http://www.thisiswhy.co.uk/
Saturday, May 14, 2011
This is why...
Gotta love a bit of Mint Sauce - "the Eternal wreak of damp wool"
http://www.thisiswhy.co.uk/
http://www.thisiswhy.co.uk/
Monday, May 2, 2011
Burnside Mt Osmond Fire management plan response
A strange one this; supposedly a fire management plan, yet enough references to recreational trails - with negative MTB slants - to make you wonder.
This is a draft and may or may not yet be use by IMBAA...
Given the dramatic events of the 2009 Victorian bushfires, it is re-assuring to see council are looking for ways to pro-actively reduce the bushfire threats posed around the Mt Osmond area, using the recommendations and research resulting from the enquiry into the causes and handling of those events.
Safety of the CFS/MFS crews and local residents that would be directly affected by any fire in the area has to be the number one priority. The plan appears to take many positive steps in this regard.
However, we note that the plan also makes reference to the track and trail network within the area and the recreational opportunities that it provides. Yet there is a recreational trail plan which council has not released for public comment or officially adopted and those opportunities are not directly linked to fire management – the focus of this plan.
That said we are concerned with the language and attitude displayed by those comments within this plan towards Mountain Bike (MTB) use of the trail network. Their seems to be a lack of understanding of the wants and needs of the MTB community and a consequent dismissal of those wants and needs, despite the apparent amount of MTB traffic currently using the existing network.
With Eagle Mountain Bike park nearby and DENR adopting IMBA trail building and management techniques with a vision of creating and allowing for MTB experiences within neighbouring Cleland Conservation Park, as well as other parks across the State, there will not be an end to MTB use of the Mt Osmond reserves simply by saying “No” to MTB use. The current already usage shows this.
We would suggest that a pro-active, shared-use management approach is observed. Locally, Mitcham has turned just such an apparent “problem” into a resource, with volunteer help provided by the MTB community in particular, and has thus had success in reducing unauthorised MTB use in other reserves within their remit.
We would strongly advise council to maintain separation between this plan and the recreational trail plan; furthermore, it should be high on the list of council’s priorities to review the recreational trail plan that was drafted in 2004 and open it for official public consultation. The current situation of incrementally implementing a plan still in draft – and thus without any public feedback - displays a lack of understanding of the wider community desires by council and will only maintain the current, less than ideal situation for all trail users, which has potential to need more drastic actions to rectify in the future, as MTB use continues unmanaged.
We are more than happy to offer specialist advice and expertise to council with regards to shared use trail networks in order to provide a sustainable outcome for all trail users, whilst still maintaining the management practises that council is proposing within this fire management plan.
This is a draft and may or may not yet be use by IMBAA...
Given the dramatic events of the 2009 Victorian bushfires, it is re-assuring to see council are looking for ways to pro-actively reduce the bushfire threats posed around the Mt Osmond area, using the recommendations and research resulting from the enquiry into the causes and handling of those events.
Safety of the CFS/MFS crews and local residents that would be directly affected by any fire in the area has to be the number one priority. The plan appears to take many positive steps in this regard.
However, we note that the plan also makes reference to the track and trail network within the area and the recreational opportunities that it provides. Yet there is a recreational trail plan which council has not released for public comment or officially adopted and those opportunities are not directly linked to fire management – the focus of this plan.
That said we are concerned with the language and attitude displayed by those comments within this plan towards Mountain Bike (MTB) use of the trail network. Their seems to be a lack of understanding of the wants and needs of the MTB community and a consequent dismissal of those wants and needs, despite the apparent amount of MTB traffic currently using the existing network.
With Eagle Mountain Bike park nearby and DENR adopting IMBA trail building and management techniques with a vision of creating and allowing for MTB experiences within neighbouring Cleland Conservation Park, as well as other parks across the State, there will not be an end to MTB use of the Mt Osmond reserves simply by saying “No” to MTB use. The current already usage shows this.
We would suggest that a pro-active, shared-use management approach is observed. Locally, Mitcham has turned just such an apparent “problem” into a resource, with volunteer help provided by the MTB community in particular, and has thus had success in reducing unauthorised MTB use in other reserves within their remit.
We would strongly advise council to maintain separation between this plan and the recreational trail plan; furthermore, it should be high on the list of council’s priorities to review the recreational trail plan that was drafted in 2004 and open it for official public consultation. The current situation of incrementally implementing a plan still in draft – and thus without any public feedback - displays a lack of understanding of the wider community desires by council and will only maintain the current, less than ideal situation for all trail users, which has potential to need more drastic actions to rectify in the future, as MTB use continues unmanaged.
We are more than happy to offer specialist advice and expertise to council with regards to shared use trail networks in order to provide a sustainable outcome for all trail users, whilst still maintaining the management practises that council is proposing within this fire management plan.
Mr IMBA Australia
Mr IMBA Australia; A chat with Nic Bowman.
