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

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

A woman shares the magical moment a hot air balloon landed near her bike, and learns that mundane commutes can become an adventure. A stepdad talks about falling in love and rediscovering his purpose through connecting people on cycles. A woman learns to ride as an adult, and discovers the joy of gravel riding and long-distance trips in Australia and overseas. Another woman shares her stories as a professional cyclist turned founder of a bicycle brand, while a man describes swirling around Canberra and Hong Kong on a penny farthing.

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.