BobbyBehan

Hello Steven, This is Bobby Behan here from Specialized Bicycles. I stumbled across your post this morning and remembered seeing some older parts a few days ago in our storage room. The team did some digging and we've found you a chainstay. The team are going to reach out to you directly and send the chainstay to your preferred local Specialized Retailer. There is no charge for the chainstay, there will be some labour at the store to fit it. We'll leave that between you and the retailer. Have a top weekend.

Hello Everyone, Herein a quick update on Jonkershoek. Not all, but many of the trails open tomorrow, Friday April 2nd. Please check MTO's social pages in order to see what trails are open and what trails are not. We have worked incredibly hard since the devastating fires across various facets: Accessing the damageDeveloping an action planRaising money. We have successfully managed to sell branding rights on the trails thus creating an even more sustainable financial situation. We have also received donations from so many sources (thank you!).A massive thanks to IBEX Capital and Toyota who have joined the branding rights offering. If users can tag these companies in posts it would mean a lot. These funds have made a huge difference to our efforts. We, Specialized, remain super committal.Specific thanks to Somerset Timbers and Action Frames for always supporting us with timber and signage.Huge credit also to MTO who are moving the needle for all of us and our playground.With funds we have managed to get Bennet Nel and his team building at full capacity. We also got Jan van Schalkwyk and his machine into Jonkershoek for a specific piece of new trail. For those who enjoy Fire Hut instead of going up the fire road, ride backwards on the circle loop to Bosluis 1. Climb Bosluis 1 and you'll run into the new trail, Bosluis 2, which runs directly into Upper Fire, meaning you now have a great single track up and down.The trail builders continue to press ahead opening the trails that remain closed. Please stay off closed trails. Where you once thought there were bridges there are not, there is also the potential for landslides. In short, these sections remain dangerous. Also, please stay away from the areas with burned trees for obvious reasons. Here is a comprehensive document with more information (https://adobe.ly/2QRNQgQ) for those who wish to learn more. HAPPY EASTER! Bobby.

Hello Everyone, It's Bobby Behan here from Specialized. I just saw the post and agree that our messaging needs to be clarified. For little over a decade we (Specialized) have straight-up donated money to Jonkershoek without really pulling the community into feeling a part of it. Many asked how they can be part of it. Given the seriousness of the situation this past weekend we had to quickly figure out on Monday how to go about this and turn it around. We were going to contribute money regardless! If you go to The Specialized-Stellenbosch Store and buy something the entire retail value of that sale will go to the trails to a maximum of ZAR 300,000. The product you purchase does not need to be a Specialized Product. You might like some lube, a pair of Oakley's, some components, Leatt products, a bicycle service etc. I reiterate ... there are no hidden margins. It is retail for retail. We transfer the entire retail price paid to the trails. The store is contributing and covering the cost, not head office. For me personally, Jonkershoek is certainly a passion project. I have been working on this since 2009 long before I worked for Specialized here in South Africa and will continue to do so. I don't have to buy a bicycle every few years so that at least helps me justify my personal contribution Generally each year Specialized pay 150k towards the trails. In 2020 this represented 25% of the total spend, however, in normal years this is 12-15%. In addition, on a voluntary basis, I help trail builder Bennet Nel/MTO with the administration and planning around the trails, the back-end work. I like spreadsheets ... Bennet hates them I enjoy doing this and working with Bennet. I just got positive news this morning, thanks to Giniel de Villiers, that Toyota will contribute 150k. More to follow on this ... The branding really helps justify the spend. For years we were paying without doing anything, it was more like Bobby's passion project which is also not right. We opted to erect the branding for this reason. For clarity the branding was up before the coffee shop story. Thanks for all of your support. Please drop me an email should you require any further clarity (bobby.behan@specialized.com).

