Tokai Tree Felling

[ChrisH]

This from the Warthogs list.

 

Hi Hogs

 

Some feedback regarding the new bout of tree felling and subsequent damage to single tracks in Tokai.

 

Firstly, we had a breakdown in the communication channels established between TMNP and the MTB Action group.

So the current logging was a nasty surprise for us too.

TMNP has accepted responsibility for the breakdown and committed to rectifying it and preventing a re-occurrence.

 

That said, we have suffered serious damage to the upper and middle sections of Meurant's.

The damage is such, the affected sections will have to be completely rebuilt.

TMNP will provide the funding to do so, and we will chip in with volunteer action too.

We will try our best to have this section open for riding by the end of March to mid April.

In the meantime we will open up the old downhill track as a temporary detour.

 

The last section of the downhill track and linking single track are also damaged, but can be repaired.

We will have contact with the logging contractors this coming week and should then be able to put a clearing team together to make the track ride-able again.

 

Further logging operations will affect two more single tracks, but more on this closer to the time.

This will only happen later in the year.

 

Basically we have an agreement with TMNP to repair or rebuild any single track damaged by logging activities.

There will be advance notice given and warning signs errected in the affected areas.

Please bear with us, the logging will continue to roughly 2025 and we have charted a way to co-exist with the loggers.

It will require understanding and patience from all affected.

The track rebuilding is an opportunity to make improvements, and if you want to be involved, please join us on the volunteer days coming up.

 

We will start negotiations with TMNP for access to the Southern parts of Tokai this week.

This should double the jeep track riding available for MTB at present, with possibly new single track additions too.

The process is a slow one, so please bear with us.

 

Some good news, Level 4 is now open for riding.

This means the jeep track section past Boulders can now be linked with the track to Silvermine on Level 5, making a nice big loop possible.

The downhill direction is fast and twisty, so keep your wits about, while the reverse direction is a good hard climb.

Enjoy it!

 

In the meantime, please be careful and on the lookout for logging vehicles and personnel in the forest.

They do not always display the appropriate warning signs clearly and timeously, so keep your eyes open.

Feel free to forward this mail to any riders not on the list, the more informed we are, the better.

 

See you on the tracks.

Cobus