In this issue:
Areas:
Pinjar Progressing
Pickering Brook Rd Closure
South West Blitz
Gnangara Harvesting Plans
Advocacy:
Strategy gaining momentum
Water Survey encouraging
Trail Care - avoid wet areas
Events:
Boddington Enduro
Capel 200
T&E Cornerman Ride
West Coast Family Trail Park
RTRA /WCS 1 Day Blackwood
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Helping to save your riding areas
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Dear Member,
A little rain, cooler weather and lots of sunshine. Does it get any better for riding than this?
Here's the latest news on the fight to keep us enjoying this great activity for generations to come.
Read on ...
Upping the Heat on the State Trail Bike Strategy
Support for the State Trail Bike Strategy is gaining momentum in Parliament House with Tony Simpson MLA continuing to build Ministerial support. Meanwhile, Opposition MLA Lisa Baker referred to the Strategy in a speech in parliament, criticising the government for prioritising a new netball stadium ahead of improving facilities for trail bike riders. Onya Lisa!
You can read the Hansard transcript of Lisa Baker's speech on the RTRA web site.
Water research says 'Consider off-road activities in outer catchments'
Research commissioned by the Department of Water has supported the RTRA position that managed use of trail bikes in outer catchment areas should be considered. Among other findings, the Syme and Nancarrow study concluded:
"From the findings here it is apparent that the next, risk assessment stage of the project should initially consider the current policy option as well as the other two, somewhat supported options of passive activities in the 2km restricted zone and off-road activities in the outer catchment."
While obviously way too early to be celebrating, this is the first time that any acknowledgment has been given to the concept of managed trail bike use in catchments - so it's a positive step in the right direction.
The report is available for members on the RTRA web site.
Pickering Brook Road Closure Imminent
RTRA has been advised that the planned closure of Pickering Brook Road will happen shortly.
The road closure is a response to resident complaints about noise and vehicles being ridden and driven illegally.
The Ashendon Rd access to Barton's Mill will remain open (riders should note that the Barton's Mill area is within both Water Catchment and Disease Risk Area and is not a sanctioned ORV Area)
South West Blitz Predicted
We've received a report from members that DEC and the Police are planning a winter blitz throughout the South West.
While the emphasis is expected to be on unregistered vehicles and unlicenced riders the word is that police may again start targeting indicators, non-standard number plates and other so-called 'roadworthy' issues.
RTRA will make further enquiries and will be encouraging the rangers and constabulary to focus on the real issues rather than targeting responsible trail riders for minor irrelevencies such as not having indicators on a forest trail!
Boddington, Capel, RTRA/WCS rides
Following the fabulous conditions enjoyed by riders at the recent Adventure Rally there are several good riding opportunities to be had over the next month.
Perth Trailscene and the T&E Club are running the inaugural Boddington Enduro on June 20, the annual Capel event is on July 4, as is a new 'Cornerman Ride Day' at Harvey hosted by the T&E Club. The West Coast Family Trail Bike Park will be open July 14 and 15 and don't forget the next RTRA / West Coast Safaris one-day Blackwood Tour on July 31.
Ah, winter - when too much trail riding is never enough!
Kops on KTMs
Now here's someone who knows how to write a capital equipment request. While most Oz trail police make do with DRZ400s the boys in blue at Wyndham in Victoria seem to have scored themselves a fleet of (well, at least one) KTM EXCs.
Occupational Health & Safety requirement? Orange a better hi-vis colour?
Finish this sentence: "But commissioner, we need KTMs because ________"
Email to info@rtra.asn.au. Most creative line wins a KTM cap.
Pinjar Progressing
 Master planning for the Pinjar ORV area is progressing, with DEC's landscape architects developing plans for parking / unloading areas, and trail concepts being developed this week.
RTRA members will have the opportunity to comment on the plans, with an on-site information session likely to be scheduled within the next six weeks. Work on Stage 1 of the redevelopment is expected to start within the next three months.
Gnangara Harvesting Warning
 The Forest Products Commission has advised that harvesting in the Gnangara pine forests will occur from July to September.
The area north and south of Trainor Rd is the target for this latest round of clear-felling and when complete less than 40% of the original plantation will remain treed.
FPC claims that under the agreement with DEC they have no responsibility to clean up the stumps and debris. Unfortunately this results in the clear-felled areas being no longer 'fit for purpose' as an ORV Area. RTRA will be seeking advice on this to prevent this important area from being decimated entirely.
Trail Care - Avoid Wet Areas
The winter wet is surely not far away - and that means some of the places we ride with minimal impact in summer will become waterlogged and prone to damage.
Water is the most damaging thing that can happen to a trail, and where - and how - we ride through wet areas can mess things up for years. You can help protect our trails by avoiding trails that develop known bog-holes or swampy patches and not creating or worsening ruts up hills. If there's standing water on the trail, slow down and ride through it rather than making the trail wider by riding around it. And remember that dieback spreads more easily when mud is picked up on wheels and frames, so be especially aware of DRA exclusion areas and always make sure you wash your bike thoroughly between rides.
Winter is both the best time to ride and the time when the environment is at its most vulnerable. We all need to take responsibility for protecting our trails for the future.
Is your Membership current?
Not sure if your membership is still current? You can now check your renewal date online.
Just login to the RTRA web site using your member details shown above. The renewal date will be shown along with your current contact details.
If your renewal is due you can renew by clicking the Membership Renewals link.
Spread the Word
The more members we have, the more we can achieve. If you have riding buddies who are not yet members of the RTRA, forward them this email and give them a prod to join up.
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