Fellow Riders, Thanks for the 'heated discussions' on this topic. The thread was started in the wrong way, I joined many posts later after a friend notified me as to what was happening and here we are ..! In any case this will be my last post on the topic. I hope you each see this as a final positive post. I've spoken to some of our circle of friends who each contributed. We are going to remain committal in our personal capacities towards maintaining and developing the trails. We gave our word to Cape Pine and will honour this commitment. Specialized too are going to remain committal and will provide the foundation until we have our collection together. Within 6 weeks you should see the trails back to better than they ever were. We are confident that the combination of the above should net ZAR 250k for 2014. For those who wish to contribute (no matter how small or large) drop me an email and I can add you to the mailing list. A collection email will be going out soon. Please don't feel obliged to contribute. This is not what it's about. All income is tracked to the cent as is spending. If anybody wishes to see this spreadsheet following the collection it's open for all. To be open we each lead hectic lives and quite frankly don't have the time, but if a club is formed we can affiliate. We would obviously love to see a formal club. We really appreciate those who have reached out to me directly (bobby.behan at me.com). Truly it means a lot. I'll respond to each of you soonest. Happy trails! Bobby.

Fellow Cyclists, Thanks for the positive commentary, which we will always appreciate. Quite honestly and from a personal point of view, I don't want to get into a tit-for-tat. Our interests are pure and simple; the establishment and creation of a sustainable and awesome trail network in the Stellenbosch area. From a work perspective (Specialized) there are easier ways to promote a brand that don't involve spending considerable time meeting Cape Pine, Cape Nature, Deputy Mayor, members of the town municipality, members from Stellenbosch University who own significant tracts of land, conservancy / environmental groups, landowners, opinion leaders in cycling, event organisers, auction contributors, our trail planning group and so forth. The list goes on. My head is shaved, but through many of these meetings there were times when I felt like pulling my hair out, that is, if I had hair ... HAHA! This has taken a lot of time, work and positive energy. From my own personal point of view this has been a labour of love and not a branding exercise. We enjoy riding the trail ... There have been some pertinent points brought up and questions, which I will try to address. 1) @ DJR We don't know if there's anything legal or illegal about The Scott signs. For us it was a more a matter of what is right from wrong and more importantly what is needed in order to help sustain the trail development drive. 2) @ Pappa Bear - Why did Specialized brand the trails in the first place. To be honest, many who donated and saw how much Specialized were giving back proposed that we should brand the trails as-well as placing big branding on the gate, the latter which we declined. At the time and I did mention this in my first post, I was not totally convinced about this, hence why the branding was subtle in the first place. In hindsight I believe we should not have put the signs up. Our perspective is that if 10 brands support the trail network, this is always better than 1. However and FACT to-date; there's only one brand supporting the trail network, coupled with generosity of individuals from the community. 3) Cape Pine. We don't want to make this too much of a problem; remember they had problems with cyclists in the past. In a delicate way we are going to let them know what is going on and propose a branding free zone. They do lease out the coffee shop so we are sure they must have a say / some form of control. 4) @ i24. If you go back to my first post. Giniel and I saw eye-to-eye on cutting through the BS and getting the work done. We can try to create a mandate, develop the platform for raising funds etc etc. However and these are the facts. As a result of this 15 page thread only three people have reached out to me directly wishing to contribute. Our small group realise so much can be done, however, our time is limited and therefore we need to work as effectively as possible in order to get the trails maintained and developed. 5) @ Dick our goals are that as many brands contribute as possible, even if that brand were Coke per your example. 