This kind if riding is what my Tumbleweed was built to do

10 November 2021

I followed Bicentennial National Trail to Hall then rode up One Tree Hill.

The Bicentennial horse trails were obliterated by long grass and new suburban development in places. It skirts along the western edge of our ACT Border with NSW. There were a few creeks to cross.

In one section the tall grass was swamped in flood water for about 150 metres. My fat tyres enabled me to float through.

Flooded Creek
I had a few mates along the way
This creek was dry last time I crossed

In some places, the original National Trail route has been disrupted by urban development of new suburbs. So I had to search around the streets to find where the Trail kicked off again.

Gate to re-enter Jarramlee Nature Reserve.
West Belconnen Pond going north from Jarramlee Nature Reserve.

After the pond, I picked up the trail again. This view looks south from near Douglas Waterhouse Drive, Dunlop.

Once I was on the Canberra Centenary Trail the track was better formed and the trail markers were easy to follow.

I enjoyed a break, with an apple for a snack at Hall Showgrounds. This is where the Australian Sheep Dog Trials are held each year in January.

Climbing One Tree Hill

Now it was time to test to see how well The Tumbleweed climbs with its Rohloff gears. I’ve ridden up this steep climb with my son Steven before, but always with my e-MTB.

The climb was tough. I mostly used 6th, 5th, and 4th gears with a very high cadence.

Over the last 2-3 years the Canberra Parks & Gardens folks have installed these cattle-grid crossings at every fence on the way over One Tree Hill. Much better than when we had to lift our bikes over the top of the numerous fences in the past. They are tricky to ride over, though.

This one is wider. Some are narrow for the handlebars.

Getting higher. View across the Gungahlin Valley to the southeast towards central Canberra.

Still climbing…
I needed a rest, plus something to eat.

After nearly 3 hours in the saddle, I needed to get home in time to pick up my nephew Liam from school. So I turned around for a quick dash back down the mountain. The Tumbleweed handled the fast decent very ably. The big tyres absorb the bumps and hits, and the cornering with the Jones Bars gives excellent control. I followed the Canberra Centenary Trail. It is well marked.

Although, on my way home, I did make a mistake near Ginninderra Creek and had to loop back.

On the way home. Looking to where Ginninderra Creek flows under the bridge into Lake Ginninderra. That’s Belconnen Town Centre in the distance.

I was tired by the time I made it home. The bike needed a good wash, and I needed plenty of liquids.