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Current condition of Perimetre and Long tracks?
Does anyone know of the current condition of Perimetre and Long tracks? Are they too wet already?
Thanks.
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... storm front is moving in on Terrey Hills right now. But I'm not sure what is "too" wet with a fire trail. Too wet to risk trashing your bike maybe, but you can't do much damage to the track no matter how wet it is.
Thanks Lach. Yeah, I'd rather not trash the bike.
What do you mean with too wet to risk trashing your bike? Why would you risk trashing your bike because its a bit wet? Sorry just dont get it, we are riding mountain bikes after all not convertibles.
... it's all about what the wet Sydney sandstone grit can do to your drive train (and other vulnerable bits). If you like little grains of hard stuff running around in your chain like emery paper, then go for it. Great way to ensure you have the latest gear on your bike. Stay off vulnerable single track, but there are plenty of fire trails to work with.
A couple of years ago a few blokes from this site did a training ride on Great North Road in preparation for the Convict 100. It was wet.
I think the total damage bill was north of $5k if I recall correctly, $3k on one bike alone (SRAM XX or X0 drive train, brakes, and every bearing on the bike destroyed). Pretty expensive 50km ride.
Sandy clay and water make a lovely grinding paste. The noise it makes in your brakes and drivetrain is akin to fingernails on a chalkboard, if you are old enough to know what a chalkboard is.
Too much money for me.
Just picked up a full XT drivetrain for $400. If my wrist wasn't broken would put the old one back on the bike and smash those fire trails
How's that new 29er build coming along then?
I love riding well built invulnerable single track...
Wasnt aware of that...at all. Im from Europe, we ride hail or shine but I guess thats due to the wood environment we are usually riding in. Now that you say it it does make sense. Not that I would want to hear it though as it'll keep me of my bike today. Any areas that are safer to ride in the we than others then? What about Bantry Bay with its pretty solid rock structures?
Not really anywhere I'm aware of in Sydney where riding wet singletrack will not severely damage the trails. Our soils are infamously fragile. This includes Bantry Bay. Part of the Code of Conduct posted on the signboard states no riding when wet.
No rider who cares about the trails will do it for recreational riding. I am acutely uncomfortable doing it even in organised races. The tracks used in last years Fling over private land are perhaps an exception as they are used only for the race and are otherwise closed.
Fire trails are less of an issue as they are used in all weathers by management vehicles and bike traffic is low impact by comparison. But then there's the impact on your bike.
Rotorua, New Zealand, where I am at the moment there are no such problems I am told by the locals. The trail surfaces are so hardened there is a black line from the tyre rubber. The dustiest our bikes got was yesterday from being on the shuttle trailer up to the top of the mountain.
On the Northern Beaches. Duck Holes and Centre Tracks are probably the best drained and are most likely to be free of standing water. You could give then a go if you are desperate to escape cabin fever.