I recently caught up with Nic to have a bit of a chat about a few things pertaining to
South Australian trails, so also took the opportunity to ask a few questions of him – as
a mountain biker, as well as Mr IMBA Australia.
So, how did the MTB thing all start for you?
BMX…I used to ride that around the city, then in the late 80’s, Dad got an MTB that
we could share. It was one of those old big 20 inch frame things. So started out trying
some fireroads on that, then also had a bit of time on a roadie, but all my mates were
then MTBing. Used to just ride to the top of the range, then bomb back down the most
interesting way we could find. I reckon my first MTB was bought around ‘94
And how did this lead to trail building?
We used to do lots of bushwalking with Dad as kids, so wanted an outdoors job really,
so I studied Enviromental Science with the intention of becoming a Park Ranger,
specialising in Sustainable Trails. This was around the same time as MTB was really
becoming a passion for me, so I had a final year project that involved a MTB trail
system in one of NSWs parks. Then, I was advocating independently for bike access
for a while, until the Bicycle SA (BSA) job came up to establish the SA State MTB
Plan. I missed out on the job, but assisted Rod Worthington during the planning
process and then implementation. In 2002, I took over at BSA as the MTB Project
Officer. It was all somewhat unique that I came from a management perspective and
then learnt to love building, rather than the other way around, which seems more
commonplace.
What was you first trail building experience?
Again, strange as it was legal! I think it was at Prospect Hill, with Adelaide Mountain
Bike Club (AMBC), where I got to put theory into practise. My first designed and
built trails were out at Fox (Fox Creek AKA Cuddlee Creek); “Outcrops” and
“Immaculate Compaction” (which some locals also call “Natives”)
Do you have a favourite trail building tool?
The pick-mattock – a very versatile tool.
What is you favourite trail to ride – locally, nationally, internationally?
Umm… so hard… Blue Gums at Eagle MTB Park, locally. I didn’t build it, either! I
only marked out the initial line, then others interpreted that, which is interesting. It
has a bit of everything… Steep Track (at Fox Creek) as the armouring is so good from
a build perspective and a fun trail, too.
Glen (Jacobs)’s new trail, “Stonefly”, at Mt Buller is awesome and could be
Australia’s first IMBA Epic trail. The Klinsporn is amazing too; old but benched in,
techy little rock gardens and a long, long descent. Forrest lives up to the hype, WA
has some totally unique stuff… Victoria in general has a lot of good quality trail.
Fruita, Moab obviously and I was impressed with the stuff around Park City, Utah.
But I’ve still yet to get to Whistler, the European Alps, the UK… So much still to
ride!
Which trail project are you most proud of so far? Why?
Definitely Fox Creek – so far! Mitcham was an interesting mix of frustration and
success being the first local council in Adelaide to get behind MTB.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome so far? Still to surmount?
Not sure… Good question! Moving NSW Parks forward in terms of developing MTB
access policy and seeing the release of the discussion paper is a big deal – it
potentially affects so many riders. Generally assisting the hard work of all the great
local advocates in moving that NSW access forward… though it could still take
another 5 years of work if SA is anything to go by!
IMBA Australia is unique in that the funding so far has come from MTBA – a racing
body. Has this affected or influenced what you do and how you do it?
It does present challenges in that the board I answer to are from a racing background
unlike in Canada, the US, Europe… Their purpose is to allow for a consistent
standard of racing; maintain organisational standards for racing nationwide; provide
the necessary insurance for Australian MTBers to participate in such racing and,
ultimately, provide pathways to the elite level of the sport. Helping local clubs
manage access to, and potentially create, venues that can be used for racing – well, at
that level, it is easy enough to understand the need for IMBAA and so it isn’t so
diametrically opposed to the board’s racing focus. It’s still an evolving relationship,
especially as the board changes with elections, but overall it’s working well. Once
IMBAA has been around longer and is more self-sufficient, that will help, too.
You’ve attended a few IMBA World Summits now – what has been the biggest or
most important thing you’ve learnt from them?
I guess seeing the models from Utah where land developers have to include trails in
their new sub-divisions. It’s been shown over in the US that being close to trails in
this way has actually proved desirable and increases land value, rather than
depreciating it. Retirees are moving to be closer to trails, not golf courses! Hopefully,
well, eventually, that will happen in Australia, too.
Are there any particular trail builders or advocates that you admire or are inspired by?
Glen Jacobs, Daffyd Davies, Joey Klein. All different approaches and all different
trails, but all have achieved so much.
Glen is so creative, quite the visionary in terms of the actual trail in the dirt and just a
very likeable guy too.
Daffyd is a mastermind, especially at the high strategic level - his vision at that level.
(Note; Daffyd is the man responsible for the forestry trail centre model developed in Wales, and now used across the UK - and the world - to varying extents. He was initially offered the IMBA Australia role that Nic now holds, but was unable to accept due to family constraints.)
