Minimoog, good choice 🙂

Now… Any good books to read up on the Minimoog?

Cheers wrecker, nearly beat me to it 😉

Should have thought to resurrect this one but also thought he and others deserved a thread of their own 🙂

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/military-operational-honours-and-awards-list

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/heads-up-bristol-bike-theft-is-getting-nasty/page/2

Gunz – Member
Emsz

You’re right, I’ve always wondered what a second album would have been like. I saw a documentary on Alison Moyet recently and she revealed that she and Vince Clark hardly ever met or spoke away from the studio. It wasn’t that they disliked each other, just didn’t socialise at all, strange.

Don’t get me started on Vince n’ Alf!

Yazoo were the band that got me into music. First band I saw live.

‘Upstairs At Erics’ remains my ‘favourite’ album of all time.

Is ‘Only You’ the greatest pop song of all time?

Consider they followed that up with ‘Don’t Go’ a floor-filler that along with ‘Situation’ (which was only released as a remix in the US) set so many dance musicians off on their journeys.

There was a second album ‘You and Me Both’ really interesting contrast between the two of them (they both wrote and the songs were deliberately sequenced Clarke – Moyet – Clarke – Moyet.

They got back together of course, for a tour in 2008 (I did all the UK dates!!) and again for a one-off last year (The Mute festival). Great to see them become ‘friends’ again after all the years.

Some great choices, difficult to choose a ‘best’.

Kraftwerk, YMO, Human League, Cabaret Voltaire all up there for leading the way,

Electribe 101, Eurythmics, Propaganda, Soft Cell and Yazoo for making electronic music that essential combination of voice and noises.

The Detroit techno pioneers, Chicago Acid house for the dance phenomenon.

Cold Cut, DJ Shadow, Liam from the Prodigy, Norman Cook for cutting and chopping it all up..

If I had to choose just one, definitive album it would be:

Depeche Mode – Violator

For the quality of the song writing and stucture, individually and as an album. For the electronics (‘spotters’ will know they always craft their sounds carefully and Violator combines some lovely warm old Roland System 100 with cutting edge digital stuff. For the productionDaniel Miller, Flood and Kevorkian all had a hand in it. For the fact it quietly sold millions and saw them go huge worldwide but was quietly underrated in the UK, for the ‘crazy’ stadium tour they did to accompany it that the fact that they are still doing it.

Great thread 🙂

I wish I had similar assignments rather than management consultant bollocks to write about.

I nearly ended up with Vince’s old Fairlight – would have been an expensive coffee table!

Some great suggestions above that I can’t really think to add to.

I have various contacts relating to the above dependant upon which way you decide to go.

I’d be really interested to hear a precis of what you finally choice to cover 🙂

It’s 1st March right, not April? Shocking videos aren’t they.

Haven’t had such a good laugh in ages 😆

And all “In association with Specialized” Who’da thunk it?? 😀

zippykona – Member
My lovely 1 mile downhill was ruined for £25000.

Just a little bit less… yep, cost was £20,000!

The cost of the works wasn’t that much in the grand schemes of things, but it was quite a large chunk of their annual budget for capital works

BTW I know these jobs always cost a bomb but I was surprised at how much they’d spent.. anyone like to hazard a guess??

Mr Agreeable – Member
Myself and Andy met the local RoW officer yesterday after going along to the Local Access Forum. He was nice enough to explain to us why the works were were carried out.

It seems that the work was done in response to concerns raised by the Parish Council, rather than any particular user group. The cost of the works wasn’t that much in the grand schemes of things, but it was quite a large chunk of their annual budget for capital works (which, incidentally, is going to be cut further for the coming year).

Cheers again Mr Agreeable for getting there 🙂

The meeting started at 2.. We arrived for then.. to discover that we’d missed the free lunch between 12 and 2 😉 Lesson for next time!

Never been to a Local Access Forum before, I’ll perhaps start a separate thread about them and our experience, anyway, as Mr Agreeable says, the short story is our voice won’t be heard if we don’t make it heard.

The RoW Officer said he’d worked for 3 local authorities and had never been approached by MTB’ers before.

