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We joined the Table Mountain MTB Forum for the opening of the new mountain bike route linking Table Mountain and Constantia Nek, through Newlands Forest, Kirstenbosch and Cecilia Forest. Check out the pictures and route details below. Click here to view the article

UPDATE: Tokai will open on Saturday the 10th of December, jump to the post. Sorry for the copy/paste from Facebook but this pretty much captures the progress from the last few weeks and why #Volunteering is so important. The tweet that seems to have grabbed a lot of people's attention.. can't say we blame them, some of the trails in Tokai are really starting to take shape again! https://twitter.com/CraigRH_10/status/760491199996264449 Reto Mani (from Blackhill fame) has been working pretty hard on the Tokai Downhill track for the last week. With financial assistance from the Pedal Power Association, TokaiMTB has contracted two trail builders to help prepare the trails for December's official reopening. Not to say they will be doing all the work, there is still a lot happening behind the scenes with volunteers pitching in to prepare the base track for the contractors. Debris, branches and erosion all need to be cleared, cut away and filled. Tons of soil and rock need to be moved from our stockpile sites to where it can be carted onto the trail and moved into place. Skill graded trail signage and safety measures to keep people from straying into dangerous areas still have to be installed.. There is a lot of work still ahead but the promise of good trails back on our doorstep is the drive and motivation to get it all done. Join us for our regular Volunteer Trail Build days supported by the Devil's Peak Brewing Company. Dates as follows: - Saturday, 13 August, 2016 (next build) - Saturday, 27 August, 2016 - Saturday, 03 September, 2016 - Saturday, 17 September, 2016 Registration for each build day opens at the start of each week leading up to that event. The notice and registration link is shared on TokaiMTB twitter, TokaiMTB Facebook and here on Bike Hub under the TokaiMTB hosted forum. Thanks for the tweet Craig Rhodes-Harrison, VIVA STOKE! (twitter photo credit: Reto Mani)

It's official! Logging contractors will be done by the 29th Dec and Tokai can reopen 7 days per week... The gate times are now the same for Tokai as they are in summer and winter in Silvermine. SANParks have added an extra hour throughout the year around exit times. Basically, last entry is an hour before you are required to exit (this will be quite strictly enforced but don't fear, discussions have moved onto times now. It will help if there are no "incidences" while we continue negotiate on your behalf). WINTER HOURS: Open - 8amLast entry - 5pmExit by - 6pm SUMMER HOURS: Open - 7amLast entry - 6pmExit by - 7pm Taken from the press release.. "UPPER TOKAI WEEKDAY OPENING The Upper Tokai section of the Table Mountain National Park will re-open on weekdays from 29 December 2017 and not just on weekends as per the current status quo. Despite there still being some restrictions in place, Table Mountain National Park Management has decided that the area can be re-opened 7 days per week from the above date. It was in the interest of public safety and the protection of environmental integrity that the Upper Tokai section of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) was closed following the devastating fire that swept through the plantation and arboretum in March 2015. The area remained closed to the public for safety reasons whilst the remaining burnt plantation and dangerous burnt trees were removed and for rehabilitation reasons as measures were put in place to secure the exposed slopes from erosion. SANParks engaged with various stakeholders during the course of the closure resulting in the successful reopening of Upper Tokai on 10 December 2016 over weekends only. Local mountain biking stakeholder and volunteer non-profit group, TokaiMTB, has played a crucial role in facilitating access for users by means of an access indemnity through their local International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) representative, Amarider. In terms of this indemnity TokaiMTB employed marshals to ensure users did not stray into the remaining hazardous areas and to monitor compliance. TokaiMTB have also invested a further R350 000.00 in addition to the R145 000.00 from the Pedal Power Association towards the post fire rehabilitation of the mountain biking tracks as part of the community’s contribution to cycling in the park. Upper Tokai access limitations: • At the time of reopening on 29 December 2017, the Arboretum and Elephants Eye trail will offer access only up to level three while rehabilitation of the rest of this hiking trail continues. • Parking in designated parking sites will remain in the Tokai picnic area as per the current arrangement. This is however dependant on parking space and availability. • Limited vehicular access will be allowed, at a cost of R27.00 per vehicle for parking. • No dogs allowed • No after hour activities allowed • Enter at your own risk... " Read more at the link.. https://www.facebook.com/tokaimtb/posts/734797850047299

It's been a long time coming and for those who can wrangle a bike through every terrain, you'll like this announcement! Actually, anyone looking for fun will enjoy the news about the All-Mountain track that's been restored and dare I say it, "upgraded". Long story short. It is open for riding from tomorrow despite it still being work in progress. Here is some more detail.. > https://www.facebook.com/tokaimtb/posts/615933831933702

In preparation for Tokai's reopening, TokaiMTB will be meeting with Park management on Thursday (26th) to discuss restoration of the existing approved trails, as well as rider routing avoiding areas that are still being clear felled should the early trial access proposal be approved. The official timeline around reopening is still set for December 2016 but we remain optimistic that an earlier entry is possible with the various measures proposed. Look out for trail updates and a plan of action later this week. Twitter: @ama_tokaimtb Facebook: facebook.com/tokaimtb

While we wait for the trees limiting full-time opening of Tokai to be removed or lopped, we've been lucky to have a few donors cover the cost of opening the trails to the public on additional days, such as public holidays. For this Friday's Youth Day holiday on the 16th, The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig have, again, generously offered to cover the costs of the marshals, as per the agreement in place guiding weekend access. Thanks to Chris, who should be on a plane right now to compete for the title of Downhill World Champ, and the rest of the crew at The Bike Park, this long weekend could be your long weekend in the saddle! Good luck Chris, and thanks again.. Give them a follow on Facebook or twitter and inquire about some of their services like, skills training or bike repairs. - - - NOTE: There is another holiday coming up in August, so if you as a company or group of riders would like to contribute to open the trails for a day (includes a small donation to the trails), email us at trails@tokaimtb.co.za.

