Big up to Tokai trail builders

[marko35s]

Hey, gotta laugh at politics right? Pull finger back, there is great satisfaction to be had! For others seeing this, feel free to use both hands! Haaaa ha!!

Three user name and avatar changes in a week, is this some kind of mid life crisis?

Next up a Harley.

[(Deon)]

Possibly.. but expect to see me on a Hardley.

[marko35s]

Possibly.. but expect to see me on a Hardley.

This has me thinking about those motorbike tracks that keep appearing at Tokai...

[(Deon)]

This has me thinking about those motorbike tracks that keep appearing at Tokai...

 

I think I may have put an end to it, just waiting for an email to circulate..

[Shebeen]

this is quite a change from the january thread, where people were super stoked and started donating ad lib.

hope to see some positive outcome from all of this...

 

edit: posted in wrong thread, but bumping this one is probably a better idea.

[dirk.leroux]

Hi guys,

 

Should we still donate to this account? What is the current status of this initiative? Did you guys get any corporate funding?

[(Deon)]

Hi guys,

 

Should we still donate to this account? What is the current status of this initiative? Did you guys get any corporate funding?

Hi Dirk, still waiting on a few process to complete before approaching the corporates. NPO would be the security they need to invest. 

 

Yes, the bank account is still taking donations.

[popcorn_skollie]

I'm sure we've all heard the rumors about the trees coming down around the downhill trails in Tokai and the consequential loss of the trails itself because of it.

I guess I'm looking for some sort of formal notification thereof.

Everything is just hearsay at the moment.

Had a bit of a chat with some of the guys up there today. The guys who keep the baboons in check. Not sure how reliable they are with regards to info.

But according to them DH1 logging will start tomorrow? Which means DH2 will still be around for a few days? I was also told that an effort will be made to try and preserve (if at all possible) any existing trails or portions thereof and that once the logging has been completed the rehabilitation of whats left will be attempted shortly afterwards?

Can someone who knows whats going on get in on this?

[DJR]

All the info is out there. Here is the link for the Tokai MTB website http://tokaimtb.co.za/

Go there and subscribe to their newsletter and you will regularly receive something like the below in your e-mail box. Most of your questions are answered somewhere below. Edit: Good grief, it is a long post, sorry! 

 

 

  Minutes from feedback meeting held on 18th Feb 2015

Welcome
Apologies -Deon de Villiers
2014 Committee Report:

With the current spate of crime and logging activities, the outlook in Tokai looks bleak .Despite this, the future of mountain biking in Tokai has never looked better.

• The Tokai mountain biking public is well represented through TokaiMTB and the communication channels between bikers and Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) are open and working well.
• TokaiMTB launched a highly informative website and our social media channels have grown to around 940 members on Facebook, 1121 on Twitter and 623 on Tokai trailbuilders Facebook page. Our newsletter could be better subscribed and we hope more Tokai locals sign up for it.
• TMNP have given TokaiMTB permission to build MTB specific features on trails  where logging has already occurred.  This is a huge step forward and the next step is to finish current trails to a higher standard
• TokaiMTB, TMNP and Working for the Coast (an Environmental Public Works Program (EPWP) team of 11 people) have secured an arrangement to work on Tokai's MTB trails for 5 days/month. This should make a massive difference to the maintenance of the trails  as the team develops their skills to cater towards mountain bike trails.
• TokaiMTB is close to finalising the setting up of a Trust that will enable transparency and accountability of finances so that corporate funding can become a reality
• TokaiMTB's most important goal is the drawing up of a Project Charter to present to TMNP. It outlines who we are, what our vision of Tokai is, problems and solutions in Tokai and our objectives and benefits. This project charter is close to completion and once submitted will be the first time that the riding public's' vision of Tokai is presented to TMNP in writing. The goal of the charter is to align TMNP's vision of a world class Tokai facility with TokaiMTB's vision of world class trails.
• Once we have submitted this project charter to TMNP (and the EMP is handed over to them from the TableMountain MTB Forum) the ball is then in their court as to how to proceed. What is in our control is to get those documents to TMNP as soon as possible.
• TokaiMTB's presentation at this meeting highlights TMNP's plan for it's world class precinct facility and brief overview of TokaiMTB's project charter.
• It is very important to note that the proposed trail network map is in by no means final. Trails are only proposed considering the current layout of Tokai. The proposal is attached to give users and TMNP an idea of what 30km of singletrack could entail. The project charter will start the discussion between TMNP and TokaiMTB regarding the use of the area and where trails can be built.
• New trails will obviously still take considerable amount of time to appear, considering the planning needed, logging and rationalisation process. The good news is that by viewing the TMNP precinct plan, TokaiMTB can see that TMNP is heavily investing in the area to provide the public with an amazing facility. TMNP have also committed to allowing certain disused and overgrown jeep-tracks to be re-purposed into singletrack. This will go a long way in creating new trails in Tokai while other areas are being logged.

