Putting the Terminator Through its Paces: A Lap Around Brisbane Waters on a Carbon Fibre Road Bike
The sun was shining, the sky was a brilliant, cloudless blue, and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees – a perfect spring day on the Central Coast. It was the kind of day that screamed for an adventure, and I had the perfect companion for it: the “Terminator,” a sleek, carbon fibre road bike that had been calling my name from the moment I laid eyes on it. As a middle-aged man who’s more of a weekend warrior than a seasoned pro, the prospect of a nearly 50-kilometer ride around the stunning Brisbane Waters was both exhilarating and a little daunting. But with my Spotify playlist curated for the occasion and the promise of a beautiful journey ahead, I was ready to put the Terminator – and myself – to the test.
The Machine: A Closer Look at the “Terminator”
Before I even hit the road, I took a moment to admire the Terminator, having arrived in a box just a few weeks before. This isn’t just a bike; it’s a piece of engineering art. One of the advantages of having an import business is that sometimes you get to try out cool stuff. The model I was riding is built around a T800 carbon fibre frame, which, for those not in the know, is a material that offers an incredible combination of strength, stiffness, and lightness being used in formula1 and aerospace among other industries. The frame’s “wind-racing” design with internal wiring gives it a clean, aerodynamic profile that just looks fast, even when it’s standing still. It’s equipped with an 11-speed RETROSPEC drivetrain and a SENICX Yuyong hollow chainring, which translates to smooth, reliable shifting, whether you’re climbing a steep hill or pushing for speed on a flat. The full oil disc brakes were another feature that gave me a lot of confidence, knowing I’d have reliable stopping power in any situation. You can find the full bike specs here https://www.factoryprices.com.au/product/carbon-fibre-road-bike/
The Ride Begins: Umina Beach to Gosford via Woy Woy, Koolewong & Pt Claire
The first leg of my journey was a dream. Starting from the beautiful Umina Beach, the ride to Gosford was a gentle introduction to
the day’s adventure. The route follows the dedicated NSW Coastal Cycle pathway via Woy Woy that hugs the coastline, offering stunning, uninterrupted views of Brisbane Waters, pelicans and other bird life. The water sparkled under the spring sun, and the salty air was invigorating all to the backdrop of fat beats. This part of the ride is mostly flat, with the odd hill around Koolewong, Tascott and Pt Claire, which allowed me to get a feel for the Terminator and settle into a comfortable rhythm. The bike felt incredibly responsive and efficient, gliding along the mostly smooth pavement with minimal effort. It was the perfect warm-up, and I found myself getting lost in the music and the scenery, with endorphins popping off all over the place.
Avoca Drive, Empire Bay, RIP Bridge and not a pothole in sight
Just as I was starting to feel like a seasoned pro, the route took a turn, both literally and figuratively. Leaving the flat, protected cycleways behind, I turned onto Avoca Drive, and the real test began. This is where the Terminator truly earned its name. The road winds its way up and down, with some serious climbs that had my legs burning and my heart pounding. Google Maps indicated an elevation of 248 meters – which doesn’t actually seem that much on paper, but is nothing to be sniffed at. The descents were equally thrilling, with the bike reaching speeds that were both exhilarating and, to be honest, at times a bit suss.
With trucks and cars blasting past, I had my eyes peeled for potholes and my hands hovering over the brakes. For those of us who live on the Coast, or visit regularly, we know that potholes are an everyday menace, sometimes more akin to sink holes and 4 wheel drives. Needless to say, when at speeds that seemed over 50 kms an hour, I was locked in. By some miracle, I didn’t come across a single pothole on the back stretch in the cycle lane. Still, it was no picnic, with branches, rocks and at times less than 10 cm to navigate, but the Terminator handled it with ease. The bike felt incredibly stable and planted, even at high speeds, and the full oil disc brakes provided the confidence I needed to navigate the steep descents safely. I took a well-deserved break at the Kincumber shopping centre for lunch, refuelling before tackling the rest of the ride. It was a challenging section, but we got the job done.
The Homestretch: A Victory Lap
After the intensity of Avoca Drive through Kincumber and Empire Bay the final leg of the journey from Daley’s Point felt like a victory lap. The route flattened out again as I made my way across the RIP Bridge, and I was able to relax and enjoy the ride. The scenery was just as beautiful on the return trip, with the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the water. I made a few more stops to take in the views and snap some photos. The Terminator had been the perfect companion for the day’s adventure. It had handled everything I threw at it, from the easy flats to the challenging climbs and descents, with unwavering performance. It was a complete beast of a machine, and I couldn’t have asked for a better bike to explore the stunning Brisbane Waters.
The Verdict: A Beast for a Bargain
As I rolled back to my starting point, tired but triumphant, I couldn’t help but smile. The 46.8-kilometer loop around Brisbane Waters had been a fantastic adventure, and the Terminator had been the star of the show. This bike is a true all-rounder, equally at home on leisurely coastal paths and challenging hilly stretches. It’s a bike that inspires confidence, with its solid construction, reliable components, and exceptional performance. For a middle-aged guy who’s not a professional rider, this was a long and hard ride, but the Terminator made it not only manageable but also highly pleasurable.
If you’re a cycling enthusiast looking for a high-performance road bike that won’t break the bank, I can’t recommend the Terminator enough. It’s a complete beast of a machine that handles everything with ease, from the steepest climbs to the fastest descents. It’s a bike that will make you want to get out and ride, explore new roads and push your limits. And for the price, it’s an absolute bargain. You can find out more about the Terminator and even order your own on the Imports Factory Direct website.
So, if you’re looking for a new cycling adventure, I highly recommend a lap around Brisbane Waters. And if you’re looking for the perfect bike to do it on, look no further than the Terminator. You won’t be disappointed.
