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Lake Parramatta
I ride this area regulary. Not sure on its legality but I do know that in the last three years of riding through lake parramatta i have ridden past the odd ranger who hasn't said a thing other than hello.
Its a fairly popular venue and the council one would assume is well aware that the reserve is used for mountain biking and has been for a long time.
I also know that other trails that i ride in the area that come under Parramatta council are Ok to ride.
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Lake Parramatta was featured in the '08 Dirtworks catalogue, which you can download here:
http://www.dirtworks.com.au/newsite/images/stori...
Anyone recognise the cover shot? Looks a lot like the place identified as the lake on page 44. On page 6 the caption says this again.
Someone else was going to do a write up but has held off as they were told it's not legal. Perhaps the rangers don't know this? Which means it is really legal. Ho-hum, yet another 'fuzzy' area
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Hi.
I'm the someone Rob keeps referring to. Yes I’ve been advised by the council (not by the person who oversees the parks) that it isn’t an approved cycling park, however there is no signage stating otherwise. Currently a walking track only! There is a National Resource Officer that I have been trying to contact all day, however she is currently at the park. So I will inform once I have spoken with her.
The National Resource officer of Lake Parramata has confirmed that only the trail (firetrail) that runs near The Kings School and the trail south of the car park heading towards the school is cycle friendly and allowed. The track around side the lake is not allowed.
We have exchanged email details for further talks as she was very helpful and willing to investigate further. She has no idea about cycling at all and will research mountain biking, what are the differences, types of tracks and descriptions that identify (make) a mountain bike trail etc. Since the current area is under some EEC protection there has been no plan towards Mountain Biking in the reserve. Which means in the short term it's not allowed. I have asked her to identify specific areas that are allowed, and I will post that when I receive this information.
Now that she is aware the council might install signage, fences, cameras or guard dogs to stop Mountain Bikers in certain areas.(hope not)I understand that most of the track along the Lake is extremely tight, and very technical hence a walking track. This can be dangerous when two disciplines are crossing paths. But it's more fun on a bicycle, I've ridden there many times. Maybe walking should be banned? Haha.
Since you've got her email details, can you ask her to take a look what neighbouring Baulkham Hills council has done in Bidjigal/Excelsior reserve? (the GPS track I posted earlier).
It's clearly signposted as an offroad cycle track, with the usual signage saying that cyclists should give way to walkers. Seems to be working very well, and is an asset to the community.
Since it's an adjoining council area it helps establish a precedent for such an arrangement working well, and may give her a point of reference to advocate our cause.
I ride there occasionally. The track circling the lake is regarded for walkers as I understand it. It can be busy, with old people, children, tourists, and cliffs. There is plenty of other track for MTB's. At the end of this movie is a map which lays out a nice loop. Take the loop further east towards Jenkins Rd (Carlingford) along the cycleways following the creek to make it longer. GPS data available if anybody wants a tcx file. A great deal of what 'we' ride is actually outside the Lake, but we still tend to call it Lake Parramatta as that is where we park the cars, and is the landmark I guess.
The Kiosk is nice to have lunch at. Great family spot too.
Click "HQ" and turn speakers on. Check out the OTB captured on helmet-cam.
http://youtu.be/fawFvWPb22Q
Did I see a cloud of dust? Must be an old video...
Getting closer to a year now. Actually with all this wet weather Lake Parramatta is a good option. Most of it is fairly rocky and drains well. It's a location of choice after rain.
not a bad track but there is a lot more too it than that video & you can get lost in there too if you aren't careful I ended up doing a few hike a bikes the first time