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Garigal NP MTB Tracks


firefly's picture

By firefly - Posted on 13 May 2013

Hi everybody.

Just wanted to alert fellow members I heard just now on ABC Radio, a caller named Rosemary talking up the terrible prospect of an MTB Track through Garigal NP. I remember reading posts about this woman's antics on this website a while ago. She was quite strong in her arguments to the announcer about the threat to Aboriginal carvings and to wildlife if night riding was to occur, and of the threat of degradation. Another caller followed up with comments about trail bikes and park degradation also.

We need to get on top of this again (if it's not being done already - I am sure some folk on here who champion our cause are working tirelessly!!) to point out to the wider public how a successful partnership between the MTB community and NP & Council staff can lead to a positive outcome for all who enjoy our great outdoors. We just have to point to Old Man's Valley and other areas.

Anyway, just thought I'd alert everybody.

Cheers

Rory

hawkeye's picture

What station was it on? 702?

I get really sick of these armchair environmentalists and their misinformation.

The walking tracks in the area she is concerned about are in disgusting condition, and I don't see any of her group getting off their butts and getting volunteer trail maintenance up and running.

The proposed bike tracks *must* be diverted around the aboriginal carvings by law, so the implementation by NPWS will *improve* the situation, not worsen it.

firefly's picture

Hawkeye.

Yeah, it was on 702. That's who it was, didn't catch her last name but now that you've mentioned the surname I'm certain it was her. I've never been to the areas in question and am salivating at the prospect of have a properly built & maintained MTB track so close by! If I was fully across all issues I would've called in immediately to put those points across as strongly as possible in an attempt to shoot her down.

Here's hoping it's full steam ahead for this track.

Simon's picture

702 just called TrailCare. We are being interviewed tomorrow.

firefly's picture

Any idea what time. I don't want to miss that interview!!!

kitttheknightrider's picture

Thank you Simon, your time and effort is much appreciated

Simon's picture

Or soon after.

Thanks for the thanks!

spindog's picture

the only real option we have to continue to rebut her claims everytime she comes up with this misinformation!

hawkeye's picture

We've extended invitations to her on several occasions - Simon has, and I've done so publicly twice, once in the Manly Daily and a second time in front of hundreds of people at a Forestville Community Hall meeting - but she has so far not taken up the opportunity to have us explain the science, strategy and evidence behind making trails sustainable.

Seems she doesn't want facts to cloud her prejudices.

Rosemary, if you're reading this, the invite is still open. Bring as many of your friends as you wish, and we'll do a site visit to your areas of concern, on foot.

amarkie's picture

Good stuff Simon!

If anyone can podcast it and place the link here that would be awesome.

jacojoco's picture

Is this the Aboriginal carvings next to the recently bulldozed Bantry Bay Rd? Bit of a lost cause. On the weekend nearby residents & look see-ers were all over the place looking at the damage and walking over the carvings. I dont understand how Forestville Park Plans diverts MTB away whilst Bantry Bay gets bulldozed in the middle of it all for low/medium density housing! Rosemary must be a voice out of whack.

kitttheknightrider's picture

How did it go Simon? Sorry but I had parent teacher interviews at my daughters school so wasn't able to listen in.

Simon's picture

so far from major land managers. So I'm happy with that.

It was all over very quickly.

I was asked about appropriateness of riding in NP's, sustainable trail design, how NPWS were addressing concerns at Bantry Bay. A bit about where you can ride.

Will write more up later.

The Brown Hornet's picture

Well done Simon.

I caught most of it. It was good to hear that Linda Mottram's husband had bought books from the States about trail building, which I assume were the 2 outstanding IMBA books.

I feel it was a very positive segment, and Simon did a good job of explaining the ethics behind sustainable trail building and the minimal impact mountain bikes have on the environment. A good point he raised was that historically mountain bike specific trails are few and far between, and that a good portion of trails ridden by mtb's are old 4wd and moto trails. I think that this point is important as people perhaps then think that we are responsible for the condition of the trails, when in fact they were unsustainable and woeful to begin with.

Maybe Mr. Mottram and The Spence (Adam Spencer from the early morning show on 702) would be bang up for a decent tour of some sustainably designed mtb trails.

jsmith's picture

Thanks Simon - brilliant effort!

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