lnature543

There is currently a dispute between the organisers of the Freedom Challenge and landowners in the Gamkaskloof/Hel area in the Swartberg Mountains. How does this get resolved if both parties believe they have rights in the matter?

Interesting. I would also be quite keen to see how this gets resolved. I've heard they have the same dispute with the owner of Boschluyskloof (a game farm) at the top of the ladder. I wonder if the same opinion applies there?

I came across this thread through internet searches after I heard about the issue so I'm not sure about others that you refer to. I only speak from a perspective of someone who enjoys the place for a reason other than passing through on a mountain bike. Anyway, you all seem to think that the only right answer is yours and that the people who actually own the property have no say in the matter. And while it might be possible that the race organisers have a point, it is also possible that the owners have a valid point too. As DJR said above it is a matter that would have to be decided in a court most likely. So my question is still how the riders could have trampled a fence next to a gate that had been locked for years before they arrived without sorting out the issue first? It just seems a bit wrong somehow and if it was my place I would also not be happy about it.

I'm just wondering about this as you say "If there is indeed a public right to acces...". How long has Freedom Challenge been around now? +/- 10 Years? So if there was a locked gate before that time (at least 15 years that I know of) then surely the organisers/riders don't have the right to take the law into their own hands by crossing the property without the matter being resolved first?

Mr Rissik, you are obviously trying to agitate the situation for whatever agenda it is you have. I have been visiting that part of the Kloof for about 15 years now and there has always been a locked gate that we needed a code for to get in. They recently put up a new fence where the boundary line of the farm changed, but still the old gate was always locked. I do remember noticing the fence next to the old gate being trampled flat over time by people climbing over it, no doubt you lot. How you can just decide for yourself that this is justified on private property and cause damage to the property on top of it is beyond me. We always have been going there for the peace and quiet, but it seems that you have other plans for the place!

Hi. As far as I know you can get permission from one of the owners. They have a website: www.diehel.co.za Hope this helps.