Outraged members of the Illawarra mountain biking community are expected to try and block National Parks and Wildlife NSW from flattening the dirt jumps from the popular 'Possums' track near Balgownie.
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Disappointed members plan on attending the site on Monday, June 14, the day works to remove the jumps are due to begin.
Many frustrated mountain bike riders on the Wollongong MTB Trails Facebook page indicated their "disgust" at the decision.
One member on the private page stated: "Wollongong is apparently the only city in Australia to be recognised by the UCI as a bike city....and we're tearing down bike tracks. What an absolute joke".
Another member Glen Beadman, told the Mercury he expected a big turnout of riders on that day just to show in numbers how many people opposed the decision.
"Everyone in support of mountain biking is talking about turning up on that day," he said.
"There is such an air of disappointment really that people want to be proactive and make it known how they feel about these trails."
The Austinmer resident agreed with the NPWS that the trails in question were illegal but he disagreed with them that they "cause environmental impacts and safety issues in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, and also affect surrounding private property".
'Illegal trails are nothing new but to say these harm the environment are wrong," Mr Beadman said.
"I think it is probably largely misunderstood about the effort and the respect riders have for the bush as well as just the sheer skill and creativity in the design, let alone the hard labour that goes into it.
"I think if people went and had a look themselves, especially government officials, they would be quite impressed, like I have been.
"The way I see it is they have created something special out of nothing really. They have seen a section of bush which is largely pilfered by mining or industry and made something happen out of nothing.
They have seen a section of bush which is largely pilfered by mining or industry and made something happen out of nothing.
- Glen Beadman
"I think it is incredible.
"It is largely seen as vandalism to the bush. but when you meet riders and see how they have built trails with huge respect to the bush, and clear consideration to drainage, erosion and all of that, you can't help but be impressed.
"To call it environmental damage after what we've let happen in this region with industry, that is kind of a poor argument because basically the bush has really been destroyed by industry...and this is just a minor footprint in comparison."
The 51-year-old Mr Beadman, his 45-year-old wife and teenage son and daughter, often ride at Possums and other trails in the area.
"Mountain bike riding is a growing popular sport enjoyed by people of all ages across the world," he said.
"Wouldn't it be good if the government supported this sport like it does rugby league and surf life saving for example. But instead of doing something great for the sport in this area we allow it to be run down and something that needs to be regulated."
A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said the council was working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to explore the development of mountain bike trails and associated infrastructure on the Illawarra Escarpment.
"This work builds on the draft Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy and focusses on providing safe, sustainable recreation opportunities.
"We know there are a number of young people in our community who enjoy the challenges offered by dirt trails. As part of our Cycling Strategy 2030 we are looking to support a range of biking opportunities across our city."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
