Some months ago and following a series of rumours on various forums about the potential banning of mountain biking on Caesars Camp, Minley, Porridgepot Hill and Tunnel Hill a group of local cyclists got together to form the Trail Action Group (TAG) with a view to working with the military and relevant environmental groups to ensure that mountain biking could continue in the area.
Thanks to having military personnel active in the group we have been able to set up trail maintenance days, put up signs and posters encouraging responsible mountain bike riding in the area and identifying guidelines for riding in Military Training Areas where soldiers are often on exercise both day and night.
The guidelines are centered around being courteous, moving on from areas being used, dimming or dousing lights when you become aware of soldiers training and not to creating new trails or features without permission from the land owner. Common sense really.
Several incidents of riders interupting night exercises have occurred over the last few weeks which only serve to highlight the need for us all to keep an eye out for soldiers training on the land (especially at night). If you see military personnel or any Army or SHB 4x4’s on the land please make your way to the nearest fire road and move on to another area as quickly as possible. If you are addressed directly please show courtesy towards any military personnel – they have much more right to be there than you do!
Also – please dim or completely switch off your lights, they are blinding and ruin night vision for at least 20 minutes making continued operations very difficult. In addition, and as part of some exercises trip wires and perimeter wires are used which can hurt you and damage your bike. So for everyone’s benefit please steer clear of military exercises, apologise if you encounter/disturb them and move on.
With your help we will be able to continue using the land safely into the future.
For more information on the Trail Action Group please check Facebook or visit http://www.trailactiongroup.co.uk
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Your support will be appreciated!
TAG
