SANS Parks Tokai MTB price increase

[Hairy]

002.jpg

 

Taken yesterday. This is presumably the TMNP funded "MTB" trail boardwalk at lower Tokai. They have their new signage up too - it has the requirements from a permit and etiquette perspective as well as the " use at own risk"  story. 

 

Amazing number of people who seem to think the paved route round lower Tokai is an MTB lap race training venue - especially when everyone is walking dogs and kids. 

"?" ... why boardwalk a flat section of pathway?

[Eddy Gordo]

That boardwalk is gonna be used more by people walking than bikers

[Guest Omega Man]

"?" ... why boardwalk a flat section of pathway?

 

It's probably a problem in winter with a bit of a river there. Just guessing.

[(Deon)]

So how on earth can TMNP claim that this is them upgrading an MTB trail?? One it hardly qualifies - its a multi use rec area, not a MTB trail and secondly, they are using OP's money. 

 

Still can't believe that Tokai MTB has no formal answer from TMNP re the alleged tariff increase. 

 

What is the "development riders fee structure" all about?

 

I asked them to elaborate on a few things in one statement that answers a few faq's around access. 

 

Since the info will be used on various media it was best to fill the statement with as much applicable info; such as who pays what, what is it used for, what value does does a permit offer, plans for the future, how much is paid, what pending increases loom and what structure can be established for the development groups using the trails.

 

As I said, TMNP tried contacting me to discuss, I missed their call. It's not a case of they have not responded yet, it's not really a case of delays, more one of providing the correct info that meets our expectations.

 

"Development rider fee structure" looks to providing a rate for riders brought into the park as part of a development group that will more-than-likley need registration with TMNP. I would think with will be the case.

 

This route in question is a multi-use trail constructed with cycling money. I've not really seen where they are claiming to have paid for it, but I recall Saskia said it is constructed at great cost. IIRC these specific funds for the boardwalk was project funding in lieu of fees owing to TMNP (unconfirmed) and was negotiated in 2013. Rob could elaborate further as I think he attended the meeting with Gary Kruger.

 

The funds used on the trails, as Saskia mentions, is part of this project as well as projects in the future if the latest proposal is accepted.

 

Just to be clear, you have it in writing that the "increase" is the event fee and does not affect access for Tokai or Silvermine. Maybe we should wait for the statement to avoid any further confusion. If there are still questions we can fire off adhoc q's to Saskia for clarity.

[capediver]

Been back to Tokai after 2 months away and I must say the new road is a pleasure! Well sign posted and at 30km/h the speed bumps should not be an issue....exceed the limit and they will be! I also prefer the way they are built instead of the loud black and yellow stripy ones you normally see..."environmentally friendly"  I would say

Stopped at the office to enquire about the new fee and was told YES 1st Nov daily access will be R60!!! Phew...! No word on any Wild card increase so nows the time to get one.

 

BTW trails are running gnarly as all hell! Don't mind the state (its summer time now so plenty of sand in the corners!) but those new jumps at the top of DH 3 are OTT tho"..... not many people I know who can clear them and live to tell the tale! (Maybe I don't know a lot of DHers!?) Anyway, some of the newer lines and tamer stuff are cool but would love it if those gaps (with life-shortening trenches in between) were filled in to make more makable TTops.....

 

Very cool to be back on da hill!!!

[marko35s]

Been back to Tokai after 2 months away and I must say the new road is a pleasure! Well sign posted and at 30km/h the speed bumps should not be an issue....exceed the limit and they will be! I also prefer the way they are built instead of the loud black and yellow stripy ones you normally see..."environmentally friendly"  I would say

Stopped at the office to enquire about the new fee and was told YES 1st Nov daily access will be R60!!! Phew...! No word on any Wild card increase so nows the time to get one.

 

BTW trails are running gnarly as all hell! Don't mind the state (its summer time now so plenty of sand in the corners!) but those new jumps at the top of DH 3 are OTT tho"..... not many people I know who can clear them and live to tell the tale! (Maybe I don't know a lot of DHers!?) Anyway, some of the newer lines and tamer stuff are cool but would love it if those gaps (with life-shortening trenches in between) were filled in to make more makable TTops.....

 

Very cool to be back on da hill!!!

I think, although that's open to debate and doesn't happen often, that the jumps you refer to are going to be *tabled* at some point.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I think, although that's open to debate and doesn't happen often, that the jumps you refer to are going to be *tabled* at some point.

 

 

They are. They're apparently just waiting for the wood that the tables will be made from...

[DJR]

They are. They're apparently just waiting for the wood that the tables will be made from...

Tabled for discussion in other words?

[Flowta]

I think, although that's open to debate and doesn't happen often, that the jumps you refer to are going to be *tabled* at some point.

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/000/681/what-you-did-there-i-see-it.thumbnail.jpg

[capediver]

They are. They're apparently just waiting for the wood that the tables will be made from...

Nearly got squished by a truck carrying a whole pile of wood....clearly no shortage! Ask for a donation from Cape Pine!!! Ask them to "Put something back" .......

[Headshot]

Nearly got squished by a truck carrying a whole pile of wood....clearly no shortage! Ask for a donation from Cape Pine!!! Ask them to "Put something back" .......

