Be a #rockytrailracer in the Capital!
Stromlo Forest Park – it’s an awesome place to RIDE – discover with us how much fun it is to RACE!
For 2019 we are presenting three races at Stromlo Forest Park under the banner of the “Rocky Trail ACT Event Series”, supported by Events ACT.
Rocky Trail Links:
Since 2009 we have had more than 7,000 #rockytrailracers race with us at Stromlo Forest Park – we love the ever-expanding and evolving trail network and putting together our favourite trail combinations for you, always inspired by input from our local racers!
The venue is Stromlo Forest Park and it is off Cotter Road in Canberra (ACT).
You get to Cotter Road via the Tuggeranong Parkway. Once on Cotter road, continue onto John Gorton Drive until you get to Opperman Avenue. Turn left at the traffic lights on Opperman Avenue and continue until you reach Stromlo Forest Park. There is a big round about at the entrance; you will see the car park where the main event centre is located. It is a public MTB track and you can ride it in the lead up to the race.
More information about Stromlo Forest Park can be found here: www.stromloforestpark.com.au
Introduction
Officially opened in 2007, Stromlo Forest Park is a world-class, multi-use recreational sporting facility available to both recreational and professional users. Stromlo Forest Park boasts a purpose built event pavilion, a 1.2km road criterium cycling circuit, a 2.5km grass cross country running track, a network of equestrian trails and over 40km or mountain bike trails suitable for riders of all abilities. Stromlo Forest Park also has various trails suitable for runners and walkers keen on exploring the Canberra countryside. It is located only ten minutes drive from the center of Canberra.
Accommodation near Stromlo Forest Park
You can camp at the Stromlo car park and event centre on the night before the race but please note that the gates shut at around 7pm. Here are some more links for accommodation and what else is on:
What the local #rockytrailracers say
There is so much to do and so much to see – we’ve chatted to some of our local #rockytrailracers for their insider tips on this #rockytraildestination and hope we can tempt you to a weekend away!
Dylan Cooper, Owner Ride Technics Skills Clinics
Dylan races for Trek Racing Australia and has nearly 20 years of racing experience. He’s won countless national series races and represented Australia at the World Championships 7 times, as well as many World Cups. As well as 10 years of skills coaching experience, Dylan has raced internationally for years and won across various disciplines, including cross country, marathon, short track, road, and enduro. Dylan has been a #rockytrailracer for many years and with his one-on-one skills clinics business Ride Technics has been coaching Martin whenever we are in Canberra.
About Stromlo
“As one of our favourite places to ride, we are very lucky to consider Stromlo our ‘backyard’. The varied trails have a bit of everything for everyone, including rock gardens, rolling berms, tight skatey corners, tricky climbs and fast and flowy sections.”
About the race track
“My favourite trails are the steep, technical descents that involve tight corners, for example ‘Short n Sharp’ out the back of Stromlo. I enjoy riding back up to the top of the mountain on the steep and rocky ‘Black Snake Gully’ too”
Before and after the race
“My perfect weekend involves coffee, sunny outdoors activity and family time:…”
Lake Burleigh Griffin
Taking my girls in the bike trailer for a spin around Lake Burleigh Griffin and stopping at a café. My favourite local cafe is Bite to Eat in Chifley, but if I am over north, I love Sweet Bones in Braddon. These days my coaching business gets me outdoors and riding on the weekends too.
> More information about Lake Burleigh Griffin
National Arboretum
The park at the Arboretum is a favourite family spot, as is the mini train at Weston Park.
Note from Juliane at Rocky Trail – one of our absolute favourite playgrounds in Canberra, caters for kids of all ages 🙂
Centenary Trail
A hidden gem and also one of my favourite local trails to ride is the Kambah Pool to Point Hut scenic trail. It is part of the Centenary Trail and runs parallel to the Murrumbidgee River.
Di Gbel, #rockytrailracer and Pedal 4 Pierce ambassador
After an elbow injury in 2017, Di is getting back into riding and racing and loves to explore her home trails in Canberra. Here are her insider tips:
“There are lots of places, you can do the walks up Black Mountain and Mt Ainslie – the lookout is awesome. Take the kids to Questacon or even to the Dinosaur Museum at Gold Creek!”
Favourite Museums
Favourite Cafes along Centenary Trail
The Cupping Room is in the City and Two Before Ten is in Aranda, both a short ride from the Centenary Trail that encloses the entire city!
Favourite Pubs
Favourite parks and playgrounds for the kidlets
Commonwealth Park Playground has to be the best kids playground in Canberra! Here is a link to the “5 Top Playgrounds along Lake Burley Griffin”!
Best market
Women’s-specific “What’s on in Canberra”
Don’t wanna miss this!
Some of our favourite spots and things and people in Canberra:
Dynamic Motivation shuttles & enduro clinics
The guys from Dynamic Motivation are running shuttles and enduro clinics at Stromlo Forest Park! Check out their website for all options!
Bent Spoke Brewery
BentSpoke Brewing Co is the brainchild of Champion Australian brewer Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain. The pair travelled the world drawing inspiration for their ideal brewpub. On June 6, 2014 BentSpoke threw its doors open to overwhelming support from the local community. On the back of this success and support from the community, BentSpoke has begun its next chapter with the construction of a production scale Brewery in Canberra’s northern suburb of Mitchell.
> Check out the Bent Spoke Brewery Pub – yum, Rocky Trail crew-approved!!
Pedal 4 Pierce is our charity of choice and these guys call Canberra and Stromlo home, riding and racing their bikes for kids who can’t and raising money and awareness to cure Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. You can help out by donating at our events – projects funded by Pedal 4 Pierce support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
…to be continued…
About Rocky Trail Destination:
Rocky Trail Destination is part of Rocky Trail Entertainment Pty Ltd and specialises in the establishment, marketing and promotion of cycling destinations.
Do you know a region, a venue or an active council that could benefit from our services? Give us a shout!
All photos by OuterImage.com.au
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