Pats Track, Signal Hill MTB Trail

[gilmour]

Initailly I was dissapointed about our local technical single track trail which has now been manicured in parts to suit less technical riders by smoothing out Pats track.  This is a sacred local trail which used to test skill and ability (we rode this on fully ridgid's with toe clips back in the day. i.e what can be done).

With the advent of lightweight full sus bikes one should be able to clear Pats obstacles with some practice and patience.  Lets rather use these trail building efforts on the other side of signal hill so we can create a complete loop on the sea and city bowl side to add more diversity to technical trails in the city. 

 

I think it is admirable that people are putting effort into building trails as it takes time and committment.  Lets combine our efforts to connect a broader network of trails in the city bowl.

 

Please respond or PM me so we can link up to team up.

 

Gilmour

[CMAX]

I agree with you, the whole pleasure of riding that trail was that you get stoked if you can make it with out dabing-this is no longer an issue as it has been soothed, I have built 3 jumps tracks in the past years with no help from a single person, but everyone wants to ride it! Also built 10 km of singletrack on a farm in Napier so will gladly offer my time-been wanting to create the loop you are talking about for many years will definitly offer my time I know how much hard work it is so t\lets see some involvment here peeps,

Cormac

 

[ChunkyMonkey]

Cormac,

 

Let me know when you get to building, call me , I'll help..

 

Gerard

[Cheryl J]

Hi Guys

 

I hope that the trails you are riding on Signal Hill are those that fall within the 'legal' mountain biking trails. ?Signal Hill falls squarely within the Table Mountain National Park which is run by South African National Parks.

 

Along with AMARider there has been a lot of work with SANParks on documenting trails, obtaining?funding for maintenance?in places?like Tokai etc. ?One of the keys to working with SANParks is compliance by mountain bikers with 'legal' trails. ?The more compliance, the more we will hopefully in future be able to ride.

 

I am all for new trail, but please check in with landowners before building.

Cheryl J2008-11-09 13:20:27

[gilmour]

Hi Cheryl,

The fact remains we have been shut out of all trails on table mountain/signals for a variety of unfair reasons.  When we ride the trails you mention we very sedom see hikers, its like the the forgotten land (crime), its pathetic and exclusive.  MTBer's actually bring life and security to the trails and as you may counter, little erosion.  We have ridden these same paths for 12 years and the look the same as they did back then but recent 'improvements' is the thread of this topic.  Until parks board accept MTB as a fact in all areas, we will continue to have our jump tracks and efforts curtailed in the name of fun.

 

It sound like you are involved and that is awesome, please can you help us on the valid matter you have raised?

 

gilmour2008-11-09 14:04:23

[Xenomorph]

I'd also like to help, you wanna do it early morning 05h15 till about 7am is good for me

[bustthesickness]

Hi there, I'd love to help build this. Please let me know when you need help. Where is this track based. I'm new to CT and was looking for some singletrack to ride as I'm living in Seapoint at the moment. Where is the trailhead?

[TitusTi]

Pat's is illegal and has been for many, many years, so I don't think the trail builders are the one's dumbing it down.

[Domestiquehated]

I ride with a group on the front of Table Mountain in winter and my understanding is that cyclists are permitted from Kloof Nek to the beginning of Newlands forrest.  It would be great if we could extend the network on to Lion's head legally.  I would like to hear more on this...

[Xenomorph]

Accoring to AMA Rider

" http://www.givengain.com/cgi-bin/giga.cgi?c=1490 "

Table Mountain National Park

The process of completing the MTB management plan for this park is
nearly over. This base document determines and guides all issues
regarding the management of mountain biking in the park and it has been
a 2 year process to revise the old document. More news and links to the
document will be available soon.

[Xenomorph]

TitusTI what do you mean by dumbing it down! and which trail builders are you referring to?

 

[Xenomorph]

bustthesickness, its above the gum trees in Three anchor bay, its super technical thats why it ain't very popular, but I guess that is changing at the mo as new tech bikes makes it allot easier to accomplish, you gotta be fit though, it ain't for ninies

Send me a private message I will take you 4 a private tour/suffer fest-always looking for peeps to ride with

 

[TitusTi]

That's what I meant! There are no trail builders hence there is no one to dumb it down and I personally hope it never gets easier, maybe harder, harder would be nice. Also you should try Pat's twin. Instead of taking the left turn right at the top just carry on straight, nice angular rocky riding, never seen any walkers there, ever!

[MintSauce]

I'm a bit dissapointed now reading the first post. I've never ridden Pat's....only ever heard about it. And now it's been dumbed down before I got to appreciate it....bloody hell

[Xenomorph]

 

That's what I meant! There are no trail builders hence there is no one to dumb it down and I personally hope it never gets easier' date=' maybe harder, harder would be nice. Also you should try Pat's twin. Instead of taking the left turn right at the top just carry on straight, nice angular rocky riding, never seen any walkers there, ever![/quote']

 

Titus, You don't get out much as some elves have been hard at work pedicuring Pats above Greenpoint-to the ravine before the quarry where the owls live, look its not as bad as it sounds as it is still gruelling on a hardtail and from the quarry to the top is very sustained plus you would nead a jack hammer to smooth that section out. I would like to hook up with you and ride this evil twin of which you talk.

 

[Xenomorph]

Hey Minty its still very tough, get out there and ride it