Griffin Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Howick MTB Club has great trails just outside of Howick and we have a great relationship with Sappi, through who's property the trails run. Its a trail network, not a bike park, and due to the nature of the trails, the area and the use of the land we cannot fence off the areas. There are plenty large signboards at trail access points that make it VERY clear on how to get a day pass and give details as to how to ride the trails legally. However, we are getting more and more report of riders either illegally riding or, even worse, driving onto Sappi property and shuttling back and forth. It seems like there are some riders out there who just don't care or think that they are so special that the rules do not apply to them. Today was another instance of people driving/shuttling onto Sappi land illegally. If this continues it is a matter of time before Sappi bans ALL access to their land and that will be the end of Howick trails. Stupid actions by some irresponsible individuals will have an effect on everyone! (including the locals who we employ to maintain the trails!). You might get away with it once..maybe even twice... but you will be caught if breaking the rules. Unfortunately by the time we catch you the damage is already done and no amount of apologizing (or lame I didn't know excuses) will bring back what you have taken away. If you are planning on riding in the Howick area, please think further than yourself and saving a couple of Rands. Get a day licence, dont drive where you are not permitted and do not shuttle! Those riders who are riding legally and have respect for the hard work that it takes to keep this area available for riding..thank you! You are our eyes and if you see anything like this taking place please report it to us at trail@howickmountainbiking.co.za or message me here.
Danger Dassie Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Silly question, is this a pic of the illegal shuttle/riders?
Griffin Posted January 6, 2016 Author Posted January 6, 2016 Silly question, is this a pic of the illegal shuttle/riders? Hey Danger D... yup it is It was sent in by one of our members this morning who witnessed the riders and vehicle at the start of of one the trails. Unfortunately by the time we got out there they had moved on.
Guest notmyname Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Who thought that penis' could ride bikes.
mtbee Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 This appears to a national problem, bet these riders have no idea on the logistics, meetings and cost to develop the trails and the landowner relationship. Time to take more drastic action; confiscate bikes and blacklist riders from entering races will soon change behavior of riders.
Cadre Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Hey Danger D... yup it is It was sent in by one of our members this morning who witnessed the riders and vehicle at the start of of one the trails. Unfortunately by the time we got out there they had moved on. Should have followed them for a while longer. Wearing knee-pads and driving a Mazda they wouldn't have gotten far before a fail of sorts.
Griffin Posted January 6, 2016 Author Posted January 6, 2016 This appears to a national problem, bet these riders have no idea on the logistics, meetings and cost to develop the trails and the landowner relationship. Time to take more drastic action; confiscate bikes and blacklist riders from entering races will soon change behavior of riders. After months of talking nicely and trying to explain the logistics/consequences in the hope that illegal riders will see and understand the reasons behind trail access, it is unfortunately now at the stage where blacklisting/banning and other actions are becoming necessary.
blondeonabike Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 It is so sad that this is happening. 1. Just pay the R40.00 and sign the indemnity like everyone else.People pay big bucks for their bikes, the trail fee is peanuts. 2. Peddle up to the firetower like everyone else. The rules apply to everyone!! We are really keen to host visitors, and make everyone feel welcome. The trails are awesome. Free guided rides are available and anyone visiting looking for more information please send me a pm.
Flippa Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 It is so sad that this is happening. 1. Just pay the R40.00 and sign the indemnity like everyone else.People pay big bucks for their bikes, the trail fee is peanuts. 2. Peddle up to the firetower like everyone else. The rules apply to everyone!! We are really keen to host visitors, and make everyone feel welcome. The trails are awesome. Free guided rides are available and anyone visiting looking for more information please send me a pm.Ugh, makes me sick when people think that no fences mean free access. Just pay the money and follow the rules. It's not rocket surgery. Oh, and take the opportunity for a guided ride with Blondonabike. Definitely the best way to spend your first time on the Howick trails.
Clint_Merida Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 We have the same problems in Gauteng. It is hard work when a trail is built and even more to keep it in really cool conditions. We are privileged too have the trails we have in SA. Please pay and even a bit more sometimes for the work the hard work done.Then you can fully enjoy the trail. Doing it this way is really is stupid.
Pipsqueak Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Where do you do the paper work in Howick? Usually ride Karkloof - can pay at the club, but would be good to know where Hawick's is done.
AndrewH Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 R40.00 is nothing to have the privilege of riding in such a nice area!
blondeonabike Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Where do you do the paper work in Howick? Usually ride Karkloof - can pay at the club, but would be good to know where Hawick's is done.You can fill in your indemnity at the crusty corner coffee shop at greendale spar or at the reception of the Mediclinic in Howick. Snapscan is now also available Detailed trail maps are available on the irideafrica.com website.
blondeonabike Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Ugh, makes me sick when people think that no fences mean free access. Just pay the money and follow the rules. It's not rocket surgery. Oh, and take the opportunity for a guided ride with Blondonabike. Definitely the best way to spend your first time on the Howick trails.Thankyou. Glad you had a good time
Super_mil Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 Where do you do the paper work in Howick? Usually ride Karkloof - can pay at the club, but would be good to know where Hawick's is done. As per Griffin's post on 10 Sept last year prior to the Enduro Anyone coming to Howick Trails to check out what you will be riding (and maybe get some sneaky practice in for the race) please note the following : - The course is not yet set(in fact, its secret and wont be set till a few hours before the event)- You riding the set course blind..no practice prior too or on the day- If you are not an annual member of Howick MTB Club then please ensure you have paid your trail fee AND have a day indemnity. If you are a annual member please display your board. If you don't you are trespassing and will be escorted from the trails and banned from the event. This is non-negotiable- Trail Fee/Day indemnity is available at the honesty boxes at Crusty Corner (Greendale Center), Howick Hospital and Howick Cycles. Crusty Corner and Howick Hospital both have SnapScan QR codes as a payment facility if you go there after hours. Trail fee is R40 per person, per day- NO shuttling is allowed. Ever. You will be banned and any un-authorized vehicles found in the forest will have their tyres deflated- It is very dry out in the forests and if the FDI for the day is orange or red then the trails will be closed. - No helmet, no ride (no brain)
NelAndre Posted January 6, 2016 Posted January 6, 2016 You can fill in your indemnity at the crusty corner coffee shop at greendale spar or at the reception of the Mediclinic in Howick. Snapscan is now also available Detailed trail maps are available on the irideafrica.com website.My Girlfriends folks live in Howick and we did the Supa20 at Karkloof in December, it was awesome you guys are blessed.....only thing is we cycled on the tar rode to Karkloof. With the info above we will definitely buy the permits and get to Karkloof via trails.....thanks
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