Anyway, as Mr Agreeable said, we had an interesting discussion about Pipehouse, with the RoW Team Leader, with a lady from the BHS and, interestingly with a guy there representing the Trail Riders Federation who had come armed with a copy of this thread! (They are just as annoyed as us).

Up shot was I’m going to engage the Parish Council to understand their motivation and explore what could have been done differently. We’ll also open a dialogue with the TRF and BHS, offer to join working parties etc.

On the up-side we got hold of a copy of the list of planned ‘capital works’ for next year and it doesn’t include more ‘improvement’ works like this.

I told the RoW Officer that we’d write to him and ask for a meeting to discuss how we might be consulted in the future and explore different ways to ‘improve’ trails that need maintenance.

Clue in my forum name 😉

Both, but I’ll never give up my vinyl. In fact I’ve just put up a couple of extra shelves (church pews!) and got a couple more boxes out of the loft.

I still DJ with a pair of 1210s too 🙂

CountZero – Member
These: http://www.acecameras.co.uk/asp/web/recorprod/1/product/15698/cat/1291/ph/cat/keywords//recor/1/SearchFor//PT_ID/1/product.asp

I’ve had a pair of the DCF 8×32 for just over a year; I bought them as a Christmas pressy to myself while I was browsing Ace Cameras in Bath.

Just in case anyone comes back to this, Ace Camera’s is owned by a nasty little $h!t called David Uwins. He was convicted and jailed for downloading ‘the worst’ child pornograhpy.

All of us locally now avoid his business like the plague and he is expanding his business on the internet

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/businessman-jailed-for-downloading-horrific-child-porn-972015.html

cynic-al – Member
AA – a summary of the IAM stance on bike lanes as they actually are (not as they should be) thankyouplease?

Page 72

“Roads with cycle lanes are multi-lane roads. Most drivers use their lane without too much concern about what’s happening in the next lane – as they can drive straight past adjacent traffic, they do not need to think about overtaking it. As a result, motorists often pass cyclists closer and faster where there is a cycle lane than where there isn’t, especially where lanes are narrow than the recommended width of two meters.

(There follows lots of advice on how and when to use them)

“Try not to let the presence of a cycle lane affect your decision as to where it is safest to ride.”

(More detail about changing lanes and pictures and a diagram to illustrate the point).

So, all these questions cynic-al, you’ve clearly demonstrated you could improve your knowledge and approach and are eagerness to learn. You going to sign up to do the course then? 😉

http://www.iam.org.uk

One or two spotted around Bath, and yes I’ve been told that they’re ‘welsh’ too, whereas I’m guessing the ones (not too far away) on the Marlborough downs will be ‘spanish’?

TandemJeremy – Member
I doubt the IAM has a stance on them being the institute of advnce motoring

Yes the IAM does have a stance on them. I’m sure I’ve posted details before. We commissioned John Franklin to produce an IAM cycling book and we offer cycling training and membership..

http://www.iam.org.uk/cyclist

In answer to the question (How much space does the IAM say you should give a pedestrian on the pavement?).

The answer as always is as much space as necessary.

Eg. A group of school kids on a narrow pavement, chatting away and spilling into the road.. plenty!!

Hi td, there’s a group that rides from Cadence on a Tues and Thurs. Mostly ‘hills’ around Bath and mostly on lit roads. I think they head out at 6.30??

As said I think it’s a case of picking the right roads, I commute Filton to Bath in the dark using a mix of the Railway Path and lanes around Doynton, Dyrham, Pucklechurch, Castle Combe, Marshfield.

Big fat Exposure on the bars (too bright for the cyclepath) AND a Joystick on the helmet.. never have any problem with dazzle.

Andy

Occasionally useful for identifying current news related topics and not as annoying as:

“We shouldn’t really bother with this but I’m going to anyway and waste the time of anyone who bothers opening this” (A bit like this thread)

“I know we’ve done this hundreds of times before and it always leads to an argument but we’ve not done it for two days at least so here’s another one” (i.e. helmets)

nick3216 – Member
IAM are the lot that recommend (or used too) sitting at a red light waiting to turn left with your indicator off. an invitation for (usually women) cyclists to ride up your inside them get cut up when you turn left.