Joey is just inspiring. He sells mountain biking better than anyone. He has the ability
to turn a boardroom full of hostile folks into a group of passionate MTB advocates –
it’s what happened at Mitcham Council! He’s been on the road for 12 years for
IMBA, yet still stays positive.
Which trail project do you wish you’d been involved with but weren’t or haven’t
been?
Stromlo! I went with Trail Solutions for the initial inspection and trail consultation,
but ultimately Glen Jacobs and his crew at World Trail beat us to the contract.
Otherwise, I would’ve happily moved to Canberra for a while and who knows where
that would’ve led.
What is exciting you the most at present – ski resorts, parks access, trail centre type
experiences, urban trails, etc.?
Australia is doing ok with the trail centre model; we are way above the US for
example on that front, but are so far behind on the shared use trails. Park restrictions
are a huge thing here – it’s crazy! Telling people – particularly younger riders – that
we can’t share, nor go into a park because we ride a bike, has to be looked at and
resolved. So, although frustrating at times, the potential that is involved in opening up
that type of access and what it’ll mean; that’s exciting.
You see a lot of projects around the country – do you think any one state or region is
leading the charge or moving ahead in terms of trail development?
WA – on policy, trail standards and volunteer involvement, they are way in front and
it’s reflected in the trails being built over there. Having said that, Victoria has an
extensive amount of accessible, quality trail, which is hard to beat. Tassie has a solid
base and is tying it together with the tourist trade well which will help drive the
progress forward. SA could jump to the front of the pack though if they can finally
sort out parks access – but it’s been 10 years of negotiations already. If they did, then
they’d have parks, forestry, local council, and State Government supported trails.
That’s what IMBAA is aiming for in all states and territories.
Lots of places and people seem to be into pumptracks at present – what do you think
will be the next big thing in trail design or particular features?
Hans Rey came up with the terminology, but I feel it’s what Glen Jacobs has been
building it for a while; Flow Country. That’s an IMBA trademark, by the way! Flow
trails are what we’re pushing for, wherever terrain allows. They are just so fun to ride.
The harder you push and faster you go, the more fun they become.
A lot of media attention goes to New Zealand, especially in the Northern Hemisphere,
why do you think Australia doesn’t get as much? Is our trail infrastructure that far
behind?
The trails? No. The rest of the package? Yes. Bar for Noosa, Cairns, Far North
Queensland, hospitality and tourism is a fairly small piece of the economic pie - we
are still a nation based on primary industries and mining – compared to New Zealand.
They tie it in to the other adventure sports and eco-tourism much better than we do.
The little things like clear signage, quality trail maps, bike washes, bike friendly
accommodation… we need to up that side of things, then package it up and sell it.
International flights direct to Rotorua help NZ, too. Maybe if Cairns or Canberra get
direct international flights it will change.
Where do you think will be the next “must ride” area in Australia? We’ve seen
Forrest, Melrose, Margaret River all make plays for the title of “#1 MTB destination
in Australia” to some greater or lesser extent, where else is going to vie for that?
Mt Buller is putting big money forward to be the Whistler of Australia. There is a
green DH trail planned to go in, which is unique and will be a great addition to the
other trails World Trail has built over the last few years.
Mt Joyce Recreation Park (venue of the 2011 Marathon Nationals) is going to have a
$1million trail network and will also incorporate horse riding, kayaking, something
for everyone.
Atherton Tablelands near Cairns has a plan for a four day loop… and each node or
stopover point will be a trail centre in its own right.
What is the biggest thing your average MTBer can do to really push and get trails on
the ground; essentially, how can we help IMBAA to help us?
To contribute – be it time or money. Time to dig or advocate locally is a huge one –
IMBAA can’t fight every battle, but can support local work as much as possible. If
you can’t donate time, a few dollars to IMBAA so that we can is the next best option.
When the website re-launches there will be an option to do this.
Getting organised is a big thing too; IMBAA has started to help as a focal point, but
we need to increase our organisational standing as a complete community. CORC is
an anomaly in this respect, but given the folks in Canberra are surrounded by so much
government, there are those organisational skills in large volumes which can be
harnessed. Time is perhaps somewhat more available too, due to the regimented
working hours that go along with those government jobs, compared to those in more
regional areas and their associated industries. However, the amount and quality of
trails around the Canberra area stand testament to what highly organised use of time
and resources can achieve.
I guess also, stop whinging! (NOTE: Although said with a smile, Nic is also serious,
and, I feel, warranted, in saying this!) Use that time to actively help instead! There are
too many threads of complaint on Rotorburn and not enough folks out shovelling dirt
to get things right. Just look at the stuff about Lysterfield - which is a big IMBAA
project at present – and the number of riders vs. the number of people out helping.
Anything else you’d like to pass on?
The glass is only half full – we have lots of exciting possibilities ahead, but they do
take work to achieve them, so don’t give up. “Relentless optimism” is needed.
