Jonkershoek Closure

[gtr1]

Bobby, thanks for honest feedback. This highlights the negative aspect of social media. Throw a comment/statement out there, and wait and see what response is received. I have never ridden in Stellenbosch, but can appreciate the amount of work put into the endeavor. Hopefully Scott see the light, and I do ride a Scott, for the good of the sport.

[DJR]

Morning Bobby

 

You gave an excellent reply to the earlier questions. Thank you for taking the time. Thank you also for what you, your group and Specialized did in Jonkershoek. I agree with you that a brand-free area is the ideal, especially for an area as beautiful as that valley. Big signs would simply be out of place.

 

I still wondered about the following: Is there anything illegal about the Scott signs? If their signs contravene a local bylaw or a Cape Pine or Cape Nature rule, it should be removed on that basis.

 

I disagree with you about closing trails on any basis other than if it is truly dangerous to ride and that decision is not a straight forward one to make. To an outsider, it looks like the threat to close the trails is used as a big stick to intimidate the coffee shop and Scott. This is counter productive as it will alienate many riders that have no part in the disagreement.

 

I wish you well in negotiating out of this problem, it will take some diplomacy!

[Pappa Bear]

Hi Pappa Bear,

 

Trailsmansam is not threatening to close any trails; I believe his thread was misinterpreted. Our trail fund is saying that trails need to be closed due to lack of maintenance and the headache that is the ambush marketing at the gate. Trailsmansam heard of this and started the thread.

 

The Trail Fund (for want of a better name ...!) or our group of friends recognise that the trails urgently need maintenance. In fact it's doing us more harm that good and especially so Specialized since their branding is on the actual trails; riders are directly associating Specialized with the poor state of the trails. Furthermore, we've heard that many riders are becoming more and more critical of the trail condition, having paid their fee at the gate, not knowing this fee is not going towards trail development, they are wondering where that money is going and 'what are Specialized doing with it' ..!!!

 

As I said in my first thread Cape Pine don't want hassle and although they assume liable responsibility via the entrance fee at the gate, our group did agree with Cape Pine that we would do our best to maintain everything, thereby protecting all parties. This was our commitment, which we have always honoured and we don't intend to change that stance now. I am not sure what the story with Cape Pine was in the past; all I can say is that they were pretty anti-cycling when we first met them and on the verge of closing the reserve to cyclists. On a personal level I also don't do things half baked. We do it properly or not at all.

 

This is my personal stance. I can use funds from Specialized to start maintenance. Remember we don't have depth of funds to start. However, I won't and this is my personal stance take monies from Specialized with the ambush marketing that is happening at the gate and the unwillingness to contribute. It's not right pure and simple. I would take the same stance with any brand who supports us and therein protect what they have done because in essence they are paying for our playground. Riders can make this a branding issue. It is not. It's my personal stance. There is also another brand whom I believe will support the trail fund. I want to approach them and ask them if they would match Specialized's contribution and I believe they may do, but I can't do that right now for obvious reasons. I too would be as protective of this company and / or any other company who contributes. Therein one of the many reasons to make Jonkershoek a brand free zone.

 

Thanks a million,

 

Bobby.

 

Just remember that if no trail branding is allowed that the "Ace of Spade" boards would need to be removed.

 

Also why is Jonkers now a brand free zone if Spez was the guys that branded the trails in the first place???

 

Also, surely it is Cape pine that would have the final say about branding at the gate and on the trails as it is their property??

 

What I am saying is that it might not matter what we want or do, because at the end of the day it is up to cape pine.

 

You have done allot of good work and it really is appreciated and nobody is disputing or unhappy with it!

 

Once again, a MTB club might be the best way forward...... Keep in mind that trail building and maintenance would only form a portion of the club...... Somebody need to do public relations, funding, etc.

 

Good luck and thanks for your efforts to date!

[i24]

To-date everything has been great, Because we've been a small group, decisions were made quickly and actions happened. I suppose we were a little naive to think that this would not happen. As opposed to a club my thoughts are to create a name for our trail building movement and with that an associated logo. I will look into what has been created in Tokai.

