Handlebars of happiness: stories about cycling

A 2025 Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture event, presented by Canberra by Bike Design Company and Smith's Alternative

Storytelling and songs about how cycles have made positive differences to people from all works of life across the ACT, and beyond.

Our storytellers include Anne who’ll share the magical moment a hot air balloon landed near her bike, and learns that mundane commutes can become an adventure.

Hear from Chloe, a businesswoman, and Commonwealth Games gold medalist who became a lawyer and also started her own bike brand.

Paris, a stepdad and bird nerd, talks about falling in love and rediscovering his purpose through connecting people on cycles.

Shay shares her story of learning to ride as an adult, and discovering the joy of solo gravel riding and long-distance bike packing trips in Australia and overseas.

And Simon talks about being the Bike Guy, playing guitar on his penny farthing, and winning the National penny farthing championships three times.

Make new friends and connect with old ones as we gather for the communal experience of storytelling. Share your story too, if you feel comfortable. Pitch your tale to us.