Also, IMBAA, MTBA and Mountain Biking in general need to go “mainstream” to
really grow. We can make it to TV adverts jumping over cars, and currently lay claim
to 3 World Champions, yet can’t get a 2 minute segment of Worlds, hosted here in
Aus, on Sports Tonight or a similar mainstream media outlet? If we can’t change that
in the next couple of years we will have missed a huge opportunity on all fronts –
from athletes earning a living to legitimising the need for trails in parks. Once upon a
time, skateboarding was banned everywhere, nowadays every local council has a
skate park. That’s the kind of mainstream I mean and we need to work towards
achieving for MTB so that we can grow and sustain an industry.
I also really want to see the bike brands get behind trails and support the development
and growth; there is no need for mountain bikes if we have nowhere to ride them, no
races without trails, so I want to get the brands, importers and distributors working
with us and to get involved more with trail access for every rider; it’s a huge part of
the IMBA model overseas and I hope to work with the brands to grow that here, too.
It’s a longer lasting benefit than a new set of tyres if you are talented enough to make
the podium, so it provides more for them in return, too.
Ok, to finish, some rapid fire questions!
Rock or Wood?
Definitely rock.
Fast and Flowy or Tight and Techy?
As there isn’t enough, tight and techy.
Down, down, down, or up, across and around?
…I’ll say up, across and around.
Flats or SPDs?
SPDs
Full suspension or fully rigid?
If I can afford it, suspension.
Chairlifts, a shuttle or hike-a-bike?
I’m not really up for pushing, so lifts or shuttles.
Pumptrack or Dirtjumps?
Definitely pumptrack.
Lycra or Baggies?
These days, baggies.
Legal or cheeky?
Ha! Legal.
Walkers or horseriders?
Horseriders; more of a cowboy style, give-it-a-go type attitude. Unfortunately, a lot of
walkers I have to deal with come across a bit snobby…
I recently caught up with Nic to have a bit of a chat about a few things pertaining to
South Australian trails, so also took the opportunity to ask a few questions of him – as
a mountain biker, as well as Mr IMBA Australia.
So, how did the MTB thing all start for you?
BMX…I used to ride that around the city, then in the late 80’s, Dad got an MTB that
we could share. It was one of those old big 20 inch frame things. So started out trying
some fireroads on that, then also had a bit of time on a roadie, but all my mates were
then MTBing. Used to just ride to the top of the range, then bomb back down the most
interesting way we could find. I reckon my first MTB was bought around ‘94
And how did this lead to trail building?
We used to do lots of bushwalking with Dad as kids, so wanted an outdoors job really,
so I studied Enviromental Science with the intention of becoming a Park Ranger,
specialising in Sustainable Trails. This was around the same time as MTB was really
becoming a passion for me, so I had a final year project that involved a MTB trail
system in one of NSWs parks. Then, I was advocating independently for bike access
for a while, until the Bicycle SA (BSA) job came up to establish the SA State MTB
Plan. I missed out on the job, but assisted Rod Worthington during the planning
process and then implementation. In 2002, I took over at BSA as the MTB Project
Officer. It was all somewhat unique that I came from a management perspective and
then learnt to love building, rather than the other way around, which seems more
commonplace.
What was you first trail building experience?
Again, strange as it was legal! I think it was at Prospect Hill, with Adelaide Mountain
Bike Club (AMBC), where I got to put theory into practise. My first designed and
built trails were out at Fox (Fox Creek AKA Cuddlee Creek); “Outcrops” and
“Immaculate Compaction” (which some locals also call “Natives”)
Do you have a favourite trail building tool?
The pick-mattock – a very versatile tool.
What is you favourite trail to ride – locally, nationally, internationally?
Umm… so hard… Blue Gums at Eagle MTB Park, locally. I didn’t build it, either! I
only marked out the initial line, then others interpreted that, which is interesting. It
has a bit of everything… Steep Track (at Fox Creek) as the armouring is so good from
a build perspective and a fun trail, too.
Glen (Jacobs)’s new trail, “Stonefly”, at Mt Buller is awesome and could be
Australia’s first IMBA Epic trail. The Klinsporn is amazing too; old but benched in,
techy little rock gardens and a long, long descent. Forrest lives up to the hype, WA
has some totally unique stuff… Victoria in general has a lot of good quality trail.
Fruita, Moab obviously and I was impressed with the stuff around Park City, Utah.
But I’ve still yet to get to Whistler, the European Alps, the UK… So much still to
ride!
Which trail project are you most proud of so far? Why?
Definitely Fox Creek – so far! Mitcham was an interesting mix of frustration and
success being the first local council in Adelaide to get behind MTB.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome so far? Still to surmount?
Not sure… Good question! Moving NSW Parks forward in terms of developing MTB
access policy and seeing the release of the discussion paper is a big deal – it
potentially affects so many riders. Generally assisting the hard work of all the great
local advocates in moving that NSW access forward… though it could still take
another 5 years of work if SA is anything to go by!
