Written by Dan, 12th
November 2004
An edited version of the blog I ran on Justridingalong.com
when I started the club, it covers most of the happenings,
as it happened and although not the 'how to start a trails'
article covers most of the hoops we had to go through to get
to where we are now.
15-Apr-02
How not to start ... get caught digging over Forestry land (Redlands
wood) ask for permission to make it legal, get turned down. The
reason for this was two-fold, firstly the land is leased and
the owner wouldn't grant permission. Secondly there is a pheasant
shoot on the land and we disturb the birds.
29-Aug-02
Second attempt: the FE (Forest Enterprise) offered us use of another block
of wood near by that is owned by themselves and not used much by anyone else,
with few existing tracks in. It is very well placed, between Leith Hill, Coldharbour
and Wolvens lane.
02-Sept-02
After a weekend of running around the allotted area making plans we have developed
a map of what trails we want to work on. These are with the F.C. awaiting further
approval before we can start work.
26-Sept-02
Meet Rory the FC ranger for a look around the area and to check out the trails
we had planned. No serious problems some parts will need re-routing but forestry
work in January will change the landscape. The ferns are dying down at the
moment and when they're gone it will be a lot easier to see the land and potential
trails.
Trail building weekend has been scheduled for 9-10 November
so put the dates in your diary, we plan to be there all weekend
and potential trail pixies can come and help for as long as
they can on the Sat and Sun. We plan to rough as much of the
trails as possible so they are ride able.
Will update map as soon as we have more plans!
Will also post more exact details of weekend but keep it free!
04-Oct-02
Monday before the big weekend, meet Ian Warby of Aston Hill,
his assistant Andrew and Rory the Forester at Coldharbour
to get some advice on building and running the trails. Ian
has been running Aston Hill for over 5 years now and has
learnt from scratch, I invite him over to steal all his ideas.
Feel guilty about this but Ian is more than happy to help.
Does a live berm construction demo and rolling grade trail
demo, proves we can make top quality trails if we spend the
time and could have something really special. Have lots of
people signed up, that all ride in the area but have never
meet each other, should be fun.
27-Oct-02
Just got back from holiday to find a Forest Enterprise contract for me to sign
for the weekend to tune of 5 million liability, have heart attack, call Rory
on Monday morning find its a misprint. Phew, the weekend was almost off for
a while.
28-Oct-02
First Trail building day planned
10-Dec-02
Third Trail Building weekend
08-Feb-03
Trail building Lesson with Ian warby group of diggers
and potential trail builders gather to hear what Ian has to
say, he's a good teacher as well as being knowledgeable about
the trails.
24-Feb-03
Things are growing and its time to formalise the group and delegate tasks.
Busy establishing club structure and links with other groups and users. Redlands
Trails officially constituted, bank account opened, and committee drawn up:
Bec (Chairperson), Dan (Secretary), Jon, Ben, Henry. After dashing in head
first its time to find our feet and put down some roots and a base.
19-Feb-2003
Logging expected
04-Mar-03
Received first funding - £300 from Mole Valley District
Council, to pay for tools
15-Apr-2003
Negotiations begin with Hurtwood Control. With the intention
of negotiating for mountain bike trails on the land or repairing
the existing unofficial tracks.
17-Apr-2003
Club Insurance for builders, We are still looking for public and employer's
liability insurance for our trail building. We have been in contact with the
CTC and insurers regarding our own club insurance.
04-Jun-2003
Summer evening maintenance, building last night. A
few of us went up to the trail last night to do a bit of
maintenance, we got a bit bitten by midges but managed to
improve a reasonable stretch of trail just after the new
climb off Wolvens Lane. We are trying to make the Tuesday
evening maintenance a weekly event, keep checking the site
and come along to dig.
14-Jul-2003
Evening digging continues and public profile rises, with
contact from the CTC, Sustrans and article in local paper,
the Dorking Advertiser. Invited
to sit on meeting forming tourism policy at the Surrey Hills offices. Redlands
Trails has the opportunity to comment on the future plans for the Surrey Hills
AONB.
21-Aug-2003
Banks: after a long battle we've secured our own bank
account, although it doesn't sound important you can't do
much without one in normal life or in trail building.
02-Nov-2003
Harvesting, yet to check out the damage from the harvesting
on summer lightening, other trails in the area have been
decimated but it shouldn't be so bad around there. Should
hear about the lottery grant this week and there's another
in for landfill tax funding. Much rain should be good for Waggledance bedding
in and make the ground easier for more work.
22-Nov-2003
Received ~£3000 Awards For All lottery funding for more
tools and building day costs, building website, and other publicity
costs
12-Dec-2003
Launched membership scheme, with discounts in local bike shops.
03-Jan-2004
Began discussions with Surrey Hills AONB regarding possibility of working with
other landowners.
02-May-04
Recruited more people to join meetings and help out: Dave, Gavin, Mark, Mike,
Simon.
Reopen talks with Hurtwood Control.
to present ...
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