(Deon)

MTB v Trail running v Hiking ... get it? BUT now that you've brought it up.. The horse riders have been hammered with code of conduct. If you ever see a horse on any mtb approved trail, the picture you take is our most effective tool. We are passed talking, the horse groups support our efforts to reign in control but need pictures for internal policing. Oh look daddy, a horse.. well spotted son, "click!" Email your best horse photo to: trails at tokaimtb do co dot za

Thanks Mark for picking up after this.. tosser! Wonder what his strava time was in the end?

Cool. Save the beer for after.. Post what the run in is like, looks like there's enough speed there but also lots of rocks..

This area has been worked on, ready for the weekend... No pictures, blind is the new black.

I get it now.. I think.

See, to me this is where the concept falls apart again. Unlike the SPV which I used unserviced for about 5 years on a Reign, there was no lever. It would climb, descend and take serious hits to flat during it's service. The only reason it was eventually replaced was due to a rock strike the took out the lower air valve. The RP23 replacement was always sub-standard in function... good but not the same. Makes me think that all this tech is being developed because of suspension design failings. When a design relies on the shock to reduce bob, brake-jack, etc and still be expected to provide big hit damping with fine intricate circuits in the way, then it is flawed imo. Intricate valves and circuits are there to act as a patch for inefficiencies in design?

The Joon is showing signs of being his normal self again. I lost my camera so can't show his angry look (i.e. his mohawk.. funny dog, he looks so proud after he's barked at the door.) As expected though, the third nail dropped this weekend. The toe is still hanging on.. holding thumbs.

this one I don't like.. can't you bunk?

That's three likes in a row, you guys are on top form..

er, no. Penance!

Rad!

Easy guy/gal.. While I and many others understand what you are saying, you have to keep in mind that the committee who are tasked with managing mountain biking on behalf of TMNP are in the tough spot of having to make a decision around conflict. These are mountain bike trails and limited ones at that. There are 7kms of singletrack fun on the mountain for mountain bikes. There are 1200 riders entering the Park on weekends. Added to this, the trails are shared with other users, some of whom are not as understanding as you and this leads to conflict over space. It's only natural that this is happening, wars have only ever been about land. The committee would like this not to be a war because alliances of users garners more support which is what we are all needing. Tempers have flared yes but there has also been a certain level of decorum in this thread to find a solution.

I don't know what that is and too afraid to google it. So I'm in two minds whether I like that post... Best I just say thanks, dude!

Do you think you would score well if it (Vasbyt) as used in an enduro? Would be very interesting to see the results of those who know the tracks like they do the way to the pub...

Hey, is that what it was? I though you looked constipated so didn't say anything! Can I collect the booties? This guy wants to let's go!

I'm due at the vet down the road from me soon. The Flea needs to have some work done so will quizz him about this at the same time.. I feel responsible.. keep thinking it could have been avoided... I hear violins!

MEDS! I swear I've had enough of them.. I feel for you Barry and Tumbles. Geez have I got a story!! As some of you will know, we almost lost Juno. His illness started with an ear infection for which he was given an aggressive treatment of 40 antibiotic pills. First, I have never seen so many meds in all my life and second, this for an ear infection that the doc said was not the bad kind, but rather a discomfort for the dog. R600 in meds. A week later I phoned the vet and explained that he has stopped eating and losing weight fast and worst of all, did not want to catch his pinecone!! His balance was also affected and would bark like Oscar apparently screams. The doc said that it could be the ear and I should continue treatment while monitoring him. I asked about the meds and explained that for a dog who has once been treated with 5 pills for a cough, was this not too much for his system. There was no concern and my mind was put at ease knowing that this is widely used by vets. Two days later the dog collapsed and the new saga started. Haemolytic anaemia was the diagnosis after extensive testing for billiary (sp) and other possibiities. Again I brought up the meds and was told that there could be "that 1%.. but highly unlikely." So my guy nearly died, was administered so many pills that even I could taste them and as side affect to what I think is the cortisone, lost 3 toes! Do you know what I found last week!? The ear infection antibiotic package insert.. and I quote, "There may be a positive response to a Coomb's test although haemolytic anaemia occurs less frequently." Two lines down are more symptoms that match with his state when I took him in. The doc could see that he was badly jaundiced which means his liver was not coping with this "illness".. again I quote, "Transient incteases in liver enzyme values have been reported. Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have occurred less frequently with some cephelosporins." All the answers were in the accompanying leaflet. Had the doc known the side affects, I doubt he would have embarked on a multitude of tests from pathology to rule out a host of possibilities. So what actually happened to my dog? He had an ear infection, reacted badly to the meds and instead was treated for the side effects. I follow my gut feel and my wife struggles to understand this, she kept telling me that the vet knows best and I should not even think about taking Juno off the antibiotics. This is why I eventually phoned the vet to ask about the drugs and the dog's listlessness.. He was ok until recently. He had a total relapse about two weeks ago. Lost all the weight he put on, started falling about like the first time and lay on his bed for 2 days without the will to move. I insisted that I would NOT take him back to the vet but instead fed him a real meat diet with plenty of fat and gave him all the love I could. He is back now with vengeance and wanting his usual "let's go!" (code for walk in the forest). I have certain reservations about paying this vet, who actually phoned while I was typing this.. !! They want the rest of their money.