IMBA Australia is unique in that the funding so far has come from MTBA – a racing
body. Has this affected or influenced what you do and how you do it?
It does present challenges in that the board I answer to are from a racing background
unlike in Canada, the US, Europe… Their purpose is to allow for a consistent
standard of racing; maintain organisational standards for racing nationwide; provide
the necessary insurance for Australian MTBers to participate in such racing and,
ultimately, provide pathways to the elite level of the sport. Helping local clubs
manage access to, and potentially create, venues that can be used for racing – well, at
that level, it is easy enough to understand the need for IMBAA and so it isn’t so
diametrically opposed to the board’s racing focus. It’s still an evolving relationship,
especially as the board changes with elections, but overall it’s working well. Once
IMBAA has been around longer and is more self-sufficient, that will help, too.
You’ve attended a few IMBA World Summits now – what has been the biggest or
most important thing you’ve learnt from them?
I guess seeing the models from Utah where land developers have to include trails in
their new sub-divisions. It’s been shown over in the US that being close to trails in
this way has actually proved desirable and increases land value, rather than
depreciating it. Retirees are moving to be closer to trails, not golf courses! Hopefully,
well, eventually, that will happen in Australia, too.
Are there any particular trail builders or advocates that you admire or are inspired by?
Glen Jacobs, Daffyd Davies, Joey Klein. All different approaches and all different
trails, but all have achieved so much.
Glen is so creative, quite the visionary in terms of the actual trail in the dirt and just a
very likeable guy too.
Daffyd is a mastermind, especially at the high strategic level - his vision at that level.
(Note; Daffyd is the man responsible for the forestry trail centre model developed in Wales, and now used across the UK - and the world - to varying extents. He was initially offered the IMBA Australia role that Nic now holds, but was unable to accept due to family constraints.)
Joey is just inspiring. He sells mountain biking better than anyone. He has the ability
to turn a boardroom full of hostile folks into a group of passionate MTB advocates –
it’s what happened at Mitcham Council! He’s been on the road for 12 years for
IMBA, yet still stays positive.
Which trail project do you wish you’d been involved with but weren’t or haven’t
been?
Stromlo! I went with Trail Solutions for the initial inspection and trail consultation,
but ultimately Glen Jacobs and his crew at World Trail beat us to the contract.
Otherwise, I would’ve happily moved to Canberra for a while and who knows where
that would’ve led.
What is exciting you the most at present – ski resorts, parks access, trail centre type
experiences, urban trails, etc.?
Australia is doing ok with the trail centre model; we are way above the US for
example on that front, but are so far behind on the shared use trails. Park restrictions
are a huge thing here – it’s crazy! Telling people – particularly younger riders – that
we can’t share, nor go into a park because we ride a bike, has to be looked at and
resolved. So, although frustrating at times, the potential that is involved in opening up
that type of access and what it’ll mean; that’s exciting.
You see a lot of projects around the country – do you think any one state or region is
leading the charge or moving ahead in terms of trail development?
WA – on policy, trail standards and volunteer involvement, they are way in front and
it’s reflected in the trails being built over there. Having said that, Victoria has an
extensive amount of accessible, quality trail, which is hard to beat. Tassie has a solid
base and is tying it together with the tourist trade well which will help drive the
progress forward. SA could jump to the front of the pack though if they can finally
sort out parks access – but it’s been 10 years of negotiations already. If they did, then
they’d have parks, forestry, local council, and State Government supported trails.
That’s what IMBAA is aiming for in all states and territories.
Lots of places and people seem to be into pumptracks at present – what do you think
will be the next big thing in trail design or particular features?
Hans Rey came up with the terminology, but I feel it’s what Glen Jacobs has been
building it for a while; Flow Country. That’s an IMBA trademark, by the way! Flow
trails are what we’re pushing for, wherever terrain allows. They are just so fun to ride.
The harder you push and faster you go, the more fun they become.
A lot of media attention goes to New Zealand, especially in the Northern Hemisphere,
why do you think Australia doesn’t get as much? Is our trail infrastructure that far
behind?
The trails? No. The rest of the package? Yes. Bar for Noosa, Cairns, Far North
Queensland, hospitality and tourism is a fairly small piece of the economic pie - we
are still a nation based on primary industries and mining – compared to New Zealand.
They tie it in to the other adventure sports and eco-tourism much better than we do.
The little things like clear signage, quality trail maps, bike washes, bike friendly
accommodation… we need to up that side of things, then package it up and sell it.
International flights direct to Rotorua help NZ, too. Maybe if Cairns or Canberra get
direct international flights it will change.
Where do you think will be the next “must ride” area in Australia? We’ve seen
Forrest, Melrose, Margaret River all make plays for the title of “#1 MTB destination
in Australia” to some greater or lesser extent, where else is going to vie for that?
Mt Buller is putting big money forward to be the Whistler of Australia. There is a
green DH trail planned to go in, which is unique and will be a great addition to the
other trails World Trail has built over the last few years.