Just saying.

Show me where?

Quite the opposite, the IAM teach that you should indicate when it would be of benefit, not indiscriminantly or when it could be misconstrued. In the situation you describe I’d teach you indicate, and keep paying attention to your mirrors looking for bikes moving up the inside and outside.

In the same situation we do teach people not to sit there with their foot on the footbrake blinding people behind them – maybe that was what you were thinking of?

Reported Road accidents involving young car drivers Great Britain: (published 03/02/2011)

Of the 163,554 reported personal injury road accidents, over 42,000 (26%) involved at least one driver aged between 17-24.

191 young drivers were killed (27% of all fatalities),

2,026 young drivers were killed or seriously injured (27% of all KSI casualties).

564 people were killed (25% of total road fatalities) as a result of a young driver car accident.

Of the 2,026 young drivers involved in serious accidents , 71% were male.

Nearly one third of young drivers involved in accidents were aged between 18-19.

The most dangerous roads are of course ‘fast’ (national speed limit) country A and B roads, not motorways.

Indeed interesting to look at the idea of limiting the cars they drive. The current insurance regime often means they end up driving older lower powered cars.. which handle poorly (brakes and steering) and which have lower NCAP levels. Analysis by one insurance company showed that half those under 20 killed were in cars more than 10 years old.

I’ve been involved with two projects working with ‘problem’ young drivers. Most were a danger whatever vehicle they were driving.

cynic-al – Member
Institutes of Advanced Motorists – ironically a body idoilised by some on here who are anti-car.

Yawn.. Shall I bother?

The IAM is not ‘anti car’, it’s pro responsible use and road safety.

The IAM is an independent charity, funded by it’s members who have all shown their own commitment by taking and passing the advanced test.

Most of it’s work is delivered by local groups run entirely by volunteers (like myself).

The ‘Skill for Life’ defensive driving course gives you membership of a local group, a copy of the manual, as many hours out on the road as you need to get you up to test standard as well as the test itself – 2hrs over a mix of roads with a qualified police instructor.

All for £139.

And yes, if you are currently not able to competently overtake one, two or more cyclists then I can guarantee that by the end of the course you will be 😉

It’s not just sending them out on motorways that is scary, so is sending them out in the dark / on twisty country lanes / with a car full of mates / in the rain etc etc etc.

The standard test just does not equip new drivers for what they are likely to face. Worse it gives them the confidence that it does. Hence why so many (proportionately) are still being killed and why car accidents remain the biggest single killer of 18-25 yr olds.

Pass Plus goes part of the way but the evidence suggests it is not that effective in addressing behaviour.

Yes, there should be a ‘probationary’ period with restrictions. No it wouldn’t be popular but it does work (as other countries have demonstrated).

Even better, why not introduce a higher level ‘advanced’ test* after the ‘standard’ one for everyone?

(*There’s one already of course, it’s voluntary and run by a charity)

http://www.iam.org.uk

Even better he posted details on LandyTrackWorld.com 😆

http://landytown.myfastforum.org/ftopic8367-0-asc-0.php

Author

bristolbulldog

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 12:32 am Post subject: Ever do something you will never EVER do again? Please read

So, today I drove maf to Devizes, with the intention of doing a few lanes solo on the way home. Perfectly fine I thought so long as I am careful and steady and know when to quit.

Maf is setup terribly in my opinion from the previous owner but still very capable.

So having done a few lanes around Devizes I decide to cut across Trowbridge towards keynsham, so I can pickup my stepson at 18:00 from longwell green on the way home.

I skim memory map and see a well placed byway on the way home.

Pipehouse lane near midford.

I drove the first half, past a defender 90 parked at its home, thinking “lucky bugger, living next to a byway. Bet he uses it all the time”.

Now whilst in devizes I collected the lt230 transfer linkage as currently I can only select hi and low. Not diff lock.

Already you should be thinking “moron”.

It’s now dark, I have no diff lock, I am by myself, and doing a lane I have never even tried before.

Anyway, bei g a complete “moron” I go along the lane, and come to a dead end. But see something goes around the corner. So I turn into it to shed some light. I spot a steep drop. So I get out and have a look.

