PCL would likely be adverse to any further development even under the powerlines as they’ll want to keep trails in the reserve to a minimum. I agree that it is a low conservation value area and sometime in the future, in their wisdom, they will burn it as with other parts of Bruce Ridge. But they have many interest to manage and I feel for them. Keep in mind as well that what they perceive as risks are far different to that of the average mtber. Which is interesting as they have at times had mtbers in their ranks.
Only just saw this. The trail I was describing including number of corners etc is marked as "to be opened" on the agreed map:
http://fobr.prophpbb.com/topic21.html given the low conservation value and the fact that the highest risk trail has been closed, I would *hope* that they could see the value of having a higher-risk trail, particularly in a spot with good access for emergency services should the need arise. I hadn't realised there's a fence down the bottom, above and below the road, but that could be worked around - maybe have a loop going up the side for push runs etc?
In terms of broader community consultation, how would you like this to be achieved? Current avenues used by FoBR are:
- Government (PCS)
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Farkin
- The Berm
- FoBR bulletin board
- Build days
I would suggest PCS put a sign up at the trailhead except that, as far as I know, no one ever sees the trailhead (I didn't know it existed in my first year riding there). I am keen to hear what other avenues you would like used.
As an aside, I asked my friends on Facey what they want. All of that those who responded are the above-described "lycra crowd" (ranging from shitty newbies to consistent race winners) and they unanimously asked for *more* technical obstacles on the inner loop with a purpose, such as tight bends, off camber corners, step-ups and other challenges with slower B-lines. The only concern raised was that there were logs down for either a) no purpose, they were just there or b) short term measures to prevent erosion which have become long-term. The difficult rock gully on the calvary side was highlighted as something for more of, so it looks like we're all on the same team for the main part, it's just the specifics of where and how much that seem to be contentious.