 

 

Tabled for discussion is more like it. Where is the wood? Lost in the trees perhaps. It was supposed to be there weeks ago AFAIK... 

 

So the misinformation continues - the gate guys still say it is R60 for MTB in two weeks time but officialdom says no, its some other strange access thing a corporate day fee pp. No wonder there is irritation and frustration with TMNP.

[MoreTrails]

I would happily pay say R800-R900 per annum, on the following provisos:

1. My money would go to a Tokia MTB club
2. Of this I would receive a "preferential" rate for my wild card because I am doing it through this responsible/organised club / format
3. The club would take care of the admin, issue the card etc
4. The committee members of the club could eventually not operate on a volunteer level, allowing for employment within the club, thereby having the club operating more effectively
5. The rest of the money would be plowed back into trail creation and maintenance

A club scenario will make riders feel they have more ownership and or connection with the park and trails. They are more likely to get involved and more likely to stay that way. It also gives them a structured and dedicated voice.
 

SanParks needs to stop sub contracting the wild car permit sale and handle it internally, more money direct to them, more possibility of them plowing that money back into the park. And yes, suits in Pretoria must piss off with making decisions with regards to national parks that they potentially may not even visit in their lifetime

[Headshot]

Well chaps, I have another email from Saskia. She went and checked properly and has confirmed that as the Hut guy told Cape Diver, the 1 November increase does indeed apply to MTB.

 

Get ready to hoes en betaal. She points out that they want people to buy activity permits rather which work out to be R38 pm, which is the current price I think, and not a bad deal for locals. Mine expires in May next year so I am covered for a while yet. The problem is the guys from out of town of course. TMNP also prefer the activity card because on application you sign waiving your rights to claim against them if you are injured. This does not happen with the day permit. 

 

This would of course be easily remedied with some fine print on the ticket which is harder when the "ticket" is a flimsy till slip thing as it is ...Strange reasoning being applied by TMNP IMO.

 

She has also mentioned the recent upgrades in the North - presumably the tracks at Rhodes Mem and work that will happen at Red Hill for bikes. It seems that TMNP is keen to take the credit when activists like Rob Vogel get funding and seek approval for trail upgrades...maybe we should see their actually allowing these upgrades as a major concession and benefit they have bestowed on us bearing in mind their conservation mandate?

[Eddy Gordo]

They suck, when I got my card last year, I tried on numerous occasions at the office in town next to the cape sun. Evrytime the person was not there or on lunch etc. The other people in that space apparently cant do it. Even at the airport branch its an issue so its no point in them being open till late.

The only place I had success in getting my 2 wild cards was at tokai. It took me almost a year to renew my first card simply cause its a huge mission.

 

This they gonna have to up their game. They have day paypoints everywhere and I dont see why these points cannot be equipped to issue all the permits. Makes it alot easier for everyone and more accessible

[MoreTrails]

 

She has also mentioned the recent upgrades in the North - presumably the tracks at Rhodes Mem and work that will happen at Red Hill for bikes. It seems that TMNP is keen to take the credit when activists like Rob Vogel get funding and seek approval for trail upgrades...maybe we should see their actually allowing these upgrades as a major concession and benefit they have bestowed on us bearing in mind their conservation mandate?

This basic occurrence should put into perspective the shabbles TMNP / SanParks are in at present:

Rhodes Mem entrance board now indicates biking is allowed in the park.

The trails are now marked.

The trails have seen recent work (upgrade is a subjective term...).

The work has been funded by PPA, organised by Rob and built by Ace of Spades.

.......The rangers are still stopping bikers using the trails, saying it is illegal - therefore, they have not been briefed by their employer of the change in usage rights....

Pretty bloody simple, right?!

 

I am finding it very difficult to swallow paying money for my Activity Card when:

Portion of money's does not return to allow for maintenance / upgrade (even on as basic a level as a safety level!!!)

Communication is poor, to either organised bodies (TokiaMTB as eg.) or to individual public.

The expectation of the public that are just expected to "deal with it" with regards to the fee to make use of the park (i suppose the same can be said for Eskom, maybe they have a vested stake....I jest, but only a little).

TMNP is still not a "safe" place, with muggings still occurring.

TMNP is still being occupied by many individuals, however little is ever done to remove them, combat the problem or even just get them to pay rent.

My activity card gets me access to Tokia, and Tbl Mtn....but what about all the other lekker areas. Why now make me buy another card / permit to go see the other wonders that we have? In essence we are almost like a premium customer, forking out a fair couple of bucks for the privilege to make use of the park....on lets face it, a minimal level individually.

 

Ag, anyway...difficult to vote with ones wallet in this case. The trails make me smile every time, are readily accessible, allow me and my mates to have a jol on our push bikes and essentially TMNP is a spectacular resource that we have access to. I just wish the red tape would lessen, structure would be put in place that allows for effective comes and building, and trails / access would prevail. Here's me holding thumbs!!!

[Mr X]

I always told the guy at the Jonkers gate that the prices were too cheap. I am fine with paying more if it helps the trails, less riders and less damage to trails, and a more sustainable long term secure safe riding area. Think of how expensive gym is and how crap gym is compared to riding in Jonkers.

 

Considering the increase in mtb numbers, I think the prices were too cheap up to now (supply and demand). Considering that these are really great places to ride, the annual permit is still very good value.