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Agree as well that trails should be multi-user.
Have you seen the multi user trails they are building round Leeds at the moment?
There used to be a great bit of singletrack bridleway [url= http://www.multimap.com/s/ilOmH1pt ]here[/url] which has recently been 'improved' to make it more 'accessible'.
And it's now a 6 foot wide straight motorway through what was a lovely bit of woodland.
No thanks to that.
Not everything has to be purpose built or even built to be sustainable to be enjoyable to ride.
I'll put it another way, I would support trail development for use by all, rather than just for sole use by riders. That doesn't equate to motorways, in my eyes.
It would be unrealistic and (even less) likely to suceed (IMO) if it was badged as exclusive MTB development.
TBH, all I'm thinking of is taking out some of the worse (durability / pass-ability-wise) sections, creating or improving other linking pieces so there's a more distinct loop. However, this is all based on the existing tracks that are there and being ridden already. Just trying to make them fit and work together better. And, of course, making their use by riders legitimate, rather than a some fudge of permission / tolerance / blindsiding.
Not everything has to be purpose built or even built to be sustainable to be enjoyable to ride.
Sure, but if it stands up better and is more "passable" then that's an improvement AFAIC. Tracks, trails, RoW etc all change, evolve and degenerate over time. The track below the Viewpoint / next to the tombstones got surfaced a couple of years ago. IT's not as fun to ride but then it was probably never legit anyway plus it's not just about us riding it. Over time this will revert to something more interesting I'm sure.
Have you seen the multi user trails they are building round Leeds at the moment?There used to be a great bit of singletrack bridleway here which has recently been 'improved' to make it more 'accessible'.
And it's now a 6 foot wide straight motorway through what was a lovely bit of woodland.
No thanks to that.
Not everything has to be purpose built or even built to be sustainable to be enjoyable to ride.
I would agree, the 'sustainable' bridleway work in the area is a joke, Golden Acre motorway is a travesty. I would be absolutely gutted if they did the same to Meanwood - I am a bit fearful though as they have been doing work around the entrances to the trails of late, which brings me to my next rant.... why can't they put the stoned blocking the entrance back properly? I've seen a few MX bikes (admittedly ridden by kids) on the trail recently which could potentially ruin a few sections. They could have gotten in before if they'd known where to go but it's not helping heving the obvious entry points unblocked. Bloody contractors.....
As for the Chevin then I have mixed feelings about it. I ride there pretty regularly but only as a transition trail e.g. on the way to Stainburn or Ilkley Moor etc. For what I use it for I'm happy with what is there, and if you look hard enough there are plenty of natural bits that although not 'legal' are great to ride. There probably is the audience for a trail which is not as full on as Stainburn, and more family orientated but I don't think that would interest me.
TBH, all I'm thinking of is taking out some of the worse (durability / pass-ability-wise) sections, creating or improving other linking pieces so there's a more distinct loop. However, this is all based on the existing tracks that are there and being ridden already. Just trying to make them fit and work together better. And, of course, making their use by riders legitimate, rather than a some fudge of permission / tolerance / blindsiding.
But that doesn't sound like what Matt from Chevin Cycles is proposing - they want
that they can stick their name on and use to promote their brand.cycle only singletrack route in Otley Chevin
Actually, there is a horse specific trail already there, right at the top. You can gallop several hundred yards on a purpose built strip without endangering anybody
Ironically i've walked down there this year when the chevin was covered in snow - got some great sunset pictures.
As me and PJ have helped Matt plan a potential route out and it was on the basis of the assumptions I wrote then I can only assume Matt's description is not entirely accurate / representative.
Then again, in his mind he might be thinking of something designed and built with bike riding in mind rather than anything else.
Dunno!
I'm not really bothered who's promoting it as, if it happens, I think it could be great. There's umpteen ways it could go awry or doom could be foretold but sod it, it's just bike tracks and a few more would be nice.