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Manly Dam-One Way Trail?
So I have been riding Manly Dam regularly for about a year now, and have always believed it was a one way trail. I was out riding on Saturday arvo when I encountered two riders riding up the hill as I was descending (quickly I might add), when I rounded a corner and had to slam on my brakes to avoid a collision. I told them they were riding the wrong way, continued riding, but later on as I was finishing my lap, I encountered them again still going the wrong way.
I suppose what I'm asking is:
1. Am I wrong in saying Manly Dam is one way?
2. Is this common?
3. How should I deal with riders riding the wrong way ?
Edit: I was riding the conventional way. I encountered them as I was descending to the creek on the hill near the wake Hurst parkway entry
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I'm pretty sure it's a one way trail with exception to walkers... I've encountered a fair number of riders on that very same section and it does scare the mitts of ya. Most of the time they've been either new to the course and/or inexperienced riders...
I'm sure many more Nobmobers will comment on this issue with more informed opinions/answers than mine
Thanks for the reply Andy. I suppose its good to hear other people have encountered this issue
It depends which way YOU were riding to determine whether they were going the wrong way or not.
Clockwise - correct way
Anti Clockwise - wrong way - but challenging - especially through the golf course techy section.
Logic suggests that the "correct" way is clockwise. In my mind the vast majority of the techy parts of the track have been made/modified for going down - not up.
BUT - there seems to be more arrows/markings on the track which suggests an anti-clockwise direction.
BUT AGAIN - 99.9% of people ride it clockwise.
I do occasionally go the "wrong" way at night after cutting in from the Parkway and going down towards home by the 2 schools - but I am always conscious that I am riding against the flow - particularly on that blind corner at the Oval.
Maybe a matter that needs to be taken up with the Council?
On a related matter - I would love to see the various sections of the track given some names and signs installed. Always wondered exactly where the 19th Hole starts and finishes?? Would help immensely with reports on here so that we could give warnings of any issues in the "named" sections.
Although the Council advertise the track as to be ridden in a clockwise direction, and it makes sense to have the sniggle one way, I'm not sure you can legitimately / safely regard fire trail as one-way. My view would be that the fire trail needs to be ridden with an expectation that it is at least possible to meet service vehicles, pedestrians and riders coming / going in either direction. Adds an extra element of excitement to all those hot lap efforts.....
Currently the trail is bi-directional, and this is confirmed by the metal track markers and signposts dotted around the track.
However, the convention is to ride clockwise. My view is that it is silly, risky and stubborn to persist with riding laps the opposite way at busy times. Off peak times like midmorning weekdays or the wee hours of the morning like 2am I wouldn't complain if someone was looking for a bit of extra challenge.
I've been known to ride/walk/sneak my way up the Allambie section in reverse to avoid riding on the road to get home or re-ride a section, but I'm very aware of the poor sight lines and I keep a sharp ear out for approaching riders and always get off and clear the trail to avoid obstructing or spooking riders circulating clockwise.
When the new POM is approved it will i believe formalise the direction as clockwise for riders.
http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/play/manly-dam-m...
I was going to say i have seen it advertised as clock wise in the past though i couldnt remember where so thanks Burt
I have come across idiots flying down that little section between the golf course entrance and the round about near the school and when i commented on them riding the wrong way they replied to say they know but its a short cut which is just the height of ignorance if you ask me and bloody pathetic
One way road rules should stay on road... Just saying is all
Have been thinking about something unofficial along those lines but mainly with a view to warn riders about upcoming tech sections such as the gap jump on the Aquatic Centre track . Signs naming sections wouldn't be a bad idea.
Naming the train would be great.
I have done about 60 laps of the joint probably but wouldnt have a clue whats what when you talk about it. I dont even know which bit is the 19th hole lol
The fire-trail sections are multi-use so you should always be ready for pretty much anything coming the other way. Riders coming up the climb are no different to a 14 year old kid walking his dog. So just ride sensibly please.
The single track sections are sign-posted as being risky for walkers and suggest MTB riders ride them CW only.
The trail behind the houses on the Allambie side is becoming quite narrow now due to vegetation growth and this is probably the heaviest used section by pedestrians, dog walkers and kids on bike. So bombing down this section is no longer really feasible anymore.