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A bit of news in this post for the last "fortnight" TokaiMTB build day. Have a read.. If you recall before the fire, build days were set at one build per month. We would get a turnout of any number of people but usually not exceeding ten. That said, the turnout was never a problem, if I recall there was only ever one day that I can remember cancelling a build day due to poor turnout - which for people working hard in the heat or rain on a day they could rather be riding, or spending time with their families after a week in the office, always impressed me. There's always been a reason to continue the volunteer builds even with small numbers, because of a dedicated group who saw the value for everyone's benefit to keep this network of trails open for the last 20+ years. So now after the fire and the first ever closure of Tokai, the thought of reopening the damaged and overgrown trails was quite daunting when we considered that most of the work would need to be done for free and in a tight timeframe too. Sure, as a committee and even before that, we identified the need to find a source of income to pay people to manage the trails if the sport in Tokai was ever to progress and remain sustainable, especially with the new conservation requirements coming into effect as the pines are removed but that self-sustaining income source continues to be an elusive one to say the least.. ; ) So what turnout could we expect with an introduction of a build day every two weeks if one per month was drawing the core group of only ten? We only had a few months available to us during ideal building weather and the list of work was way longer than ever set out before! Well, I can quite honestly tell you that we didn't expect almost 20 per day and on average almost 60 per month! Not only did we meet our targets for open trails but we were able through the effort of these volunteers to allow the TokaiMTB appointed contractors enough time to craft a few sections of trail to give everyone a taste of what is still to come.. The PPA, seeing the value of trails in our city, didn't hesitate to approve the money we needed after the first trail was cleared. Rain and heat certainly didn't matter to the volunteers, we even threw out a few warnings of high temperatures or freezing cold, windy and wet days only to have greater response and turnouts than the weeks before?! This defies all logic but then it is said that riding is a "spiritual thing" and yes, we were also offering Devil's Peak beer. Sadly, we have come to the start of the summer months and without tempting heat exhaustion, we made a choice from the start to revert back to one build day per month. We do still have a lot more work ahead of us and while the frequent volunteer builds are possibly the best way forward, we know that riding time is also going to be high on people's to-do lists certainly after Tokai is open (hint). Build days will continue to be advertised on the TokaiMTB website, Twitter, Facebook & Bikehub but will revert back to one build day per month from the end of September. Thanks again for everyone's commitment and patience, the reward is on the way .. The registration link, 24 September, 2016

Yes, we still need your help! The Pedal Power Association have committed to covering the costs of two contractors to help reconstruct the trails damaged as a result of the fire in 2015. Shäun Havenga and his Trail Troops will soon join Reto and his team in applying the trail features and finishings during the time leading up to the official reopening – still estimated to be end December 2016. The PPA's involvement is great news and we are grateful for their contribution but this is not to say that everything is taken care of. There is still the need for the volunteers who to date, in three build days, have been able to reopen most of the Downhill, Switchbacks and Vasbyt trails in preparation for these two teams to move in and focus on the features. The contribution from the volunteers makes a significant difference and it is due to the sheer numbers that keep turning up to each build that has allowed the progress we have seen! The PPA contribution also covers the cost of the imported clay-based material Tokai's trails need to resist wheels and weathering. Unlike most other trails, digging away the topsoil in Tokai does not expose a layer of clay, instead what remains is a combination Sandstone and Granite based soils both highly prone to erosion but also critical to the survival of one of the world's most diverse but threatened plant species, Sandveld and Granite fynbos. Lining our mountain bike trails with the imported material will add resistance to erosion and thereby meet part of our sustainability mandate, but it also drastically increases the cost of the restoration and this is where volunteering helps the most, in alleviating the extra cost of clearing the trails. The Snake trails and Boulders, two iconic trails in Tokai still need to be cleared but DH0 and Switchbacks have already been started and are still in need of more attention, so join us on the 30th and help make a difference to the trails we will soon be riding again... Signup here - http://eepurl.com/b_dxqT Today we not only thank Devil's Peak Brewing Company who continue to support the volunteer teams making the the restoration of Tokai's trails possible, but also the PPA for their continued financial commitment to mountain biking in the Table Mountain National Park. The future is bright to say the least.. - - - Edit: If you have registered but don't see the registration confirmation email, please check your spam or junk filters. If you still have problems registering you can send an email to volunteers@tokaimtb.co.za and we'll assist. Registration closes Friday and a final confirmation will be sent out with a few more details.

Do I still remember how to do this? [UPDATE EDIT: Online registration link. Complete this form used for populating your indemnity that you will sign on the morning of the build.] I see the last notice was for the planned build on 7 March 2015. This would have been two days after the fire ripped through the plantation, destroying pretty much everything in it's path.. but also through this disaster, opened up opportunities that would have only been possible in 8 years time. Needless to say, that build day was postponed and as it turns out, postponed until the 18th of June 2016 at 9am. Right, you've waited long enough. The first volunteer build day since the March 2015 fire is planned for Saturday the 18th. The weather forecast for the day is showing a slight chance of rain but nothing that has ever really deterred us in the past. The details: Saturday 18 June, 9amMeet at the Tokai picnic gate (cars will be allowed entry into the picnic site to park)Bring: garden fork or rake or spade and gloves (rain gear is advised). Garden fork will probably be the most useful tool, you'll see why.. :/The numbers will be limited to a maximum of 20 unfortunately (excluding committee members) and those signed up by 9.30am will be joining in for the first round. There will be more build days so please do keep a lookout for the next call.We will be shuttling up by vehicle after signing the indemnity, no entry will be allowed after the last vehicle has left for the work site at 9.30.This is a really exciting time, Tokai has never looked so different, or ever needed our help so badly. If it is really bucketing down with rain, we will post a notice on most of the media channels informing you of the postponement by 8am. The message has gone out on FB, twitter too. Follow/like for more progress reports.. Hope to see you there!