Words : Charlie Coquillard / Photos : Charlie Coquillard - 30/11/2020

Save trees & ride bikes

In 2003, Canberra was swept by devastating bushfires. Residential areas, bushland, forests, and tree plantations got burnt to the ground. A national design competition was launched for an idea on how to repopulate the now burnt pine tree plantation overlooking the city. The concept"
100 forests and 100 gardens" won the competition and became what is now a national treasure of biodiversity, and some of the best roads Canberra has to offer to cyclists.

Let us take you on a tour of Australia's most significant Arboretum, its steep climbs, and fast downhills. 

What is an Arboretum?

An arboretum is where trees are grown to serve conservation, scientific and educational purposes. They play an essential part in the conservation of all tree species, especially the endangered ones. They are especially important in Australia as the weather, and the recurrent bushfires can decimate entires species.
The national Arboretum of Canberra is the only monocultural Arboretum of its size in the World.

Riding possibilities.

Spanning over 250 Hectares, the Arboretum is one of the World's most extensive collection of endangered tree species and a goldmine of empty roads.
From its top, at the Dairy farmers Hill lookout, you can see the endless riding possibility the area provides for both road and gravel riders. Its steep climbs are perfect for interval training or a sunrise spin, and the 360° view never disappoints. Tucked away, far from the city's arteries, the Arboretum is as quiet as it gets, and cars are non-abundant, making it even more pleasant to spin the legs. 

Conservation .

The primary goal of an Arboretum is to preserve plant diversity in the interest of future generations. Notably, two extinct species in the wild, five critically endangered, ten endangered, and fourteen vulnerable species. That's something we feel strongly about. Riding bikes is fun, but it's also a way of preserving the environment for those who come next. It's a way to teach our kids how to be sustainable and understand the impact of human life on our environment, their environment.

We have committed to reducing our environmental impact as much as possible; click below to discover how.

Merino jersey for Canberra Weather.

Unlike almost-always-sunny Sydney, Canberra has variable weather all year round. The mercury drops very low in Winter and jumps back up in Summer; one answer to this: Merino.

As Phillip from Kingston Foreshore Cycles says so well: "Merino is a wonder fabric that keeps you warm when it gets cold, and cool when it gets warm." Canberran local, our Merino jerseys are some of his favorite garments. Combining snug fit, excellent breathability, and sweat-wicking properties, they are the perfect type of garment for variable weather.

With Summer around the corner, Merino is an excellent fabric to look into. Why? Because Merino's incredibly fine, lightweight fibers draw moisture away from your skin and evaporate it into the air, keeping you comfortable in the heat. The superfine fibers feel soft against your skin and naturally resist odours, so you stay fresh throughout your ride and at the pub afterward.

Nature and cycling.

Through initiatives like the Arboretum, we get to help nature regenerate while enjoying the great outdoors and a few pedal strokes. If you're ever traveling through Canberra, make sure not to miss this remarkable reserve just outside of the city.