NEWS

Blocking off Cliff Richard

After being outraged by trees being felled to prevent access to a very challenging & technical descent in the local area, when the opportunity came along to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about I couldn't let the moment pass. So, outraged from Dorking posed the question.   

"How can you justify chopping trees down just to stop mountain bikers?"

The answer primarily is the NT is very worried about being sued by someone who rides & falls on the said track & the NT hasn't done all it can to prevent it being ridden. "But it's illegal, how can they be in trouble for something we shouldn't be doing anyway?" I countered. Because it's their land & are responsible for it, they're not prepared to run the risk, they have to show they are making an effort.

"But what about the trees?"

Well apparently these trees are like weeds & have sprouted up only over the last 60years, (quite long I thought) much of the rangers work is to clear the trees (silver birch) & try to keep as much of the area heathland rather than woodland to enable wildlife, flora & fauna to flourish trying to keep a healthy balance between the two.

Well at least I know why now & as is always the case once the reasons are known the outcome is easier to accept.The NT do a tremendous job preserving the heritage of this country & only are doing what they think is right (whether I like it or not.) But we've been riding these trails for at least 10yrs, why has it only now become an issue?

But mountain biking is not just about riding nature, it's like nature & where rivers are dammed another way is found. I'm off to Golden Birdies .......coming?

NB. Sunday ride just returned & informed us 'bop till you drop' has also been blocked. In the words of The Streets (cue cockney accent)  "This is well out of order now, it's well out of town"

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