 60th beaches tour – Craig + Karen 29.11.20

Kate, a community worker rang us to organise a surprise 60th beaches tour.

Hi Trevor,
? This is a surprise for Craig so shhhhhhhh! 
Just spoke with you on the phone regarding a quote for the 3 wheeler Harley trike tour. Craig is turning 60 and we would lie to book a surprise ride to pick him up at his home and take him for a trike tour.”

So we organised the ride with her for Craig. It was on his actual birthday as well so it’s one birthday he will never forget!

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Our trike rider Craig, picked Craig and Karen up from his home in Terry Hills. Firstly, they rode down Mccarrs Creek Rd. Almost straight away they rode into the lovely Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Continuing on, they rode down to Akuna Bay. So far, the surprise 60th beaches tour was a huge success.

Church Point

Next, Church Point which is home to artists and authors. The sublime waters are perfect for boats of all shapes and sizes. Riding down Powder Works Rd is fun on a bike, it is bendy and you really do feel the freedom of being on a bike.

However, the hour was nearly up so Craig dropped the passengers off at the Big Bus in Narrabeen. In conclusion, the surprise 60th beaches tour was a huge surprise, a big success and a lot of fun. Just check out the two Craigs in the photo, even our riders love their job.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a national park on the northern side of Sydney. The 14,977-hectare (37,010-acre) park is 25 kilometres north of the CBD.

Akuna Bay is a bay within Broken Bay. The bay is fed by Coal and Candle Creek, with its land boundaries encased within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. An entry fee is required into the park.

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

surprise 60th trike tour – Jim + Melody 28.11.20

Angela wrote “I am organising this for my sister-in-law Melody for her 60th Birthday celebrations and her husband Jim. It will be a surprise 60th trike tour, the Eastern Sydney Panorama tour is our choice”. Yes, we certainly could organise it, we love surprises.

Our trike rider Craig, arrived well in time for the pick up. The pick up was in North Sydney so the first part of their experience was riding over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Our trike rider Craig, picked our passengers up from their hotel in Darling Harbour. Firstly, they rode through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point, home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. From here there is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. She ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

the infamous Kings Cross

Riding past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. It is in the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomooloo. This leads up into the infamous Kings Cross – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. It is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently). So far, the surprise 60th trike birthday present was a lot of fun.

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Continuing on, they rode through the posh eastern suburbs of Rushcutters Bay,  Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay. Here, they stopped at “The Gap” for photos. The view towards North Head and out to the South Pacific Ocean. Watsons Bay sits on the end of the South Head peninsula.

Of course, no tour or visit to Sydney, is complete without seeing the famous Bondi Beach. It’s probably the most famous beach in the world. The beach is seriously nice (but not our favourite) and we usually stop near the lifeguard station, made famous by the TV series “Bondi Rescue”. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia. Our passengers could hardly believe they were actually doing the trike tour eastern panorama, it was so much fun.

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Craig headed back across the Harbour Bridge and dropped them back at home. In conclusion, the surprise 60th trike tour was a huge success. We love happy passengers!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/eastern-sydney-panorama-trike-ride/

trike tour for disability passenger – Hugh 26.11.20

We do this trike tour for disability passenger a couple of times per year. Hugh loves it so much his carers organise it with us.

These rides are great for people with a disability. For instance, feeling the breeze, hearing the motor and just feeling the whole experiencing is wonderful for them. David picked Hugh and his carer up from their home in the southern suburbs of Sydney.

Tom Uglys Bridge

Firstly they rode over Tom Uglys Bridge. This spans the Georges River and gives a great view of the waterway. Tom Uglys Bridge is composed of two bridges, completed in 1929 and 1987. It is a truss bridge, 500m in length.

Cronulla Beach

In addition, they rode to Cronulla Beach. It’s a lovely ride along the coastline. Cronulla has numerous surf beaches and swimming spots, the suburb attracts both tourists and Greater Sydney residents. Cronulla is located 26 kilometres south of the CBD. The trike tour for disability passenger was going very well at this point.

They stopped at a cafe for a stretch and a coffee. However, the hour was up way too quickly so David rode them back through the southern suburbs, over Tom Uglys Bridge and back to their home.

In conclusion, Hugh loved the trike tour for disability passenger just as much as he loved his first ride and all rides in between. Each ride took them on a different loop of the south eastern suburbs. Half the time it is just as much the fun of the experience than what the sights actually are. Above all, it is safe and our riders are all professional and experienced.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Tom Uglys Bridge – history of the name

I was wondering how a bridge could end up with such a strange name. Apparently, Tom Uglys Bridge took its name from the geographical feature at the northern end of the bridge, known as Tom Uglys Point. The point was known as Tom Uglys Point over 80 years prior to the construction of the bridge. At various times the bridge is incorrectly transcribed as Tom Ugly’s Bridge – no apostrophe needed.

However, there are several theories about the origin of the name of the point.

  • One is that it was named after a local resident Tom Huxley and the name was a mispronunciation by local Aboriginal people. Descendants of Thomas Huxley have concluded that he lived and owned land in the area but official records do not exist to verify this.
  • Another theory is that it was derived from the name of a local Aboriginal man, Tow-weiry, who lived in the area and died about 1846.
  • A third theory is that there was a local fisherman resident in the area by the name of Tom Illigley.
  • Yet another is that there was a one-legged man, possibly an army deserter or a boat operator, called either “Tom Woggleg” or “Wogul Leg Tom”, either because of a mispronunciation of wooden leg, or from the local Aboriginal dialect word for “one”.

The name was officially adopted to distinguish between the various subsequent bridges across Georges River, after the opening of the Captain Cook Bridge in 1965 and the Alfords Point Bridge in 1973. Tom Uglys Bridge are actually two road bridges, completed in 1929 and 1987.