 

High Bobby. You need to be thanked and recognized for your contributions. I have never ridden at Jonkershoek, but from what I have heard, the trails there are top class.

 

But I fear there is a chink in the armour (or perhaps a crack in the frame) of "TMM" and I don't think a name and a logo will fix it. Rather I think you need an Elected Committee, a bank account and financial statements. This in turn implies some kind of constitution and a membership database. You may also want to register a legal entity like a not-for-profit company. This would provide you with three things:

 

- A mandate from the cyclists. This would provide a mechanism to accommodate other folks aspirations (maybe the coffee shop crowd would want to get involved). It would give you a platform to negotiate with Cape Pine and even Cape Nature. It would also give you the authority you will need if you have to make difficult decisions, like closing trails.

 

- A platform for raising funds. If you are going to solicit donations, the folk you approach will be happier if there is some transparency with regards to how the funds are being applied.

 

- Some legal isolation to protect your own assets, like your house and your pension fund, from the legal vultures in the event that things go pear shaped.

 

TokaiMTB have taken the first steps down this path. But it is still early days for them and I suspect they still have a way to walk.

[insomnia]

The issue at stake is the continuation of the privilege to ride our MTB's in the beautiful Jonkershoek, a place where we can find the solace that our souls crave. The natural beauty, peace and tranquility are there for us to enjoy and treasure. Let's not negativily contribute to having this unique opportunity taken away from us. Let's rather contribute in a positive way by making a financial or emotional contribution to the maintenance of the trails. I vote for a " Brand Free " Jonkershoek and challenge all who use Jonkershoek to make a contribution , however small, to keep the trails in the best condition possible. Thank you and well done to all who have already contributed, whether it be a bike brand, anonymous individual, known individual or bike shop. The challenge is for the rest to make a contribution.

[Pappa Bear]

 

 

High Bobby. You need to be thanked and recognized for your contributions. I have never ridden at Jonkershoek, but from what I have heard, the trails there are top class.

 

But I fear there is a chink in the armour (or perhaps a crack in the frame) of "TMM" and I don't think a name and a logo will fix it. Rather I think you need an Elected Committee, a bank account and financial statements. This in turn implies some kind of constitution and a membership database. You may also want to register a legal entity like a not-for-profit company. This would provide you with three things:

 

- A mandate from the cyclists. This would provide a mechanism to accommodate other folks aspirations (maybe the coffee shop crowd would want to get involved). It would give you a platform to negotiate with Cape Pine and even Cape Nature. It would also give you the authority you will need if you have to make difficult decisions, like closing trails.

 

- A platform for raising funds. If you are going to solicit donations, the folk you approach will be happier if there is some transparency with regards to how the funds are being applied.

 

- Some legal isolation to protect your own assets, like your house and your pension fund, from the legal vultures in the event that things go pear shaped.

 

TokaiMTB have taken the first steps down this path. But it is still early days for them and I suspect they still have a way to walk.

 

Well said

[i24]

the dude, or dudette (or a mix of everything in between to be politically correct) seems to know what they are on about.

 

Perhaps I owe the group some explanation as to who is is asking the clever questions. So digressing from the thread topic:

 

I cycle with my wife one or twice a week. We normally go from our home, to Tokai and as far up the mountain as time permits. We stick to the jeep tracks, but occasionally venture onto some single track. Being able to cycle together with my wife, out of our front gate, into a National Park and up a mountain, on a regular basis is awesome. You have to tick a lot of check boxes to get this right.

 

But cycling is my 2nd sport. I am also a (non-commercial) pilot and I have been involved with sport aviation for over 30 years, as a competitor, (unpaid) flight instructor and volunteer administrator. The commitment, in terms of time and money, to get involved in sport aviation is an order of magnitude bigger than cycling. The legal/regulatory environment is a huge challenge. And if you make a technical mistake it might be fatal. There is small but hard core group of enthusiasts involved. Many years ago our club forefathers put together the legal and political frameworks required to administrator the sport. If it were not for this our efforts would have been grounded years ago.

