MOUNTAIN bike riders have spoken out against “one or two selfish individuals” who damaged a new section of Hornsby’s mountain bike trail.
Stage two of the popular trail at Old Man’s Valley opened briefly before wet weather forced Hornsby Council to erect trail closed signs.
Riders ignored the signs and caused several thousand dollars worth of damage.
Sydney North Off Road Cyclists (SNORC) president Campbell King said he was disappointed but not surprised.
“Unfortunately, there is that small portion of riders who ignore stuff. It’s just someone being selfish,” Mr King said.
“We rely on people’s common sense — if it’s muddy, don’t ride on it.”
Mr King said the council should consider putting rock armour on the track to solidify trouble sections.
“I do not think the council has the resources to put barriers up and take them down whenever there is rain, it’s just not practical.”
Hornsby Mayor Steve Russell said the vast majority of riders are considerate but a few can spoil the fun for everybody.
“If the trail is closed it is for good reason,” he said.
“Those who ignore the closures are simply damaging the trail that excited them enough to ride past the ‘closed’ signs in the first place.”
Mr King said he hoped those who damaged the trail would be willing to attend regular maintenance work on the first Saturday of each month at 2pm.
“The more the merrier,” he said.
The sport of mountain biking has become increasingly popular and Hornsby Council is doing its best to meet demand.