Natalie 05.05.19 – Blue Mountains Harley exploration

Natalie was given a Blue Mountains Harley exploration tour by her friend Nataly. It was a surprise and was it ever – a great one! They met Rock, our Harley rider, at Katoomba Railway Station. They rode for 2 hours around the wonderful area of the upper Blue Mountains.

Of course, they had to see the iconic Three Sisters. They are an unusual rock formation towering above the Jamison Valley. The Three Sisters are at Echo Point in Katoomba, on the cliff edge overlooking the Blue Mountains National Park.

They continued along Cliff Drive to the relaxed townships of Leura and Wentworth Falls. Then they thundered along to the Great Western Highway and deep into the Megalong Valley toward the picturesque Mount Victoria.

There are stunning views along this whole Harley ride. They continued cruising Govetts Leap before returning to Katoomba Railway Station where Rock the ride first began. He also took Nataly on the Harley around the block, so she could experience the Harley as well.

The Blue Mountains Harley exploration tour was a great surprise birthday present. We may have repeat rides! They are going to leave feed back on the Facebook, they loved the Harley tour so much.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride
https://www.bluemts.com.au/info/about/maps

The Legend of the Three Sisters

According to Gundungurra Dreaming, three beautiful sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. They once lived with the Gundungurra people in the Jamison Valley. The maidens were in love with three brothers from the neighbouring Dharruk people. Marriage was forbidden by tribal law.

The brothers were warriors and decided to take the maidens by force. Tribal war forced the Kuradjuri (clever man) of the Gundungurra people to turn the sisters into stone. He intended to restore them after the danger had passed and the war had ended.

Unfortunately, the Kuradjuri (clever man) was killed in the battle. To this day nobody has been able to break the spell. Noone can turn the Three Sisters back to their natural form.
There are a number of versions of this legend.

Martha + Michael 04.05.19 – trike tour Southern Spectacular

Michael rang us once they were in Sydney, they are from the USA. We were able to organise a trike tour Southern Spectacular without much notice. They are having a holiday in Australia and thought the four hour Southern Spectacular tour would show them parts of Sydney they usually wouldn’t see. They are right!

trike tour Southern Spectacular

Barry picked them up from their hotel in the CBD. They travelled through the southern suburbs of Sydney to the Royal National Park. It is Australia’s first National Park and after Yellowstone in the U.S.A. it was the second National Park in the world to be established.

After travelling through the relaxing natural Australian bush, we travel  the road between Coalcliff and Clifton, it used to have some scary moments. The potential of falling debris or subsidence into the sea made it necessary to close the road, but all is well again. The impressive 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge is now in operation, snaking its way around the cliffs and over the water, offering a far safer but spectacular route.

Hold on tight while we head home via the Bulli Pass and Princes Highway. Our passengers loved the trike tour Southern Spectacular and are so happy they did this ride. We are so pleased they had such a great experience. We do try hard to make sure everyone has fun in Sydney and leave with wonderful memories.

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/southern-spectacular-trike-tour/

Sea Cliff Bridge

An hour south of Sydney, the direct way, we take you the scenic way. The Sea Cliff Bridge has been a major tourist spot since it opened in 2005. It features an scenic walkway surrounded by rocky cliffs. Sea Cliff Bridge has become a place of many accidental deaths, as admirers hike to the top of the cliff to see the bridge from above.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Cliff_Bridge

Kim + Luke 19.04.19 – 60th birthday trike fun

Luke gave his mum some 60th birthday trike fun. What better way to celebrate such a milestone birthday! The best present!

60th birthday trike fun tour

Craig picked them up in Manly, near the ferry wharf. Firstly they rode to Tanya Park, this is part of Dobroyd Head. Arabanoo lookout is there and it’s a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.

Next they rode past Grotto Point and onto Clontarf. It is a lovely area with a nice beach and picnic area. Clontarf Beach is Stop 5 on the Spit to Manly Walk. The walk is definitely worth doing if you have time.

Over the Spit Bridge to Balmoral Beach. The Spit Bridge is extremely rare as it is the only lift bridge still operational on a major arterial road. Balmoral Beach has beautiful houses and expensive yachts, and a beach that is positioned with views over Sydney Harbour National Park and through “the Heads” – the gateway to Sydney Harbour.

They continued on to Jeffrey Street Wharf, Kirribilli. This area has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House and the CBD. It also has a different perspective of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, definitely worth a look.

