In this issue:
Areas:
Harvey Shire Beach Ban
Lano - Cervantes under threat
York Track Upgrade
Fire season delays Pinjar dev
Advocacy:
Study Quantifies Health Benefits
Events:
Minikhana at Beverley
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Helping to save your riding areas
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Dear {tag_recipientfirstname},
The summer fire season has kicked in early this year, delaying the Pinjar development and Pilot Trail projects, both of which are dependent on DEC resources. And at a time when the idea of sea breezes and beach riding have most appeal two popular coastal riding opportunities are under severe threat.
Here's what's happening...
Harvey Shire Proposes Ban on Bikes on Beaches
The Shire of Harvey has signalled its intention to ban all motorcycles and quad bikes from the Myalup and Binningup beach areas - even road registered motorcycles.
The RTRA strongly opposes this action, particularly since a Joint Committee of Myalup / Binningup residents and associations put forward a sensible proposal for controlling behaviour on the beaches that would have potentially resolved the issues in the area without depriving locals and visitors of the opportunity to enjoy beach access on their vehicles.
The RTRA has sent a detailed response arguing against the Shire proposal.
More...
Pilot Trail Project
The proposed 18km loop is being reviewed by DEC to see if some adjustments can be made to a proposed Fauna Protection zone. This would enable the trail to utilise some more interesting terrain in the area.
A new section of single-track has been mapped out. This will keep the trail clear of a Flora Buffer zone and will give us a rarer opportunity to create brand new trail.
You can read more information about this project here.
Canadian Study Demonstrates Health Benefits
Anyone who rides a dirt bike or ATV will know that it requires physical exertion. And we all know that regular physical exertion has health benefits. Now a new Canadian study has taken the first steps towards quantifying these benefits - and in language that health professionals will understand.
The study found that oxygen consumption increased by 6 times resting value and heart rate measurements put riding in the 'hard exercise' category. Which all means we need to ride more to stay healthier!
More...
York Track Gets Upgrade
The Off Road Vehicle Area in York has had an upgrade thanks to York Council.
As well as re-grading the track, the upgrade has re-profiled jumps, changed the alignment to reduce trail crossings and generally improved safety in the area.
The York Off Road Vehicle Area is only small, but it has proven to be an effective, orderly and popular place for riding.
The RTRA commends York Council for allocating funds for maintenance and improvements.
Kwinana Doesn't Get an Upgrade
While the Shire of York (2009 Total Operating Expenditure $4.8m) can find the funds to upgrade their Off Road Vehicle Area, the Town of Kwinana (2009 Total Operating Expenditure $36.7m) still has no budget to apply to improving or extending the Thomas Rd Medina facility.
Town of Kwinana officials have consistently claimed that as the catchment area for this facility extends beyond the Town boundaries, the Kwinana council shouldn't have to pay for maintenance.
Our guess is that an even higher proportion of the visitors to York come from outside that Shire, but it doesn't seem to worry York Council!
Lancelin - Cervantes to be a mere memory?
The popular Lancelin to Cervantes trail could be a thing of the past, with the Department of Defence set to prevent access through the Lancelin Defence Training Area.
The RTRA has written to the Defence Department, expressing our concern over the impact that this decision will have on this popular trail and seeking a meeting to negotiate reasonable terms for continued access.
We will keep members up to date on progress.
Minikhana at Beverley
Red Dirt Promotions and Tours are promoting a Minikhana at the Beverley MX track on December 5.
There's free camping, full canteen facilities and Minikhana participation counts for the 5hr log book requirements for an MA licence.
Cost is $20 if you hold an MA licence or $40 if you need a one-day licence. For details see www.reddirtpromotionsandtours.com
Battle for the Blackwood
 The RTRA has met with DEC to better understand the concerns in the Blackwood area.
Illegal camping appears to be high on the list, with 4WDs and bikes being driven / ridden late into the night close to properties. Wright's Bridge appears to be a problem area but there are more general concerns about riding causing erosion on firebreaks in plantations.
DEC will provide further information and the RTRA is planning to host a Blackwood Riders' Forum early next year. This is prime riding territory and we don't want to lose it!
Fire Season Delays Pinjar Project
 So close! Just days away from completing the PeeWee trail at Pinjar a series of fires and extreme fire warning days saw all the DEC Equipment and personnel withdrawn from the site to fight fires elsewhere.
There's probably only a couple of days work remaining to block off old trail crossings ready for signage to be installed but we need to wait for cooler weather before DEC can re-allocate the resources.
More details ...
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