23 June 2011

Literary Locality Reviews Part 4. Where to Ride Canberra

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Prue with

It is cold – we know that with every freezing bone in our Canberran bodies! This review should be ignored by everyone with a predilection for the warmer months because what I am about to recommend will only chill you to the core…

Where To Ride – Canberra
By Narelle Hards
$34.95

Available at Smiths Alternative Bookshop now!!

I know it seems silly recommending a book about outdoor activities in the middle of winter – but Canberra is often blessed with sun saturated winter days perfect for bike riding – so I thought I’d take the liberty!

Narelle Hards really knows Canberra and its gorgeous surrounds properly from the years she spent living and riding here. The book is incredibly well researched and beautifully presented. Colour photographs complement the hardest rides and make even mountain biking trails seem conquerable!

Where To Ride – Canberra also contains great sections of practical advice for first timers on road and off road.

Canberra truly is one of the greatest cities for cyclists and this is such a handy guide to have – encouraging and engaging – who could want more?

The rides are all ranked using the Where To Ride scale – which means you can prepare for an easy or hard ride accordingly. The clear and accurate maps accompanied by concise well written directions make this reviewer want to jump onto her little pink bike and head for the hills and mountain climbs… Almost. Perhaps in summer time? Still a girl can dream till then!

Drop by Smiths Alternative Bookshop today for your very own copy!

And as per usual – mention this article and receive one FREE small COFFEE!

[Review by Prue]

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PrueAlexandra1:38 pm 07 Jul 11

Well spotted the book is indeed much more about leisure rides!
Mostly I tend to think that patience with the roads in Canberra and constructive lobbying is the best way to go about making it a bit safer and better for riders… But i’ve never had a problem!

But you have more Canberrans riding here than anywhere else. 🙂

Reminds me of this picture: http://i.imgur.com/xFIT6.jpg

Thanks for the heads up about the book.

BicycleCanberra said :

‘Canberra truly is one of the greatest cities for cyclists’ . Depends on how you measure this. In terms of modal share, at around 3%, Canberra wouldn’t rank in the top 100. http://www.copenhagenize.com/2009/07/worlds-most-bicycle-friendly-cities.html. We do have Stromlo Park but a crap velodrome. We do have some nice cyclepaths but crap on road cycle lanes on ‘high speed high volume roads’, and like many other Australian cities (except the Northern Territory) with have Mandatory Bicycle Helmet Laws for all ages. Also at nearly all road intersections priority is given to the cars and not for cyclists or pedestrians. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEXD0guLQY0. So one of the greatest cities for cyclists? don’t make me laugh!

Somehow, I don’t think the book is written for people commuting to work. From the description I clearly understand that it is about nice rides for leisure in and around Canberra. When you can stick to the cycle paths and quiet roads. And there are indeed plenty of those.

BicycleCanberra2:44 pm 23 Jun 11

‘Canberra truly is one of the greatest cities for cyclists’ . Depends on how you measure this. In terms of modal share, at around 3%, Canberra wouldn’t rank in the top 100. http://www.copenhagenize.com/2009/07/worlds-most-bicycle-friendly-cities.html. We do have Stromlo Park but a crap velodrome. We do have some nice cyclepaths but crap on road cycle lanes on ‘high speed high volume roads’, and like many other Australian cities (except the Northern Territory) with have Mandatory Bicycle Helmet Laws for all ages. Also at nearly all road intersections priority is given to the cars and not for cyclists or pedestrians. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEXD0guLQY0. So one of the greatest cities for cyclists? don’t make me laugh!

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