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Bike Forum
Any advice on starting a trailbuilding/mtb club in Edinburgh.
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Posted 7 months ago #
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Tj as far as that goes I would say Ive moved rocks from a to b to make safer landing zones off jumps and I plead guilty to putting 4 screws into the trree stump at 0125 in the video.
Posted 7 months ago # -
TJ - are you telling us that you've ridden only the marked paths in CH and nothing else? Otherwise you run the risk of looking like a hypocrite. I share your views about the OP's trailbuilding aspirations but please don't go for the black and white approach where you think your activities are beyond reproach.
Edit: I see you've removed your reference to point 7.2, was it for that reason?
Posted 7 months ago # -
bigthunder - can I just say that I commend you for approaching the relevant authorities and seeking advice here - also for just having the wherewithall to actually go an build stuff instead of just using other folks hard work.
However, you do say up front that you're "not the best at dealing with awkward people" and I'd say that comes across on this thread. Expect a lot more of that if you have to compete with the voice of the Corstorphine locals too. I'd also say that your negotiating gambit of "I'm going to build them anyway" is a poor opener and that you're being a bit naive to think that comments in forums such as this won't be sought and seized upon. In short, I think you should take a wee step back (frustrating though any delay may seem) and get your communication and negotiating hat on before building anything else.
Posted 7 months ago # -
My 2 pence worth, I very rarely find myself agreeing with TJ but on this I do, as soon as I saw the post a few days ago, I thought oh no. Think it's great that people are willing to give their time up to build trails but I don't think Corstorphine hill is the right place for it at all, it's too small and too popular plus it's a nature reserve.
I think it's fine to ride around what's there but it's a city park and don't think the place for MTB trails, ride what there is not build more.
I went along to a friends of Corstorphine hill meeting to complain, not at them but asking to put something in their newsletter/website, about the placement of branches over tails as I think it's irresponsible and dangerous. The utter hatred and unfounded comments and abuse that I got back was horrible, I have never felt so hated in my life! But after a while and pointing out the rights of way to them, some of them were fairly reasonable, for the most (not all) they are anti bikes but what really annoys them is the building of trails. And do agree with them about building trails. Their problem is with people not respecting the hill and I think they would be lot more welcoming to MTBer's if "we" went to them and said there will be no building. When I mentioned that someone on here had suggested a night ride on the hill but then was poo pooed as it wasn't a good idea because of the sensitive nature of the hill, they were really impressed and their attitude and mood lifted.There are enough routes and paths already not really MTB paths but still fun to ride, there don't need to be more. And on the note of disrespecting the hill, I walked up one of the built trails a month or so ago with the dog, I have never seen so much litter in one place in the countryside, it was horrible, things like that make it very hard to defend mountain bikers. Not saying it was anyone here but and maybe it wasn't mountain bikers but it's seems most likely as it was around the building of the trail, just endless crisp and sweety papers.
I am all for inner city trails, think they are great for a blast round and for kids but, generally for adults, I feel we live in an amazing city for mountain biking, 20-30 mins you can be out on the hills, don't be so bloody lazy!
Think craigmiller style parks are great for building as parks like that lack regular usage and an identity, generally a bit scrubby, but corstophine hill should left alone.As I said I think that the OP's idea of getting a group together and willing to spend their own time building trails is great but the idea of CH is less than great.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Been over the point about the jump park as well. One set is on gtc land and has nowt to do with anyone but them. Thats why noone bothers about them. The second set Im not sure where they are. If its the ones at balgreen road then that area is considered prime for mtb development.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Pg - I cant find those pics either. Dont know whats happened.
I took those photos while helping bigthunder build some of the bits. The previous one was directly linked to my Photobucket.I pulled the photos from my Photobucket and deleted the thread on Trail Scotland as I can't be arsed getting involved in anything contentious or possibly illegal.
The linked image shows the base of cement as it was being built which was subsequently buried and covered over with detritus.
It looks 100% natural. There's no way anyone would know there was cement under it.
Posted 7 months ago # -
AlasdairMc I don't think I have breached this.
Cycling off the paths in woodland and other areas sensitive to environmental damage
The only offpath bits I can think of are exposed bedrock. Hard to say what is "off paths" really in this context but again - point taken
Posted 7 months ago # -
Lets just get this straight. At no point have I suggested new trails. All I want is to make whats there better for bikes. Better signage and proper pathing in order to protect the woodland. Cyclist only stuff has not only been suggested by me but by D Kyles the ranger as well. I am in touch with the Rangers and IMBA and I wish to see the back of irresponsible trail building as well. What a lot of people here seem to. Be missing is that its happening anyway. The best way to manage whats going on,I think, is through an organisation to build and maintain trails which are made with the rangers consent. They can give permission and I can supply manpower and materials. Just makes sense to me to get it together. And no Im not great at dealing with awkward people but I covered that point in a different part of this post. I am certainly no vandal either.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Bigthunder - the pics and vids clearly show new trails that have been built. The best way to manage what is going on with this is to stay within the law and the LRA and not build unsanctioned trails.
You do not have permission to do what you are doing. Its against the various rules and regulations.
As Druidh says - I admire your wilingness to do this but I ask you to put your energies into a sustainable and appropriate area where you will not increase tensions and conflict or leave it until you have permission.
