The only bike to have in the 1970s was a Malvern Star. The iconic Australian bike manufacturer must have sold millions. Every kid seemed to have one.
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Growing up on the foothills of Mt Ainslie, I spent many an enjoyable spring day exploring the myriad tracks and trails around this wonderful urban backdrop.
My Malvern Star Dragster, complete with a banana seat, was just the ticket to ride this mountain.
Looking back, this formative experience undoubtedly led to a passion for our environment, for our parks, for simply being in nature.
My bike opened up a world of adventure leading to a sense of curiosity around what nature had to offer.
If it wasn’t for that Malvern Star, perhaps my life’s journey may have taken me on a very different course. I owe it a debt of gratitude.
Fast forward a few years. A remarkable new generation of bikes are now available. From carbon fibre frames to e-bikes, the range of bicycles available today is impressive to say the least.
But they all share a common link with my old dragster. They can take you on an amazing adventure via two wheels.
The nation’s capital is said to be a mecca for mountain biking. Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors. Why not combine the two by soaking up the sun and getting active with a pedal around our beautiful nature reserves?
Perhaps you need a little bit more of an incentive?
We have the answer. You can now win fantastic prizes as part of our Spring Rides Photo Competition.
We want to encourage everyone to get out and about, connect with nature and share their experiences.
An entry could simply be a lazy after-work ride in your local reserve or it could be an adventure-filled mountain bike ride through the majestic mountains of Namadgi National Park, or at Australia’s number one mountain biking destination—Stromlo Forest Park.
It could even be a rousing photo of you and your bike as the sun breaks on a glorious new day.
Get creative. Inspire us.
One of life’s joys of living in Canberra is that our trails are so accessible.
There are options to suit everyone, from technical, downhill through to gentle flat trails.
Just a reminder though, please stick to bike permitted trails only.
To enter, submit a photo or short video tagging ACT Parks Facebook page (@ACTParks), Twitter (@ACT_Parks), or email (EPSDDComms@act.gov.au).
Competition closes October 14.
- Brett McNamara is with ACT Parks & Conservation Service.