Mt Joyce Recreation Park (venue of the 2011 Marathon Nationals) is going to have a
$1million trail network and will also incorporate horse riding, kayaking, something
for everyone.
Atherton Tablelands near Cairns has a plan for a four day loop… and each node or
stopover point will be a trail centre in its own right.
What is the biggest thing your average MTBer can do to really push and get trails on
the ground; essentially, how can we help IMBAA to help us?
To contribute – be it time or money. Time to dig or advocate locally is a huge one –
IMBAA can’t fight every battle, but can support local work as much as possible. If
you can’t donate time, a few dollars to IMBAA so that we can is the next best option.
When the website re-launches there will be an option to do this.
Getting organised is a big thing too; IMBAA has started to help as a focal point, but
we need to increase our organisational standing as a complete community. CORC is
an anomaly in this respect, but given the folks in Canberra are surrounded by so much
government, there are those organisational skills in large volumes which can be
harnessed. Time is perhaps somewhat more available too, due to the regimented
working hours that go along with those government jobs, compared to those in more
regional areas and their associated industries. However, the amount and quality of
trails around the Canberra area stand testament to what highly organised use of time
and resources can achieve.
I guess also, stop whinging! (NOTE: Although said with a smile, Nic is also serious,
and, I feel, warranted, in saying this!) Use that time to actively help instead! There are
too many threads of complaint on Rotorburn and not enough folks out shovelling dirt
to get things right. Just look at the stuff about Lysterfield - which is a big IMBAA
project at present – and the number of riders vs. the number of people out helping.
Anything else you’d like to pass on?
The glass is only half full – we have lots of exciting possibilities ahead, but they do
take work to achieve them, so don’t give up. “Relentless optimism” is needed.
Also, IMBAA, MTBA and Mountain Biking in general need to go “mainstream” to
really grow. We can make it to TV adverts jumping over cars, and currently lay claim
to 3 World Champions, yet can’t get a 2 minute segment of Worlds, hosted here in
Aus, on Sports Tonight or a similar mainstream media outlet? If we can’t change that
in the next couple of years we will have missed a huge opportunity on all fronts –
from athletes earning a living to legitimising the need for trails in parks. Once upon a
time, skateboarding was banned everywhere, nowadays every local council has a
skate park. That’s the kind of mainstream I mean and we need to work towards
achieving for MTB so that we can grow and sustain an industry.
I also really want to see the bike brands get behind trails and support the development
and growth; there is no need for mountain bikes if we have nowhere to ride them, no
races without trails, so I want to get the brands, importers and distributors working
with us and to get involved more with trail access for every rider; it’s a huge part of
the IMBA model overseas and I hope to work with the brands to grow that here, too.
It’s a longer lasting benefit than a new set of tyres if you are talented enough to make
the podium, so it provides more for them in return, too.
Ok, to finish, some rapid fire questions!
Rock or Wood?
Definitely rock.
Fast and Flowy or Tight and Techy?
As there isn’t enough, tight and techy.
Down, down, down, or up, across and around?
…I’ll say up, across and around.
Flats or SPDs?
SPDs
Full suspension or fully rigid?
If I can afford it, suspension.
Chairlifts, a shuttle or hike-a-bike?
I’m not really up for pushing, so lifts or shuttles.
Pumptrack or Dirtjumps?
Definitely pumptrack.
Lycra or Baggies?
These days, baggies.
Legal or cheeky?
Ha! Legal.
Walkers or horseriders?
Horseriders; more of a cowboy style, give-it-a-go type attitude. Unfortunately, a lot of
walkers I have to deal with come across a bit snobby…
DENRs Parks and People; A response for IMBAA
A few weeks back, I was asked by Nic Bowman at IMBA Australia to put together a response for the above plan. Here it is;
People and Parks; A Draft Strategy for South Australia’s National Parks and Reserves.
The overall vision of increasing the sustainable use of our parks, reserves and open spaces by a wider and more diverse range of users is a positive step by the Department.
However, given the fact that the Department has long recognized that the Mountain Bike community is worthy of stakeholder status in prior dealings over the last 10 years, it is disappointing that there appears to be only minimal provision of specific Mountain Biking opportunities within the strategy. Given the apparent positive progress of recent ATPAG meetings and feedback from other recent releases by the Department, this is somewhat disappointing and was not as expected.
Mountain biking can easily and readily fit into, and support, all five of the guiding principles of the strategy.
“Everyone involved in recreation and tourism should help protect the natural and cultural values of parks”
The Mountain Bike community has developed and promoted a vast number of sustainable practices, promoted by the International Mountain Bikers Association (IMBA) in the areas of trail design and maintenance and the continual reinforcement of the ‘Rules of the Trail’ throughout the trail user community and the Mountain Bike community in particular. Many of these practices and standards have been adopted by the Department for use within the parks and reserves under its control.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy and learn about parks”
“Everyone” should therefore make no discrimination of user due to their chosen method of transport. Whilst it is accepted that not every track, trail or indeed park or reserve can support Mountain Biking, many can. Ignoring the wants and needs of the Mountain Bike community will only continue the status quo of unwanted, unauthorized and in some cases nuisance Mountain Bike use within our parks, particularly within the greater Adelaide Metropolitan area.