 

My clever questions with regards to cycling administration come from a background of my involvement with sport aviation.

 

Ian

[Dicky DQ]

Fellow Cyclists,

 

There's been significant dialogue on this topic and I believe it's important that you hear straight from the "horse's mouth". My goal is that this ends positively, meaning more funds are generated to maintain existing trails and build many more amazing trails in The Stellenbosch Area. My response is long so please bear with me!

 

My name is Bobby Behan, a very active trail rider and Director of Specialized Bicycles business in Africa. Rain, hail or shine every Saturday and Sunday I can be found on our local trails. I've been riding in this area for 15 years; it's an area of the world that I'm immensely passionate about and proud that I can call home.

 

The trail system prior to the fire was not what we know today, maintenance was ok but not exceptional and therefore following the fire where significant portion of trails were destroyed, we riders were left with very limited trail options. Many of my local friends share the same passion for riding the trail, and especially so Giniel De Villiers, the Dakar Rally Driver. In late 2011 Giniel and I formulated the idea to rescue, improve and develop the trail system. No official body exists i.e. The Trail Maintenance Movement (TMM) is not an entity. This was simply a group of friends trying to spread the positive word and raise money for the greater good of the riders who frequent the trails in the Stellenbosch area. I unofficially lead this non-official entity, that has no name ..!!! Giniel and I saw eye-to-eye; no politics nor committees. Cut through all of this which generally takes time and can be negative and simply go about putting positive steps into motion in creating a playground for all to enjoy, ourselves included.

 

We knew little about the costs of trail development, I can't recall how, but we were introduced to Bennet Nel. Step One - we had a trail builder. With Bennet we also connected with Meurant Botha from AMA Rider and Paul Morris, a well known local trail rider who podium'ed at DH Worlds in Pietermaritzburg last year, to gain their input. Bennet had direct contact with Cape Pine. We learned that Cape Pine had a lease on Jonkershoek until 2020 (as far as I recall) from Cape Nature for a forestry plantation in this stunning valley. Our initial thought was to ascertain where the proceeds from the gate entry fees were going and thereafter determine a) if part of these proceeds could go towards the trail plan and b) if not increase the gate fee, the surplus of this increase going towards trail maintenance. Alongside Bennet, Giniel and I had a series of meetings with Cape Pine, at various levels within their organisation. Cape Pine are pro-cycling, but made it clear that they did not want hassle. Furthermore, they did not want the administrative challenges with taxing the gate entry, so attaining income from the gate proceeds was a no-go, which we respected. We were given clear feedback from these meetings: We could build trails once approved by them, Bennet would know their long-term harvesting plans so we would build around this. In return they were very happy that this trio were assuming responsibility for the trails. They knew Bennet as a very honest, solid guy who was very reputable as a trail builder; Giniel by his positive public reputation and were pleased that although I was involved on a personal level I did represent a well known company within cycling. At the time they were experiencing challenges with riders riding through forestry machinery while at work, a few arguments occurred between harvesters and cyclists, their 'no entry harvesting zones' and associated signage were being ignored and some taken down by cyclists, suffice to say that had we not met with them, Jonkershoek being closed to cyclists was a reality! The above took a lot of time and multiple meetings. We had to build bridges between Cape Pine and cyclists, because of a few cyclists poor behaviour.