First thought “this is no ordinary byway”. 2nd though “there is no way in hell maf can even fit past that”.

So, I get back into maf, my phone tells me it’s run out of space so stopped recording. I put it in reverse and I get wheel spin. There is so much aggregate down its just digging a big hole.

I’m now starting to think I’m need to get a move on to collect my stepson.

So I do one of the most stupid things I have ever done.

Into drive and off we go.

The first part was very very tight. Maf was the same size and crudely fitted. I’m becoming a little uncomfortable at this point.

Then there’s a huge bolder in the track. So luckily being pretty big I re-align it and use some other rocks and tree trunks to make it reasonably passable.

Awesome. Over that. I’m sure that’s the tricky bit done. Doesn’t matter anyway, as I’m committed now anyway.

I carry on down and to my horror the road splits. Why the horror? Left looks off piste and crazily impossible. Right is extreme axle twisting, massively rutted from large ware flow and too much aggregate being put down. Both ate over grown with thick cutoff branches.

I only ever stood a chance at making it right, so I walked it (first sensible thing I did). It’s so steep maf slides on the handbrake and nearly stays with park Engadget as well.

I put some rocks into the deepest section, that was roughly a single sided 2ft deep rut, on the outside of a corner on steep hill. “moron” is really hitting home.

Nobody can recover me, I’m late, out of my depth, no doubt stuck, and totally bricking it.

Back in maf, start talking to the car lots.

I get over the hump, and into the rut, nearly tipped but made it!! Finally!!

“moron” again.

The rut switches sides and is even more pronounced. Trees line the sides that frankly I could only drive through without touching if the truck was level.

Totally and utterley out of my depth now, it’s becoming dangerous, and I so do wish I hadn’t been so stupid to put myself in this situation. At this point there is no fun what so ever.

I go for it, slowly, watching the axle twister, waiting to lift a wheel and with no diff lock get stuck.

Goes left, then right, NSR wheel lifts, and I know at that point for a fact it’s game over, one huge truck stuck up an unrecoverable lane, with a plonker driver.

Maf starts to tip, just before she gains momentum I plant the throttle and aim to have the roof tip into a huge tree to stop it going over. Incredibly it works. Loads of creeping of suspension, and the NSF wheel miles up in the air, and the roof wedged against the tree.

Time to quit, but with no hope of recovery I edge the throttle and I still have no idea how, but it has traction.

I increase the throttle, and we start moving, the NSR window implodes, and the drivers door mirror snaps off. Maf starts to level and pulls itself out.

Now totally freaked, and just hell bent on getting out I struggle to not just plant my foot and hope for the best.

“must be the last hurdle, I can see car headlights and possibly the road for christs sake! I’ve learnt my lesson, damaged my truck, and still have to face the wife. (how would I feel if she took ZIGGY out and did similar?)…,

Really tall stone wall, and a massive tree stump ensuring nothing but a series will get past without having to articulate and no doubt plant the NSF Wing into the wall no doubt getting stuck.

I skim the wall with the wing all along, not touching once, trying not to snag my no doubt flat tyres On the rocks / branches before the wall.

I edge around the corner, NSR lifts, but eases down. Amazed!

Look ahead, and there is a tree arch that is 12 inches lower than maf’s roof. It was semi rotten and over 6″ thick. Even me swinging on it would snap it off, but it was flexible.

Close sunroof, push through. One almighty pop and maf is now a mobile tree. Sunroof did go through!

I slip and slide down to the road, unable to see left, and on a short distance right around a tight corner.

I wait for no headlights, and put maf’s bonnet out, cats slow to right, back of maf slides but not too much for me to still make the turn right. Eventually get out, complete with a log on the front I can’t quite make out in the dark.

No room to get out at the end of the lane or most the way down.

When I find somewhere to stop shortly after, there is basically a tree wrapped around the outside of the car, and draped over the back.

Removed, picked up stepson, home.

Maf.
1. Mirror is fixable.
2. Rear window being fitted tomorrow, very lucky I could source one
3. Need new drivers door pins. Play in the hinge.
4. Rear offside door pushed in slightly. Can adjust out.
5. Small scrape on roof rail
6. Tiny dent in rear door
7. Possible exhaust leak. Underside of truck was sheeting off healthy 4″ branches that had been laid down to fill some unavoidable ruts previously..

