In this issue:
Areas:
Pinjar Update
Pilot Trail Project
Advocacy:
Minimal Impact Program
State Trail Bike Strategy
Perth Hills Trails Reference Group
DEC ORV Working Group
Events:
RTRA /WCS 2 Day South West
Family Fun Weekend
West Coast Trail Bike Park
West Moto Park
Login for more information
To access the Members Only area of the RTRA Web site you will need to log on as follows:
User Name: {tag_recipientusername}
Password: {tag_recipientpassword}
Helping to save your riding areas
|
Dear Member,
It's sort of like waiting for a bus. You wait for ages then several come along all at once. That's the situation we're in at the moment with our various projects, and fortunately we've received great support from members.
Read on for the latest in what is a very busy and productive time for the RTRA.
Pinjar Update
This week the limestone surfacing should be completed for the new 'PeeWee' loop trail.
This 1 kilometre trail builds on the experience of the original Pilot Trail and has been designed specifically for the youngest riders.
Clearing for the initial 6 kilometre 'Family Trail' has also been completed and will be ride-tested this coming weekend before surfacing commences. This trail, like all the planned trails on the eastern side of Orchid Road is designed for the beginner to novice rider.
Intermediate and Advanced trails are planned for the next stage of trails development, however DEC will be doing some maintenance on the fire breaks in this current stage.
New car parking and toilet facilities also form part of the Stage 1 plan. See the Pinjar Project on the RTRA web site for more details.
All riders are requested to avoid the area east of Orchid Rd until after construction has been finished.
Remember, we need volunteers for our 'Friends of Pinjar' program.
Pilot Trail
We've had a great response from members who want to be involved in this project.
Last month we toured the general area for the proposed Pilot Trail with the chaps from DEC who will be working on the project. This confirmed the area's potential and some of the specific opportunities.
An information session will be held within the next couple of weeks and
planning work will get underway immediately afterwards.
Minimal Impact Riding Program
We've had a good response to this project, too, however we could do with a few more
members becoming involved.
We'll be meeting with various environmental groups next week to gain an understanding of the issues from the perspective of those groups, then scheduling a workshop with a rider 'reference group' to explore the barriers and benefits associated with the issues.
This is a really important project for the long term future of trail and quad bike riding, so we want to make it a success. If you believe that the way we ride can make a difference to the impact we have on the environment please consider becoming involved in this project.
If you don't think this is important, then you might want to consider this quote from Jim Sharp, Director of DEC at the enquiry into Water Catchment areas:
"Our policy is that everyone who wants to use natural areas has an equal claim or right; the only reason to constrain or restrict them is their impact and what damage they could do."
State Trail Bike Strategy - Time to Start Agitating
We believe that the Cabinet Briefing Paper has been prepared and this is (at last) going
to be presented to Cabinet.
Once it has been presented we will want to ensure that all Ministers and MPs understand the issues and give the strategy their full support.
The RTRA will be writing to key stakeholders, but we encourage all members
to prepare a letter to their local MP. We will advise when the time is right to send the letters for maximum impact.
More Family Fun
Following the success of the recent Family Fun Weekend at Mornington Mills, the T&E Club is finalising preparations for the next weekend to be held at Qindanning on October 16 and 17.
And the West Coast Trail Bike Park will be open the following weekend, October 23 and 24.
These weekends are great fun and an opportunity for the whole family to ride together.
For those who prefer a circuit-style venue, West MotoPark will be open each weekend in September.
DEC Forms ORV Working Group
The Department of Environment and Conservation is establishing an Off Road Vehicle working group to assist in formulating policies and processes for ORV access to State Forests and other DEC estates.
The RTRA has been invited to represent the interests of trail and quad bike riders and to coordinate representation from competition interests as required.
Being part of this working group does not necessarily mean that we will always get what we want, but it is certainly better than having policies created and adopted by DEC without riders having any say!
Among other things, the ORV Working Group will be considering the recommendations of the ORV Land Planning study that was undertaken last year and which received valuable input from RTRA Members.
Perth Hills Trails Reference Group
 The Perth Hills Trails Reference Group met recently - the first time trail bike riders have
been represented on this committee.
Main topic of discussion was the Hills Trails Master
Plan. The original scope of this project excluded trail bikes, but following clarification from
the Lotteries Commission which is funding the Master Plan, the RTRA will be moving to have the scope expanded to include trail bikes.
This is a necessary but small step, as we will be relying on a relaxation of water catchment rules to make any planning for trail bike trails a reality.
RTRA 2 Day South West Ride
 The annual RTRA West Coast Safaris 2 Day South West Ride is set for prime riding season - October 9 and 10. If you have a licence and a road registered bike this is a tour not to be missed.
Only 15 places remain, so don't delay. Cost is $465 inclusive of all meals, accommodation and fuel (after the first tank). See West Coast Trailbike Safaris for details.
More Ride Parks on the way?
We're aware of at least four potential new ride parks in the early planning or development stages.
More details will be released as we're able to.
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.
|
RTRA e-Newsletter