“South Australians have a responsibility to contribute to the long-term protection of parks”
The South Australian Mountain Bike community – indeed, the global Mountain Bike community – have shown, and continue to show, willingness to work with land managers to maintain the areas to which we have access. Locally, Eagle Mountain Bike Park, Cudlee Creek Forestry Reserve and Mitcham Council’s shared use trail network are readily working examples of such input.
“Parks are an integral part of the landscape and play an important role in supporting healthy, vibrant and prosperous communities”
For parks to actively promote healthy communities, the need to be open to the variety of pursuits that the community seeks to engage in to achieve this goal. Mountain biking and cycling in general readily provide such an opportunity for our communities and as such should be encouraged where appropriate within the parks system. To be prosperous, they need to be able to draw a diverse range of users; this too comes from offering a diverse range of potential uses.
“Decisions about the way parks are used should be based on evidence and risk assessment”
Decisions based on evidence should be the only way decisions are made, when evidence is available. As such, the available evidence points strongly in favour of Mountain biking being an appropriate activity within our parks when planned and managed correctly. This evidence has been continually presented to the Department in prior engagement.
In addition to the overall principles, the following points are also of note;
Parks in the Flinders Ranges region – particularly Mount Remarkable – would vastly benefit from specific Mountain Bike planning. The Department and other land managers have already invested in various degrees of infrastructure in the region and this could be readily built upon to enhance their usability by the Mountain Bike community and achieve the desired increase in user numbers to the region.
From page 5, “…looking to visit…for…recreation…” The recreation opportunities need to be expanded if you are to achieve your own targets of visitor numbers. Mountain biking and cycling can be readily incorporated in many areas to provide diversity beyond the walking and picnicking options currently available in the majority of cases.
On page 6 there are the points regarding the recognition of trends and the changing needs of the community. Mountain biking has long been recognised as a trend and something the community wishes to pursue within the parks system but these needs are still yet to be adequately met. Furthermore, the later mention of taking “a cautious approach” to changes has arguably been applied to excess with regards to Mountain Bike access within the parks network to date.
On page 17, Action 1.3 calls for the investigation into the Lofty Ranges with regards to establishment as a nationally recognised cycling destination. This should be expanded to also include the Flinders Ranges. Furthermore, it should be pursued and implemented. This would be potentially an ideal conduit for the Department to work with outside commercial enterprise to achieve, if deemed prohibitively expensive for the Department to achieve alone. In addition, Action 1.5 should be expanded to include multi-day trails for Mountain Bike users as well as walkers (who already have numerous trails of this type to choose from) and this aspect incorporated into the investigation suggested in Action 1.3.
On page 19, Action 3.3 seeks an event within the Lofty Ranges to engage a younger audience in particular. Mountain Bike events are often held within the ranges and could be tailored to provide such means for the Department. The often maligned “thrill seeker” aspect of Mountain biking raised in previous consultations could in this case be harnessed for a positive effect both in terms of achieving the engagement sort and the display of how such experiences can be delivered with effective management.
Overall, the strategy recognises that the current situation will not readily assist in achieving the Department’s future goals and as such certain careful yet sympathetic changes need to be made going forward. This is commendable. To allow Bike use – something readily available to the vast majority of visitors, be they local, interstate or international – to be a major focus point of such change, would not only be hugely appreciated by many on a day to day basis, but would also put the Department at the forefront of park management policy within the nation. However, it will ultimately be the implementation of the strategy in a timely manner with respect to the feedback both from this release and previously with regard to Mountain Bike access opportunities which will be the key to it being successful.
People and Parks; A Draft Strategy for South Australia’s National Parks and Reserves.
The overall vision of increasing the sustainable use of our parks, reserves and open spaces by a wider and more diverse range of users is a positive step by the Department.
However, given the fact that the Department has long recognized that the Mountain Bike community is worthy of stakeholder status in prior dealings over the last 10 years, it is disappointing that there appears to be only minimal provision of specific Mountain Biking opportunities within the strategy. Given the apparent positive progress of recent ATPAG meetings and feedback from other recent releases by the Department, this is somewhat disappointing and was not as expected.
Mountain biking can easily and readily fit into, and support, all five of the guiding principles of the strategy.