Me.
1. Moron
2. Will never do a lane I dont know by myself.
3. Disappointed

Hours after the event I have googled the lane. It’s low use, riders can’t make it down without putting their feet down, three different forum posts list it as impassible.

So, I’m amazed maf did what it did. I’m equally amazed at how quickly a few consecutively stupid decisions can land you in hot water. How maf didn’t just go over when pulling off that tree I will never know, how I didn’t rip the tyres, how it fitted down a lane that It simply wasn’t supposed to I will never know.

I learnt alot today, and will never ever forget it. I’ll be walking the route in the coming week or so with my old man and filming it.

I figured this was worth sharing, as it’s affected me alot. You can pass this off as lunacy, or just a bit of aggressive offroading, what’s the big deal. But for me, wow, lots to learn and change from, and never to be repeated.

Luckily my wife hasn’t ripped my head off, but treading on egg shells doesn’t come close.

Be Safe…

So that explains the rocks Fin found 😆

You’re not going to believe this but someone’s alerted me to this:

Yep. Someone’s tried to get a Landy down it. In the dark. On his own. Without ever having driven it before 😆

Thanks schnor, that’s really helpful. Won’t bore you with the details but I have some insight into the budget and how jobs are prioritised and where the money is spent (ex Parish Clerk and active politically).

Probably not come out in the comments above but I’ve a good working relationship with the ROW Team, they’ve been really helpful in the past (obstructions, missing signs etc).

Planning to give him a call tomorrow and draft an email after that..

Nice! When ever anyone asks ‘Why CX’ we now just need to point them to this thread 🙂

parish council

Will probably be your problem.

I used to be the Parish Clerk for the largest Parish north of Bath and was indeed successful in getting quite a few rights of way issues addressed (illegal obstructions etc) 😉

Yes, the PC has a say but I don’t think they are the problem here. I’ll wait to be proved wrong but I suspect it was probably the local equestrian lobby

I know it differs elsewhere in the country but in this case the PCs are consulted and do have some influence but don’t have a budget and don’t commission the work themselves..

I’ve had a reply from the Head of the Rights of Way Team which we’ll get our heads together on before replying to (comments welcome here too).

Although I can appreciate that Pipehouse Lane provided a welcome challenge for some mountain bikers, we do need to ensure that all classes of user can pass and repass along its full length. We received a number of complaints that the route had become impassable and the works were carried out following consultation with the parish council. A drainage system was installed prior to the resurfacing; however, as you’ll appreciate from the topography of the lane, there are only a limited number of drainage options available. Unfortunately we experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall before the works were fully completed; however, this damage has since been rectified.

I’m happy to take on board your suggestion for stone pitching and we will consider this for future schemes. The next meeting of the JLAF is scheduled for Friday 2nd March 2012 at the Council Chamber, Keynsham Town Hall, Keynsham BS31 1NL; the JLAF is open to members of the public and you are welcome to attend. Alternatively, there is a PROW Liaison Group which discusses more specific issues on the network and I will let you know when the next meeting is scheduled.

I was planning to ask:

Who were the complaints from and what were their requirements (i.e. did they ask for the trail to be flattened,or the drainage sorted etc)?

Who else was consulted (he mentions the Parish Council) and what were their views? (As we’ve discussed above, there is a hierarchy of users and they have a legal duty to ensure the path can be used by horse riders but does that mean that they have to flatten the trail?)

What was the ‘drainage system’ that was installed? I may have missed it! I’m guessing it’s a large bore (200mm) plastic land drain / pipe?

What was the cost / what is his budget / what other plans does he have / how are they prioritised etc?

On the positive side at least he promises to “take on board” the suggestion for stone pitching. I was going to press him to promise to consult us next time they’re putting a scheme together.

Finally, we’ll see if we can find anyone willing / able to make the JLAF and / or PROW Liaison group..

Thanks both, that’s useful stuff.

Yes, oldagedpredator your first para is a good recap.

Shout if you need more info

p.s. I’m back in the office wednesday so I’ll have a look on file if you’re interested?

