Grade: S-X
Distance: 16.5 km, return
Road Conditions: Mainly cycle paths
Route: Woden Town Centre via Hindmarsh Dr, Chifley, Waramanga, Tuggeranong Parkway, Drakeford Dr, Lake Tuggeranong, Athllon Drive and back to Woden TC.
Map: Canberra Cycleways Map and detailed map of ride
Starting Point: Woden Town Centre library, cnr Corinna/Furzer St
Description: Leave the Corinna St/Furzer St intersection by travelling down to a barbecue area and then under Melrose Dr. via a tunnel. Turn left and follow the bike path as it winds around to run parallel with Hindmarsh Dr., cross Launceston St and then join the Tuggeranong cycle path at a tunnel under Hindmarsh Dr. This is at a point where an exit road from the Tuggeranong Parkway meets Hindmarsh Dr.
There's a short, steep climb just beyond the tunnel after which the path rises gently, open land on the fight and backyards on the left. The hump of Mt Taylor, its summit access road scarring its face, lies directly ahead. In late winter 1989 the wattles along the bike route about here were heavy with beautiful golden spheres--in contrastwith the pallid green of nearby eucalypts, seemingly planted in rows.
The new suburb of Isaacs can be seen to the left spreading rashlike towards Isaacs Ridge before the path swings right and crosses Waldock St. It climbs through woodland, crosses this road again and then travels beneath the Tuggeranong Parkway. An uphill stretch of about 0.5 km follows before the path reaches the top of a ridge to reveal the splendour of the south-west ranges, in a good winter often brushed with snow. Nearer at hand is Mt Taylor and to the right Arawang trig.
It's exciting to zip downhill, the aspect marred only by poles and wires, until these impediments disappear leaving an uncluttered view of the vastness of the mountains. The cycleway continues to sweep downhill paralleling the Tuggeranong Parkway and entering Kambah. Difficult road crossings follow, but carry on as the track passes sports fields and children's play areas and runs through parkland. By now you have ridden almost 6 km. The path travels through an underpass and soon the waters of Lake Tuggeranong wink in the sunshine backed by that nineteenth century haunt of bushrangers, Mt Tennent, seemingly rising immediately behind this artificial lake although in reality it is some kilometres away. Lake Tuggeranong looks rather miserable in comparison with the older Burley Griffin and Ginninderra lakes to the north, but doubtless its appearance will improve as plantings on its sheep-country foreshores grow to maturity.
Turn left just before reaching Lake Tuiggeranong and continue riding under Drakeford Dr. Its surface deteriorates for a time, but soon improves as it runs alongside Athllon Dr. To the left is Mt Taylor, its flanks wooded this time in contrast with its earlier shaven appearance. Ride past sports fields and find the path runs under Athllon Dr. Be sure to take the right-hand turning (there's no sign) and travel through parkland crossing Atkins St near a roundabout. A long climb follows interrupted by a crossing of Sulwood Dr. about 11 km from the start. The landscape is featureless around here, an array of poles and wires creating a glum picture.
The scenery does improve as you cycle along--Farrer Ridge is on the right and access points to Mt Taylor on the left--and when the path reaches a Woden' sign Black Mountain and its tower become prominent and stay in view as the cycleway dashes along to make two crossings of Beasley St. Soon afterwards ensure you turn sharp right to cross under Athllon Dr. via a tunnel before riding over a bridge. The path swings left and travels behind houses, many of their fences festooned with shrubbery and bright red berries. Townhouses and units are passed, and the path descends to make another short bridge crossing and reach Callam St at the Woden Town Centre. The simplest way of returning to your start point is to ride left down Callam St and right into Corinna St and along this road back to the Woden Town Centre Library.
Pedal Power is grateful to Graeme Barrow for agreeing to allow this material and
maps to be reproduced here from his book "Riding Canberra's Bike Paths: A
commuter/tourist cycling guide". Other titles by Graeme Barrow include:
