*** REVISED DEPARTURE DUE TO PATONGA FERRY ***

Though it's unlikely anyone else is mad enough to get up this early on what just might be the coldest June morning in coastal Sydney ever, 4am will not connect with the ferry that isn't going from Ettalong. Maybe I'll stay in bed too. I'll decide at 2.30am. Strava waits with bated breath...

I might have done this longest commute ride on the longest day, but not on the shortest day*, which purist Wilson alerted me to this morning. Well I can fix that, while the Lejogers are off playing in warmer, windier climes. 

Depart Hornsby Pool at 3.30am. 23km/h no-stop average needed over the 78km & 1,100m climbing to Patonga to catch the 7am Palmie ferry. 40km down Pittwater Rd bus lane (by-passing Dee Why to Manly) for CBD arrival just after 9am. An hour later if mechanical means missing the ferry. Brekkie is from your jersey pockets.

There won't be resonable daylight until after 6.15am, so decent riding "to see" lights required, particularly for Brooklyn & Mooney descents in the dark.

*Purists amongst you may note the solstice occurs this year (rarely) on the 22nd, but I can't ride that day. The traditional solstice date of the 21st is equal shortest day with the 22nd, at 9h53m49s. Thank heaven for that.