They then rode over the iconic Harbour Bridge before being dropped of in the city. The 60th birthday trike fun really was great fun and such a memorable experience.
\https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/

An Attempted Assassination at Clontarf Beach

This is new information to us! While researching Clontarf Beach to make this post informative, we found this:

Clontarf gets its name from a coastal suburb of Dublin, known for the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 which freed Ireland from foreign domination. On 12 March 1868 Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh and second son of Queen Victoria, was guest of honour here at a sailor’s picnic.

Dublin-born Henry James O’Farrell jumped out of the crowd of picnickers, shooting the Duke in the back. The Duke’s rubber suspenders deflected the bullet, sparing him major injury.

Guilty, O’Farrell was hanged a month later, despite the Duke seeking clemency on his behalf.

Beau, Cade + Jake 18.04.19 – Blue Mountains trike ride

Grandma has just moved to the Blue Mountains area. She wanted see a bit of the area and also give her grandsons some fun while they were visiting. Susan organised the Blue Mountains trike ride with us because she knew we did rides in this area. They are aged 12, 9 and 7 and they were so excited to be dressed in leather, riding down the freeway.

Since it was school holidays as well, what an exciting adventure for the boys to remember. Our trike rider Max picked the grandsons up from her home in the upper Blue Mountains. Susan followed in her car so she could learn more about the area and where to go later for a more intensive look.

The Blue Mountains trike ride

Max rode them around the Mount Victoria and Hartley area. It’s very scenic and not as well known as other parts of the Blue Mountains, such as the Three Sisters. Hartley is a historical village in the Central Tablelands region of NSW – the top of the Blue Mountains range.

They continued riding to Lithgow where the ride finished. They boys and Susan had McDonalds for lunch before driving back home. Susan wrote to us after the Blue Mountains trike ride:

Testimonial

Hi Katrina,
I just wanted to say what a great time my grandsons had. Max was wonderful with them and they were so excited to be dressed in leather and heading down the highway.  The weather was perfect and we all had a good time.  I followed in the car and enjoyed the trip as much as the boys. Max’s knowledge of the area was enlightening. An all round wonderful experience.
Thank you.
Susan
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

The ‘blue’ in Blue Mountains

The name Blue Mountains, is derived from the blue tinge the range takes on when viewed from a distance. This is because of the naturally occurring organic chemicals are emitted in large quantities by the abundant eucalyptus trees. When eucalyptus oils, dust particles, and water vapour combine, as the sunlight hits, it creates an optical illusion of a blue haze. The light allows the eyes to see the blue pigments in the atmosphere.

Brett + Ray 18.04.19 – 50th birthday trike ride

Brett was given a 50th birthday trike ride from his daughter. She bought a gift voucher from us only last week. Krista knew he was coming to Sydney and thought it would be something different and fun. Not the usual ‘ties and socks’. Brett made made full use of gift voucher and organised the ride with us.

The 50th birthday trike ride

Craig picked them up from their hotel in the CBD. They rode through the interesting Chinatown at Haymarket. Next, they rode through the historic Rocks area and past Pier One. It is a posh hotel which overlooks Sydney Harbour. They continued around Dawes Point which is located on the north-western edge of the Sydney CBD.

Continuing further, they went to the south end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over the Harbour Bridge to Blues Point which has such a beautiful view looking east. There is nothing blocking the view so you can see the full arch of the Harbour Bridge. Under the bridge you can see the iconic Sydney Opera House.

They stopped for photos at Jeffrey Street Wharf because it also has amazing views across Sydney Harbour. You can see the Opera House and the CBD. To the right and high up is the Harbour Bridge. It is great to see it from a different perspective.

All too soon time was up and Craig took them back over the Harbour Bridge to their hotel. The 50th birthday trike ride was a great success, something they will always remember.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/harbour-bridge-ride/

After a trike or Harley tour

it is worth a walk through these two places:
1. The Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge. The oldest house in Sydney can be found in The Rocks.
2. Apparently Australia’s largest Chinatown is the one here in Sydney. As a result of the exciting trike or Harley ride you will be hungry. The food experiences are amazing. You’ll find Chinese and Cantonese to Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese. There are dumpling houses, neon-lit nooks and food courts. You’ll find a delicious range of restaurants, from yum cha palaces to hole-in-the-wall eateries.