 

We had a calculated insight from Bennet as-to what the trail plan would take from a financial perfective. From there I personally drove the fundraising drive. Giniel contributed generously as did myself and many of our friends; most remain anonymous. Word spread and we received other contributions, but it was clear ... we needed more money! Therein I actioned monies to be contributed by Specialized to supplement the fundraising drive and attain our initial goals. This was never about branding nor brand positioning for Specialized. We simply wanted great trails. If you recall riding at Jonkershoek in this period, trails were repaired, maintained and developed. Not one sign was ever erected; no Specialized nor "S" Logo existed. We figured that every single cent should go into trail building; signs would waste these valuable cents. Despite all of the above we needed more money ...! BMT, a local Stellenbosch Bike Store, offered to host a successful fundraising auction evening. By the end of the winter 2012 we had achieved the following:

 

- Lower Canary Levels 1, 2 and 3 were maintained and re-opened (they were in very poor condition)

- New Canary Levels 4, 5 and 6 were created

- Maintenance on the downhill track

- Neverending Story, also known as Mason's, was re-opened and we also created two new upper levels. Meurant Botha also donated a team to help re-open the popular section which was damaged by fire and forestry. This trail was completely destroyed.

- The Fire Trail and Quarry Trails were maintained

 

 

In 2013 I personally gave a lot more time to the trail plan, truly sinking my teeth into it! The goals were bigger ..! Not only did we re-visit Jonkershoek, but I spent a lot of time meeting / lobbying the Deputy Major Of Stellenbosch, other municipal parties and various people at differing levels within Stellenbosch University. The goals were to develop Coetzenburg, Eden and make 'G-Spot' legal. Within the Coetzenburg Plan is to create a World Cup Level XCO Course, which would feature 'chicken lines' so all could ride, yet the better skilled riders were challenged. We also knew that this would be a huge attraction for the international riders who based themselves in Stellenbosch in the summer (Sauser, Nino, The Fluckigers, Naef etc) and therefore good for the town. This plan also included a direct single-track from Eden to the draw bridge at Coetzenburg meaning direct access to Jonkershoek. Added to these multiple meetings I also met with landowners in order to improve access. Finally I met with Alec Lenferna, organiser of the various World Cups and World Championships in Pietermaritzburg to determine actual costs in building the cross-country course (ZAR 300-400k).

 

To propose and begin discussions with all of the above we needed a person who could create trail plans via google earth. I did not have this skill-set. Hanno Lategan, a student at Stellenbosch University, local trail rider and chairperson of The Maties Cycling Club got involved. Giniel, Bennet, Hanno and I would meet, we would formulate ideas which Hanno would create on Google Earth. We had many, many meetings before approaching all of these bodies with a plan and following feedback from these bodies went back to the plan. We have not yet executed this plan; it's on-going discussion / negation. Our biggest challenge will be funding the plan once approved.

 

Pertaining to Jonkershoek in the space of one year Strava had arrived and with that very aggressive riding down the many trails. I specifically recall the one occasion on a Strava run down where I met Paul Morris on the way up. How we avoided one another is a miracle and that's when I realised we needed directional arrows and liability signage. Creating signage was expensive, we were already tight on the monetary side and added to this we wanted to create new trails, while the existing trails needed maintenance. Once again we set about fundraising and despite all of our good work (remember no branding existed) not many new donors stepped up. We needed more support from Specialized. BMT also upped the ante in creating a very unique fundraiser where Richard De Villiers a well known local cyclist / triathlete and owner of BMT contacted many of the town's artists, requesting them to donate paintings. Specialized covered the costs of the evening and to save costs we held the function at Specialized's Offices in Stellenbosch. The fundraiser was a success. I also set about raising donations. We could not wait for donation income so Specialized fronted the start-up of 2013. Later we received the donations, which partly met Specialized's contributions. In 2013 the following was achieved:

 

- All trails were maintained (Neverending Story, Canary, Downhill Track, Fire Trail and Quarry Trail)

- New section below Neverending Story was created and the trails in the Valley (can't recall name) were re-opened (three sections)

- New section on upper Neverending Story was created

- Double Black Diamond was created and the entire trail was maintained. Double Black Diamond is special ..! We decided to join two great trail builders in Bennet Nel and Hylton Turvey. Hylton built most of the trails in Karkloof, KZN. Specialized covered Hylton's entire costs so this did not impact on the trail fund.

 

With Bennet Nel and Hylton giving so much back to the trails, Specialized also decided to sponsor both of them with bicycles and equipment. We saw this as a good way to thank these guys for doing that they do best - building awesome trails for all to enjoy.

