Tokai Maintenance and Building

[Capricorn]

DJR: that sounds like a quite a colorful situation. I take it there is massive uphill with a simple thing like maintaining what's already there? Everyone's happy to take the money for the greencards and casual entrance fees, but get all 'diklip' when maintenance is required?

 

ai toggie. I would love to sit on that 'board' and involve myself on that level. But frankly, just gimme a date and time, and i'll bring my hoe and shovel...

[EvilRabbit]

Firstly, the very diverse interests of the different groups involved, make working together difficult as there is no common goal. Secondly, there is no single authority that is the ultimate boss of Tokai and can make firm informed decisions. Thirdly, I think that there is somewhat of a territotial issue also with power positioning happening and egos (individual and organisational) getting in the way.

 

The stakeholders are the Mtbikers (AMArider), SANParks & Table Mountain National Park, the forestry company, the fynbos fanatics, the cut the alien tree mafia, the save the pines lobby, the hikers, the horse riders, the save the baboons lobby and a few others I'm forgetting. The land belongs to SANParks, the forestry is managed by a private company, and everyone else wants a say also.

 

For us Mtbikers, it all translate into frustration, inaction, overused single track and not enough maintenance. Sad, but true.

 

(Btw, I'm not involved in the "boardroom" part of this.)

 

Sure there are diverse groups with different interests so perhaps there should be a board or something similar made up of responsible individuals representing each group i.e. xc, downhill, freeriders etc. That way guys can be responsible for their lines. No use having 10 xc racers who prefer riding the fireroads managing the dh runs and likewise the dh guys may not be interested in some of the singletrack.

[(Deon)]

xCers dragging brakes over lips of jumps and causing ruts the whole length of a section of DH track. Yeah, color me super motivated...

 

so when?

 

I saw those too. Need to make the DH gnarlier!! All good as long as you pitch.. that's for y'all who offer.

 

Funny thing been happening lately. It is totally expected and the dynamics will bring this about naturally, so no-one to blame... but the gap (intended) between the different skills in MTB is growing, anyone noticed that too with all the added pressure on the trails? DH is more downhill and XC is waay over there!

 

I don't think guys brake on lips for any real reason other than not considering the damage, it's much the same as exiting the DH track, binders on, into a powerslide. It feels good but you don't consider the furrow water follows into the next section on the next downpour. There is no clear definition of courses in Tokai so you'll get a fair amount of cross disciplined riders pulling once-off moves whether it's in their depth or not??!! I give them ten points for pure guts braking into a gap jump.. whoa... Yu'd expect logic to play a part when staring down into a double with a cross country bike, but it's really coz there is nothing saying they shouldn't. Signage is a no-no on the mountain??!

 

Yet we are expected to build safe tracks.. huh.. without new obstacle warnings!!?? No logic there either!!

 

I saw a lady land on her head, I heard the slight yelp as the air compressed out her lungs and this was on the jump I built?? There was no way she knew what had changed, not allowed to warn her in signage. We can only promote responsible riding..

 

(A bit off the topic, sry.)

[(Deon)]

Sure there are diverse groups with different interests so perhaps there should be a board or something similar made up of responsible individuals representing each group i.e. xc, downhill, freeriders etc. That way guys can be responsible for their lines. No use having 10 xc racers who prefer riding the fireroads managing the dh runs and likewise the dh guys may not be interested in some of the singletrack.

 

Ja that's the idea but it's vital that the XC's will need to make themselves available to work on DH lines and DH guys need to be seen sweating on XC tracks too. You'll see a whole new appreciation for each others' sport. If not, (current situation) then we have two 'boards' moving to their own tunes and where's the unity in that??

[(Deon)]

Ja that's the idea but it's vital that the XC's will need to make themselves available to work on DH lines and DH guys need to be seen sweating on XC tracks too. You'll see a whole new appreciation for each others' sport. If not, (current situation) then we have two 'boards' moving to their own tunes and where's the unity in that??

 

This internal 'divide' gives Parks the satisfaction of playing us..

[Smiles]

so what happens to the money from the permits issued - surely that should go into a fund for track maintenance - ie the more people that ride, the more maintenance the tracks will need, but there will also be more money in the kitty from permits.

 

i probably don't want to hear the answer because the money probably goes into some black hole that is national parks/TMNP

[EvilRabbit]

Ja that's the idea but it's vital that the XC's will need to make themselves available to work on DH lines and DH guys need to be seen sweating on XC tracks too. You'll see a whole new appreciation for each others' sport. If not, (current situation) then we have two 'boards' moving to their own tunes and where's the unity in that??

 

Of course, in theory we should all help out. I ride it all, the dh, the freeride area with the ladder, the single track etc so keen to help out.

 

Regarding the signage - majority of organized areas in the world have signage - ESPECIALLY if they charge for entry! Normally shows the route name, distance, is it a loop or not, location within the area and skill level i.e. black diamond, green etc.

 

If we organize a 1 or 2 Sundays every month to meet and work on the area - it could be a fantastic resource. Would we be able to take a vehicle in - that is key as the trails are pretty high up and carrying gear is a mission. Would you be able to secure permission?

[(Deon)]

so what happens to the money from the permits issued - surely that should go into a fund for track maintenance - ie the more people that ride, the more maintenance the tracks will need, but there will also be more money in the kitty from permits.

 

i probably don't want to hear the answer because the money probably goes into some black hole that is national parks/TMNP

 

'crickets'

 

..long story, but that is the right question. Know any high-powered businessmen who own expensive bikes riding dry and broken trails??

[EvilRabbit]

'crickets'

 

..long story, but that is the right question. Know any high-powered businessmen who own expensive bikes riding dry and broken trails??

 

Funny thing is that I would be prepared to pay a bigger entrance fee for better trails.

[(Deon)]

OK, let's hear.. who would be interested in giving back on one morning/month?

 

Tools/transport provided.

[EvilRabbit]

OK, let's hear.. who would be interested in giving back on one morning/month?

 

Tools/transport provided.

 

In - will even cover some drinks. Vote on where to start? Can you get a vehicle onto the mountain?

[(Deon)]

In - will even cover some drinks. Vote on where to start? Can you get a vehicle onto the mountain?

 

Good on you!

 

We've had trucks off-loading 80cubes of clay, it's how we roll baby! A water truck may also be available.

 

Round up friends, colleagues and riders. A date will come from availability of resources and sufficient numbers.

[Capricorn]

I get your point Pain or Shine. but that little sign at the entrance to DH1, 2 and 3 says it all. Maybe Xcers just need to learn to read properly, and for those that can read, well, if spit happens, then spit happens. *shrug* but for crying in a bucket, dont brake on the lips.

[Capricorn]

oops. my post was somewhat delayed. shoulda been on page 1 of this thread

 

but I'm in.I might not be able to make all the maintenance dates, but I'll definitely throw some sweat on those berms...cos it sure as hell as some of my blood in it already

[EvilRabbit]

but I'll definitely throw some sweat on those berms...cos it sure as hell as some of my blood in it already

 

Lag

[DJR]

@ Pain or Shine

 

Btw, the Lid's not shiny and it prevents pain.

 

Let me know when, I'll join the chain gang & throw in hardy transport.