Mount Keira rock fall danger

[Dumbellina]

Only MTB seem at risk from falling rocks. Are the National Parks people timing rock falls for passing MTB'rs?

The good old national parks policy at work again: "Mountain bikes ...are only permitted to ride on fire trails, for safety and environmental reasons."


http://www3.environment.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/dec_media_070430_01
Mountain bike riders warned of Mount Keira rock fall danger
Media release - Monday, 30 April 2007

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued an urgent appeal to mountain bike riders to keep clear of the area below the Mount Keira summit because of a recent rock fall in the vicinity.

Geotechnical experts have advised that bike riders in the area could be in danger because the landslip has loosened a thousand cubic metres of rock and earth on the steep hillside.

While riding in the area is not permitted at any time, riders who do so now could face particular danger. Mountain bikes in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area are only permitted to ride on fire trails, for safety and environmental reasons.

Authorities have temporarily closed Five Islands Lookout and adjacent lookouts on Mount Keira, and the walking track that joins them because of safety concerns.

For further information check the park closure pages or phone 9542 0648 (8:30am-4:30pm on weekends).

[Incontinent]

Tracks are still ok for bush walkers?

While I totally agree with the need for National Parks to alert all users of these trails to impending danger.
Why do they feel the need to single out and alienate mountain bike riders?
Why couldn't this release simply be headed "All Park Users"
An "as to be expected" media release unless of course mountain bikers are the only users of these trails, in which case I happily retract any negative comment.

[Dozer]

I might bring my truck down and collect some of the fallen rocks to build a nice new rock section back home. It'd be about the only useful thing that the area around there would've contributed to MTB lately..........
Thanks for being so caring NPWS. Is there any rangers wearing a hardhat there today or are they safe from falling rocks because they aren't up the top to push them?............:rolleyes:

[Old Shagger]

HOw funny, i was driving to work this morning and was gazing up the escarpment dreaming of being able to ride in there...as you do when you should be looking at the car in front, and i noticed what i thought looked like a new big "scar' (landslip) up on the hill, and i was thinking wouldnt that be scary if that happened when you are riding....and then you read this.

[Cletus]

it a pretty impressive slip thats for sure, it does'nt look like it got anywhere near any trails though.
im surprised NPWS has'nt tried to blame us evil dirty mountain bikers for causing the slip.

i remember years ago when i got caught at mt kembla (riding some xc) the ranger tired to pin me with dumping cripto sparidium(sp) into the catchment area, and also tryed to give me a $10,000 fine. (fake name, standard persedure:p )

damn, that got off topic:rolleyes:

[Tallman]

Thanks for being so caring NPWS. Is there any rangers wearing a hardhat there today or are they safe from falling rocks because they aren't up the top to push them?............:rolleyes:


hahaha, good one, sounds about right though. but why single out mountain bikers?? what about bush walkers, horse riders even?? they're not in danger?? if anything, mountain bikers are more protected than walkers because we wear helmets! (even though it would do jack shite if a rock of any considerable weight fell from any considerable height...)

[PyletSnviper]

sounds like wicked fun! reminds me of those guys who snowboard in avelanches

anyone got a spare eperb and seismic charge??? lol

or a ;) estimated;) time of when the rocfall might happen

[sammydog]

Interesting press release from the NPWS there.

Seems they have changed tact in a big way. Its no longer lock out bikes on purely environmental grounds because of an inability, or lack of desire, to address mountainbikes and manage the issue in a sensible and common sense way.

No.......now there just looking out for our well being above all other users.

Thank you NPWS, I will forever be in your debt.

Maybe the cycling policy needs to be amended to incorporate exclusion to protect the endangered mtb rider.