Completed Manly Dam Works 12/6/11


Rob's picture

By Rob - Posted on 12 June 2011

After recent discussion (see Manly Dam Closed for works and Manly Dam Golf Course single track works) about the works at Manly Dam here are some images taken today.

This currently doesn't look that bad. Here's hoping the dirt on top of the BBQ pavers stays there!

Brian's picture

Did they cover the pavers or rip them up?

Rob's picture

They covered them. I'm guessing the dirt will wash away and come summer it's dry and covered in loose sand and slippery as all sh!t... hope that guess is wrong though Sad

Simon's picture

Thanks for putting these up for me Rob,

Too bad you couldn't join me on the walk in the rain Eye-wink

I have about another 75MB of photos from today on sections that do require priority maintenance. Had a good look at water flows today as well and think it would be worthwhile going back in the dry with inclinometers and doing a full survey. Have GPS'ed the main problem points to go back to. Should get a few people together.

After this we could put together a User Group report with suggestions on what volunteers could do to fix these? Thinking it could be posted so everyone can comment before we give to Council.

I also went to Manly Dam Bush Regen on Saturday and there are a whole lot of logs that is about to be burnt off we could instead use help realign the track back to where it used to be located in some segments (heaps of tread creep and also braiding going on). There also seems to be some left over rock from previous works that could be used as anchors and also mulch to help revege along side the track.

mikethebike's picture

Has there EVER been pooling water in this spot? What are the pavers there for? Seems strange. Another 20m down the track would have been better.

pancakes's picture

I've never noticed any standing water there. Must admit I've never gone looking for evidence of it, though. It's very sandy and drains well so it's a bit of a mystery. It would be interesting to hear why they chose this section. Maybe there's some logic we don't know about? Like "it's lower than the bit next to it". I can't imagine a few inches of soil over a solid substrate is going to stay there long. Maybe they fortified it with some cement?

The rock you ride down just after this has water weeping on it for ages after it rains, but it's not really an issue. Then you ride that short section of track to the next large rock which has water pooling at the top of it for an equally long time after rain, as well. I would have thought that would have been a better candidate for some kid of fill.

kitttheknightrider's picture

I would suggest that the bags of cement seen in previous pics were used to stabilise the "paving" sand that they should have swept into the joints between the sandstone paving slabs. The dirt over the top has probably been put there as a temporary measure to allow them to open the track for this weekend and will more than likely be removed. The cement takes a while to harden and if the pavers are disturbed before it is properly cured they would be loose in no time at all. The layer of dirt protects the pavers while this process takes place and I believe will be removed, either by nature or by the council workers, depending on this rain, before too long.

That said, even if laid "properly", I don't see those slabs in the landing zone remaining undisturbed for long, they just aren't big enough for that kind of use.

LEX's picture

Assuming the rain holds off, is the Dam open again?.

lezo's picture

Can and will build...

I'd like to be considered for any maintenance/suggestions for the dam improvements. Out of this situation, there is reral passion for the track we all ride and hopefully the council will or have seen this commitment and want to help. As many guys have said before, this is one of the most ridden tracks in Sydney and as such, needs more maintenance than any. Using some of the materials that Simon has suggested is a great idea.

Recently, I rode Menai and the amount of work the guys have done out there is brilliant, most of it illegally I suspect although it is well done, solid and a demonstration of local blokes "putting in" to improve their local tracks. Given the chance, co-operating with the council, Manly Dam could be harder/faster and more technical with B lines for the less experienced ridiers.

I'm in, let me know when...

pikey's picture

The rock ledge in question was my Manly Dam "Baptism of fire". On my first ever lap of the dam whilst rolling over that rock I OTB'ed, second time around I lifted the front wheel beyond the boggy off landing, all good! To advance you need to have failed!!!

The dirt covering won't last!

The dumbing down continues

Pikey

nrthrnben's picture

a legitimate reason the council had agreed to contract somebody to upgrade(downgrade) that section of trail??

In my opinion that section was not eroded, did not hold water and was nice and softish for landings.

There is however many different parts of the dam that do need a few dug in rocks (not outdoor seating pavers),especially the allambie playground entry.

hawkeye's picture

Council rangers and nobmob members met this morning to discuss the current works program and rider input.

I expect to be able to advise more details soon.

Little-Ditty's picture

Looks almost identical to the trail work that we did there about 2 years ago. It will erode away again eventually.

As long as the A line remains through the middle there, all is good. Cool

BT's picture
I expect to be able to advise more details soon.

Well? Is it soon yet? Smiling

Simon's picture

"I'm in, let me know when... "

Be great to have your help. There has been a lot of talk going on behind the scenes and I think we may be near a point where we can get reults on the ground. Will respond again when we are putting something together.

An informal group of us has formed since we produced the following reports:

http://nobmob.com/node/10285

http://nobmob.com/node/9398

The informal group loosely includes the representatives from Nobmob, clubs and industry at the National Parks workshop:

http://nobmob.com/node/11175

We have been meeting with people in local and state government, land managers and green groups. As part of this Hawkeye is posting an update on a meeting we attended with Council Tuesday morning. This was with rangers, other staff and local bike clubs and was definitely positive. We are working towards coming to a formal arrangement with council.

I have a presentation to a member of the State senate this month, some high level talks with key green groups and then we will be putting together a proposal that may hopefully establish or make official more trails in the beaches region. Once we get beyond high level talks we will be needing full support from people like yourself to help on this as well!

Simon's picture

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