6) There are no threats to close the trails. The reality is as follows. Upon quick calculation there are 24 sections of trails in Jonkershoek. A section basically implies from the 'trail head' to the next 'fire road'. Therefore Canary in it's entirety constitutes 6 sections. Although not officially closed there are 5 segments that are unrideable either because they are overgrown and / in a poor state. These are not high speed trails, so we don't believe there is a safety issue. There are 2 sections which are high speed trails and badly need work. These are dangerous and should be closely. There are 3 sections all high speed, which urgently need work as parts are dangerous. Without work they will need to be closed; actually it could be argued that they too should be closed. Double Black Diamond also needs some work, but it is safe currently. In summary urgent maintenance is required on 10 sections equating to about 40% of the total trail sections. There are no threat to close trails. This is just the reality. Last week, we heard that a rider crashed in Coetzenburg and split his tongue in two. While waiting for an ambulance another rider had a bad fall in the exact same place. Although there will be crashes and falls (it's the risk of doing this amazing sport) we need to ensure the trails are safe, albeit offering varying levels of challenge with notice signage to support such. 7) We don't want to aggravate Cape Nature and / or Cape Pine, however, we will endeavour to gain more support. In one of our meetings with Cape Pine they were adamant that they were closing down Tokai to cyclists because of x, y and z riders were doing. They were unhappy! In a positive way we argued a fair point. Although, I have not ridden in Tokai recently, judging from the thread the trails have progressed positively there which is great news. 8) @ Leona one idea was to have brands contribute to sections i.e. brand x sponsors this section etc. To-date and the reality is that monies are coming from a small section of riders and brands have not expressed interest. 9) @ Hellwarp - you bring up a good point. Why develop faster gravity style trails especially with arguably higher maintenance needs. As a group we want to progress mountain biking. Selfishly we too want to be challenged more and more, while also considering all riders thereby offering varying levels of trails. Another facet we considered is that many kids who are taking up XCO racing are going to compete in Pietermaritzburg for example. Because they are not being exposed to massive drop-offs and rock gardens many are unable to ride the world cup course there. In proposing to create a proper XCO course in Coetzenburg we want to offer kids (and all riders) the opportunities to be tested on all levels of technical difficultly. When compared to other bike parks such as Whistler our trails are pretty tame. Last year many local riders struggled on the XCO Course in Pietermaritzburg. 10) Scott not being asked to contribute. On Monday May 19 I personally reached out to Joggie (I believe marketing manager at Scott). I personally don't know anyone else at Scott. After playing some phone-tag we finally spoke on Wednesday May 21. I explained the situation to Joggie. He was not aware of the amount of personal time we had put in. I challenged Joggie to make Jonkershoek a brand free zone and match Specialized cent for cent on contributions. He said that the reasoning behind supporting The Cafe was as a marketing move V Specialized. We totally get that. I requested that we all work together Specialized / Scott / other brands / all riders. His stance at that point was to continue as is. In sync with the above I also reached out to my friend Linus Van Onselen, owner of Flandria, who has a direct link to Scott. I explained to Linus the situation. Linus contacted Scott (I believe David) requesting contribution. The reply I got from Linus was that Scott were not interested in contributing. I reiterate - Specialized are challenging Scott to match them cent for cent on contribution towards trail development. 11) @ Rouxenator our goals are to help develop and maintain trails throughout Stellenbosch and not just Jonkershoek. 12) @ Oufy MTB we don't want this to become a brand war. Actually it won't because Specialized aren't playing! Specialized branding is going to be taken down. 13) The only event that contributes to trail development is the event we help established "Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails". All other events, despite using the single track pay Cape Pine a fee per head / entrant to gain access. Last year I challenged a trail running event organiser suffice to say they were not interested in contributing. Their argument was that they already pay Cape Pine for access. I am not active 'Hubber'. The Hub and it's participants in our opinion represent a large group of riders who truly care about riding and are at the core of the sport. This is obvious when you see the passion within this thread. However, and the reality is that as a result of this thread only three people have stepped forward to contribute. This highlights the challenges we have faced in fundraising to develop the trails and in creating a facility for all riders to enjoy. It's not straight forward. In summary, ask yourself the following questions: a) do I ride in Jonkershoek / Stellenbosch and enjoy riding there b) have I contributed to these magnificent trails c) am I interested in contributing d) will I support those who are contributing (the trail building movement) and try to leverage those who are not contributing but are attempting to profit from our hard work / generosity, to contribute Fellow riders we are simply asking for your support to truly develop these trails into a truly world-class trail facility. Thanks a million, Bobby.

