Introduction -

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, criterium cycling circuit, grass cross country running track and mountain bike tracks to suit any level of rider.

Stromlo Forest Park also has various trails suitable for equestrian riders, runners and walkers keen on exploring the Canberra countryside.

Only ten minutes drive from the city, Stromlo Forest Park is available to the public at most times.

History -

Mount Stromlo and surrounds have been home to Australian mountain biking since the sports inception in Australia.

The area has hosted the first national championships in 1989 and was the birthplace of endurance racing, and 24 hour racing in Australia.

Prior to 2001 and 2003 cyclists were able to ride from north Canberra to the top of Mount Stromlo on of 60km of beautiful flowing single trails.

In those heady days you could hear talk of the Kowalski Brothers, Mad Cow, the Labyrinth, Back Track, the missing link, Skyline and the wonders of 100mm of travel

Whilst it will be some time until those trees are back to full height the sons and daughters of all these trails will grow and evolve and make there own history.

Stromlo forest park is set to become Australia’s true cycling wonderland.

Trail Description

Stromlo Forest Park is a purpose-built mountain biking facility, which includes a World Championship DH track, a 4X track, a Trials area and 33km of XC mountain bike trails catering for all levels, from the beginner to the freeride enthusiast (no northshore yet, all ala natural).

The DH track follows the ridgelines down from the old DH start, and provides fast jump sections with technical rock gardens and drop-offs. The 4X track is a Glen Jacobs original, providing B-line options on a number of the corners.

The XC trails offer lots of variety of course settings, but even with the beginner trail going up and over the top of Mt Stromlo there is likely to be some climbing included (albeit gradual and easy on the legs). Over the back of the mountain and on the northern face you will find more technical blue and black diamond lines including some great rock rollovers, step-downs and open slick rock to really test your skills.

The world-class Mountain Bike Track designer, Glen Jacobs, designed the Stromlo Forest Park Mountain Cross course.

With the help of over 300,000m3 of soil, brought in by trucks over a 3-month period, the Mountain Cross mound is an international standard course. It has a purpose built start point with a hydraulic start system to allow both amateur and professional riders the ability practice and compete using state of the art equipment.

The Mountain Cross course should only be ridden by competent MTB or BMX riders and all users must remain on the designated tracks and paths provided. Spectators wishing to view the Mountain Cross may do so however; for your safety keep well clear of the track.

Recommended Equipment
Appropriate gloves, elbow, knee and shin pads, full faced helmet (Australian Standard Certified), mountain bike with front suspension or appropriate BMX bike, working front and rear brakes, and adequate tread on tires and chest and spine protection.

Conditions of use
Mountain Cross track is one-way only; don’t ride up hill.
No stopping on the track; complete a full run of the track.
Leave an appropriate distance between yourself and riders in front of you.
All users must wear a certified helmet (Australian Standard Certified) at all times.
Use appropriate riding equipment including: gloves, enclosed footwear, goggles, kneepads, shin guards, elbow pads and covered clothing.
Ride within your ability.
Yield to faster riders.
Don’t take shortcuts; ride only on the track provided.
Riding obstacles are present on the track, please observe & navigate appropriately.
Track use may be restricted for safety reasons at various times or for special events.
Pedestrians must stay off the track at all times and only cross with extreme care.

Getting There

Access to the XC Trailhead, the 4X track and the DH track finish line is via the event centre carpark. The main entrance to the park is on Uriarra Road, just up from the Uriarra Road/Coppins Crossing Road turnoff.

Access to the DH Trailhead is from the top of the mountain, just up from the turn into the observatory and café. Head up the road from the turnoff, and look out for the fenced structure on your right. The DH track starts just next to the N-W corner of the fence.

When to Bike

Biking is all year round

Map

Additional Information

NATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Stromlo Forest Park will host the National Mountain Bike Championships for three years 2007-2009.

2009 MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Stromlo Forest Park will host the 2009 Mountain Bike World Chamionships.

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