The closure of the long-running Mr Spokes bike hire at Lake Burley Griffin has left a hole in the hearts of many, but the remaining operators are coming up with new ways to serve the market.
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The unique location of Mr Spokes attracted Canberrans and visitors alike to the lakeside in their quest to conquer the city loop, which takes in some of the most stunning and iconic capital locations.
But after 40 years, the building is being demolished to make way for the new West Basin development and boardwalk, and the bikes are set to be sold by public auction.
Land Development Agency deputy CEO Neil Bulless said the long-term plans for the area, subject to funding, included pavilions that would provide space for a new bike hire business. However, in the short to medium term the location was unsuitable for such a service.
Cycle Canberra is a service providing pick-up and drop-off bike hire from Lake Burley Griffin and hotels across the nation's capital.
The business has been running for about five years. It has taken over school group tours from Mr Spokes, which has proved a popular year 6 camp activity.
Manager Rohan Reynolds said their business wasn't lucrative, but it was important.
"We're not getting rich out of it, but it's really enjoyable work," Mr Reynolds said.
"We enjoy educating people and showing people Canberra."
He said if the tourists coming to Canberra wanted to cycle, the lake loop was often their first choice.
For school groups, the most popular activity is a one-hour ride usually near the Central Basin from Kingston.
He said that side of the business was becoming increasingly popular.
"More and more schools are coming to Canberra for the attractions, and they find we give them something physical to do as part of their excursion. It really enhances the experience," Mr Reynolds said.
Anthony Smith and Kate McDonald introduced Canberra to Spinway about two and a half years ago. The bike rental stations are automated, and are used in the same way as a vending machine. There are seven hotels across the inner suburbs with the service.
"It's been growing over the last two and a half years, and figures have improved every year," Mr Smith said.
"Quite often going for a ride is a spur of the moment decision, so it depends on their location." He said the stations at Crowne Plaza and the Novotel were the most popular out of the seven.
About six months ago, the pair also set up a pop-up bike hire by Lake Burley Griffin at the yacht club, called Lakeside bike hire. It operates on weekends and public holidays. Mr Smith said while they would have loved to secure a premises near the lake foreshore, that was "very, very difficult".
"That's where Mr Spokes had a huge advantage," Mr Smith said.
He said tourists were their main market, but Canberrans were known to come down and take their bikes for a spin too.
Other options for bike hire or bike tours in and around Canberra include:
