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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

Time for an update on progress made so far. Over 4 build days the Volunteers have been able to open the Switchbacks, DH0, DH1, DH2 and Vasbyt. These trails may not all be rideable at this stage but you would have seen by now the photos of the work being done by Reto and his team contracted to add the finishings for fun and future sustainability. The contractor's bills will be covered by the PPA but as much credit needs to go to every individual who has contributed to this collective effort to reopen Tokai. Out of a potential 80 people expected over 4 build days (20 max for each), the turnout is currently sitting at an incredible 72! Thank you.. the goal of having the trails rideable by December is certainly achievable with everyone's input. For our 5th build on the 13th.. We have some more work planned for DH0, which is really starting to take shape now having been the worst fire and logging affected trail of all.We will also finally be moving onto the Snake trails starting at Boomslang which for some reason has taken the brunt of alien infestation and water damage. This trail needs you!Devil's Peak Brewery, in the same spirit of giving back, steps up again to support the volunteers. This is a very welcome contribution especially for the post work chat.. thanks DPBC. Registration link: http://eepurl.com/caAvu1 NB: Remember, if it is raining –like bucketing down– we'll make a call on the morning by 8am and email the group should the event need to be postponed. Thanks again!!

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.

So while we continue to plan a date around reopening, one thing is certain; the trails need you! If you are keen to join helping restore our playground, please register to book your spot for a day in the sun (tbc) and fresh air (possibly very fresh). As usual, the tools for the job are spades, rakes, forks and gloves - and should the weather turn, we will make a decision before 8 and send a text confirming whether it's on or postponed. If you know anyone enthused about contributing, please forward the following indemnity link to them.. every contribution is greatly welcomed. http://eepurl.com/b9k5rP To register: Please complete all the fields on the following form accurately. The info you provide will be used on your indemnity allowing you access to the Tokai section of the reserve during the closure. You will be required to sign the printed form on the morning of the build before entering the park. We will meet at the Tokai picnic entrance 15 minutes before the specified time where you will be allowed to park your car inside the picnic site at the new mountain bike allocated parking. You will be shuttled to and from the work site and if you need to leave early, a shuttle will be provided at the above stated time. For those who can only manage a portion of the build, please complete the form and select your time allocation from the list provided. The first 20 registered volunteers, plus those arriving for the afternoon session, will be allocated a spot for the day. If you are not successful registering for this event, please try again for the next advertised build day. Weather permitting, volunteer builds are set for the following dates: Saturday, 16 July, 2016 Saturday, 30 July, 2016 Saturday, 13 August, 2016 Saturday, 27 August, 2016 Saturday, 03 September, 2016 Saturday, 17 September, 2016 All build days will be advertised on the TokaiMTB website, Twitter, Facebook and on Bikehub.

This month we we offer more love to the Switchback trail (Bridal path). We reached the halfway point in July and need to tackle the rest which is by far the worst. This needs to be a playful trail again and to get it back to the playfulness lost to erosion, we need your help! Tokai parking at 9am (long trek up, don't miss the lift) Bring gloves, water, a tool of your choice.. See you there!