(Deon)

Nah, it won't be that regimental, in terms of handover, yes but for access, maybe not. We have worked out several possible methods of entry but that said, the original proposed date for ALL pines to be removed from the upper reserve before the Elgin fires, was supposed to be end of March. Seems we may need to request one of the solutions which is to cut to a certain distance from the road where falling trees don't pose an immediate risk but even this is tricky as the slope means the trees still need to be dragged down to the road, meaning lots of logging activity where riders will want to pass.

But there are trees, a lot of them and they are mostly dead. Was up there last week monitoring cutting progress. The horse riders are hesitant to open the original route we inspected and proposed. They are feeling like they could be driven from their area where they have sanctity from fast bikes, and rightly so. There is only one access route that extends 1 km of straight downhill. They are however open to the alternative route that allows entry and exit through the 'plantation'. I'll be presenting again on the 12th.

Approval? Will take a few weeks to draw up the responses... end of May-ish.

I think so, it was a copy and paste. Is it the part where not only is Gavin Bell still around, and not fired/suspended/resigned as was recently mooted, but is also now the acting Park manager to top it off?

The press release.. REVISED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR ROAD CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE TMNP RELEASED FOR COMMENT 29 March 2016: SANParks and the Table Mountain Mountain Bike (TMMTB) Forum have over the past few months been revising the current 2002 cycling Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). A draft of the revised EMP will be released for public comment on Monday, 4 April on the TMNP and TMMTB Forum websites while hardcopies of the report and maps will be available at various libraries throughout the Cape metropolitan area and selected TMNP offices. The purpose of revising the EMP is to update the current programme, to confirm existing cycling routes and to propose new routes. The EMP includes an updated Code of Conduct which comprises both cycling etiquette and compliance requirements to ensure safe, friendly and environmentally responsible cycling in the TMNP. Acting TMNP Park Manager Gavin Bell, said the review was long overdue and that the Park has been working with the widely representative Forum to produce a robust and practical EMP to guide and manage both mountain biking and road cycling in the Park into the future. Bell said he is encouraged by the identification of additional cycling routes to complement the existing network and thanked the Forum and Park staff for the hard work in getting the new routes into the draft EMP for public comment. Meurant Botha, chairperson of the TMMTB Forum, stated that the Forum has made strong inputs to update and improve the EMP and to introduce new cycling routes which are proposed to extend the current network of cycling routes in the Park and improve linkages in the network. The process and review of the TMNP cycling and mountain biking EMP is being facilitated by Simon Nicks from CNdV Africa to whom comments can be emailed: Planning@cndv.co.za. Mountain bikers, road cyclists, other Park recreational users and the general public are invited to comment on the EMP which will be available from Monday, 4 April 2016 for viewing at the following Public Libraries: Athlone, Bellville, Cape Town: Central, Claremont, Fish Hoek, Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Hout Bay, Khayelitsha, Langa, Mitchell's Plain Town Centre, Mowbray, Simon’s Town and Tokai; and at TMNP offices: Kloof Nek, Tokai Manor, Silvermine and Boulders. From 4 April 2016 the revised draft EMP can be downloaded from the following websites: www.tmnp.co.za; www.TMMTB.co.za; www.pedalpower.org.za; www.amarider.co.za and www.tokaimtb.co.za -ENDS-

Here's the ad that appeared in the various publications on the 24th. Please note that the Environmental Management Plan will be made available for viewing and comment from the 4th of April and closes on the 4th May 2016..

We spent a lot of time (±6 months) developing a concept plan modelled around a world class offering for the future trails in Tokai, which also had to take into account the biodiversity objectives and other requirements of the new landscape. We presented in May, just two months after the fire and it would be an understatement to say that it was well-recieved. We were able to offer some solid direction for recreation soon after the closure while management were still coming to grips with how best to manage the damage. Up to this point, no other group had presented what it was that we as users have been asking for for so long. The presentation was even stopped half-way to ask if "that" (a beautifully carved track flowing off into the distance) is really what we were needing and excitement only swelled from there. We were subsequently asked to provide a feasibility study from the business guys – which we have since developed along with several other documents. So yes, we need to consider all from young to not-so-young, and new to seasoned professionals. Tokai basically had that already, now we are just asking for more.

thanks guys..

You have a point. Hearing similar sentiments from other user reps, not to say they mind the inclusion but another user group on the trail does add strain and an obvious change to what they were used to.

Almost to the day! The advertisements are now approved, Parks have committed 24k to the press ads and will appear on the 4th April to announce the opening of the comments period until 4 May. It will be hard to guess how long the period is before all the comments have been responded to but it has ben assumed the final sign-off will be before the end of May. It obviously helps to have more comments in support but this is wishful thinking. That said, feel free to comment on how much you support the link and conforming to the code of conduct for sharing of trails.