Hi Pappa Bear, Trailsmansam is not threatening to close any trails; I believe his thread was misinterpreted. Our trail fund is saying that trails need to be closed due to lack of maintenance and the headache that is the ambush marketing at the gate. Trailsmansam heard of this and started the thread. The Trail Fund (for want of a better name ...!) or our group of friends recognise that the trails urgently need maintenance. In fact it's doing us more harm that good and especially so Specialized since their branding is on the actual trails; riders are directly associating Specialized with the poor state of the trails. Furthermore, we've heard that many riders are becoming more and more critical of the trail condition, having paid their fee at the gate, not knowing this fee is not going towards trail development, they are wondering where that money is going and 'what are Specialized doing with it' ..!!! As I said in my first thread Cape Pine don't want hassle and although they assume liable responsibility via the entrance fee at the gate, our group did agree with Cape Pine that we would do our best to maintain everything, thereby protecting all parties. This was our commitment, which we have always honoured and we don't intend to change that stance now. I am not sure what the story with Cape Pine was in the past; all I can say is that they were pretty anti-cycling when we first met them and on the verge of closing the reserve to cyclists. On a personal level I also don't do things half baked. We do it properly or not at all. This is my personal stance. I can use funds from Specialized to start maintenance. Remember we don't have depth of funds to start. However, I won't and this is my personal stance take monies from Specialized with the ambush marketing that is happening at the gate and the unwillingness to contribute. It's not right pure and simple. I would take the same stance with any brand who supports us and therein protect what they have done because in essence they are paying for our playground. Riders can make this a branding issue. It is not. It's my personal stance. There is also another brand whom I believe will support the trail fund. I want to approach them and ask them if they would match Specialized's contribution and I believe they may do, but I can't do that right now for obvious reasons. I too would be as protective of this company and / or any other company who contributes. Therein one of the many reasons to make Jonkershoek a brand free zone. Thanks a million, Bobby.

Hi Pappa Bear, Thanks for your positive feedback. I don't know where TMM came from; I believe trailmansam was trying to give us a name and applied this. We actually don't have a title Trailmansam is a gentleman and actually was involved in hosting the recent Enduro Race in Helderberg. He is a great guy and gives back. In reading his post I simply see huge frustration. To-date everything has been great, Because we've been a small group, decisions were made quickly and actions happened. I suppose we were a little naive to think that this would not happen. As opposed to a club my thoughts are to create a name for our trail building movement and with that an associated logo. I will look into what has been created in Tokai. Thank you, Bobby.

Fellow Cyclists, There's been significant dialogue on this topic and I believe it's important that you hear straight from the "horse's mouth". My goal is that this ends positively, meaning more funds are generated to maintain existing trails and build many more amazing trails in The Stellenbosch Area. My response is long so please bear with me! My name is Bobby Behan, a very active trail rider and Director of Specialized Bicycles business in Africa. Rain, hail or shine every Saturday and Sunday I can be found on our local trails. I've been riding in this area for 15 years; it's an area of the world that I'm immensely passionate about and proud that I can call home. The trail system prior to the fire was not what we know today, maintenance was ok but not exceptional and therefore following the fire where significant portion of trails were destroyed, we riders were left with very limited trail options. Many of my local friends share the same passion for riding the trail, and especially so Giniel De Villiers, the Dakar Rally Driver. In late 2011 Giniel and I formulated the idea to rescue, improve and develop the trail system. No official body exists i.e. The Trail Maintenance Movement (TMM) is not an entity. This was simply a group of friends trying to spread the positive word and raise money for the greater good of the riders who frequent the trails in the Stellenbosch area. I unofficially lead this non-official entity, that has no name ..!!! Giniel and I saw eye-to-eye; no politics nor committees. Cut through all of this which generally takes time and can be negative and simply go about putting positive steps into motion in creating a playground for all to enjoy, ourselves included. We knew little about the costs of trail development, I can't recall how, but we were introduced to Bennet Nel. Step One - we had a