“Everyone involved in recreation and tourism should help protect the natural and cultural values of parks”
The Mountain Bike community has developed and promoted a vast number of sustainable practices, promoted by the International Mountain Bikers Association (IMBA) in the areas of trail design and maintenance and the continual reinforcement of the ‘Rules of the Trail’ throughout the trail user community and the Mountain Bike community in particular. Many of these practices and standards have been adopted by the Department for use within the parks and reserves under its control.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy and learn about parks”
“Everyone” should therefore make no discrimination of user due to their chosen method of transport. Whilst it is accepted that not every track, trail or indeed park or reserve can support Mountain Biking, many can. Ignoring the wants and needs of the Mountain Bike community will only continue the status quo of unwanted, unauthorized and in some cases nuisance Mountain Bike use within our parks, particularly within the greater Adelaide Metropolitan area.
“South Australians have a responsibility to contribute to the long-term protection of parks”
The South Australian Mountain Bike community – indeed, the global Mountain Bike community – have shown, and continue to show, willingness to work with land managers to maintain the areas to which we have access. Locally, Eagle Mountain Bike Park, Cudlee Creek Forestry Reserve and Mitcham Council’s shared use trail network are readily working examples of such input.
“Parks are an integral part of the landscape and play an important role in supporting healthy, vibrant and prosperous communities”
For parks to actively promote healthy communities, the need to be open to the variety of pursuits that the community seeks to engage in to achieve this goal. Mountain biking and cycling in general readily provide such an opportunity for our communities and as such should be encouraged where appropriate within the parks system. To be prosperous, they need to be able to draw a diverse range of users; this too comes from offering a diverse range of potential uses.
“Decisions about the way parks are used should be based on evidence and risk assessment”
Decisions based on evidence should be the only way decisions are made, when evidence is available. As such, the available evidence points strongly in favour of Mountain biking being an appropriate activity within our parks when planned and managed correctly. This evidence has been continually presented to the Department in prior engagement.
In addition to the overall principles, the following points are also of note;
Parks in the Flinders Ranges region – particularly Mount Remarkable – would vastly benefit from specific Mountain Bike planning. The Department and other land managers have already invested in various degrees of infrastructure in the region and this could be readily built upon to enhance their usability by the Mountain Bike community and achieve the desired increase in user numbers to the region.
From page 5, “…looking to visit…for…recreation…” The recreation opportunities need to be expanded if you are to achieve your own targets of visitor numbers. Mountain biking and cycling can be readily incorporated in many areas to provide diversity beyond the walking and picnicking options currently available in the majority of cases.
On page 6 there are the points regarding the recognition of trends and the changing needs of the community. Mountain biking has long been recognised as a trend and something the community wishes to pursue within the parks system but these needs are still yet to be adequately met. Furthermore, the later mention of taking “a cautious approach” to changes has arguably been applied to excess with regards to Mountain Bike access within the parks network to date.
On page 17, Action 1.3 calls for the investigation into the Lofty Ranges with regards to establishment as a nationally recognised cycling destination. This should be expanded to also include the Flinders Ranges. Furthermore, it should be pursued and implemented. This would be potentially an ideal conduit for the Department to work with outside commercial enterprise to achieve, if deemed prohibitively expensive for the Department to achieve alone. In addition, Action 1.5 should be expanded to include multi-day trails for Mountain Bike users as well as walkers (who already have numerous trails of this type to choose from) and this aspect incorporated into the investigation suggested in Action 1.3.
On page 19, Action 3.3 seeks an event within the Lofty Ranges to engage a younger audience in particular. Mountain Bike events are often held within the ranges and could be tailored to provide such means for the Department. The often maligned “thrill seeker” aspect of Mountain biking raised in previous consultations could in this case be harnessed for a positive effect both in terms of achieving the engagement sort and the display of how such experiences can be delivered with effective management.
Overall, the strategy recognises that the current situation will not readily assist in achieving the Department’s future goals and as such certain careful yet sympathetic changes need to be made going forward. This is commendable. To allow Bike use – something readily available to the vast majority of visitors, be they local, interstate or international – to be a major focus point of such change, would not only be hugely appreciated by many on a day to day basis, but would also put the Department at the forefront of park management policy within the nation. However, it will ultimately be the implementation of the strategy in a timely manner with respect to the feedback both from this release and previously with regard to Mountain Bike access opportunities which will be the key to it being successful.
I'll be back...
So, been a bit quiet lately; had the parents in town from overseas and my little one's First Birthday. On top of that, I've been helping the IMBAA cause and sit on the SAMBA board, so too busy to rant on here!
But that's about to change again, with things hopefully settling down for a while.
Posted up a few articles and responses that I've done lately; should have some info and hopefully photos from the upcoming dig days at Mitcham and (if I can fit it in!) Eagle, gonna do a bit of exploring of a few new (to me) cheeky trails and hit up Melrose for the Fat Tyre Festival over the June Long Weekend.
;D
But that's about to change again, with things hopefully settling down for a while.
Posted up a few articles and responses that I've done lately; should have some info and hopefully photos from the upcoming dig days at Mitcham and (if I can fit it in!) Eagle, gonna do a bit of exploring of a few new (to me) cheeky trails and hit up Melrose for the Fat Tyre Festival over the June Long Weekend.
;D
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