Stromlo Forest Park is one of the premier MTB trail areas in Australia and has been the venue of National Championships, World Championships and World Cup rounds, as well as the annual Scott 24hr MTB race. It is located to the south-west of the city off Uriarra Road. All trails are marked with formal grading (blue, black double diamond, etc). The park easily accommodates all skills level and has around 80kms of XC trials, skills park, fourcross track and a World Cup level DH course.
for all of the details and registration forms. We are also taking a waitlist of volunteer names.
Bruce Ridge is a nature reserve located almost in the center of Canberra between the suburbs of Lyneham and Bruce. The local MTB community through the Friends of Bruce Ridge has worked hard to establish a sound working relationship with the ACT government to formalise the trail network in the protected nature reserve. More info about Bruce Ridge can found on the FoBR site.
There is a around 18 km top grade free flowing single track at the ridge. With limited climbing this area is suitable for all levels of fitness and most trails can be easily tackled by riders with beginner to intermediate levels of skill. However, because of the twisting and looping style the trails offer plenty of fun for levels. Taken at ‘full attack’ speed the area can provide a ride of surprising intensity for advanced level riders.
The Sparrow Hill and East Kowen MTB trails areas are part of Kowen Forest and located around 12km to the east of Queanbeyan. There are two excellent riding areas with plenty of clearly marked trails with several loops ranging from around 7km to over 27km.
Sparrow Hill is generally well groomed, fast and open, with moderate climbing and suitable for all levels of rider. Orchard road tends to be little rougher and involve a little more climbing, with the longer loop best suited to riders with at least intermediate levels of fitness.
The trails in both areas are purpose built and maintained to a high standard thanx to the work of the trail faeries Alan and Paul.
The car park for both areas is located on the Kings Highway between Queanbeyan and Bungendore approximately 12km from “Red Rooster” roundabout Queanbeyan. Turn off the highway at the sign marked Kowen forest. Follow this road for a further km to car park area.
The Sparrow Hill trails are clearly sign posted and the trailhead can be easily found directly behind the car parking area.
The entrance to East Kowen is about 50 meters up and across the road from the car park; there is an easy to find yellow forestry sign post “Orchard Rd”. Cross the gate and follow the fire trail to the edge of the pine forest to the find the trial head which is clearly marked
The Majura Pines are some the oldest and most famous mountain bike trails in Canberra. However these trails were closed for 2 years between 2012 and 2014 whilst the Majura Parkway was constructed and extensive thinning of the pines was undertaken. Due to these works many of the old trails were destroyed or very well hidden.
The Majura Pines Trail Alliance have contributed over 1000 hours of volunteer work to build new and recover old trails as well as adding a high quality dirt jump park. There are now over 20km of mapped and sign posted trails for all abilities at Majura Pines.
Images supplied by David Blucher – Going Downhill Photography and Michael McGurgan | © CORC