trail builder. With Bennet we also connected with Meurant Botha from AMA Rider and Paul Morris, a well known local trail rider who podium'ed at DH Worlds in Pietermaritzburg last year, to gain their input. Bennet had direct contact with Cape Pine. We learned that Cape Pine had a lease on Jonkershoek until 2020 (as far as I recall) from Cape Nature for a forestry plantation in this stunning valley. Our initial thought was to ascertain where the proceeds from the gate entry fees were going and thereafter determine a) if part of these proceeds could go towards the trail plan and b) if not increase the gate fee, the surplus of this increase going towards trail maintenance. Alongside Bennet, Giniel and I had a series of meetings with Cape Pine, at various levels within their organisation. Cape Pine are pro-cycling, but made it clear that they did not want hassle. Furthermore, they did not want the administrative challenges with taxing the gate entry, so attaining income from the gate proceeds was a no-go, which we respected. We were given clear feedback from these meetings: We could build trails once approved by them, Bennet would know their long-term harvesting plans so we would build around this. In return they were very happy that this trio were assuming responsibility for the trails. They knew Bennet as a very honest, solid guy who was very reputable as a trail builder; Giniel by his positive public reputation and were pleased that although I was involved on a personal level I did represent a well known company within cycling. At the time they were experiencing challenges with riders riding through forestry machinery while at work, a few arguments occurred between harvesters and cyclists, their 'no entry harvesting zones' and associated signage were being ignored and some taken down by cyclists, suffice to say that had we not met with them, Jonkershoek being closed to cyclists was a reality! The above took a lot of time and multiple meetings. We had to build bridges between Cape Pine and cyclists, because of a few cyclists poor behaviour. We had a calculated insight from Bennet as-to what the trail plan would take from a financial perfective. From there I personally drove the fundraising drive. Giniel contributed generously as did myself and many of our friends; most remain anonymous. Word spread and we received other contributions, but it was clear ... we needed more money! Therein I actioned monies to be contributed by Specialized to supplement the fundraising drive and attain our initial goals. This was never about branding nor brand positioning for Specialized. We simply wanted great trails. If you recall riding at Jonkershoek in this period, trails were repaired, maintained and developed. Not one sign was ever erected; no Specialized nor "S" Logo existed. We figured that every single cent should go into trail building; signs would waste these valuable cents. Despite all of the above we needed more money ...! BMT, a local Stellenbosch Bike Store, offered to host a successful fundraising auction evening. By the end of the winter 2012 we had achieved the following: - Lower Canary Levels 1, 2 and 3 were maintained and re-opened (they were in very poor condition) - New Canary Levels 4, 5 and 6 were created - Maintenance on the downhill track - Neverending Story, also known as Mason's, was re-opened and we also created two new upper levels. Meurant Botha also donated a team to help re-open the popular section which was damaged by fire and forestry. This trail was completely destroyed. - The Fire Trail and Quarry Trails were maintained In 2013 I personally gave a lot more time to the trail plan, truly sinking my teeth into it! The goals were bigger ..! Not only did we re-visit Jonkershoek, but I spent a lot of time meeting / lobbying the Deputy Major Of Stellenbosch, other municipal parties and various people at differing levels within Stellenbosch University. The goals were to develop Coetzenburg, Eden and make 'G-Spot' legal. Within the Coetzenburg Plan is to create a World Cup Level XCO Course, which would feature 'chicken lines' so all could ride, yet the better skilled riders were challenged. We also knew that this would be a huge attraction for the international riders who based themselves in Stellenbosch in the summer (Sauser, Nino, The Fluckigers, Naef etc) and therefore good for the town. This plan also included a direct single-track from Eden to the draw bridge at Coetzenburg meaning direct access to Jonkershoek. Added to these multiple meetings I also met with landowners in order to improve access. Finally I met with Alec Lenferna, organiser of the various World Cups and World Championships in Pietermaritzburg to determine actual costs in building the cross-country course (ZAR 300-400k). To propose and begin discussions with all of the above we needed a person who could create trail plans via google earth. I did not have this skill-set. Hanno Lategan, a student at Stellenbosch University, local trail rider and chairperson of The Maties Cycling Club got involved. Giniel, Bennet, Hanno and I would meet, we would formulate