New cycling series spotlights Canberra

A new television series - Trail Towns - showcases Canberra as a cycling destination. With its picturesque trails and open spaces, Canberra has long been known as a haven for cyclists. Trail Towns, premiering on SBS TV on 5th June, follows cycle enthusiast Dieter ‘Deetz’ Kahsnitz and MTB world champion Paul ‘Vandy’ van der Ploeg as they road trip across Australia.

The series provides insights on where to ride, eat, play and stay, while encouraging people to jump on a bike and take a cycling holiday.

An episode dedicated to Canberra will feature in the series, with Kahsnitz saying he was “impressed” by the capital and noting “we were not prepared for how passionate the people of Canberra are for riding bikes and how welcoming the people of this city are.

“Spending a week riding all over Canberra showed us that the benefits of a designed city means that bike paths are literally everywhere.”

Filming of the Canberra episode took place in February this year, with several tourism industry members, products and locations involved. The ACT Government provided support to produce the episode.

Cycling locations to feature in the episode include Majura Pines, Isaac Ridge, Stromlo Forest Park, National Arboretum Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin.

Kahsnitz described Stromlo as “simply stunning” and added “the trail head has probably the best cafe and bike shop area I've seen anywhere, including on my many trips in the US. After the ride, the burgers are honestly one of the best I've ever had.

He also said that the Majura Pines had the “best riding terrain I've ridden in ages. The variety of trails, from gnarly old school double blacks to flow trails means there's something for everyone.

“There are heaps of green and blue trails too and the progression is nice and gentle. Next door is a winery too with its own gate. We chose to ride here three times during the week, after 14-hour days shooting...just because we loved it so much.”

Hospitality venues to feature in the episode include Braddon’s Grease Monkey, ZAAB, Bentspoke Brewery, Frugii Dessert Laboratory and Fyshwick’s Capital Brewing Co. Just outside of the capital, Poachers Pantry and Four Winds Vineyard also feature as must-visit destinations.

Kahsnitz said the tour “put to rest the notion that Canberra is soulless. It’s the opposite actually, with the food scene quite frankly blowing us away.

“So many passionate and enthusiastic people doing amazing things with all types of cuisines.”

Trail Towns premieres on SBS TV at 4pm on Saturday 5th June and SBS on Demand. You can follow the series on trailtowns.tv and read Kahsnitz’s thoughts on his visit to the capital here.

Image above: Paul  van der Ploeg cycling in Stromlo Forest Park