ABastard

To me, the issue is not this track. I agree that Sanparks have done something good by building it. The issue (with a small i) is that lots of less confident MTBers have now been discouraged from this route. There are lots of 'weekend warriors', older riders and rookies (clearly not represented on this forum) who enjoy the Plum Pudding route up to the contour but will struggle with this technical track. Yes, you can argue that they should learn or push and walk. Possibly this is true. And clearly, many of you believe this. By far the majority of the views expressed here are of the opinion that technically inexperienced riders should just admit their incompetence and get off and walk the 200 meters. Maybe you’re all right... and we should not concern ourselves with the less experienced riders and they should just get over themselves and accept their incompetence with humility as some of you suggest. However, on the very limited tracks we have in this beautiful public space, I believe first prize is to make the routes accessible to the majority of riders - not just the few who are technically confident. By all means build challenging tracks. But not as the only access.

And this is the actual track.... SanParks have kindly agreed to have a look at this track over the enxt week. Thanks for all the views!

DJR, Pappa Bear, you're misinformed. SanParks did build the single track. Agree that it is encouraging that Sanparks have actually built some single track, and yes, it is good to have some challenge etc, but having seen several inexperienced mountain bikers turn back at this point and one come off badly on the rock garden, I'm not sure that they've approached this right. The sport is growing and we need trails that are accessible for all levels of bikers. By all means encourage technical tracks, but not as the only access. Also, the bridge is already breaking and should have chicken wire on it. It is slippery when wet. The route is getting very sandy and several roots are appearing as well!

What do other cyclists think about the latest SanPark move to lock the gate at Mount Pleasant Foresty station before Rhodes Mem, blocking the road acccss to Plum Pudding? Yes, they've built a new single track but you need to be relatively accomplsihed to ride this rock-garden track and I've seen several new and intemediate MTBers struggle on this dangerus track. Is it right to build dangerous tracks without a options for an easier route? Is it appropriate to make acess only for experienced riders? Surely, Sanparks would never do this to walkers? Views?

What do other cyclists think about the latest SanPark move to lock the gate at Mount Pleasant Foresty station before Rhodes Mem, blocking the road acccss to Plum Pudding? Yes, they've built a new single track but you need to be relatively accomplsihed to rider this rock-garden track and I've seen several new and intemediate MTBers struggle on this dangerus track. Is it right to build dangerous tracks without a options for an easier route? Is it appropriate to make acess only for experienced riders? Surely, Sanparks would never do this to walkers? Views?