The Presentation as shown at the AGM does not make much sense on it's own so once we've edited it we'll post it up for all to see.
In the mean time, you can view the draft of the proposed trails here.
The full TMNP precinct plan can be viewed here.

The 2015 Committee selection (see 1st post above).
A point was raised about the rule that Nominees MUST be present at the meeting if they are to serve on the committee  and that Deon de Villiers was not present. The current committee was willing to overlook this rule due to circumstances and there were no objections from the public.

Comments, questions and answers
Independent research needed on numbers entering Tokai. TMNP can be asked to supply but statistics might be skewed due to Activity Card sales involving all types of activities.

The Table Mountain MTB forum (made up of PPA, Amarider, TokaiMTb and Table Mountainbikers) is in final stages of submitting the EMP to TMNP. The previous EMP portrayed mountain biking in a negative light and is very outdated.

Regular trail maintenance needs to increase and be done on a more professional level. TokaiMTB agreed and with EPWP team on board and possibility of raising more funds this will become a reality.

Shuttle days have been denied by TMNP and the suggestion  that perhaps the DH trail needs a clearer purpose, highlighting school children's needs and high level DH events (eg Nationals track).

Suggestion that TokaiMTB perhaps ask TMNP if Activity Card permit fee increase on condition that extra fees are guaranteed to go back into trail system. TokaiMTB answered stating that  they have a few ideas with regards to setting up a club and generating some cash flow through it.

It was asked why trail running or horse riding representatives were not present at the meeting. TokaiMTB answered that we do communicate regularly with Tokai Horse Riders Association (TRDA) but runners do not presently have a publicly elected group to discuss issues with. The point was raised that TokaiMTB did have a minuted meeting with the bigger trail running groups in Tokai to agree on sharing  certain mtb trails and an agreement was made. Unfortunately trail runners did not abide by this informal agreement for safety, nor the recommendation from TMNP to remain off the mountain bike specific trails, which led to TMNP taking a formal stand by stating quite clearly that no running is to take place on mtb singletrack. New signs will indicate this clearly at each trailhead. This incident highlights the importance of Tokai users being represented by publicly voted bodies such at TokaiMTB.

The marketing of TokaiMTB and volunteer build days can be improved upon. TokaiMTB agrees wholeheartedly and a major goal for 2015 is more public participation, better communication and better marketing to the public.

Support for a local trail builder to take on the task of improving trails was strongly agreed upon by all.

A suggestion was made to empower certain users in Tokai to be able to do minor trail maintenance. This was noted but might mean that TMNP need to issue a more general permit for this type of permission.

It was asked that volunteer build days alternate between Saturday and Sundays. TokaiMTB agreed to look into this.

A suggestion to ask Centeq to join in on TMNP security meetings as their employees can be used as eyes and ears in the mast vicinity.

Crime on the mountain was a huge concern to all and TokaiMTB is aware of the problems but is assured by the reactions of TMNP and the ongoing investigations between TMNP/SAPS and local security companies. Any suggestions/solutions from the public are welcomed! Please email trails@tokaimtb.co.za.

TMNP has asked TokaiMTB to compiled a list of questions that they can officially answer. These are known by TokaiMTB as 'the hard questions' that have been raised by the public and collated from forums, social media platforms. Questions such as 'Why is the area being logged?, Where does my permit money go?, Why is there no security at Tokai MTB parking? etc
We will be putting these questions online shortly and ask the public to read through them and add in any that may not be on the list.

-Ends-    
Tokai road & trail closures

NOTICE: Level 4 and Level 5 have been closed due to harvesting in the area and will remain closed during the week until further notice from TMNP.