Adriana+ Isabel 13.04.19 – school holidays trike tour

Today was the start of the school holidays. Adriana decided to treat her 9 year old daughter to a fun experience to celebrate. A school holidays trike tour of the 3 Bridges tour was the perfect start to the holidays, such a fun experience.

A school holidays trike tour

Craig picked them up outside a hotel in the Rocks. Firstly they rode over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is so much fun looking at the structure, the rivets and the arch without any constrictions, except perhaps the helmet.

The next interesting part of the ride was the Kirribilli Loop which travels past Jeffrey Street Wharf. Behind it is a wonderful view across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House. It is fun to ride under the northern section of the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you can see the underbelly of it.

They finished the loop by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. Riding on, they continued on into the lower north shore suburbs of North Sydney and Wollstonecraft. Riding along the lovely River Road and into Lane Cove, the next was the first bridge but not one of the main three.

The Gladesville Bridge

It is the Fig Tree Bridge which opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. They continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek. Then they got to the second of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city.

The Gladesville Bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road. 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 stopped for photos at Rodd Point so they could have a proper look at part of the 7 km long Bay Run.

ANZAC Bridge

The incredible ANZAC Bridge is just that, we never tire of riding over it. It is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view. They rode in to the city before being dropped back at Circular Quay. Our passengers thought the school holidays trike tour was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

Nigel 13.04.19 – Harley ride around 3 Bridges

A Harley ride around 3 Bridges is an interesting ride. It is a good one to fill in some time. Nigel was in Sydney for a night because it was his daughter’s graduation as a paramedic. He had a few hours before he had to check out of his hotel. He thought he should do something so he booked a Harley ride. Jungle picked him up early from his hotel.

A Harley ride around 3 Bridges

is Jungles favourite ride and Nigel was happy to do it. To see something a bit different from the norm. Firstly they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Then they stopped at Blues Point for photos and to admire the view. It is such a wonderful view.

Continuing on, they rode into the lower north shore suburbs of North Sydney and Crows Nest. Along River Road and into the inner west. The next bridge is the Gladesville Bridge. It has beautiful views looking eastward over the Parramatta River and into Sydney Harbour. There is a lovely view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

They joined up with the main arterial road – Victoria Road. Being early Saturday morning, the first day of the school holidays there was no traffic. Yahoo! They rode around Iron Cove Bay and stopped at Rodd Point. It is a lovely little area with water on 3 sides.

Leichhardt Oval

Jungle asked Nigel if he followed the NRL. Yes he does, so Jungle pointed out the lights of Leichhardt Oval. Nigel loves small grounds but had never been to Leichhardt Oval so Jungle took him up to have a look. Jungle then showed him around Callan Park which used to be an asylum for the insane. Nigel was really pleased because his daughter did her training with the Callan Park Ambulance. So now he knows where it is and what it looks like.

The main bridge number 3 is the spectacular ANZAC Bridge. We never tire of looking up at the arches. The hour was up so Jungle dropped Nigel back at his hotel. A great time was had by both the passenger and the rider. A Harley ride around 3 Bridges is a special tour and you will see many places you didn’t even know existed!

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leichhardt_Oval

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callan_Park

Westwood Family 09.04.19 – Trike Harley Family Tour

Our New Zealander passengers have been to Sydney before. They hadn’t done anything as exciting as a Harley and trike tour though. It was also a celebration for Trudy’s 50th birthday. So what better thing to do than a Trike Harley Family Tour where everyone can be included in the fun.

Trike Harley Family Tour

Our Harley rider Jungle and our trike riders Craig and Syl picked them up from their hotel in Darling Harbour. Because it was Trudy’s birthday she had already bagged the Harley. The husband and son went on one trike and the grandparents on the other. There were opportunities when they could swap around to try the other bikes.

They firstly went over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Balmoral where they stopped for a wine at a cafe to celebrate the special birthday. The family and riders continued over the Spit Bridge which has lovely views of Sailors Bay on one side and Sandy Bay on the other.

Dobroyd Head

They stopped at Dobroyd Head. This has wonderful views between both North and South Heads. Look across Sydney Harbour and out to the South Pacific Ocean. Absolutely stunning.

Next, they continued on to Manly where they were dropped off. They were going to explore this lovely area, have some lunch and catch the ferry back into the city. A Trike Harley Family Tour was an unforgettable experience, the grandpa said “It is a day he will never forget”. They ALL loved it!

