In this issue:
Areas:
Pinjar Progress update
Advocacy:
Water Inquiry Report Released
Rangers Conference
Pilot Trail Project Update
Minimal Impact Project Update
Events:
RTRA Annual General Meeting
Family Fun Weekend
West Coast RTRA Margaret River
Special Offers:
Trailzone Magazine - 20% discount for RTRA members
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Helping to save your riding areas
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Dear Member,
Only the beginning of October and the trails are as dusty as mid-summer. Sure hope we get some late spring rains to freshen things up.
Water is the main topic this month for another reason; the Parliamentary Committee into Recreation in Drinking Water Source Protection Areas has released its report - and it's not good news. Read on...
No to Managed Access, Yes to Bigger Fines
Fines for illegal riding in water catchment areas could be increased to $5,000 if the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee are adopted by Government.
The Committee's report, released this week, rejected calls by recreational groups including the RTRA for managed access to outer catchment areas and instead has proposed increases in enforcement and big increases in fines.
The findings of the Committee impact all recreation, not just trail bike riders, and it is disappointing that the Committee did not accept more distinction between Reservoir Protection Zones (2km from dams) and the Outer Catchments which can be 40+km away. RTRA will continue to push for a more pragmatic approach to the issue, including a better definition of catchment boundaries to exclude all those areas where it cannot be proven that surface water will eventually end up in a drinking water dam. You can read the transcript of the RTRA / MWA hearing before the Committee here.
Pilot Trail Project
We have now received information from DEC about environmental constraints in the subject area. We do not anticipate these causing the project any problems.
The first meeting of rider representatives for this project will be held on 12th October and planning work will then get underway. If you have registered as a volunteer for this project you will receive you invitation to this meeting shortly.
You can read more information about this project here.
Special Offer from Trailzone Magazine
RTRA members can now take advantage of a special 20% discount offer from Trailzone Magazine.
A one year subscription (6 issues) is $36 instead of the usual $45, or you can double the savings by buying a two year subscription (12 issues) for $72 instead of $90.
Simply download the special RTRA subscription form and mail or fax it back to Trailzone.
Minimal Impact Riding Program
Last week we held a workshop with people from various environmental groups to get an understanding of the impacts on the environment from trail bikes. It was a very positive workshop and all the attendees were sympathetic to the issues. We had experts in dieback, diseases and weeds, water protection, coastal and dunal conservation and soil and erosion from local government, Dept of Environment and Conservation, Dept of Water and Natural Resource Management.
Now we need to start looking at these impacts, the riding behaviours that cause them and whether there are any modifications we can make to reduce those impacts. We also need to understand what are the barriers to riders making those riding behaviour changes, and what might the benefits be. A rider workshop is planned for 11th October to explore this. If you have volunteered for this project and have received an invitation to this meeting please RSVP as soon as possible.
More information about this project can be read here.
Ranger Contact Report - 100+ at once!
Most trail bike riders know what it feels like to be confronted by a Ranger. So spare a thought for your fearless RTRA President who was confronted by over 100 Rangers last week! It’s all good though - Steve had been asked to deliver a presentation to the annual Rangers Association conference.
Rangers are often placed in a difficult position – obliged to stop people riding in unauthorised areas but rarely having a viable alternative to recommend. So the Rangers at the conference were greatly interested in the many projects that are underway to create more riding opportunities and improve riders’ understanding of environmental issues. They were also keen to learn the results of our ‘Report a Ranger Contact’ initiative (which actually shows that riders think most Ranger contacts are ‘firm but fair’.)
Developing a better relationship between riders and Rangers is a good thing for all concerned as Rangers see first hand the need for more legal riding opportunities. So RTRA will maintain contact with the Rangers’ Association and encourages riders to always keep it civil and polite when stopped by a Ranger.
Pinjar Progress
The limestone has now all been laid for the two new trails at Pinjar, ready for grading and compacting.
This work cannot be completed until the trail signage is ready, as once the trail is graded and compacted it is effectively open to riding.
We're anticipating 3-4 weeks to complete this, so with a little bit of luck the trails will be ready by the end of the month.
Read more information on this project, including a great quote from Australian Dirt Bike Magazine.
Family Fun Weekend
There's still time to register for the next T&E Club Family Fun Weekend at Quindanning on October 16 and 17. There's over 20km of signed, one-way trails on private property.
These weekends are great fun and an opportunity for the whole family to ride together.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the RTRA will be held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 13 October at the Sports Association, Stancliffe St, Mt Lawley.
See Notice of Annual General Meeting for details. All members are welcome to attend.
RTRA 2 Day Margaret River Ride
 Margaret River is the destination for the annual RTRA West Coast Safaris 2 Day South West Ride - October 9 and 10. Great flowing trails and more pine plantations than you can poke a stick at! If you have a licence and a road registered bike this is a tour not to be missed.
Only a few places remain, so don't delay. Cost is $465 inclusive of all meals, accommodation at the Margaret River Resort and fuel (after the first tank). See West Coast Trailbike Safaris for details.
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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