 

The signage was erected in 2013 and with that the "S" Logo was placed on trail heads as recognition for what Specialized had pledged on many levels - this was a group decision. I'll touch on this again later, but it was never about branding for Specialized. It truly was not. At the time I was not sure if the branding was the right decision.

 

Added to the above and in preparation for 2014 we need a stronger financial foundation in order to sustain Jonkershoek, but also meet our other trail plans in Coetzenburg and Eden. In partnership with Stillwater Sports & Entertainment (the people who are behind XTerra, Wines2Whales and many more awesome events) and local reputable cyclist Corrie Muller we created the event The Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails. Proceeds of the event, which included donations from Stillwater Sports and Entertainment, Specialized and Pennypinchers were ZAR 64,000. We plan to grow this.

 

To-date and in total we have raised approximately ZAR 400k. Current balance left is ZAR 16k + ZAR 64k from the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails Event totalling ZAR 81k. Trail maintenance in 2014 will cost approximately ZAR 250-300k with a further ZAR 400k needed for the XCO Course.

 

 

I mention the above to highlight the positive work behind the trail movement. Riders may still pick holes and see negatives, yet the goals were always positive and focussed on creating a superb trail network in Stellenbosch.

 

This episode and some of the comments on this tread have surprised me; I understand and recognise that fellow riders may not realise what has gone into the trails thus far. Believe me; we have worked very hard to create this trail network.

 

Specialized goals were never about branding, ambush marketing or such. In fact many proposed that we should brand the entrance gate based on what we contributed, a motion to be proposed with Cape Pine, but we declined. We never wanted Jonkershoek to become a 'Christmas Tree' and furthermore never wanted it to be polarised by one brand, because it would alienate others. We got involved because we selfishly love riding. I ride; our entire office ride. In helping to create the trail network we benefitted as riders as did all riders. That was our goal pure and simple. In hindsight we should have never put the branding up. Jonkershoek should be a brand free zone. Commencing next week we are taking the signage down. We will create an official name for the trail building movement (Stellenbosch Trails ... one thought) and in doing so create an independent logo which will be placed on new signage. Specialized will cover all costs of this exercise.

 

I personally got involved and drove this development because I love riding and I am very passionate about Stellenbosch. It's a special place and I see so much opportunity for the town.

 

Ride In is an amazing coffee shop. Gavin and Brit King are owners and tremendous people. Please support them. Gavin eats, sleeps and lives cycling. Yes to clarify Gavin has a history with Specialized. I can't recall the detail, but Gavin worked for multiple years for many of the pro tour road teams including The Cervelo Test Team. Gavin was introduced to me in 2010 and I hired him on behalf of Specialized to work as a soigneur on our international mountain bike team. Gavin left the circuit in 2012 to pursue The Ride In concept, that is now a reality. Specialized do supply Ride In with test bicycles. We partnered with Gavin because we knew him and his attention to detail and excellence. He also knows what it means to maintain a test fleet and this is important for us.

 

The Jonkershoek Cafe requested test bicycles from Specialized - this is true. Specialized declined, because of the poor condition of the rental bicycles that we saw there. Our decline was also due to budget restrictions and if I'm honest we preferred to invest funds into the trails. In their request for test bicycles there was no offer of branding on the entrance gate. In any case we would have declined this; we never wanted Jonkershoek to become a Christmas Tree! Jonkershoek Cafe has made it clear that they don't believe the trail development have benefitted them; most of their clientele ride the circle loop.

 

Neither I personally nor Specialized have any problem with a test fleet from any bicycle manufacturer at Jonkershoek - why should we. We do have a problem with any brand that turns The Gate into a Christmas Tree, Scott's included. On a personal level it's been very challenging raising money for the trail network. To attract brands is not easy; The Scott Branding does not help the trail building movement and our efforts to attract other brands into the area and this point includes Specialized.

