#Pete# Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 Phew, there are a lot of people out on the TMB front today And with Tokai closed for the nex 18 mo plus, time to grab this opportunity! How about adding to this wishlist (Sorry Rob ) "Threats"Just too many people out there:Trails are not going to last. Already the "epic" plum pudding hill descent is rutting and one rainful and it won't be pleasant.On the jeeptracks the corners and links pretty dangerous with everyone charging down the clean lineThe few singletracks we have are packed; lots of "walkers" I'd love to see all joining together - strength in numbers? Should one go on a recruitment drive?Trails need maintenance for sure, esp the singletrack, but also the steep sections of the jeeptracks.Real opportunity to motivate for more singletrack - how about starting with creating more "links" betweeen existing jeeptrack or to Tafelberg road. Link to "future Tokai" could be built over next 18 months till Tokai opens?Need signage/more warnings, right of way instructions, etcNeed to keep some singletrack for black grading, not all blue/red? IMO either two lines or best is to start with a "qualifier". The bridge at Plum pudding hill actually just means more go down now and then walk or drag brakes. The entrance should be as tough as the exit?I'm sure others have lots of comments too...let's hear them.......
T-Bob Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 I've actually asked the question before without much come back from Epic Management as to what plans are in place to repair the parts of the Prologue route that were battered by the event it's self. I know there was fair bit of building with the Ace team, TMB and PPA(?) before the event but 1200 riders barrelling through has left it's mark so I hope there is some 'after care' strategy. The single track took a hammering and since then the mountain around Rhodes and the front has been packed out. I've been riding that area for a good few years and pre fire / prologue struggled to see anyone on a bike on the same stretch on most rides. I hope there has been some planning in place (not just more rangers checking permits) for the increased exposure and wear on all parts of the trail as well educating riders on what can be ridden and what can't. Seen alot of people off the marked trails as well that will no doubt cause friction between all parties. If anyone is swinging shovels or there is build day I'll be in.
PhilipV Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 Why don't you CT riders take hands with the local authorities and organise a build day? Then you maintain the trails that take a hammering, and from there on motivate having more trail? And then Sommer do a "spade in, rubbish out" clean up of litter.
DJR Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 ......snip snip.......If anyone is swinging shovels or there is build day I'll be in. I'll come along and drag "insert name here" with me. He's a sucker for hard work.
(Deon) Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 I'll come along and drag "insert name here" with me. He's a sucker for hard work. Another 12 days until I can change that name
T-Bob Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 Why don't you CT riders take hands with the local authorities and organise a build day? Then you maintain the trails that take a hammering, and from there on motivate having more trail? And then Sommer do a "spade in, rubbish out" clean up of litter. 100%. Would be there for sure but I'm not clued up on who runs the rehabilitation and the involvement of all the stake holders. There has been work commissioned by the Ace of Spades team pre Epic with funds from PPA, Epic and TMB(?) other stake holders not to mention the TMNP authorities have a say in a lot of what is going on where and how. There has always been a strong, well known (and well advertised) network for Tokai volunteer maintenence etc but it's been a bit less clear about the various involvements around the front of the mountain tracks.
Yo-Yo Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 I rode there today and it's looking very worn out in places & very busy. Not a great situation before winter - rains will make a mess very quickly. Fires in Tokai & closure followed by coverage on the ACE has made a hot spot for a lot of the south with the benefit measuring against the pros on the same 22km route. The attitude of a lot of riders isn't great. A lot of walkers and hikers and runners about & shared trails are being treated as one way downhills by okes. Riders going on non mtb trails esp towards Newland Fire station. Maybe Kandui can tell us what the arrangement with ACE was & if it is down to Table Mountain Riders Committee or Pedal Power or Table Mountain Parks to make sure the routes are ok now. Edit - If The Epic invested in making the new trails and upgrading the existing for the event then surely they had a legacy plan in place for fixing the damage after?
LazyTrailRider Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 (not just more rangers checking permits) One needs a permit to ride above Rhodes Mem these days?
wepat Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 One needs a permit to ride above Rhodes Mem these days?yes forms part of TMNP
(Deon) Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Edit - If The Epic invested in making the new trails and upgrading the existing for the event then surely they had a legacy plan in place for fixing the damage after?It's never been a requirement before, if it is now then it's quite a shift in their thinking and commitment. A welcomed commitment mind you..
DJR Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Sure was a LOT busier than usual around Rhodes Memorial and the Kings Blockhouse this morning, but it was almost eerily quiet further on towards Deer Park. It was almost like people don't know there are kilometres more roads to ride if they just keep going. Strange. However, absolutely EVERYONE were friendly and greeted. We had many offers of help while we were fixing a puncture. Several dog owners called their dogs off the road and held them until we passed. We can live together!
(Deon) Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 Thanks DJR for the ride. Was quite an eye opener seeing all the people getting along, although there were a few stares between... but expected. Now getting to that new ST. Rode it with the saddle up as most were doing and all I can say is ??
marko35s Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Thanks DJR for the ride. Was quite an eye opener seeing all the people getting along, although there were a few stares between... but expected. Now getting to that new ST. Rode it with the saddle up as most were doing and all I can say is ??You rode without me?No wonder you cannot be named...And is that a 'How did they fall' icon or 'Damn that was dodgy' one?
(Deon) Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 You rode without me?No wonder you cannot be named...And is that a 'How did they fall' icon or 'Damn that was dodgy' one?We planned for next week? Hey, I'll take any offers right now, I am so pining for a ride I am like a grumpy puppy.. ready to chew on the best pair of jeans on the wash line! Ed: I am doubtful over the future of that trail. What was a trail that 2 in a 100 would ride is now a 98 will attempt it with brakes dragging all the way.
marko35s Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 We planned for next week? Hey, I'll take any offers right now, I am so pining for a ride I am like a grumpy puppy.. ready to chew on the best pair of jeans on the wash line!Sort of - chatted with Dan and Saturday is a possibility.I will give you a shout later.
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