Off-road Cycling with the ACT National Parks Association

As I careered towards retirement, I was looking for something that would carry me well into and throughout this new journey.  So, at the tender age of fifty nine I got back into cycling, something I had not done consistently since I was a kid. Not only has mountain biking carried me well into retirement it has combined seamlessly with my other passions of nature appreciation and wildlife photography. To me it’s not just the cycling but going to places I know I would not be able to get to on foot comfortably.

It was this marriage of cycling and exploring natural places that led me to the ACT National Parks Association (NPA).  For around two years now I have been involved with other members in contributing, participating and leading NPA mountain bike trips.  On any given trip there is always a few Pedal Power members and I’m always impressed by the breadth of knowledge of participants, from flora and fauna to the local First Nations and European history. 

For the NPA rides you do not have to be a member but after a couple of rides it is courteous that you do join up. Emphasis on these rides is not only on the cycling opportunities but also the special places off road bicycles can take you with a bit of fitness and skill. All competent off-road bicycles are welcomed including E-bikes, fat bikes and gravel bikes but some ride leaders may restrict this suitability list to match conditions on the more difficult rides. All rides are conducted on fire trails or management trails. The rides offered by NPA range from wilderness style backcountry trips in Namadgi and Brindabella National Parks, visiting high country huts and campgrounds and historic sites, to Sunday morning rides around Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and Googong and surrounds. 

A favourite ride for me to be involved in and lead is the ‘Tour De Mulligans’ which is held each year.  For an area such as Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, which combined with the Goorooyarroo sanctuary covers 1,800 hectares (1,253 hectares behind protective fence) including kilometres of fire trails and maintenance tracks, an off road bicycle of any type opens up huge possibilities for exploration of this very rare and special woodland. 

Any ride in Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary would not be complete without stopping at the Wildbark Visitors centre. They serve excellent coffee, snacks and lunch and offer interesting and up to date information on all things happening in the sanctuary.  They now rent out bikes (including e-bikes) at reasonable rates, so you can organise your own morning of exploration for those who may not have suitable bicycles.

NPA members are always looking to enhance the experience of venturing to new destinations and it is worth keeping an eye on the activities schedule for what is coming up. If the leader has specified registration, this is done on the NPA website where the ride is described.

Hope to see you out there in the wilds.

Trevor Costa