 

I approached Jonkershoek Cafe two months following the establishment of Scott / Flandria / Jonkershoek Cafe Branding. The branding was established while I was on business in the USA. In any case we had a heated debate! In my opinion, because we declined Jonkershoek Cafe, they said we'll show you ..! And so they did, but at the detriment of trail development. I don't understand why they can't look at the bigger picture. Better trails equals increased traffic. Increased traffic means more business opportunities.

 

With no success in changing Jonkershoek Cafe's stance I approached Flandria Cycles. I challenged Scott and Flandria to make Jonkershoek a brand free zone. For the record I've a great relationship with the people at Flandria despite the fact that Specialized don't supply them. I challenged Scott (directly and via Flandria) to take down their branding in line with Specialized and match Specialized cent for cent on contributions. I believed that this could be a catalyst to attract many more brands into the area, both bicycle and non bicycle related. I believe riders would have welcomed a positive collaboration like this for the greater good. Scott declined and said that they would continue with the branding as is. I did warn Scott and Flandria that this may turn ugly with cyclists and that was something I did not want. I am a positive person and don't wish negative on anybody.

 

Do we want the trails to close? Definitely not. Where do I go on a Saturday and Sunday morning ..! Fellow riders please understand. I am a person of principle. What is happening currently is not right. It's ambush marketing and on a personal level (forget about Specialized) I can't stand for this. I've worked too bloody hard on this. We need to raise significant funds in a bid to continue our quest to build incredible trails and this is not helping.

 

People like Audi, people hate BMW, people dislike Mercedes, people love Porsche and other people hate Porsche - the same love / hate story is true in cycling. This is not about brands; it's not about Specialized nor Scott. It's about building awesome trails. Please support us in the quest to make Jonkershoek a branding free zone. Please support us in lobbying these businesses / brands to support the trail building initiative. None of these business have contributed to the trail building movement. None have offered to contribute at anytime, although I do believe Flandria did something many years ago. I have no problem with them not contributing; I do have a problem with them leveraging our hard work and commitment with no commitment on their part. I know many of my friends who each contributed are equally as frustrated as I.

 

In summary we have ZAR 81k, which is not nearly enough and therefore trails may need to be closed mainly because of concern for safety. Winter is the time for trail maintenance and we are behind. If you would like to contribute please contact me directly bobby.behan@me.com.

 

Enjoy the rest of your weekends,

 

Bobby.

 

Bobby, I see your point to a point. However no matter what you have done want to do etc. you cannot have your cake and eat it.

 

The proprietor at the gate cafe/coffee shop has done a deal with someone, not you, and unfortunately another cycle brand and that is that. It could have been coke or whoever. what then?

 

The trails will exist with or without the current team, albeit not as well manicured or maybe better. But so what.

 

Notwithstanding all you have said, this is still all about sales and marketing, and will always be so.

[Dicky DQ]

The issue at stake is the continuation of the privilege to ride our MTB's in the beautiful Jonkershoek, a place where we can find the solace that our souls crave. The natural beauty, peace and tranquility are there for us to enjoy and treasure. Let's not negativily contribute to having this unique opportunity taken away from us. Let's rather contribute in a positive way by making a financial or emotional contribution to the maintenance of the trails. I vote for a " Brand Free " Jonkershoek and challenge all who use Jonkershoek to make a contribution , however small, to keep the trails in the best condition possible. Thank you and well done to all who have already contributed, whether it be a bike brand, anonymous individual, known individual or bike shop. The challenge is for the rest to make a contribution.

 

you cannot force a business not to negotiate deals with vendors/suppliers in exchange for branding. As long as this is legal. If it is legal just suck it up and deal with it or petition your local councilor to change the regulation in your town governing branding and signage.

 

I am not for or against any of the parties here, but no one must threaten me or my enjoyment because they have a marketing issue.

[marko35s]

For a while there this thread went all sensible and the issues were put across in a non hollywood B movie way but...

The simple fact is that a business (even if the owner comes across as a bit of a dick by all accounts) has the right to complete commercial deals with whomever they like, as long as no laws or by-laws are broken. The guys building the trails don't like this but have no recourse and throwing a hissy fit on a public forum is highly unlikely to make the slightest difference to the status quo.