Thanks for the offer schnor, the local IMBA rep has emailed Colin Palmer to point him to this thread and to ask what he can send us. Will let you know what that includes to see if there is any more you could add.

Still waiting to hear from the Council regards meeting up. In the meantime I thought it might be a good idea to find out how other Council’s approach the issue to see if we can identify some best practice.

The Penine Bridelway National Trail seems to be the most cited example of best practice.

http://www.westpenninemoors.com/files/uploads/pdfs/strategies/WestPennineMoorsBridlewayStrategy2006-2013.pdf

Bridleway design and construction

In the construction of bridleways the challenge is to provide safe and accessible routes for horse riders, walkers, mountain bikers and where possible those less mobile. Their design including furniture, routing and surfacing should take into account the requirements of each user but should not compromise its use by horses. The construction and design of bridleways particularly over upland areas is an evolving process and techniques are constantly being reviewed. There will be a
particular test through this strategy to provide engineered and sustainable upland routes in open country, routes that provide interest to experienced mountain bikers and a challenge to horse
riders and walkers whilst maintaining and appropriately enhancing natural and cultural heritage.

This test will involve close liaison with users and landowners at the design stage and the adoption of national best practice.

The development of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail focussed attention on construction methods and bridleway design, and in response the Countryside Agency produced in 1999 a design guide to assist those in implementing the trail. The guide sets out detailed specifications for a variety of path types and bridleway furniture and
provides a good reference for the development of the network within West Pennine Moors (Pennine Bridleway National Trail Design Guide, Countryside Agency, 1999). As a multi user route the design will need to take into account wherever possible the needs of mountain bikers. The International Mountain Bike Association has produced a design
guide which provides a variety of techniques and which can be used as a reference (Building Better Trails, IMBA, 2001). The durability of the trail is a key consideration at the outset, longterm maintenance also needs to be taken into account at the design stage.

Unfortunately the “Pennine Bridleway National Trail Design Guide, Countryside Agency, 1999” is not available for download anywhere though..

The Institute of Public Rights of Way and Access Management has also produced some best practice:

http://www.iprow.co.uk/gpg/index.php/Surfaces

Has anyone else any examples of good practice?

zippykona – Member
Does anyone know if there is an IMBA rep for Surrey?

http://imba.org.uk/about-imba/contact/

gareth.newns@imba.org.uk

awh – ygm via yr hotmail ad

awh – Member

He’s been a great help getting the path across Rainbow Woods sorted (between the Uni and Shaft Road)

What’s happening? I saw some no cycling signs go up a few months back. It’s on a similar alignment as the bridleway through Monkton Combe Valley so that would seam like the best designation to me. I think I read these paths make up the route of a Roman road. Anyone know?

The no cycling signs are now gone 8) replaced with ‘No Motorcycling’ Signs.

It’s a very long story but the Council are planning to turn the existing footpath into a bridleway. Three of the four landowners (which include the NT) are happy, one (who owns the land near the top of Widcome Hill) is not.

The University and Ralph Allens school are behind the plans but it may well come to a public inquiry if the landowner continues to object.

The first stage is informal consultation, that ended 6th Jan, next stage is to formally advertise the order. I’ll post details on here and elsewhere to alert people and ask them to write in support.

Back to Pipehouse, have spoken a minute ago to the IMBA rep who yesterday spoke to the Rights of Way Team Leader. Plan is to suggest a meeting, possibly on site. Mr Agreeable and Fin, be great if you could support this, I’ll email you 🙂

It’s OK
I’ve calmed down now

Not me yet!

I wonder if they plan to lay some nice tarmac on the top to finish it off!!

:evil:WTF are they doing!!?? Absolutely crazy, these works will if anything make matters worse.

As already said it’s a stream FFS!! Where the **** do they think the water is going to go? They’ve not addressed any of the drainage issues, if anything by the sounds of it they’ve made them worse.

The only possible ‘up’ side to this is that they’ve made such a mess of it, it can only strengthen our argument that such works need to be carried out with care and thought for all users.