I'll leave this here because it has as much to do with trails as it does opening Tokai on the upcoming public holiday on Thursday. (Check out the Facebook link below..) The guys at Bike Mob in the Westlake Lifestyle Centre didn't for one moment hesitate to get behind TokaMTB's latest plan to open the trails on the 27th April for Freedom Day. The idea started a few weeks ago when The Bike Park at Uitsig were the first to answer our call to donate the funds needed to open Tokai to the public on Human Rights Day, and we're glad they did. We needed a donor for Freedom Day and Bike Mob, seeing the need to give the public a place to play on their day off, graciously accepted to provide the funds but it didn't end there.. you'll want to read the rest if you haven't already heard about a new trail opening in Tokai – yes, new trail! https://www.facebook.com/tokaimtb/posts/633643900162695

TokaiMTB, SANParks, Amarider and PPA can proudly announce that Tokai will open to the public on the weekend of 10 December, 2016 at 7am sharp. This will be on a trial basis over weekends only (excluding Christmas) while contractors remove the remaining burnt and dangerous pine and gum trees that continue to pose a risk to users. Click here to view the article

SANParks, the Table Mountain Mountain Bike (TMMTB) Forum, the Pedal Power Association and SANBI have over the past year been revising the 2002 Mountain Biking Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). An inclusive stakeholder process was undertaken and a draft of the revised EMP was released for public comment in April 2016. Click here to view the article

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

So much happening all at once. Material, permits, safety, gates, keys, contractors, planning, motivations, poles, chains, money, labour, signage, marshals, meetings, emails, sponsors, donations, progress reports.. more planning. I think I might sleep this weekend.. after the build and after my beer that is! What do you say Mark, join me for a beer at 12:01? Ok, you were looking for the link to the next TokaiMTB volunteer build day supported by Devil's Peak Brewery (have a look at their range of beers, seriously some of the best artwork out there). Register here: Cape Town will be glad you did! - - - If you cannot make it to one of the builds but want to support the rebuilding of Tokai's mountain bike trails, please consider making a donation to help the group working behind the scenes to make it possible. Amarider have graciously provided a donation portal to hep direct the funds to where it is needed most..

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.

SANParks and the Table Mountain Mountain Bike (TMMTB) Forum have over the past few months been revising the current 2002 cycling Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). A draft of the revised EMP will be released for public comment on Monday, 4 April on the TMNP and TMMTB Forum websites while hardcopies of the report and maps will be available at various libraries throughout the Cape metropolitan area and selected TMNP offices. Click here to view the article

VOLUNTEER BUILD DAY 02 July, 2016, 9am - 3pm. Please consider supporting the reopening of Tokai's trails. If you are interested in joining this weekend’s volunteer build, please register at the link provided below... Dates and times are provided in the registration form and a confirmation email will be sent to you confirming your spot when registration closes.You have the choice of; full day, morning session and afternoon session, please select the relevant option.We have 20 spaces available and shuttles to and from the site will be provided. Shuttles leave for the work site at 9am so please get to the meeting point at least 15 min’s before.Remember to mark all your tools clearly and bring warm rain gear should the weather turn, because the forecast cannot seem to make up its mind.Hope to see you there! http://eepurl.com/b6O5iL

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!

TokaiMTB, together with PPA and Amarider met with Table Mountain National Park management in Tokai for a further in-depth discussion regarding the ongoing logging operations and reopening timelines for recreational activities in the Tokai precinct and surrounds. Click here to view the article

I have a valid Wild Card, purchased mostly so that I can ride my road bike in Cape Point reserve, which is reasonably close to my house. On the SAN Parks and Wild Card websites, there is mention of activity charges for MTB (as most of us are aware), but *nothing about road biking*. Every reference to any kind of cycling activity to be charged for, (understandably, given trail maintenance costs and perhaps also security issues) is phrased as 'mountain biking'. Today I discovered that road biking is also somehow an 'activity'. Despite being in possession of a valid Wild Card, which allows me free entry into the reserve in a car, if you come on a bike, you also need to pay *R125* for the day, even if it's no more than your chosen mode of transportation, and will not be ridden on any trails. I'm happy to pay for an activity, if that activity requires some kind of expenditure by SAN Parks - ie. trail maintenance. However, as the rider of a 7kg bicycle on a tar road, in my view I should actually pay less than a car, which actually has financial overhead in terms of road maintenance. In short, it's a huge rip off - feels like we are being punished for using bikes instead of cars, and the roads are in poor condition anyway, despite Cape Point being a huge money-spinner for SAN Parks which bankrolls a large proportion of their organisation.

Seems I lost my card at Tokai on sunday. Took the jeep track up to DH1. Then did all the DH tracks a couple times then my roots home. If anyone sees it please pm me. It would really save me the trouble of having to go and take 2 new id photos so I can get another card. Thanks Ashiq

Mountain bike trails, many of us live for these sculptured tracks of dirt. But where do they come from? Who's building them? And why don't we know? While I won't be going into why many South African mountain bikers can't answer these fundamental questions, I will be pointing out who's responsible for the most recent modifications to the Rhodes Memorial single track on Table Mountain. Click here to view the article