Threatening to close the trails is all a bit dramatic in relation to the issue (a branding cat fight) and if the guys need to take a look at how they are dealing with this and try and sort out the issues without ruining it for everybody.

[slabs]

One thing that comes to mind is the lack of commitment or involvement from Cape Nature in this whole issue. They are receiving much more entry fees due to the development of mtbing, yet are very difficult to negotiate with.

 

And this seems to be the case at Jonkers ,Table Mountain, Tokai, Grabouw and even the Steenbras area in the Cape.

 

Seems like a missed opportunity that hampers lots of good work done by individuals in the area.

 

And lastly, the cafe. I know of no cafe linked to Cape Nature that has grasped the opportunity of many more people coming past them. Service is a problem at each of them.

 

My 2c is that they should get rid of all the branding and rather create an atmosphere where users of these parks can enjoy a nice meal, coffee or a drink after their activities. As it is, they cannot ask for better settings...

Edited May 25, 2014 by slabs

[PhilipV]

hi Bobby, thanks for your input. Some much needed context has been provided. Thanks.

 

I understand your frustration, and I really hope that trails won't need to be closed. Nobody will win in this situation.

 

I however do implore you to continue with your efforts on a bigger stellenbosch level. ie, focus on Eden, Coetzenburg and Botmanskop. Partnering with the local riders, PRG, Maties club, PPA and even the Basin and Wannabees clubs in Somerset West will give you more resources, access to a larger group to lobby, and might even help with opening more trails on farms around stellenbosch.

 

With an improvement of the trails around stellies like the improvement we have already seen in Jonkershoek will garner more respect towards any and all brands involved in this maintenance movement. If this is done under the umbrella of "Stellenbosch Trails" with recognised inputs from eg Spez, Toyota, Coke or whomever then fine. But at least we will see the upliftment of other trails in the area. And we will recognise who helped to make this happen.

If nothing happens in Jonkers due to neglect while you focus your efforts elsewhere, so be it. people will in time realise that. there is a story behind the story. Let Scott then be associated with a delapidated Jonkers, but at least there will still be great trails to ride in Stellenbosch, and it will be free to ride. I would much rather donate my yearly Jonkers money to a movement that maintains trails that are free to ride.

 

Good luck Bobby, and do not be dissuaded by other brands riding the coat tails of your efforts, keep fighting the good fight.

[Ratty]

Rode there yesterday and the trails we rode were fantastic so thanks to everyone involved in that. Still my favourite place to ride (just wish it was closer to home).

 

We stopped going to the coffee shop long ago due to bad service even before we had ride-in as an option. When we left Jonkers yesterday there was no one there. Got to ride-in and it was packed with mtbers. Still got our food and coffee within 10 minutes.

 

The coffee shop at Jonkers owner needs to wake up and realise he needs to be on the side of the cyclists and not against them. He has a shop in a prime location that has so much potential.

 

I would be happy to contribute towards the trail building and I am sure there are quite a few others.

[Guest Omega Man]

Rode there yesterday and the trails we rode were fantastic so thanks to everyone involved in that. Still my favourite place to ride (just wish it was closer to home).

 

We stopped going to the coffee shop long ago due to bad service even before we had ride-in as an option. When we left Jonkers yesterday there was no one there. Got to ride-in and it was packed with mtbers. Still got our food and coffee within 10 minutes.

 

The coffee shop at Jonkers owner needs to wake up and realise he needs to be on the side of the cyclists and not against them. He has a shop in a prime location that has so much potential.

 

I would be happy to contribute towards the trail building and I am sure there are quite a few others.

I could not agree more. It's easy to crit for the sideline but Jonkers Trails are AMAZING. And that doesn't happen by accident. 400k also doesn't raise itself. a HUGE thanks from me to all involved.

 

Ride-In will be seeing my post ride cash from here on in. And a soon as I can afford that Enduro 29er I'm on it.