ideas which Hanno would create on Google Earth. We had many, many meetings before approaching all of these bodies with a plan and following feedback from these bodies went back to the plan. We have not yet executed this plan; it's on-going discussion / negation. Our biggest challenge will be funding the plan once approved. Pertaining to Jonkershoek in the space of one year Strava had arrived and with that very aggressive riding down the many trails. I specifically recall the one occasion on a Strava run down where I met Paul Morris on the way up. How we avoided one another is a miracle and that's when I realised we needed directional arrows and liability signage. Creating signage was expensive, we were already tight on the monetary side and added to this we wanted to create new trails, while the existing trails needed maintenance. Once again we set about fundraising and despite all of our good work (remember no branding existed) not many new donors stepped up. We needed more support from Specialized. BMT also upped the ante in creating a very unique fundraiser where Richard De Villiers a well known local cyclist / triathlete and owner of BMT contacted many of the town's artists, requesting them to donate paintings. Specialized covered the costs of the evening and to save costs we held the function at Specialized's Offices in Stellenbosch. The fundraiser was a success. I also set about raising donations. We could not wait for donation income so Specialized fronted the start-up of 2013. Later we received the donations, which partly met Specialized's contributions. In 2013 the following was achieved: - All trails were maintained (Neverending Story, Canary, Downhill Track, Fire Trail and Quarry Trail) - New section below Neverending Story was created and the trails in the Valley (can't recall name) were re-opened (three sections) - New section on upper Neverending Story was created - Double Black Diamond was created and the entire trail was maintained. Double Black Diamond is special ..! We decided to join two great trail builders in Bennet Nel and Hylton Turvey. Hylton built most of the trails in Karkloof, KZN. Specialized covered Hylton's entire costs so this did not impact on the trail fund. With Bennet Nel and Hylton giving so much back to the trails, Specialized also decided to sponsor both of them with bicycles and equipment. We saw this as a good way to thank these guys for doing that they do best - building awesome trails for all to enjoy. The signage was erected in 2013 and with that the "S" Logo was placed on trail heads as recognition for what Specialized had pledged on many levels - this was a group decision. I'll touch on this again later, but it was never about branding for Specialized. It truly was not. At the time I was not sure if the branding was the right decision. Added to the above and in preparation for 2014 we need a stronger financial foundation in order to sustain Jonkershoek, but also meet our other trail plans in Coetzenburg and Eden. In partnership with Stillwater Sports & Entertainment (the people who are behind XTerra, Wines2Whales and many more awesome events) and local reputable cyclist Corrie Muller we created the event The Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails. Proceeds of the event, which included donations from Stillwater Sports and Entertainment, Specialized and Pennypinchers were ZAR 64,000. We plan to grow this. To-date and in total we have raised approximately ZAR 400k. Current balance left is ZAR 16k + ZAR 64k from the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails Event totalling ZAR 81k. Trail maintenance in 2014 will cost approximately ZAR 250-300k with a further ZAR 400k needed for the XCO Course. I mention the above to highlight the positive work behind the trail movement. Riders may still pick holes and see negatives, yet the goals were always positive and focussed on creating a superb trail network in Stellenbosch. This episode and some of the comments on this tread have surprised me; I understand and recognise that fellow riders may not realise what has gone into the trails thus far. Believe me; we have worked very hard to create this trail network. Specialized goals were never about branding, ambush marketing or such. In fact many proposed that we should brand the entrance gate based on what we contributed, a motion to be proposed with Cape Pine, but we declined. We never wanted Jonkershoek to become a 'Christmas Tree' and furthermore never wanted it to be polarised by one brand, because it would alienate others. We got involved because we selfishly love riding. I ride; our entire office ride. In helping to create the trail network we benefitted as riders as did all riders. That was our goal pure and simple. In hindsight we should have never put the branding up. Jonkershoek should be a brand free zone. Commencing next week we are taking the signage down. We will create an official name for the trail building movement (Stellenbosch Trails ... one thought) and in doing so create an independent logo which will be placed on new signage. Specialized will