TMNP are making level 3 available for cyclists to access Silvermine and will put up signage at the relevant places. This will be a temporary arrangement only and will not apply on weekends when Level 4 and 5 will be open or once harvesting has been completed.

Please respect these closures! The harvesting operations are very hazardous and Cape Pine have reported that many cyclists are ignoring the instructions of the operators.

   
(

(Please send Notice to: trails@tokaimtb.co.za)

    Next Volunteer Build Day Date: 7 March
Time: 9am-1pm
Where: Meet at Tokai parking area, look out for the guys with bakkie & tools
Bring: Water, gloves, old shoes & clothes and a friend
Well earned CBC beer at the end of the day!

More information here Tokai Trail Rules Your assistance in adhering to these rules will help keep Tokai worthy of adding world-class trails to the already world-renowned Table Mountain range.

• Each rider must be in possession of the correct and valid permit to be presented when signing in.
• Permits must be available for presentation (if requested) while out on the trail.
• Helmets will be strictly enforced. No helmet, no ride!
• Riders to remain on cycling designated trails indicated on the map.
• Respect signposted directional trails – one way trails have been introduced for rider safety and more could be added following periodic review. Signs in the ground take precedence.
• Respect trail grading – ensure you and your equipment both conform to the required trail and skill grading as set out by the IMBA for rider safety.
• Stay on designated MTB trails.
• Descending riders have right of way, unless signposted otherwise
• Runners are not allowed on any singletrack designated with the mtb/cyclist sign
• Control your bike.
• No shortcuts.
• No littering.
• No pets.
• No fires or smoking, except at designated facilities.
• Do not remove, damage or disturb fauna or flora – this is a protected reserve!
• No unauthorised trail building or opening of new routes without express written approval of TMNP.
• Do not change/adjust/interfere with any infrastructure along the trail, eg. course design or trail features, weather or stream-flow monitoring equipment, , fences, signage, baboon management or other park contractor’s equipment, etc.

Trail Etiquette Please follow these 'common sense' guidelines to ensure everyone has a good time in Tokai. Attitude

• Be nice -First,treat everyone you meet on the trail like you'd treat your mother (if you don't like your mother, think of someone you really really like). Everyone is here to have a good time and being nice solves a lot of problems before they happen."
• Greet fellow trail users- a wave and smile cost nothing but says everything
• Pay it forward - if you see someone with a mechanical issue. See if you can help them out.
• Get Involved- If you want to make a difference in Tokai, get involved with TokaiMTB or our volunteer trail build days.
• Prepare for your ride - Don’t go out unequipped. There is no excuse for not having enough water, spare tubes, multi-tools, food or extra layers.
• Ride slower on crowded trails - Just like a busy highway, when trails are crowded you must move slower to ensure safety for all trail users.
• Group rides - If you are riding in a group and pass another trail user, let them know how many riders are behind you. "Four more behind" or "Four back" works well.
• Fit a bell - Bells are small and lightweight and a great, polite way to warn other users of your presence.

Trails

• Don't create shortcuts or easier options - Some sections of trail are purposefully difficult. Improving your skill-set is the way through/over them. The feeling when you clear an obstacle is unbeatable!
• Avoid collisions - no matter the rules, avoid accidents at all costs and be courteous.
• Don't hang around -at the entry/exits of trails - Rather move off a little way and clear the entry/exit lines
• No stopping in the middle of singletrack - If you stop, get off the trail.
• Don't skid - A golden rule for keeping trails in good shape. Creating and maintaining trails is back-breaking work and expensive. Please help them last as long as possible.
• Ride dry trails - Nothing damages a trail more than riding in sloppy mud and wet conditions
• Don't ride around puddles (on singletrack) - Ride through them or hop over them. Riding around puddles widens the trail. Keep singletrack narrow and fun.

Rights of way

• In Tokai, Descending riders have right of way unless signposted otherwise.
• Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.
• Respect other users of Tokai
• Note: Yelling "STRAVA!" Is not a valid passing call.

Ecosystem

• Leave Wildlife Alone! Don't chase animals on your bike. Don't feed wildlife.
• Don't litter! If you see any litter, please pick it up.

Reporting

• If you find problems on the trail (blockages/erosion/broken features etc), please email us here and we'll sort it out ASAP.
• If you have a suggestion or complaint, please email us here and we'll look into it.