(Deon)

Forgive the slight thread detour, I think you might have missed the point. Looks to me it was out of respect for the effort to get trails/add enjoyment in the Spruit that he has compared his good fortune. There is a lot more focus lately on gratitude for the people who wade through endless red tape to improve the trail offering for all who use it. Guvment is sure not easily convinced good trails are for the better.. Plantations however have seen the light but also not without strict management.. When I look at 30kms compared to the small everyday wins happening in the Spruit, the contrast makes me appreciate the effort even more. Guy in Pink, you really are spoilt and I'm glad you know it.

I have a build on tomorrow, would have been there.

it's not a midge on a 20", it's gigantor on a 26" (Disclaimer: No offence intended I just don't know what the PC term for a midget is??.. and sorry giants around the world, it's still ok to call you giants for some reason.)

I don't think it is that bad anymore, since the mtb'ers have taken on the costs and responsibility a new attitude is showing among thoise known to be obstacles.. We can still operate on the 2002 version emp but lots has changed in the sport which needs updating. Trails will become a parallel discussion while the new EMP goes through it's motions.. On the cards soon will be to engage the other users, think it may even be to present the vision for mtb areas (obviously following public mtb meetings to get the comment and approval). Cap I think since this involves you in SH, you could be a good go-to guy for info.. glad to see you are offering services to the forum, sure Rob will want to chat to you at some point.

With another 9 sets of eyes!

Hmm, I know.. The signs lasted a total of 5 mins. I have photos of one baboon picking the crap out of a sign, I took it from where I was sinking the next one in the ground.. this is how the day went. Already working on solutions.. :-( I hope you understand now that the laminated signs you graciously provided would have been subject to the same treatment, just putting up less of a challenge by about 4 mins.

Well then we are in agreement. "We are dealing with some very adamant people who, as few as they are, choose rather not to follow due process but instead flout rules" I think the tone of this thread is more about how we share a trail.. courtesy for other users more than legal/illegal trails. Besides, the trail is marked but I am tired of that topic for sure!

Popcorn salty enough?

..your kind is not welcome here, that said I'm sure tempers will rise again, you might want to hang around..

You would pick that out of the post.. Hey, what's happened, I've been struck by a bout of "vague". All I can recall was it was a little while ago and the agreed date of review is still to be agreed. Not the answer you were hoping for I'm sure but what does offer some satisfaction is that we have already had a response in terms of process from this point. Our [TMMTB Forum] contracted planner (CNDV) met with the TMNP planning dept and spoke in some 'planning tongue' that dictates the steps from this point. I am waiting for the minutes to be supplied that will detail the time ahead where public is finally included on a planning level. The response from CNDV was positive and hopes are high. Subsequent to this, Rob and I met with TMNP South stretegist Gavin Bell, and it was there he mentioned he would like to be working closer in 2014. Sounds like a lot of planning, but that is the plan, right? Sorry.

understood.. and your support is greatly appreciated! @Afd, Cap is a reasonable chap.. just know this.

whoa.. there goes the thread. I hope you are extracting the info that actually means something.. Cap, I think Afd was just meaning to look at it from a different perspective - I know you were and have the capacity to do this, so I have been trying to shed light on why it cant "just be so". The point is as Afd has said is ".. those most likely to be making the decision that you are asking to be made... They'll probably have nothing to do with hiking or cycling, but they hold the power to decide. Hence their perspective being an important one from which to think." I'm sure there is no bad blood between you guys, it's just that anything about trails in TMNP is an emotional one that gets people riled up over nothing in no time. Everyone chill and extract the info that will help the cause..

