Headshot Posted October 17, 2014 Posted October 17, 2014 i don't really see the point in them charging for the cycle track area on tokai east,its like rondebosch common with multiple entrance points. I also doubt its the most important conservation area in the city,having been pine/gum forest for 95 years of the last hundred. My activity card gets me legal on a bike, but must i get one for my two year old in the seat too now?No, kids under 12 don't pay AFAIK
(Deon) Posted October 17, 2014 Posted October 17, 2014 My position: The TMNP is a reality and we have to work with them. There are issues at the regional level involving poor communication, idiotic permit pricing and applicability etc. These were raised at the recent meeting with stake holders. Bearing this in mind I don't think that emailing one of their paid officials is out of order at all. I fail to see why this even gets a mention (Deon?) I raised various issues that have been bothering me for some time and dug up an old draft email I wrote months ago. I also mentioned the issue of fining people and suggested that they implement a ticket issuing system instead. This suggestion was apparently well received. I only make mention because the reason for the Tokaimtb committee or the Table Mountain MTB forum is to direct queries through a single channel. I'm not discouraging anyone from contacting Parks directly but it has been mentioned on this thread that info has been requested. The comms manager will respond with the communication that is needed. Issuing tickets onsite instead of fines is a good idea, but we must also keep in mind that very few fines have actually been issued. The problem with staff handling cash is a problem for Parks. Many ideas have been thrown about in a recent meeting but staff handling cash always proves an obstacle. I'm not really sure about the rest of the discussion. Why did you post the disclaimer? Which other thread did you refer to?
(Deon) Posted October 17, 2014 Posted October 17, 2014 i don't really see the point in them charging for the cycle track area on tokai east,its like rondebosch common with multiple entrance points. I also doubt its the most important conservation area in the city,having been pine/gum forest for 95 years of the last hundred. My activity card gets me legal on a bike, but must i get one for my two year old in the seat too now?This is exactly what makes it significant. The species that have been dormant underground for 100 years have not been hybridised by others, or species thought to be extinct have been waiting for suitable conditions to re-establish. Take the tour, we live in a special place.
Oufy MTB (Roadie) Posted October 17, 2014 Posted October 17, 2014 I got an annual permit cos I ride often enough. This price increase sucks and it is not about affordability. A percentage of this fee must go towards maintaining trails, everyone should win but Sanparks is coining it for no effort
Kranswurm Posted October 18, 2014 Posted October 18, 2014 I find it better to focus energies on things we can make a difference with. I support the idea too but better to not let expectation run out of hand. It might not look like it - with all the people, dogs, horses, bikes using this area - but the Lower Tokai reserve is an even greater gem for conservation. The fee/permit system for horses, dog and cyclists applies in all sections of the park, I sincerely doubt TMNP would change this rule for what is probably the most important flora conservation area in the whole of CT. It's uniqueness is that it is a critical red data listed species conservancy stretching like a finger right into the suburbs. You won't find an area like it anywhere else in the world. Get an annual dog card, get an annual cyclist card and pray that TMNP improves the rider offering after all the long, hard work the reps have gone through over the last few years. Like Omega said earlier, price increases make it really hard to continue doing what we do. We are already at the point where the day pass exceeds the offering in Tokai, another increase without firm commitment from TMNP SANParks would just spell a losing battle. The big change that SHOULD (wish) happen is that Pretoria no longer sets priorities for the regional reserves. As if someone behind a desk in Pretoria knows what is best for locals in Cape Town.. that idea needs greater support. We should be demanding that SANParks changes it's decision making policies, so often TMNP is blamed for poor choices made elsewhere. This system is seriously disconnected and an archaic policy. Local stakeholders should be involved in desicions that affect them but always places the environment first.. EDIT: we actually do have the support from TMNP.I am quite happy with my annual activity and all parks wild card.....bargainNeed to renew my Botanical Society card after reminding myself how valuable Kirstenbosch is last Sunday
Simon123 Posted October 19, 2014 Posted October 19, 2014 Have annual card, so don't really feel this increase. Just hoping it doesn't increase to crazy levels next year. But those f*cking invisible speed bumps. Hadn't ridden Tokai in 6 months (since they built the road) and practically removed my sump last Monday.
Shebeen Posted October 20, 2014 Posted October 20, 2014 This is exactly what makes it significant. The species that have been dormant underground for 100 years have not been hybridised by others, or species thought to be extinct have been waiting for suitable conditions to re-establish. Take the tour, we live in a special place.gonna agree with you on the seedbanks being important, but it's not unique - loads of compromised parts of the park capable of rejuvenation.
Eddy Gordo Posted October 20, 2014 Posted October 20, 2014 Well as far as those speedbumps go, if you ride at a decent speed and keep you eyes on the road, then you wont miss them and you will be able to slow down in time. I always see how people race down that road and wonder why they cannot just slow down
Headshot Posted October 20, 2014 Posted October 20, 2014 I only make mention because the reason for the Tokaimtb committee or the Table Mountain MTB forum is to direct queries through a single channel. I'm not discouraging anyone from contacting Parks directly but it has been mentioned on this thread that info has been requested. The comms manager will respond with the communication that is needed. Issuing tickets onsite instead of fines is a good idea, but we must also keep in mind that very few fines have actually been issued. The problem with staff handling cash is a problem for Parks. Many ideas have been thrown about in a recent meeting but staff handling cash always proves an obstacle. I'm not really sure about the rest of the discussion. Why did you post the disclaimer? Which other thread did you refer to? Sorry, the context was missing. I received that pic from TMNP in the reply to my email which as I said raised various issues including security on the mountain. Myles and I also had a conversation on another forum re whether TMNP is liable if someone crashes on a trail, legal or otherwise. My answer was the same as I have given here and I think mentioned on an earlier thread here about Tokai this year.. The pic was just confirmation of the "enter at own risk" status of the TMNP. I have no problem with it, its standard stuff, especially with all the scope for accidents on the mountain.
Headshot Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 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.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 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. Sorry, what? Wait. No, that doesn't make sense even after reading it again and again. Lap training, THERE!?
DJR Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 Sorry, what? Wait. No, that doesn't make sense even after reading it again and again. Lap training, THERE!?Who said lap dancing?
(Deon) Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 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. 70k secured from PPA. 35k for this repair in Tokai and 35k set for Red Hill to firm the sandy sections. I'm still waiting for TMNP's response but see I missed a call yesterday from Saskia wanting to chat about the development riders fee structure proposal. I'll give her a call after 12..
Headshot Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 Sorry, what? Wait. No, that doesn't make sense even after reading it again and again. Lap training, THERE!? One guy in particular went around about 3 times at a good clip while we were toddling kids and dogs - full kit, Epic Training perhaps except he was no race snake :-)
Headshot Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 70k secured from PPA. 35k for this repair in Tokai and 35k set for Red Hill to firm the sandy sections. I'm still waiting for TMNP's response but see I missed a call yesterday from Saskia wanting to chat about the development riders fee structure proposal. I'll give her a call after 12..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?
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