Social nights

Social nights

Join Pedal Power members on the third Tuesday of each month for a relaxed evening of food chats and a bike-related talk.

Gatherings are held at the Southern Cross Club in Woden. They start at 6pm for dinner followed by the talk at 7:30pm in the Rainbow Room. The event is usually finished by 9:30pm.

Upcoming social nights are:

19 December 2023

Christmas Party

Join us on Tuesday 19 December at the Canberra Nara Peace Park from 5:30pm onwards, as we gather to celebrate another fantastic year of cycling in Canberra. RSVP here.

Previous Social Nights

21 November 2023

Unfinished Business – Cycling from Canberra to Singapore

Ian Wallis is a retired scientist of nutrition, physiology and ecology, who has ridden 70,000 km on a heavily-laden bike, unsupported, across large parts of the world.
Earlier this year, Ian departed Canberra to cycle to Singapore. The title of his blog describing the trip was ‘Unfinished Business’ with the goal to close the gap on his 2011 epic bike ride from England to Singapore. The journey’s subtitle of ‘the great indigo bike ride’ was another key goal to raise money for the indigo foundation. The indigo foundation partners with local communities around the world to empower women and girls, improve education and health outcomes and defend human rights.
Come along and hear of the remarkable challenges of such an undertaking, the preparation, nutrition, observations, and philosophy. Time will be available for discussion and for your questions.
For your prior interest please visit Ian’s blog.

17 October 2023

First Aid for Cyclists

Would you know what to do if someone came off their bike and needed first aid? Trish Carnegie and Sheila Webster are members with medical training who want us all to be ready and able to deliver first aid. They will talk about causes of injury, conditions that require first aid such as shock, concussion, wounds and breaks, how to give first aid, and the kits and emergency apps available.

19 September 2023

Riding in Germany by Peter Beers and Jill Mortier

Peter and Jill have recently returned from their sixth cycling holiday in Germany. They’ve also cycled in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and elsewhere, but Germany keeps drawing them back. The seas and lakes, rivers and forests, castles and churches, mediaeval towns, mountains and hills, and a rich history have enticed Jill and Peter back, and they are now planning their next visit. Germany has an extensive network of cycle routes and paths across the country and its infrastructure is improving in response to the number of Germans who are cyclists. This has made the country a great place for a cycling holiday.

Peter and Jill are talking about how they prepare for and manage their cycle touring, and about why Germany is so attractive to cyclists.

15 August 2023

Beekeeping in Europe – as seen from a bicycle

Des Cannon became a beekeeper in 1978, as an adjunct to being a Science teacher. Nine years later he and his wife, Jenan, resigned from teaching to become full-time beekeepers. Twenty years on, they started touring Europe by bicycle, and every trip also involved bees in some way. His talk covers the following of river systems in Europe – the Danube, the Weser, the Main, the Elbe, the Saale/Ilm, the Rhine, the Saone, the Rhone – and sometimes leaving the rivers to travel overland through Germany, Provence, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Scotland, England and Ireland, always with an eye out for beehives and learning experiences with bees.

Come along for a presentation on how they combined two great passions in their life, cycling and bees!

16 May 2023 – Learning to Share Bike Paths with Canberra’s Reptiles

Gavin Smith is the owner & operator of ACT Snake Removals a government-licensed snake catching, rescue and removal service. Cyclists encounter the ACT’s unique wildlife in surprising locations & better knowledge & understanding of these animals will be fascinating and worthwhile. Knowing what to do, how to respond to a snake, and how to treat a bite plus much more will be shared. Gavin is also conducting academic research which explores social attitudes towards snakes and how snake encounters are experienced, and the movement ecology of local venomous snake species.

20 June 2023

Credit Card Cycling with Andrew Stuart-Credit Card Cycling – taking minimal gear over multi-day trips around Canberra and beyond.

Andrew Stuart is an experienced cyclist around Canberra, Australia and overseas. He goes on regular overnight rides where he takes the bare minimum on his bike; staying at pubs, hotels or Airbnbs. Andrew will share some of his local routes and equipment lists. If you are wondering how to get started on overnight cycles or you’re curious about how to minimise your gear, come and listen to this engaging presenter.

18 July 2023

Cycle Touring in the  Republic of Korea

Cycling is a beautiful way to explore any country – giving you access picturesque roads and panoramic views inaccessible from cars, buses or trains.

John Widdup will share his recent ride in South Korea on the long distance cycle routes. He will cover the cycle route network, the cyclist passport documentation system, cycle paths, on-road sections and detours, getting bikes to and from Korea, hiring electric-assist bikes in Korea, bike maintenance and repairs, accommodation, food and touristy things along the routes.