Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

For Weekend Trips, including our Epic Rides, we recommend that you bring toiletries, sunscreen, riding gear for up to four rides and bag for wet/dirty clothes. If you are planning on taking a dip in the pool you should bring your swimmers and swim cap (mandatory). Other riding equipment you should bring, helmet, lights for riding at night, spare tubes, mini-pump (there is a track pump in the van), hydra–pack, butt butter, tire leavers and muesli bars/gels if you use them regularly. Bikes will be stored in your rooms/apartments at night. Don’t forget to bring riding and 'normal' clothes that are appropriate for Canberra weather which can get hot in the summer (arm coolers etc) and cool in Autumn, Spring and Winter (arm, leg, head warmers, vest, long gloves etc).

Please note that all rooms have a heater, sheets, pillows, blankets, towels and soap.

For Day Trips we recommend that you bring sunscreen, deodorant, towel, riding gear for two rides and bag for wet/dirty cycling gear, please also bring dry clothes for the return trip to Sydney. Other riding equipment you should bring, helmet, spare tubes, mini-pump (there is a track pump in the van), hydra–pack, butt butter, tire leavers and muesli bars or similar for riding sustenance.

Wet Weather...

We MTB in most weather conditions. Riders never HAVE to ride. Your MTB will be stored at the AIS indoors overnight and whilst on the trailer, all bikes will be covered.

Wet Weather Alternatives

Portrait Gallery

National Museum

War Memorial

The National Capital Exhibition

Plus many more things to do in our Nations Capital

See Canberra weather details.

Why ride Canberra?

There are less and less quality mtnbike trails in Sydney and certainly a dearth of single track on offer. Recently there have been a number of mtnbike trail closures on the Northern Beaches. The NPWS have closed prominent local mtnbike trail locations including;

Slippery Dip Trail (Oxford Falls)
Little Moab (Oxford Falls)
Bah Hi Temple Trail (Mona Vale)
All Single Track in the Cascades Moon Rock (Oxford Falls)
Bantry Bay side of Manly Dam
Heath Track
Two Creeks Trail

There are now signs that say NPWS Rangers will be increasing their patrols of these closed tracks & will be issuing on the spot $300 fines if you are caught on the track.

What is the fine print?

We do not insure against the cost of medical or dental expenses incurred by riders participating in these rides. We therefore advise that participants consider their own insurance needs and to take action appropriate to their circumstances. We expect riders to have a general knowledge of mountain bike riding and the risks associated with this type of riding. As is the case with all mountain biking courses they undulate through fire roads and single track. The courses are designed to provide a challenge to riders and areas can be of a difficult nature. The trails can be as serious as permanent disability and death. Riders will receive an itinerary via email before the trip which has the lead guides mobile phone number listed. All riders are to carry a mobile phone with them and never ride alone. All riders are also expected to complete a Waiver which will be emailed to you upon registering for the weekend.

Payment - To secure your spot, a deposit of $100* is required after your booking has been made. You may also make the full payment^ of the total amount via bank EFT, details are supplied once you have submitted your booking.

Any questions please contact:

Will Levy
will.levy@mtnbike.com.au
+61 (0) 430 121 776
www.mtnbike.com.au
skype williamlevy

*non refundable and ^full payment is required two weeks before the departure date - this then becomes non refundable.

What skill levels are catered for?

The beauty of riding in Canberra is that at all trails there is a wide variety on offer for all levels of riders. At the first ride site of the weekend, there is a MTB skill session held, this is where riders learn skills such as cornering, braking and many other tips they will be able to use over the weekend and into the future. There is also another session session held on the Sunday for those who would like to work more on the mountain bike skills.

What can I do at night?

There will be a trip leaving for O’Connor, on Saturday night at around 8:00pm. Please note that alcohol is NOT allowed back to the AIS and this is strictly enforced. Transport back will be at 10:00pm. Taxi transport is also available. Common rooms have cable TV and are linked to all the sports channels and also the movie channels. The town of Bruce now has a small restaurant 5 minutes walk away. There are also regular events at the AIS, including AIS basketball games, the Brumbies and Raiders.

What can I do in Canberra if I don't want to ride?

Considering you should be riding this is a tough one. If you really don't feel like riding one of the sessions here are some suggestions of things to do in Canberra. They are all within riding distance from the AIS: Kingston and Manuka, grab breakfast or lunch at Silo which is in Kingston. Visit the Portrait Gallery. The Glass Gallery is down near the Old Bus Depot Markets and not far from Kingston. The National Capital Exhibition, a small museum, gives the history of Canberra and you can look at the other plans of what Canberra was going to look like, really quite interesting! You can also swim in the AIS pool which is right next to our accommodation.

What if I don't have a bike or my bike doesn't go the distance?

Check out our bike hire service through Capital Bicycle Hire (CBH). We can usually get a bike delivered to either the AIS or to the trail for the next session. CBH have several options of what type of bikes you can have for the day, or weekend. www.capitalbicyclehire.com.au

Can I get my bike serviced?

mtnbike has arrangements with a professional bike mechanic and where ever possible, will arrange for repairs to be made. Please make sure that you have your bike serviced before your planned trip to Canberra with mtnbike.

Training/Nutrition from AIS