We have been taking pictures since late August 2021. Regret not taking extensive drone footage in July so as to capture what the area in question looked like before any construction of paths and mountain bike features had started. At the time we did not think there was any reason to do so.
Unless indicated otherwise, all of these pictures were taken in areas where entirely new paths and features were constructed. Clearly not upgrades and safety improvements to the established, existing trail system, as stated by the Games and their partners.
Existing and New Trails Maps
The Games always insisted that they were going to build the mountain bike competition course using "existing trails". For four months they constructed the course without a permit,environmental compliance or oversight from anyone other than their contractor the NTMA. They encroached well beyond existing trails but have managed to convince the NPCA that the entire course is now made up of "existing trails" or walking trails. The permit application the Games submitted to the NPCA included a map outlining these details. Below is their final map with our corrections. Please view the pictures we have published here, with this in mind.
Select Before and After Photos
When you click on any picture it will open up to give you a larger view.
August, 2021
Flags indicate where trails will be cut leading to a bridge a month later.
BEFORE New Trails & Ramp near small creek
Another view of area where future trails will be cut leading down to the first bridge over the creek.
Reverse view of area up hill from bridge at creek.
Flags showing where new trails will be cut . Clearly no existing paths of any kind.
Expansion of existing trails new DeCEW. Widening and extension shows vegetation loss.
Side view of creek where new trails will be cut and bridge built over creek.
September, 2021
October, 2021
New trails, return loop at end of course behind 236 Riverview.
Flags showing where paths have been created before being cut into trails.
Area where new trails start towards the middle slopes, and new bridge.
Flags everywhere, but no trails yet.
Example of benchcuts as part of constructing new trails.
Trail workers scoping areas to claim new trails.
Early stage marking and cutting, upper slopes.
Start of new trail bridge
Building the first trail bridge over the small creek.
This tree root is in the way, damage will get worse.
One of several sink holes due to storm pipe exploding. In direct line with new trails.
Extreme new cuts in upper slope. Always wet.
More flags for new cutting.
Forcing new trails in areas where it will always be wet.
Flags marking where new trails are to be cut
November, 2021
New trails cut towards rock garden 2.
Flags for new trails on upper slopes.
Steve Bauer at trails area where sink holes have formed due to broken storm water pipes.
Broken storm sewer and sink hole damage illustrating the instability of the upper slope areas.
New trails in upper slopes, evidence of trees being cut.
New trails along upper slopes very close to residential properties.
New trails. "Looks like a war zone --- Steve Bauer"
Example of constant erosion creating wet conditions on new trails. Always wet.
New bridge, new trail.
NPCA saw no signs of erosion on new trails. Maybe they did not see the whole race course.
New trails cut for switch back at end of course.
New bridge and new trails after switch back. Area behind 240 Riverview.
New trails on return portion of course.
Multiple new trails in area below rock garden 2.
New trails using stones and rocks pulled from the general area near rock garden 2.
