In this issue:

Areas:

Pilot Trail Bike Trail

Friends of Pinjar

Ride Park Updates

Advocacy:

Bushland News Cover

RTRA turns five

New RTRA Projects Officer

Minimal Impact:

Checked your First Aid kit?

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The RTRA is shifting up a gear!  

From this month we will have our first staff member to help us accelerate several key communication projects - and a series of new projects that will benefit riders in both the short and long term.

Meanwhile your Committee is developing new programs for membership and events so you can expect to see more activity on this front as well.

More than ever before, it's important that we attract as many riders as possible to the Association.  It's our numbers that give us our strength, so if you know anyone who rides and isn't yet a member, please encourage them to join.

Here's what's been happening:

New Project Officer

We're delighted to announce the appointment of Melanie Andrew as Projects Officer for the RTRA, effective April 2.

Melanie has over ten years experience in the communications industry, most recently at one of Perth's most successful PR firms where she worked on events like the Red Bull Air Race and for clients including LandCorp.  She grew up in Roleystone, worked at a Kawasaki dealer while at Uni and learned to ride on an old TT600!  You'll be hearing more from Melanie soon.

Has it been that long already? 

On March 27 the RTRA achieved a significant milestone - 5 years since incorporation as an Association.

It's certainly been an eventful five years and it is only when we look back at those early days that we can see how far we have come.  I wonder where we will be in another five years? 

Pilot Trail Bike Trail Construction Underway

Construction work has now begun on the Pilot Trail Bike Trail.  A one kilometre section of new single-trail was cut by a DEC crew last week and a small whooped-out section of logging trail rehabilitated to test machinery and techniques.

We are currently in discussions with DEC about the relative merits of remediating old trails versus ripping them up and revegetating them, and building new single-trail to replace them.  Learn more about this project ... 

Bushland News

The strengthening relationship between DEC and the RTRA is the cover story of the Autumn edition of Bushland News - the Department's Urban Nature magazine. This publication goes out to community conservation groups, many of which have strong (and often negative) views about trail bikes.

Putting our relationship in a positive light shows that riders are also concerned about the environment and we recognise our responsibility to look after the land so we can continue to use it.

Ride Park Updates

The owners of WA's ride parks are continuing to invest in infrastructure and facilities.  

John & Georgina Staines at West Coast Trailbike Park have been busy installing an irrigation system around the Natural Terrain MX circuit and camping areas, while the team at West MotoPark are continuing the work on the shop (the coffee machine is now up and running) and have invested in spare parts for bikes. Dirt Rider Heaven is now open 4 days a week (Friday to Monday).

Vale Jaye Radisich

Members may be aware that Jaye Radisich, the former Member for Swan Hills, passed away this week.

You may not be aware of the connection between Jaye and the RTRA but it was significant. Read Steve's Blog for details.

The RTRA expresses its condolences to Jaye's family and friends.

Australian Safari

Looking for a 'mancation'?  Want to experience the Australian Safari without the expense and pressure of competing?  

The Safari Adventure Tour could be worth a look.  Ride parts of the course, spectate in the good spots - and all with a support crew with fuel, food and experienced lead and sweep riders.  You can even hire a bike if you need something more suitable for the long distances involved.  See www.australasiansafari.com.au for details. 

Pinjar Volunteers Wanted

We need a volunteer coordinator for the Friends of Pinjar group. The role will be to coordinate a schedule of volunteers to act as 'trail ambassadors' in the area, reporting any damage or rubbish dumping and providing assistance to new users of the area.

We already have 20 members who have expressed interest in being part of this group and we have an online volunteer management and support system ready to use.

If you are good with people, have some spare time and have an interest in the Pinjar area please contact Melanie for more information.

Minimal Impact - Time to check your First Aid kit

OK, so the bike's had its pre-season overhaul.  But what about your First Aid kit? have you replaced the triangle bandage you used last year when your mate did his collarbone?  Or the non-stick dressing you used on your kid's gravel rash elbow? Or the headache pills you 'borrowed' from the kit on New Year's Day?

There's a good time to rummage through your kit to discover what's missing ... and there's not a good time (like when you're injured out on the trail).  If you need an easy way to stock up the St John's web site has an extensive order form.  

RTRA Blog

If you haven't yet checked out the new RTRA blog, head over to www.RTRA.asn.au/blog. Each week we will feature a different perspective on trail bike riding in WA. If you would like to make a contribution please contact secretary@RTRA.asn.au.

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