Shot dot.. thanks for understanding. The draft EMP was sent to TMNP for comment a while back. We will start engaging in discussion with all affected parties/stakeholders in the new year. The new year will also see a closer working relationship with TMNP as we have - it would seem - earned respect/trust of some of the managers, prompting them to want to work closer. WIN! MTB has put a lot of money into the mountain so far and as many have said, the potential is there for more benefit to TMNP. Volunteering has been a system in place giving back to the park since early 1900's, mainly by the biped group but with more riders getting involved, the tables have swung a bit.. trail running and MTB being the biggest contributors. Cap Mayhem and I have spent a lot of time focussing on getting the MTB contributions recognised by the park, but ultimately it's the time individuals are giving to track repairs and maintenance, as well as donations, that is winning the value fight.. Rob through his involvement in the North has brought the North into discussions with the South which was a major area lacking public involvement. This means that with the support of the North as well as the South, we can focus on one goal. This is vital for success! So, no link to the EMP as yet, but there are many facets we can still focus on until the doc is ready for viewing. Public meetings will be announced and heck, we need as many people to attend as possible!

Areas on the mountain has been zoned for certain use. It has been this way for a very long time and until recently, there was never any demand for the status to change. Unfortunately, and the way it works with TMNP as it involves a change in many departments with many different users, is that a request to change the zoning is a long and deliberate course which many people don't have the patience to see through. We are doing it now, and yes we are the ones being critisied for the time it takes but it will be best in the long run if the few people working towards the change (ed: and those supporting it), ignores the critcs and gets on with the process. The requirements are very clear but it seems we choose to understand what we want. 2013 has proved near impossible to get splinter groups of riders to understand the timeframe to achieve the goal. Just look at the response from the Cecelia night ride group who are still claiming historical rights to continue despite the warnings and even injuries, the very reason for the ban on night riding on the back of the mountain. We are dealing with some very adamant people who, as few as they are, choose rather not to follow due process but instead flout rules in the hope it gets them what they want - activism. Truth is they are ignoring the needs of a larger population towing the line and supporting the upswell of requests that TMNP cannot, and will not ignore but only if we meet the requirements to initiate the talks.. EMP's, forums, constitutions, meetings. etc. "Talks about talks".. call it what you want, talks are needed if we hope to change the zoning status of the last 60+ years.

Nice! What I'd give for a mountain of soil like that..

oh no... I can only offer info from my side being on the TMMTB forum but none specific about the no-go status of late. 2014 is going to be the year of talks, 2013 was mainly about preparation and keeping head above water (Tokai), but now that the forum is in place and the EMP prepared, now we start talking about access. It will mean more public meetings this time discussing the issues on everyone's minds, trails. It will also mean speaking to the other users who for so long have enjoyed *exclusivity* and don't really want to share. I know this is a general statement but it considers that those opposing will be the voices we will hear above everyone else, even if the good folk who will happily let us pass outnumber those on "the dark side". It will be worth our effort to continue to present good behaviour to encourage the good guys to back our cause, they are out there, they just need a reason to be heard. ..and this brings me to a point you have made. While you are an exemplary mountain biker showing courtesy to aid our cause, your example is often not a shared sentiment in others. The type of people we don't want to represent us are those who do not show care or consideration of others, they have the potential to hurt the cause and turn allies into enemies. Truth is, two users can co-exist and soon they will in places, but not without a fuss sadly.. Rob may be able to shed light on the signs.. he'll be on twitter, attract is attention with this link.

oh, you.. Christmas?

I'll check if they were handed in, and keep a lookout since I am up there in the morning early again.

What?! You've not had bad experiences with staff in grocery stores, cinemas, hardware stores, petrol stations, traffic departments, .. anywhere really where the staff are not paid as ambassadors to the business, lest not forgetting and especially, where the mega wealthy interact with the super poor? I am not going to point out where you are wrong, but agree that the day entry is too steep.

I like the paint job and besides, enve is not just a colour.

urgh, the things you have to say and do just to belong, not for me.. but that bike! Man oh man! That bike!

..that is proper! See you on the trails..

Yes, still available at the hut, price now stands at R45 for day entry. If you are considering riding often, the Activity card is the way to go.. http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/access-cards-permits.php

Agreed! Heading up now to take another look, saw a few patches needing TLC.

Sprained! 3? Can I read more about it in the Avid appreciation thread, or have you started a "depreciation" one?