shmity
19-10-2004, 10:21 AM
This is blatently stolen off an open letter on www.ftf.com.au
YOU MAY WONDER WHY?
As the clubs’ and MTBA’s access representative I get numerous approaches along the
lines of “why are you not doing more’ for the Down Hill and Freeride communities.
The answer can be seen in the latest posting on the Geelong Clubs’ site.
I am currently working with senior rangers from both the DSE and Parks Victoria to gain
access to areas throughout the state for all persons MTB to use. The Geelong Club has
made enormous inroads with the Rangers at You Yangs and created a benchmark facility
for us all to use. Because of the actions of some this is now in serious jeopardy, and the
ramifications will reflect back on the other areas that we are close to gaining LEGAL
access to.
Two things will need to happen in the near future to enable us to get any further. Firstly
the WHOLE MTB community needs to demonstrate that they can use public land
responsibly, including respecting the land itself for what it is, public and this means
respecting other users of the land and adhering to the rules, simply ride only where
allowed. Secondly we need to demonstrate to the land holders that we are prepared to put
something back into the areas rather than just taking all the time. We have the
opportunity to regain some lost ground .
In the Narbethong area I am currently talking to DSE staff about the old Down Hill area
and trying to justify and maintain the North Shore type freeride facilities, most of which
have been built without consent. To this end we are going to need a group of at least 8
people who can demonstrate both the skills and time required to build and maintain,
reliably, the facilities. Any body or group that can help please register your interest by
contacting me vic.access@mtba.asn.au Please note that no interest means that this will
grind to a halt and the North Shore will be removed.
We also have several Cross Country projects on the go at present and unfortunately these
too will grind to a halt unless we can muster some more help. The projects are in areas
that we as a club use frequently and some that members have put a lot of time into either
trying to get a start or are established, such as the Eildon project. Unless some extra help
is forthcoming these to are at risk. Again please register your interest,
Vic.access@mtba.asn.au
Chris Bland, Trails and Access
YOU MAY WONDER WHY?
As the clubs’ and MTBA’s access representative I get numerous approaches along the
lines of “why are you not doing more’ for the Down Hill and Freeride communities.
The answer can be seen in the latest posting on the Geelong Clubs’ site.
I am currently working with senior rangers from both the DSE and Parks Victoria to gain
access to areas throughout the state for all persons MTB to use. The Geelong Club has
made enormous inroads with the Rangers at You Yangs and created a benchmark facility
for us all to use. Because of the actions of some this is now in serious jeopardy, and the
ramifications will reflect back on the other areas that we are close to gaining LEGAL
access to.
Two things will need to happen in the near future to enable us to get any further. Firstly
the WHOLE MTB community needs to demonstrate that they can use public land
responsibly, including respecting the land itself for what it is, public and this means
respecting other users of the land and adhering to the rules, simply ride only where
allowed. Secondly we need to demonstrate to the land holders that we are prepared to put
something back into the areas rather than just taking all the time. We have the
opportunity to regain some lost ground .
In the Narbethong area I am currently talking to DSE staff about the old Down Hill area
and trying to justify and maintain the North Shore type freeride facilities, most of which
have been built without consent. To this end we are going to need a group of at least 8
people who can demonstrate both the skills and time required to build and maintain,
reliably, the facilities. Any body or group that can help please register your interest by
contacting me vic.access@mtba.asn.au Please note that no interest means that this will
grind to a halt and the North Shore will be removed.
We also have several Cross Country projects on the go at present and unfortunately these
too will grind to a halt unless we can muster some more help. The projects are in areas
that we as a club use frequently and some that members have put a lot of time into either
trying to get a start or are established, such as the Eildon project. Unless some extra help
is forthcoming these to are at risk. Again please register your interest,
Vic.access@mtba.asn.au
Chris Bland, Trails and Access