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 10 October.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out, get active and explore one of Sydney’s best parks,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“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.”
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 jaw-dropping BMX stunts from the big air school team.
Kids 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 Park could 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.
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 (10–31 October)
An online competition allowing riders to clock their trips and kilometres to compete for great prizes.
- Sydney Rides to Eat (10–31 October)
Visit supporting local cafes and restaurants for rider freebies and discounts during the Sydney Rides Festival.
- Light the City Discovery Rides (13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 October)
Sign up for a stunning evening Discovery Ride showcasing the joy and exhilaration of riding at night.
- Suit Ride (Ride2Work Day 14 October)
Don your business best and join city workers on a Midday Sydney Suit Ride and lunch to celebrate National Ride2Work Day.
- Sydney Rides Film Night (15 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 (16 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 (16 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 (17 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 (17, 24 and 31 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 (18 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 (20 October)
In partnership with the Danish Consulate, this event brings together world cycling experts from Denmark.
- Roller Racing (24 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 (25 October)
Enjoy a guided ride around stately Hunters Hill as the jacarandas are blooming.
- Light the City (31 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.
What: Sydney Rides festival
Where: Sydney park and Sydney city
When: From the 10th to the 31st of October