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

Information about the Spit Bridge

The Spit Bridge, completed in 1958, is of state significance. It is a substantial landscape feature that has played a crucial role in allowing the development of the northern beaches suburbs to occur over the last 44 years. The Bridge is also extremely rare as it is the only lift bridge still operational on a major arterial road.

It was completed in 1958 and is of state significance. It is a substantial landscape feature that has played a crucial role in allowing the development of the northern beaches suburbs to occur over the last 44 years. The Bridge is also extremely rare as it is the only lift bridge still operational on a major arterial road.

The Spit Bridge is a steel and concrete girder bridge with a bascule liftspan across the Middle Harbour, is located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) northeast of the CBD.

Jenny 07.04.19 – Manly Northern beaches Harley tour

A Manly Northern beaches Harley tour was designed by us for Jenny. She is South African now calling England her home and in Australia for a holiday. Jenny decided a Harley ride would be a good way to see some of the sights most visitors don’t get to see. Quite right!

jenny wrote, “I need a kind driver who won’t mind if I cling onto him tightly to begin with as I have only been on a bike once before – I’m not nervous though!”. We have many kind Harley riders but we knew exactly who to use. Phil is very kind, friendly and helpful. Jenny was not nervous for long.

Manly Northern beaches Harley tour

He picked her up from her hotel in Darling Harbour. The first thing they did was ride over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is a wonderful sight and to look upwards, it really gives a sense of its size and design.

They stopped at Blues Point to look across the beautiful Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Not far from there is Jeffrey Street Wharf, therefore they stopped for photos and to look at the wonderful view. It doesn’t matter what angle you see the famous icons, you’ll always love the view. Even on a grey day it is beautiful.

Continuing on, they rode eastwards into upperclass Mosman and down past Taronga Zoo to Bradley’s Head. So, if you are lucky you’ll see koalas having a nap or eating gum leaves. This is a headland protruding from the north shore of Sydney Harbour, with beautiful views to the city and the eastern suburbs.

Jenny and Phil called in to see the expensive Balmoral Beach, which is in one of the bays of Sydney Harbour. Over The Spit Bridge and down to the famous Manly and North Head. More beautiful views!!

The beautiful northern beaches

Along the coastline they rode, past some of the northern beaches – such as Queenscliff, Curl Curl, Dee Why and Collaroy. We love this area of Sydney. It is beautiful but has become very popular to visit and to live here. They rode up to Narrabeen Lagoon and onto the Wakehurst Parkway.

Wakehurst Parkway

This is a road which is tree lined and the speed limit is slightly higher, 80kms per hour. It gives the rider and passenger a chance to go a bit faster, to really hear the Harley.

All too soon the ride finished. Where did the 2.5 hours go? A Manly Northern beaches Harley tour was a fabulous way to see these beautiful areas of Sydney. There are no trains on the peninsula so to see that area you need a vehicle or you can catch a bus.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Beaches

Mugdha + Vinayak 06.04.19 – Harbour Bridge trike tour

We organised a Harbour Bridge trike tour for our passengers. They are visiting Sydney and thought it would be the best way to see the iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour. They are right – it is the best way!

Harbour Bridge trike tour

Craig picked them up from Circular Quay and rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is something we never ever tire of, no matter how many times we ride over it. Tilt your head back a little to really see the wonderful arches and steel work. It is such a different experience than driving over the bridge with a roof over your head, blocking a lot of the view.

Their first stop was Blues Point. It has wonderful views looking eastward over Sydney Harbour. There is an unrestricted view of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Kirribilli House

Then they rode to Jeffrey Street Wharf at Kirribilli. The same suburb which has ‘Kirribilli House’, the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. the primary official residence being The Lodge in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. See below for more information.

There is another wonderful view across Sydney Harbour to the Opera House and the city. If there is time, we ride under the north end of the bridge, past the entrance road which goes to Luna Park and past North Sydney Olympic Pool.

They continued back over the Harbour Bridge before being dropped off at Circular Quay. The Harbour Bridge trike tour is a great ride and a fun experience. https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/harbour-bridge-ride/

‘Kirribilli House’ was built in 1854, a Gothic-style structure, a twin-gabled dwelling or cottage ornée – on the land’s highest spot. In 1956 Kirribilli House was set aside as a residence for the use of Australia’s Prime Ministers, when they need to perform public duties and extend official hospitality on behalf of the government during stays in Sydney.