I can’t say too much here as it would compromise his position but the local IMBA rep knows the issues and is in touch with the Rights of Way Team. 😉

Cheers Fin for the offer to attend a meeting. I think a meeting on site would be a good idea.

And before you punch him 😉 one of the most local Councillors is a keen cyclist and now Exec Member for Transport, he’s on side and I’m sure if he knew about this would be livid. He’s been a great help getting the path across Rainbow Woods sorted (between the Uni and Shaft Road) and I’m sure he’ll back us if it comes to that.

Nice set of pics Fin. I might never have cleared it but still miss the old trail though 🙁

I’d love to start a local trail crew – but I simply don’t have the time to invest, I tend to do what I can in bursts.

Cheers for clearing that tree on Shaggers

Yeah we must hook up some time. We did a few ‘strimming sessions’ last year – the section over the road from Browns toward Conkwell. Three of us, made a hell of a racket, you must have been able to hear us miles away (and I’ve since invested in a new brush cutting blade).

What MTB would you be flogging (ie. 10yr+ old bike with Vs or a ‘current’ bike?)

What kind of riding do you do (off road) and would it be as ‘enjoyable’ on a crosser.

The crosser is a different ride to the MTB but not really a ‘cross’ between road and MTB at all. eg. you might struggle on the CX due to brake / handling / lack of suspension etc.

I love my CX and ride it off-road a lot, nice to have something that can dive down rutted tracks but is quick on the road. I’ve ridden it for events like the SPAM Winter Challenge, HoNC and Three Peaks etc.. but.. (there’s always a but) it’s always nice to come ‘back’ to the best tool for the job – the MTB. I wouldn’t give up the MTB for a crosser.

No way you can afford both?

B.A.Nana – Member
Quite, I’m still unsure if AnalogueAndy was being sarcastic or not.

Ha ha! Yes, just to be clear the comments relating to the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pics are direct quotes from their (the horseriders) website.

I wouldn’t agree with them.

Interesting though that if you look at the work they’ve done they’ve opened up the drainage ditch (on the left in the pic). Perhaps they could have just done that and ‘re-levelled’ the surface rather than dump loads of Type 1 on it?

s’long, that.

Ditto 🙂

To be fair, it’s mostly the same round here too. The odd idiot in every camp but on the whole we get along nicely thank you 🙂

Interesting addition to the debate.

I started the Bath thread, although I pointed the finger at the equestrian lobby I should point out that it’s not year clear who (if anyone) asked for it to be “improved”.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/pipehouse-lane-nr-bath-improved

That trail is not perhaps the best example to pick but as pointed out in that thread the local equestrian lobby has specifically campaigned for other local trails to be improved.

Details here:

the Mendip Bridleways & Byways Association Website[/url]

As the examples they give on their site show not all the work they call for is ‘sanitisation’ or ‘improvement’, quite often they just trim back overgrowth or sort drainage which of course improves trails for us as much as them.

http://www.mbba.org.uk/routes.htm

Three Ashes Bridleway – Stoke St Michael

In response to an MBBA member’s request, the committee duly walked this bridleway in the Autumn of 2009 together with Sheila Petherbridge, who was at that time, the Rights of Way Officer for Mendip District Council. As you will see from the photos, the route was in a pretty bad way and riders were not using it when wet. Large rocks were embedded in the ruts and the surface was very boggy and impassable in places. A considerable budget of over £3,000 and a detailed job spec were agreed with the MBBA contractor, Russell Bateman and after a very wet winter, work commenced in June 2010.

The improvements are obvious in the photos below and should result in a good all-weather surface for many years to come. The clean-stone topping will bed in and mud will be walked across the path enabling grass to grow in due course. Shortly, the gates are due to be re-hung and horse friendly latches will be added to enable riders to enjoy an unhindered ride through this pretty area.

Before
“Not an easy ride and you’ll have to dismount for the gate!”

After
“That’s better”

As I said in the other thread: I suppose the simple answer is it’s no good complaining and not doing anything about it. I’m in touch with the local IMBA rep and together we plan to talk to the local authority.

Around here (Bath) currently ace 🙂

Last week muddy trails – this week armadillo trails – hard on the outside soft below the surface 🙂

Like hardpack with some ‘give’ in it