by Azza » Thu 29 Jan, 2015 12:41 pm
I live about 100m from the start of the main fire trail, probably only about 1km from the Old Farm Fire trail junction.
So I've probably walked it, myrtle gully is much nicer. Although I don't get out and walk the trails on the mountain often enough.
I'm not a hard core mountain biker either, but I'd be more inclined to go for a ride on those trails as opposed to a walk.
So as a bushwalker - ( I do lot's of hiking - mostly in the South West WHA)
I know quite a few people in the mountain biking community, many of them are also avid bushwalkers, climbers etc of all ages.
They're motivated and willing to put many unpaid hours of their own time into a project like this, particularly in terms of track construction and ongoing maintenance.
I've been to places like Queenstown in NZ, Whistler in Canada and I know they have awesome mountain bike trails and facilities, our local riding community is asking why can't we have a little bit of that here too? Walkers are already well catered for.
The mountain is hardly a pristine wilderness and I believe it is under utilised. More people are going to get out there and enjoy it if it caters for a wider audience of users.
Much better to have some sensible development on the mountain than carving up the WHA.
I disagree with the comments regarding a shared track particularly with this developments intended purpose, it would be very dangerous for both users due to the nature of 'downhill mountain biking'.
Some people want to go for a relaxing walk, others a nice sedate ride, some people want to ride downhill fast and mangle themselves airborne into a tree.. each to their own really.
I first rode my mountain bike down the mountain about 25 years ago as a young Scout, which is also how to got introduced into Bushwalking, Climbing and a variety of outdoor pursuits.
I think there is room to support multiple user groups.
If the sign is there on the track and no one has formally raised their concerns with the council because they've not seen it, kind of implies the current usage by walkers is somewhat limited?
I'd much prefer our park supports a range of different usages and healthy outdoor pursuits.. better than having some bored kids setting fire to the bush behind my house, which would be bad for the environment and me.
I have no issues with the proposal. Your well within your rights to lodge an objection and I have no issues with that.