Transport Options
Make your day run as smoothly as possible by taking our advice on the best ways to get to and from the Gong Ride.
OPTION 1: BIKELIFT
This service helps reduce the traffic on the road and makes it easier for you to get to and from the event. Coaches transport you while your bike travels in a secure truck. To guarantee a seat on this service, all BikeLift tickets must be pre-purchased as part of your entry. Call (02) 9468 8366 if you have yet to book your seat. Tickets $25.
Pre-event BikeLift from Wollongong to St Peters/Heathcote
Buses and trucks leave Wollongong at 5.45am sharp, so be early! If you're travelling to the 56km start at Heathcote please inform the driver and make sure your bike is correctly ticketed.
Post-event BikeLift from Wollongong to St Peters/Heathcote
Please check your bike in as soon as you arrive at the finish to allow time to get your bike back to St Peters and to avoid any delays. This service will operate from 11.00am - 4.00pm, with buses departing as soon as they are full. Collect your seat allocation from the bus departure area at Stuart Park, then relax and enjoy the entertainment until your bus arrives. There can be delays late in the afternoon due to traffic.
Bubble-wrap
We recommend that you bubble-wrap your bike to avoid paint scratches during transportation. MS Australia accepts no responsibility for any damage that may occur to your bike. One free sheet of bubble wrap is included in the BikeLift fee.
OPTION 2: TRAINS
Normal CityRail services can only carry a small number of bikes, so riders should use these special trains where possible.
Participants should make alternative arrangements in areas affected by trackwork as bikes are not allowed on replacement bus services. For further information visit: www.cityrail.info
Inner West Line - Sat 1 & Sun 2 November
Buses will replace trains between Central Station and Strathfield Station in both directions. Express trains will continue to operate.
Pre-event train from Wollongong to St Peters/Heathcote
For participants travelling to the 90km or 56km start of the Gong Ride, a special service will run from North Wollongong stopping at all stations to Helensburgh, Heathcote then St Peters Station.
Post-event train from Wollongong to St Peters/Heathcote
After the event, regular services will depart North Wollongong Station for participants travelling back to Sydney. Marshalling arrangements will be in place prior to entry on to the platforms at North Wollongong Station so please follow signs and instructions of CityRail staff.
For public transport service information and to plan your trip visit www.131500.info and click on Plan Your Trip or call the Transport Infoline on 131 500
For timetable information visit www.cityrail.info/timetable/index.jsp
OPTION 3: DROP-OFFS, PICK-UPS & PARKING
Limited parking is available at both start sites and at Wollongong. Please obey instructions from event staff and follow all signs.
Supporters dropping off cyclists at St Peters should do so in the designated "Drop Off" area on Sydney Park Road.
If you have arranged to be met by friends or family at the finish, please advise them to download the Safe Supporters brochure. This will ensure they take the safest vehicle route to the finish and avoid cyclists.
Please note that Sydney Buses do not allow bicycles to be transported on buses.
