Warming up, uphill style

With most people now well and truly over winter for another year, the countdown to spring - and the best time for riding in Canberra - begins.
But for all the frost, fog and freezing cold winter brings, it's actually not such a bad time to ride, so long as you do it in the afternoon. We headed out to Stromlo Forest Park on Saturday and Sunday, with awesomely clear, sunny skies on both days, and not a breath of wind.
Even at 2pm, it's a chilly start, but you warm up quickly, especially at Stromlo, where most of the trails head upwards from the start. Thankfully, the climb is fairly graduated with switchbacks aplenty, and before you know it, you're rewarded with awesome views across Canberra to the city and beyond (see above; taken at the top of Stromlo during last year's 24 Hour).
However, super fit and insanely good uphill lovers will be happy to hear that CORC has recently finished building a double-black diamond climb on the front face of Stromlo. It's been constructed especially for those professionals competiting in the 2008 World Cup cross-country race, but is open to everyday riders before and after the event.
If you're planning to ride it, just note those two black diamonds - and don't say we didn't warn you...