YEs, it's looking good hey )) We've been up on several inspections and each time the clearing progress is noticeable. The early access project is making headway as the trees on the Silvermine slopes and remaining plantation pine are removed. We met with the users that could potentially be affected by the planned corridor through which we could route riders up to Silvermine, and while it was not that well received for very valld reasons, we have already moved onto plan b and will be meeting with them again on the 12th. So keep fingers crossed, end of April here we come (Pine logging progress dependant)!! There might not be singletrack however, a full overhaul is planned but we'll see what progress is made albeit with easter and holidays already proving problematic. Thanks for the offer to help build. Tokai has been and should continue to remain a public initiative, (hence TokaiMTB constituting in 2014) and we are getting close to planning the new trails now that the sensitivity study is complete. It's a study paid for by Parks through the Cycle Tour funding they secured in 2015 which highlights all the areas that could be considered sensitive from a water/soil/vegetation perspective, and so far the report looks positive. In my discussions with the scientist involved, there could be certain allowances that based on the rationale I presented, may let these sensitive areas be used creatively. It forms part of the educational angle we have been working on and if successful, the experience points Tokai will over will be on overload for new riders, young and old... we'll get more into the trails at a later point because ultimately that is what we also consider most important, it really needs a thread of it's own.. In the meantime however TokaiMTB might be needing a different kind of support. The future of our involvement in the trails is unsure and we are obviously happy to provide the basis for new trails that allows any group to benefit from our work. As long as we have trails, right? It would be sad not to be the group managing the trails, some of the members have over 14 years + maintaining and lobbying for trails so understandably, losing out in the last few meters will be shame - that's a lot of sweat invested! If time allows before easter, I'll start a thread about the trails. Lots of time and energy coming together now as we near completion of several planning projects. As they say, the wheels roll slowly but carry a lot of momentum!

As Myles says, the link is certainly included in the document... it is a creative one that traverses city, parks and private land but a link it sure is. There's more, but maybe this is info best saved for the release. Re Parks requesting the route, it was only because they expected one of the drafts to be further than what we provided. This caught us all pleasantly off-guard..

Good news: The Environmental Management Plan that has been long in development and review is about to be advertised for public comment starting 4th April and closing early May. The document will be distributed through various electronic media including TokaiMTB, Amarider, PPA/TMB and SANParks TMNP. It's also available in libraries and various other spots across the metropolitan area. A full list will be provided. A lot of time, money and effort from the various representative groups has gone into this revision and each one should be commended for seeing the process through. Just the commitment alone for following the legislated procedure as set out in the protected areas act has meant a good relationship between the reps and SANParks has been formed, with the last few reviews being proof that we are all working towards the same goal!

Good news: The Environmental Management Plan that has been long in development and review is about to be advertised for public comment starting 4th April and closing early May. The document will be distributed through various electronic media including TokaiMTB, Amarider, PPA/TMB and SANParks TMNP. It's also available in libraries and various other spots across the metropolitan area. A full list will be provided. A lot of time, money and effort from the various representative groups has gone into this revision and each one should be commended for seeing the process through. Just the commitment alone for following the legislated procedure as set out in the protected areas act has meant a good relationship between the reps and SANParks has been formed, with the last few reviews being proof that we are all working towards the same goal.

His ears should be heating up now, maybe he'll come looking.

I read an article about nuclear vs salt electricity generation in SA but can't find the article again.. can anyone help? The comparison was how much cheaper salt electricity implementation was in the short term.. safer too.

power for sale yes, but on their terms to reduce supply when our needs rise does not offer security for the purchaser. K@k business model if you asked me.

This is the statement in response to Nersa's decision to approve only 11bn of Eskon's R22bn proposed price hike, "...we as management went on a three-day retreat to look at the implications of Nersa’s decision and I’m happy to report we put measures in place to make sure load shedding doesn’t happen.”

We have offered to help save the trees in lower Tokai. Also, as Myles says, there is a crucially-vital-important alien clearing project working on select areas that will provide seeding after the spraying/poisoning.. This is with the man himself, Tony Rebelo.. can't tell you exactly how important this is, but I I think I did hint earlier. I say "help" because now the Friends of Tokai and Sanparks are getting involved too. The goodwill travels, I see in the FoT AGM we are mentioned by name and also the commitment to further engage with mountain bikers. All steps in the right direction when you consider that hikers of the past have traded their boots for bikes.. meaning future conservation lies with us essentially.

Thanks for the read DJR. The importance of the area should give a glimpse into the challenges of restoring the trails because we all know they won't restore themselves, not when less than 1% protected critically endangered red data list species exist where we propose they go.. All the more reason we as users of the park should be seen to contribute to the greater good and show we care - sans keyboard. There are a few projects running right now if anyone is interested.

Hmm, can't work because for him to be competitive he would need to dope.

Hope it's not too late. To me competitive racing is already dead. Unless the cameras can spend more time on the mid to back end groups (where the real race is) I can't see that I'll ever be back. This is also just my personal opinion, maybe others still live in hope. It's scary when the doping bust is more exciting than the race because, lets face it, the performance of the leaders is just so unbelievable. Oh, yes!! We've even started watching slo-mo's of riders flicking "ON'OFF" buttons to hidden engines. Talk about unbelievable performance!

When ZK shook the box there were no signs of life..

Words won't do my thought justice. I'll continue to just gaze at the selfish actions people are capable of. This is really screwed up.

So... what is causing these abseseseses?