(Deon)

Ha ha, don't worry, I have taken my first real break for the year (removed from most social medai, email etc), so no "go" taken ; ) Bit of a long reply but not something that can be answered in a few lines.. TMNP are battling funding issues. They need to secure a few years' budget before tackling the alien growth. I have been chatting to the head of the alien detection unit at SANBI regarding Tokai's plans to remove the sudden awakening of all those dormant wattle. He has agreed that TMNP's plan to burn next year is the best bet followed by a few seasons worth of extraction. The fire will promote the Fynbos growth while killing the early sprouting of alien. Most of the alien seeds will take hold in the first year and the fynbos will grow back really thick, these two factors will make future alien infestation difficult. Fire is also part of the reason why no laterite and heavy wooden bridges are on the trail now.. TMNP actually *sort of* needs our help. I have been reading about the marine poaching issue and can vouch for the funding plight! The poaching is at it's worst levels ever and growing despite the measures taken between CoCT, SAPS, SARS and others.. The income from mountain biking will *in a way* be tackling these kinds of problems along with carrying some of the parks with very little foot traffic. I spent some time in a private reserve and Kruger over the last 2 weeks, South Africa ito wildlife and recreation has so much going for it. It really made me look at the efforts of the various different reserve managers who often take a beating in what seems to be a generally misunderstood issue. Turns out the people running the reserves really do know what they are doing but at the price of a massively slow moving entity. Before I left on my trip, I got two emails from the Tokai manager thanking me for sticking out the long-winded signage approval process, and the second thanking the mtb community for their contribution to seeing this become a well-run sustainable activity! This is quite something by my standards, especially if you knew the previous management. SO TMNP are aware of the problem(s) that seems will be tended to in the near future. SANBI are happy with us and them, so in all I'd say we are on the right track. It will still be a very hot summer though!

Hi all, Boomslang will be the next project that will provide a bit of a breather from Mamba, and yes, Mamba does require some pedalling but in comparison to how the old Mamba rode there is not much difference, in fact I would even suggest that there is less, or soon-to-be less than before. If you recall, the old trail used gravity for the first half and then towards the middle/bottom needed pedal input. The pedal section has now changed to the top of the trail after the first switch (the truth is we built the first switch around a very big Puff adder who was not taking any crab from any of us!) and then after the second corner, gravity is the main driver.. One or two corners are still a bit sharp but this is mainly just to get the track opened and ridden. The final flow will still follow. The way I saw it working before the trees were cut was to link all the trails and let each section offer a different experience. Hope you guys are in agreement but with Cobra being pretty much set in terms of design, this could be the rocky tech trail linking into Mamba, which is intended to be the switching flow trail. Sure, it is not complete and a few adjustments are still needed but with the rider input we can really perfect the trail to suit the majority. Boomslang as I said will allow you to catch your breath, it is hoped to be the fast contour surfing trail. Intended to be one long traverse across the slope, it will dive down and climb several times using only momentum with one or two tables built in for budding pilots and pump jockeys alike! I intend to hire a machine to clear the entry and construct the few features needed. The rest of the trails will also be reworked, especially Rinkhals which was requested to be the last trail for attention. Understandably, TMNP cannot just approve the new design as the Fynbos areas needs an approval from SANBI who control the rehabed areas after the pines are removed. Fortunately TMNP can see the need for Rinkhals needing realignment (for sustainability) and will assist in motivating for a new design. All quite exciting! There is more news too but that is more on the TokaiMTB side which is now being constituted and finally being formed into an official entity. (Maymem, we'll need to meet and discuss soon:) Look out for a website and few documents that will literally transform the way Tokai is run.. The help that is being offered by some really influential people is being realised and they all want the same thing - a world class trail that can cope with massive numbers! Momentum is building! (Pun unintended!)

I am so excited for you! I took a good look at one a few days ago and can see the love that went into it. The matt finish and slick graphics really is the best I've seen in a long time. Is it just me but the canondale, as well known a brand it is, just seems a bit generic when compared...

I cannot find much info about the lady and this guy, can someone bring me up to speed? I last read somewhere 'round page 8.. What actually happened here?

This thread is only getting started! Yeehaa!

Mark's orange 29er is the one that appeared on may mag covers too. Pyga's seem to do that. At least we know Neil does not trade in Pyga, nor will anyone trade it in for what he carries in stock. Plus, when one is for sale secondhand (been 1 or 2 cases), they are lapped up so quickly that "selling on behalf" is as rare as a Pyga being sold secondhand! Best of luck dude.. pressure the cops!

I heard the best trails were in KZN

ha ha.. a bottle of whiskey to the one who gets to the other side, par avian..

I wouldn't know, thought has never crossed my mind..

The view has certainly improved!

Long road ahead...

The 2014 SX rocks! Would be my choice too coming from a Reign background - but I won't since I am sorted for life!

Well I am really hard up for cash and I also feel cheated that I paid good money for poor fiction...

Ha ha, I was looking at the Porn snor! Now get your mind out the gutter and try again.

Please, no-one tell Minnaar!

Close, good start.

Awesome! The true heroes are three guys, Gavin, his brother Brandon and Marlin. Without their help this trail would still be littered with pine branches. Oh and the volunteers from Saturday! Thanks guys!!

It's made from gold, order anything you want to go with it. I know what your next bike is, price is no object, right?

They have carbon protection covers, not pictured..

The bakkie is in for a checkup.. would rather be on the trails right now.

So is a hijack a useful thing? May need to re-evaluate my stance on off topic posts.. ..good advice Grebel.

Me too! Rides quite well to about half way, will need to put in a few more days to get the second half flowing and add a bridge or two. Just seeing which wet spots do in fact dry out.

..but that link keeps throwing me into my book of faces. Redirect.. Hit the link from TB's website and it did the same. Must you be a member?

Ok so after several months this thread is still going. Has anything been resolved? Don't know if I am on the wrong site but activity on facebook is non-existent. https://www.facebook.com/TygerbergMTBClub

Augustus Gloop?