Edited May 25, 2014 by Omega Man

[leona]

I rode there today and I was thinking about this thread the whole time. I think I have read it all so forgive me if this is a repeat idea but rather than make it a 'no branding' area, why not sell the branding in a way by asking companies/individuals to sponsor certain trails?

 

I went to Eagle Encouters at Spier a few weeks ago and individuals and families sponsor birds. Theres a little plaque up by each one saying who its sponsored by and they can name the bird too.

 

What I would propose is that the trails can be sponsored for 6-12 months at a time for a set contribution. At the head of the trail it could say the name of the trail (or not) and who it was sponsored by. Maybe there could also be a website for the group (if it gets named and made official) and there could be free advertising space for those who have contributed. It would add an incentive to people/companies to donate as like it or not, we all like to be appreciated for things that we do!

 

If I were approaching a company I might write something along these lines...

 

"Dear so and so,

 

I am writing to you on behalf of (say) TTF. As you are no doubt aware, Stellenbosch is a cyclists mecca and in particular Jonkershoek. This brings a lot of people to the area which is excellent but this in turn leads to wear on the trails.

 

We would like to get local businesses involved in the upkeep of the trails to ensure that people continue to come and contribute to the local economy. To this end we have come up with some ideas and hope that you will be keen to get involved.

 

For the donation of .... rand we will post a sign at the top of ... trail stating that is has been sponsored by you and your companies name (and possibly website?). This sign will remain in place for 6 months but this could be extend to 12 for the donation of ... rand.

 

We have a website set up and invite you to advertise on here as well as post any special offers you wish to get across to the users of Jonkershoek."

 

anyway, something along those lines. I also wondered whether it would be worth approaching the teams who's riders come every year to train here. If they didnt want to contribute money then maybe they could contribute things to be raffled/auctioned off to raise money? Just a thought.

 

I also thought about how we can all help in some little way by keeping an eye on the trails. the storm of a couple of weeks ago brought a lot of cr*p down onto the canaries trails. There are lots of rocks that weren't previously there as well as a tree and lots of branches.

 

For some these rocks offer a new challenge but for most of us they are just in the way. This leads to people going round things and sometimes off the trail which means it gets wider and also potentially loosens surrounding rocks. These then in turn roll in causing more cr*p to be in the way. I moved quite a few today that were new additions. didnt really add much time to my ride.. theres loads of small branches too just waiting to be dragged up into your back wheel so if everyone moved a couple for the next person it would make a difference.

 

I'm leaving for england in july, its a shame really as i would love to get involved with this whole thing as it really needs support. the trails have really deteriorated since i first came here in December, there are some bits i just don't ride now as its not pleasant. Its such an amazing facility to have and it would be a real travesty if it was lost.

 

p.s i think the specialized branding should absolutely stay. If they've contributed so much then people should know that.

[Hellwarp]

Hi Bobby

 

Thanks for taking the time and sticking your neck out on a public forum to offer your side of the story as someone who has been heavily involved in developments in Jonkershoek.

I'm assuming, and emphasize assuming, that events which make use of Jonkershoek trails pay Cape Nature. The alternative would be Cape Pine? Either way I'm making a further assumption that none of that money goes back to trail maintenance. Furthermore, not sure what amount of money would be involved as it would likely depend on the number of participants. Question is, is any of that money channelled back to trail maintenance and if not could one not negotiate for a portion of those funds.

 

Regarding maintenance, Jonkershoek trails are extensive, the maintenance figures you mention are scary (250-300k) and I'm not challenging them. However with Jonkerhoek having some of the highest annual rainfall figures in the country I feel its important that this fact be taken into consideration when building new trail.

Take for example the double black that was built recently, built by people with the required experience etc. From what I've heard a great piece of trail but is it going to stand up to the amount of runoff Jonkershoek valley receives? Is the cost of maintaining a faster downhill type trail like double black not going to exacerbate the funding restraints? I understand the demand by certain more experienced riders for that type of trail but is it affordable?

Edited May 25, 2014 by Hellwarp