Manly Dam


Andrew's picture

By Andrew - Posted on 10 June 2009

I had a chat with the Manly Dam rangers today.
Apparently on Monday NPWS were out inspecting the track (for the right reasons) to see how a managed trail works.
However they were very concerned that while the trail was closed, sign posted and on the web site. Over 100 inconsiderate people were seen riding it.
With the great breakthroughs that the MTB community have had in the last two weeks due to the dedication of a select few (thanks Rob and Co). This is really not on.
Damage has been done to the trail, but more importantly to the cause.

End rant.
Andrew

MartinB's picture

As for trails that are wet weather safe in terrey hills, its only really Duck and centre that drain well enough to ride in wet conditions. As The perimiter track is a bog after rain and for about a week afterwards as well and sandy trail is death to drivetrains in the wet, cooyong neverfail isnt too bad, but is too hilly for normal people to ride anyway Laughing out loud

nrthrnben's picture

about the NPWS inspecting the track (after a week of rain, hmmm).Rob or someone that has a goodish relationship with them please tell them that we usually get 300-500 riders on long weekends from all over Sydney, the majority of riders on the northern beaches are in the know and thus didn’t ride, so the people that did ride would’ve driven here, not knowing the issues of riding the trails in the wet(mainly trail widening in some area's)

Also Rob and others commenting on the signage for purposes of education is great. It could include trail advocacy issues, maintenance, erosion and the benefits of abiding by the rules etc. At the top of the sign PLEASE READ IF YOU ENJOY RIDING THESE TRAILS. I’m sure we all wouldn’t mind chipping in for these if need be.

IMO maintenance days at the dam are not organized often enough, and maybe if a large group where encouraged to come it would build a sense of respect for the trails and the cause. We all know when we work hard for something we appreciate it much more. Increased numbers would need team leaders etc but we would surely end up with a much more water friendly and fun trail.

Maintenance should not just be about erosion protection, but also about making the track enjoyable and challenging.

pieboy98's picture

There's only one thing to fix this
Pack it up and move back to NZ
Primo Singletrack trails, sun, rain, hail even snow!!!
Ride whenever ya want

Open = Ride, Closed = Ride somewhere else

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Best Mountain Bike