Oak Valley Fail

[akneethling]

So I arrive at Oak Valley for my ride this morning and I see people being turned away. So the security guard informs me that the trail is closed. I asked why. He says "because of the rain and wind". He gets the trail manager on the phone.

 

This oke said that they're closed because of the rain yesterday. He proceeds to tell me that there are puddles and mud on the trails. I responded to say the puddles and mud only affect a small part of your ride, and it's acceptable. He says he's not making R200 for the day and spending R5k on trail maintenance as he brought in a professional trail builder.

 

He then says that trails will be closed after every rainy day.

 

I say but we entered into an agreement when I bought the annual permit. He says "you save enough money throughout the year, so it shouldn't be a problem". I should get a day permit to ride the other trails in the area.

 

I really like it out there. Maybe I'll have to look elsewhere for a regular riding venue.

['Dale]

Sounds like a fair best practice to manage the trails

 

Also sounds like poor communication strategy to stakeholders like yourself

[Iwan Kemp]

Sounds like a fair best practice to manage the trails

 

Also sounds like poor communication strategy to stakeholders like yourself

 

 

Yes and yes.

[akneethling]

Granted on the best practice. However, how many trails do you know of that close after rain, not even heavy rain. I've ridden through multiple winters, including the heavy rain of 2014, with none of this drama, and the there was no noticeable difference in the ride.

[GLuvsMtb]

I take it that you knownwhat the rainfall was on that side of the mountain? They had much more than us in Somerset West. You are aware that Lebanon and Elgin are open (they are less exposed to the weather than a working farm), so it should not have been a complete waste. They also posted a notice on their FB page.

[Hairy]

Helll. .....I don't do Facebook, would be most upset if I had to drive from table view to there and got told the trails are closed....but that is just my opinion

[akneethling]

Helll. .....I don't do Facebook, would be most upset if I had to drive from table view to there and got told the trails are closed....but that is just my opinion

I'm not a member of their Facebook group either.

 

In fact, when you sign up they ask for your email address. I would think this would be used for trail related notifications. Otherwise, what do they need it for? Wine specials and event notifications? Which I get alot of BTW.

[DJR]

I understand the unhappiness of someone who went there and then get turned away.

 

I also understand the problem from the trail-building and maintenance side, having volunteered in Tokai for many a year. Some trails, especially those on clay, are best left to dry out for a day or 2 after heavy rains. Otherwise they are destroyed quickly. Others, mostly on sandy granite type areas, drain well and you can ride them almost immediately. Oak Valley is of the clay type, methinks, so it is fair to close it like they are doing. Long term, it will be better for the trails.

[NicoBoshoff]

Trail closure makes absolute sense. Communication wise, sure but then how are they supposed to contact every potential visitor? Sh*the happens boys.

[KingTJ]

So I arrive at Oak Valley for my ride this morning and I see people being turned away. So the security guard informs me that the trail is closed. I asked why. He says "because of the rain and wind". He gets the trail manager on the phone.

 

This oke said that they're closed because of the rain yesterday. He proceeds to tell me that there are puddles and mud on the trails. I responded to say the puddles and mud only affect a small part of your ride, and it's acceptable. He says he's not making R200 for the day and spending R5k on trail maintenance as he brought in a professional trail builder.

 

He then says that trails will be closed after every rainy day.

 

I say but we entered into an agreement when I bought the annual permit. He says "you save enough money throughout the year, so it shouldn't be a problem". I should get a day permit to ride the other trails in the area.

 

I really like it out there. Maybe I'll have to look elsewhere for a regular riding venue.

sounds like a load of bollocks to me.. in both counts ...but horses for courses, 

 

edit. I am just glad it is not my regular trail yard.

[Patchelicious]

When you buy a "membership" at a golf course, you also enter an annual agreement. They also close after bad weather to protect the investment in the course/trail.

 

Hopefully they learn from this and up their communication a bit. Bulk SMS are cheap and will make a good impression, maybe suggest that to them.

[akneethling]

I've requested that they communicate trail closures to me via email for a couple of years. I still only get spam from them

[Hairy]

When you buy a "membership" at a golf course, you also enter an annual agreement. They also close after bad weather to protect the investment in the course/trail.

 

Hopefully they learn from this and up their communication a bit. Bulk SMS are cheap and will make a good impression, maybe suggest that to them.

damned right patch

['Dale]

Cool

 

FaceBook announcement made

Sounds good and responsible to me

[PhilipV]

I think they are perfectly in their right to close it as they see fit.

 

Year memberships or not.

I actually think they are pro-active in doing it. Look at how messed up the Jonkers trails are, Oak Valley had done a lot of work lately, so I respect their choice.

And yes, I have a year membership at OV, but I can also ride Paul Cluver, Elgin MTO and Lebanon. MTO and Lebanon drains better, so I would have gone there today anyway.

[PhilipV]

My wife wants to know why you didn't just go to Cluver or Lebanon? Too technical for you?

 

She is being a bit of a bitch, being pregnant and all, but she has a point.