The unsanctioned trail building of which you are a part is a major source of conflict on the hill and will (as it has been) be used against MTBers
Posted 7 months ago # -
Bikes were definitely banned on Corrie Hill around 1996-8 when I used to ride up there with the uni, there was a lot of signage and we used to have quite a few confrontations with 'grown ups'.
I'd be interested in the feasibility study too - can someone give a contact email address to get a copy?
Whilst I think it would be good to have official bike trails on the hill, I think it would be difficult to achieve unless you have a lot of time, energy and negociation skills.
I have worked on developing path networks in Edinburgh and my advice would be to be incredibly professional, liaise with everyone involved from local authority to hill users; running an exhibition evening for your proposed plans in the local hall would be a good idea if it really does look like the rangers are supportive and things are moving forwards. But it'll all have to be off your own back, council staff are too busy to do anything for you.
Posted 7 months ago # -
TandemJeremy - Member
No it wouldn't - you have no right to exclusive access.
TJ, it's not about a "right to exclusive access", it's about reducing contention. Wherever you have walkers and riders in the same places, there will always be contention- the rangers certainly know this, IMBA know this too. "Rights" just don't come into it.
Don't doubt your motivation here but I think you need to take a deep breath and a step back. Responding to attempts to get authorisation to build trails and to legitimise work with "UNAUTHORISED TRAILS ARE ILLEGAL AND ILLEGAL TRAILS ARE IRRESPONSIBLE" is not constructive or helpful.
Posted 7 months ago # -
TB, for your own sanity, you might want to back away from this thread.
If you are building trails with the consent of the rangers then great, but as others have said, it's not the best idea to bash on regardless.
I'll definitely help out if the rangers approve with your plans.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Tj what are the new bits of trail in the video? Pg yer right mate - Im off.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Maybe a better idea would be meeting other local users of CH about using existing trails on the hill as they are, ie in there natural condition as they have been tramped out over the years?,
I cant imagine how purpose built MTB trails with jumps, berms etc will work in an area open to the public, old or young, with kids, dogs etc running about...
We ride natural trails here in East Lothian and we only do a bit pruning back here and there, and dig in the odd meter of drainage pipe to help dry a wet area on a narrow path etc, and so far we have had nothing but thanks from the local public when they find out who fixed a previous wet area or cut back overhanging brambles etc,
Tyninghame Woods is a good example, i have managed to make a few existing footpaths that were overgrown and likely to get your eye poked out actually better to walk and now ace to ride
But good on you for trying to arrange something, best of luck
You should all be more worried about all that asbestos under ground inside the Cold War Rotor Bunker up on top of the hill
Dangerous as hell, but...A good explore
Posted 7 months ago # -
Yeah coastkid thats the type of trails I mean. Use natural features where they are and a wee bit of trail tailoring here and there. Yeah that bunkers well dodgy.... Have a look at bangour village hospital as welll if that sort of thing interests ya.
Posted 7 months ago # -
You should all be more worried about all that asbestos under ground inside the Cold War Rotor Bunker up on top of the hill
Dangerous as hell, but...A good explore
It was until some thugs reversed a van full of tyres down to the lower levels and torched the place. Now it's just wet, cancerous-particle ridden hell hole. Which is a shame.
Worth visiting if you're into that sort of thing but be careful of the wrecked floors and definitely wear a suitable mask.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Ha I forgot about the bunker! I've been around the overground bits but not the underground bit, that would be cool. There are bits of it in poking out everywhere, when I worked for the council there were strange bits of it poking out in the back of the council depot on the hill too, I guess air vents and entrances.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Fair enough Northwind
Bigthunder have a genuine apology as I obviously came across far more antagonistically than intended.
Its just a subject I feel very strongly about as unsanctioned trail building makes us public enemy number one in the eyes of the other users.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Im happy with a photo set i got from someone and keep my lungs healthy for cycling DM
BT, i have a derelict Hospital right on my doorstep here in EL Posted 7 months ago # -
Tj - nae bother. I feel strongly about CH as well and I want it nice for all. Its full of interesting features like the bunker the tower and the walled garden. Some of the best views of Edinburgh are to be had from there as well. Believe me I dont want the whole place full of mad laddie type builds(Im 40) but I would like to know I can walk up a path with the dog and not be hit by someone on a bike. The only solution I see to this is responsible trail builds with clear signage and good cooperation between all the parties involved. I can be of use to you with the pentlands as well - I dont know how to pm on this site but I can help ya with pathing materials for free/stupid cheap.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Now cmon fellas wasnt that nice....
Posted 7 months ago # -
No PM function on here. My email is in my profile. Cheap pathing materials would be good of course. Watch out for posts about trail repair in the pentlands towards the spring.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Have you ever been out to Bangour Drookit?
Posted 7 months ago # -
Hallejulah.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I had a wee spin up the hill this afternoon. Despite me being an Edinburgh local, it's the first time I've ever taken a bike up there. Some nice tracks and I can see where there are some natural features for bikes. There was no obvious damage or purpose-built stuff visible from the route I took.
Reet bonny though, what with the leaves turning and that.
PS- I also got midged. In bluddy October!!!!
Posted 6 months ago # -
Druidh - its stunning up there - reallly nice. Anytime ya want to head up there noise me up and I will show ya some nice spots . Glad you enjoyed it.
Posted 6 months ago #
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