This is a work in progress, but here's my guide to riding in Canberra:
A lot of people come to Canberra and have heard the riding here is good but don’t know where things actually are. This thread is a reference point for all of the different locations that are worth riding in Canberra.
Stromlo Forest Park
Location: Dave McInnes Rd, Stromlo
Main website:
www.stromloforestpark.com.au
Styles: DH, AM, XC, DJ, trials, 4X
Stromlo is the most famous MTB park in Canberra, having hosted the world cup and the world championships. It’s a government funded and maintained park (thanks Canberra rate payers) with a variety of trails to suit all riders, from beginners to pro downhill and xc lycra fiends as well as trail riders. Facilities are excellent with water, toilets, showers and a BBQ at the pavilion where the trail head is, and there is ample parking. A must for every first timer to Canberra.
Majura Pines
Location: Parking at either Majura Rd near Tambreet St or Hackett Gate, Mackenzie St, Watson
Main website:
www.majurapines.org
Styles: DH, AM, XC, DJ
Majura Pines has been revived with government funding after being closed due to the Majura Parkway expansion. Famous for being where Cadel raced, and soon to be well known for the best flow trail in Canberra (Barry/Planet Claire) as long as it's maintained. Leg sapping XC trails cover the middle ground between the two downhill trails, with a more technical xc line planned for higher up the mountain. Majura also has dirt jumps and a pump track near the Majura Rd car park for those who believe 26” isn’t dead.
Kowen Forest/Sparrow Hill (NSW)
Location: Kings Hwy, Kowen (Parking is on the Kings Hwy, which turns off Kings Hwy. Yes, it’s confusing. Look here
https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Sparrow+Hill/@-35.3316256,149.3381131,16z/ )
Main website: [something for kowen]
www.sparrowhill.info
Styles: XC
Surely the most extensive trail network within hundreds of kilometres, Kowen Forest and Sparrow Hill combine to account for almost 100km of singletrack. While heavily XC oriented there’s still fun to be had for trail riders, with lines such as Kowalski’s Beer Garden and Last Call bringing the fun (and causing you to get stuck behind roadies each year at the Mont). Too much to ride in one day for all but the toughest of riders, and with plenty of challenging lines if you know where to look (or keep your eyes open).
Tuggeranong Pines
Location: Old Tuggeranong Rd, Chisolm
Styles: Downhill, AM, DJ
Canberra’s home of the big bike, there’s plenty of heavy lines and road gaps to keep everyone shy of Andreu Lacondeguy happy. Constantly changing, with lines appearing and disappearing fairly frequently there’s plenty to keep you on your toes. While not officially sanctioned, the trails have been around so long that if someone was going to do something, it would have been done by now.
Bruce Ridge
Location: Dryandra St, O’Connor
Styles: XC
Canberra’s inner city sanctum, Bruce ridge is a compact set of trails less than 15 minutes ride from the city centre. With a beginner-friendly outer loop and a tighter, rockier and more technical inner loop these trails are perfect for those travelling between the city and Belconnen to get their daily singletrack fix. If you like flattish corners that make you lean your bike riiiiight over, this is the place for you.
If anyone has information on the following, please send me a description:
Pine Island
Jerrabombera
Isaacs (is it even open still?)