Cycling the Centenary

The Centenary Trail, a 145km multi use trail which 'showcases Canberra and takes users on a journey between urban and rural environments past iconic sites and hidden treasures'. It opened in late 2013, as part of Canberra's 100th birthday celebrations.  So with Cath now permanently relocated to Canberra and currently in between employment, we decided to ride the trail, in sections on Mondays (my day off).

1. Watson to Hall - 33km 2hr43mins
A cracker of a day for Cath's first official day of freedom! Easy going from Cath's house through Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. Got a little more interesting, technical and physically challenging once we crossed Mulligans Flat road and hugged the northern border of the ACT. Beautiful section between the Northern Borders Campsite and One Tree Hill with the newer improved track much appreciated. Fast downhill finish from One Tree Hill to Hall where we met Eoin (our ride home) and enjoyed a bite to eat.

2. Hall to Bruce Ridge - 22km 1h30mins
Quite a boring but must do stage. Mostly on bike paths. We lost the trail markers a few times. Did a small lap in Bruce Ridge on way home.


3. Bruce Ridge to Arboretum - 26km 1h57mins
From my place to Bruce Ridge through Black Mountain and Cork Oaks to the Arboretum. We explored the new trails of the arboretum. Made Cath get off her bike and walk up to the top of Dairy Farmers Hill to appreciate the Eagle Sculpture and enjoy the panoramic views of Black Mountain and Lake Burley Griffin. Coffee at the Visitors Centre was nice and warm before returning back home.

4. Issacs Ridge to Watson - 30km 2h13mins
A few weeks break due to Orienteering long weekend, followed by sickness on my behalf. Cathy joined us for this section with the lovely Eoin dropping us off. Fast fire trail through Isaacs before a steep climb up and around the disused quarry on Mt Mugga Mugga. On to the lower slopes of Red Hill before scooting around Parliament House. Down into the Parliamentary Triangle, weaving between Old Parliament House, High Court and the National Art Gallery before emerging onto Kings Ave Bridge. Nice views as we rode along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. Up Anzac Parade, past the War Memorial and back on to the fire trails of Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura finishing at Cath's place.

School Holidays have now put a temporary halt to our ride but I'll take the opportunity to get my bike serviced as according to Andy it doesn't have any brakes! We are hoping to do the longest and final section in one go....