Whoa.. didn't say that at all. It's not a black and white thing, when discussing opposites like novice and pro there will be a whole category in-between. I also did not say that the lower section was only used by novices. You do have a point but really, to offer a cross section of every type rider in CT would require a scientific report.. My rationale is to say what is common for those who are new to riding. Yes, fit riders can get to the top but in there experience should know that falling hurts and be able to judge a situation where they would be out of their depth. If they don't have this knowledge.. well, then..

Like I said, not everyone will be happy. A roadie should know their limits through experience. To think that because one has ridden for ten years on tar they would be equally accomplished on dirt.. oh wait, that was the guy who was flown out from the jeeptrack a few years ago.

It's really hard for trail builders to please everyone. There will always be opinions over what people want but good to keep in mind that it's not always out of choice that some trails are "tarred", conditions and what we have available to us is important to consider. But agreed, you want to be riding the mountain, not something artificial. I guess this is why at Tokai for example, the higher trails that naturally take more effort to reach will be less manicured since it assumes that the rider who makes the effort, has built up their fitness over time and is therefore not an absolute novice. The lower trails that are easier to access will by default be ridden by those starting out, and looking to improve on narrow trails - with a few manageable obstacles that at speed can also be challenging.. What's that saying; if you're bored, let go of the brakes!

..and I think you are right.

There are good suggestions and points coming out this thread.. While TokaiMTB clearly understands the need for MTB designated - and directional trails - this is not something the committee can easily or quickly rule on. What we are discussing here will need diplomacy and understanding to change the status-quo of what riders have come to expect of Tokai over the last 20 years in trail direction, and what users have been able to enjoy before the boom in their respective activities.. pressure on limited resources is to blame here, not the people. Trail-running on MTB tracks is not a new issue either, last year I met with several trail-running ambassadors facilitated through the Honorary Rangers to get their take on shared trails and how they plan to manage maintenance and users. The meetings were positive and showed that they have a well-balanced understanding of the situation MTB finds itself in, by being limited to very few dedicated areas out of a lack of appreciation from Parks for our growing needs. This is not a fault of Parks, there was just not enough traction from our side to formalise. The number of riders as of 2011 was the traction needed. What Cape Town does for recreation now is different from the years past, and from the process of developing an MTB EMP started in 2011, TMNP have have used this interest as example for others and embarked on getting all the activities in the Park to conform i.e. hiking, running, paragliding, horse riding, etc. The challenge for TMNP now is how to manage each activity's conflict and develop their EMP's to manage impact in order to preserve the park. This would be a lot simpler if all the users were understanding of each other's needs and it has been said several times in this thread that there is no problem with the runners, they are open to dialogue. TMNP have seen that there are new recreational needs with the shift in what people choose to enjoy and it is accepted that in order to accommodate the change from mainly hiking based zones, access is needing a review. Courtesy is key until we have an amicable solution and hopefully people will understand that this takes time. I can't stress enough that this is a tight-rope balancing act! Those who have enjoyed exclusive access for many years will find it hard to relinquish their zones.. partnership is how we will win this battle. Careful in the corners!!

Well Dan has run, not sure if that counts but I can confidently say that we have committee members sympathetic to other users requirements.

"Cops on motorbikes & quads are actively hunting riders on illegal trails every single day.. kind kills that one" Think about that.. Cops working exclusively for SANParks to fine people on bicycles riding in areas they may not. ..or, cops patrolling the area following several muggings. Don't you love rumours?

Wasn't there a discussion on FB about this? I could be wrong but I'm sure many of these questions were being answered.. anyone know anything about this?