CANBERRA (OFF-ROAD) RIDE GUIDE

We Ride the World.

By Black Sheep Cycling

July 8^th, 2021

Our We Ride the World Ride Guide Series continues with a trip Down Under to Canberra, the Capital of Australia. The kind of place where you need to be ‘in the know’ to realise just how epic the ‘bush capital’ is for all types of two-wheeled enthusiasts. Particularly the kind that like to get a little down and dirty.

Here, we’re guided by a real local expert, Ella Bloor. A born racer who competes on the road for Specialized Women’s Racing, but thrives off mixing up the regime, hitting Canberra’s finest trails when she’s home. If one thing’s for certain – when you’re done here, the Berra’s bound to bump right up on your top list of off-road destinations. Ride the World with us, like a local.

The Brindies Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 45 Miles / 72.3 Km

Elevation: 5956 ft / 1815 meters

Highlights: Begin and end your day at ‘The Handlebar’ in Stromlo Forest Park. Who doesn’t enjoy devouring a burger and beer post adventure? The ride starts on the Tarmac with a descent down into the Cotter River. You’ll then cross two bridges before veering off into gravel-heaven. Prepare to be wowed as you traverse along Pipeline Road, spoilt with views down the valley as you twist your way towards the base of Bulls Head climb. This bugger of a thing will make you question your love of the bike and potentially want to throw the towel in. But I promise it will be worthwhile for the descent to come. Once you’ve put Bulls Head to rest, enjoy that top-of-the-climb euphoria before making your way to the summit picnic area. The prime spot to shovel in whatever form of carbs you have. Get it in you. As you hit the D into Blundells Creek, you will quickly forget all previous pain endured as you hum along between the trees catching glimpses of the surrounding mountains. Then prepare to get your tootsies wet, as let’s be serious – a quality gravel adventure wouldn’t be complete without at least one river crossing. Soon enough you’ll hit the road on route to the Handlebar for some well-earned pub grub. *Water spots are limited throughout. Avoid the dries and that dreaded mid-ride bonk by carrying enough to last you through to beer o’clock.

The Northern Centenary Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 37 Miles / 59 Km

Elevation: 3150 ft / 960 meters

Highlights: The infamous Centenary Trail offers 145 klicks of mountain biking bliss. Wrapping around the capital’s suburbs, it’s easily one of Canberra’s greatest assets. If you’re a local, you’d typically do either a ‘Northern’ or a ‘Southern’ Centenary. But the beauty is you’re probably not, so you can do whatever the heck you want. Completing the whole loop in one go certainly earns bragging rights. When doing ‘a Northern’, you would typically meet on Lonsdale Street, starting out with a cracking brew at Eighty/Twenty. Within a few short kms of the ride, you’ll find yourself on the fire trail network at the base of Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura. Once you reach the Federal Highway, chuck a right and skirt along some singletrack. Follow the small Centenary trail icons until you reach Hall. On route, you will be amazed at the countless hidden gems, views and flowy patches of singletrack only a stone's throw from civilisation. On arrival, it’s essential that you stop at ‘Daughters at Hall’ for an oversized carrot cake or pie. In true Aussie fashion. From here, you can follow the smooth Tarmac and wide shoulder of the Barton Highway all the way back to Northbourne Avenue to end the ride back where it all began. Grease monkey, Bentspoke Brewery, Sonoma Bakery or Sweet Bones, for the plant-based, are top post-ride options.

The Arboretum Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 8.7 Miles / 14 Km

Elevation: 636 ft / 194 meters

Highlights: It may be short, but it’s packed with fun. A quality little loop around some of Canberra’s lesser known trail networks. Ideal for those days when you’re tight for time and only have an hour to let rip. Starting at the National Arboretum, wind your way through some of the newly constructed, flawlessly flowy trails through the museum of trees. The loop then diverts you under a bridge to access the ‘Zoo Trails’. This tight, pine single-track promises to get the heart racing as you tap it out next to some of the world’s most exotic animals. Bonus points if you spot the rhino. As you head back under the bridge, returning to the Arboretum trails, you’ll wind your way through the Silver Birch trees back to where you started. The options here are almost endless, and you simply can’t take a wrong turn. So that cheeky hour could quite happily extend to two if your legs so desire. Local tip: Chase the sunrise and sunsets.

Tidbinbilla Road Ride.

Strava Route

Distance: 44 Miles / 71 Km

Elevation: 3372 ft / 1028 meters

This one’s for the roadies! Set off to a swift start by descending into the Cotter River before making your way up the steepest climb of the day at Pierces Creek. Be warned. It bites. As you roll along Tidbinbilla Road, keep your eyes peeled for Aussie animals galore. Emus, kangaroos and wallabies – you name it. Canberra’s got ‘em all. As you make your way to Tharwa, be sure to stop at the Tharwa General Store for a sugar fix. A bag of lollies and a good old Bundaberg Ginger Beer will do just the trick. You’ll then continue on, twisting your way along the edge of Canberra’s southern suburbs. Round out the ride in style at the Handlebar for a brew or a beer. What the hell – take both, and a burger too. You earned it.