cover all costs of this exercise. I personally got involved and drove this development because I love riding and I am very passionate about Stellenbosch. It's a special place and I see so much opportunity for the town. Ride In is an amazing coffee shop. Gavin and Brit King are owners and tremendous people. Please support them. Gavin eats, sleeps and lives cycling. Yes to clarify Gavin has a history with Specialized. I can't recall the detail, but Gavin worked for multiple years for many of the pro tour road teams including The Cervelo Test Team. Gavin was introduced to me in 2010 and I hired him on behalf of Specialized to work as a soigneur on our international mountain bike team. Gavin left the circuit in 2012 to pursue The Ride In concept, that is now a reality. Specialized do supply Ride In with test bicycles. We partnered with Gavin because we knew him and his attention to detail and excellence. He also knows what it means to maintain a test fleet and this is important for us. The Jonkershoek Cafe requested test bicycles from Specialized - this is true. Specialized declined, because of the poor condition of the rental bicycles that we saw there. Our decline was also due to budget restrictions and if I'm honest we preferred to invest funds into the trails. In their request for test bicycles there was no offer of branding on the entrance gate. In any case we would have declined this; we never wanted Jonkershoek to become a Christmas Tree! Jonkershoek Cafe has made it clear that they don't believe the trail development have benefitted them; most of their clientele ride the circle loop. Neither I personally nor Specialized have any problem with a test fleet from any bicycle manufacturer at Jonkershoek - why should we. We do have a problem with any brand that turns The Gate into a Christmas Tree, Scott's included. On a personal level it's been very challenging raising money for the trail network. To attract brands is not easy; The Scott Branding does not help the trail building movement and our efforts to attract other brands into the area and this point includes Specialized. I approached Jonkershoek Cafe two months following the establishment of Scott / Flandria / Jonkershoek Cafe Branding. The branding was established while I was on business in the USA. In any case we had a heated debate! In my opinion, because we declined Jonkershoek Cafe, they said we'll show you ..! And so they did, but at the detriment of trail development. I don't understand why they can't look at the bigger picture. Better trails equals increased traffic. Increased traffic means more business opportunities. With no success in changing Jonkershoek Cafe's stance I approached Flandria Cycles. I challenged Scott and Flandria to make Jonkershoek a brand free zone. For the record I've a great relationship with the people at Flandria despite the fact that Specialized don't supply them. I challenged Scott (directly and via Flandria) to take down their branding in line with Specialized and match Specialized cent for cent on contributions. I believed that this could be a catalyst to attract many more brands into the area, both bicycle and non bicycle related. I believe riders would have welcomed a positive collaboration like this for the greater good. Scott declined and said that they would continue with the branding as is. I did warn Scott and Flandria that this may turn ugly with cyclists and that was something I did not want. I am a positive person and don't wish negative on anybody. Do we want the trails to close? Definitely not. Where do I go on a Saturday and Sunday morning ..! Fellow riders please understand. I am a person of principle. What is happening currently is not right. It's ambush marketing and on a personal level (forget about Specialized) I can't stand for this. I've worked too bloody hard on this. We need to raise significant funds in a bid to continue our quest to build incredible trails and this is not helping. People like Audi, people hate BMW, people dislike Mercedes, people love Porsche and other people hate Porsche - the same love / hate story is true in cycling. This is not about brands; it's not about Specialized nor Scott. It's about building awesome trails. Please support us in the quest to make Jonkershoek a branding free zone. Please support us in lobbying these businesses / brands to support the trail building initiative. None of these business have contributed to the trail building movement. None have offered to contribute at anytime, although I do believe Flandria did something many years ago. I have no problem with them not contributing; I do have a problem with them leveraging our hard work and commitment with no commitment on their part. I know many of my friends who each contributed are equally as frustrated as I. In summary we have ZAR 81k, which is not nearly enough and therefore trails may need to be closed mainly because of concern for safety. Winter is the time for trail maintenance and we are behind. If you would like to contribute please contact me directly bobby.behan@me.com. Enjoy the rest of your weekends, Bobby.