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March 29, 2000
WHY TRAIL CLOSURES, WHY TEAR DOWNS?
There has been a lot of unauthorized building at Hartland in the past few
months, including several new trails, and a number of constructed ladders,
catwalks, ramps and drops.
These trails were developed without consultation with CRD Parks or SIMBS.
Since SIMBS's mandate is work with CRD Parks in the development of all
trails at Hartland, this is cause for concern.
This activity has generated extensive debate within SIMBS, and in the CRD as
well.
SIMBS mandate is to ensure the needs of mountain bikers can be met with as
little impact on the environment as possible. Our job is also to ensure the
trail network is sustainable, and cohesive. If trail-building is not planned
and co-ordinated, possible results are too many trails, or poorly planned
trails that need constant maintenance.
Unplanned trails cause rapid deterioration of the park. In turn, that may
affect public support for mountain bike access to other areas, which we need
to accommodate the growth in riders.
As the only legally recognized park for mountain bikers, Hartland is an
integral part of local mountain biking. The credibility of SIMBS - and
mountain biking as a whole - rests in all of our hands.
That's why in principle, SIMBS supports decisions by CRD Parks to close any
unauthorized trails that go out of the riding area, are unsustainable,
threaten the long term viability of the trail system, or threaten the
environment.
That's also why SIMBS has agreed with CRD Parks to the removal of the
constructions that have been recently built to the west of South Ridge
Trail, just south of the intersection with Hot Cherry.
This was a difficult decision that was not taken lightly. We understand the
desire of some extreme riders for these "North Shore" style challenges.
However, we agreed to the removal for several reasons:
1. They were unauthorized, and therefore illegal. CRD Bylaw NO. 2721 does
not allow unauthorized construction in parks
2. Live trees were cut down in the construction - that's bad form, and it's
no good for the environment.
3. Nails were used in live trees - also bad form.
4. There were concerns about legal liability
As a short-term, partial solution, SIMBS is designing a Technic
Area near the kiosk, which we hope will have technical challenges for both
extreme riders as well as for beginners. If you are into this type of
riding, please put your energy to work to get this project finalised and
approved.
In the longer term, if you want "North Shore" style constructions, help
SIMBS develop a proposal for submission to CRD Parks. If there is a
legitimate argument to be made, and if is expressed constructively by a
credible group of riders, we have a much better chance of success. There are
no guarantees, but if it doesn't happen this way, it won't happen at all.
In general, you can help SIMBS ensure the long-term viability of Hartland,
and help our campaign for access to other areas by doing the following:
1. Consult with SIMBS on any trails you want to see built. Get them on our
one-year plan, which is submitted to the CRD for approval.
2. What do you want the park to look like in 5 years? Tell us - get involved
in our development of a long-term plan for Hartland.
3. Put your energy into building trails that are approved.
4. Maintain the trails we have, by getting involved in regular trail
maintenance days (third Sunday of every month). It's the best way to learn
how to design a trail that will last.
5. Be part of the solution, and consider becoming a member of SIMBS -- that
way, we can work together on the many challenges that face riders today.
THE "20 - 20 - 20 " RULE
The International Mountain Biking Association
says: "20 hours of trail work, $20 to IMBA, and $20 to your local MTB organization.
SIMBS membership is only $10, but IMBA's is US$ so it balances out.
please note new E-Mail Address simbs@coastnet.com
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July
Tuesday July 8th
SIMBS Board Meeting, first (non holiday) Tuesday each month 7:00 PM sharp, Victoria Police Station, 850 Caledonia Ave, everyone welcome.
Sunday July 13th.
Introductory Ride at Hartland, second Sunday each month 9:45am, Guided, separate beginner and advanced groups, all ages.
Details and Updates
Sunday July 13th.
Youth Ride at Hartland, second Sunday each month, 9:45 AM. Families welcome too!
Details and Updates
Sunday July 13th.
Women's ride at Hartland occurs on the second Sunday of each month at 9:45am. The rides are led by women for women of all ages and abilities. Carmel Ecker.
Details and Updates
Sunday July 20th
Trail Maintenance at Hartland third Sunday each month, 8:45am sharp (on the trails at 9:00), Call Greg @ 598-6198 and please leave a message so we have enough lunches, or e-mail him: mailto:trails@simbs.com
Details and Updates
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