southerndownhill.com - Forum

I KNOW WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO POST TOPICS ON ROGATE BUT THIS IS DIFFERENT.
I SPOKE TO THE FORESTRY COMISSION AND THE BRITISH CYCLING FEDERATION LAST WEEK REGARDS LEASING THE LAND AND INSURING A CLUB.
ITS ALL VERY PROMISING. ITS A PIECE OF CAKE TO PUT TOGETHER.
I WILL HAPPILY SET UP THE CLUB WHICH LOOKS TO COST MEMBERS LESS THAN

you cant use pound signs, it deletes half your post.

THANKS BUDDY. THIS IS SET TO COST US LESS THAN 10 POUND EACH PER YEAR. WORTH IT TO KNOW YOUR NOT WASTING TIME AND FUEL DRIVING OVER. NOTHING TOO ANAL PLANNED, JUST A HILL FOR RIDERS BY RIDERS SORT OF THING AND HOPEFULLY THE ODD RACE. THE FORESTRY WERE SUPRISINGLY UP FOR THIS SO ITS NOW DOWN TO US. LETS SEE SOME LOVE ON THE FORUM AND A SHOW OF SUPPORT SO I CAN DO THE BUSINESS!

First don't post in caps and second it would be a good idea but how will you know that everyone riding there will be part of the club? I go quite alot and alot of the times it's during the week, how will you monitor it?

That's the main thing, I can't see any way you will stop riders from riding there, gates at the top of courses obviously will not work...

But yes, it would be nice to keep it as a riding spot.

Paul T can you PM me the details please.

You're supposed to have a permit at the Lookout in Bracknell but no one checks, whats to stop you sliding through the hedge up at Aston Hill rather than going through the gate?  It'll have to be based on trust I reckon.  Doesn't the freeride park at Blanford operate in the same way?

I was asking about this the other month, quite interested in helping out in anyway i can, if you could pm me with more information it would be much appreciated. Thanks

An element of trust is required for sure. Its taken me this long to do something just because I felt its impossible to police. But this has been a problem since time began on BMX tracks and alike. I thought that that if it was well signed with the fact you must be a member and all members had a tag on the bars or something, non members would stand out and that may be all that is required to keep it in check. As mentioned the other spots have the same vulnerability. It will always be a factor but we can't let it stop progress. I for one would be happy to pay 10 quid and have an official venue we can make really good that stays built regardless of its probable abuse by non members. I guess the thing is to focus on our goal which would be to have control of rogate hill. Core members get what we want out of it and the cost is low so sod it I say, lets get it done.

To be honest mate it's a lost cause. That area is due to be felled and there is nothing we can do about it. I'm all for keeping it but at the end of the day we are riding there illegally and the FC can do what they want with it.

Someone tried to do something about it last year but nothing actually happened, I just can't see it happening sorry. Your biggest problems are the felling thats going to be taking place and how to monitor the place.

Tavi currently runs on a riding permit basis and the area is looked after by the local riders. Basically riding is only allowed on the weekend so things are only checked then however by having a local riders committee they know when new riders turn up to ride and enforce a one free day riding to see if you like the place and then 1 year membership at 20GBP [damn that pound sign] . You have to carry a membership card with you at all times so if you don't show a committiee member your card then it's no riding for you. The only problem with that is what if the riders tell you to f**** off

Some scum may say F off if given the facts but they then would have to ride amongst paying members frowning at them which I imagine they'd only do once. For the best part DH/Freeride people are good folk. Have faith. Rogate is out there too its requires a car and the knowledge. A tag on you bars says your in and the rest should follow or stand out like a sore thumb.
The point remains that as long as enough come forward to cover the annual cost (only about 400 quid) then riding there is legal, the trails can be built without worry and British cycling federation protect us as a club against claims involving non members on our trails. Lets say only 10 people want to do this... at least we 10 members only pay 40 quid each a year, we build it how we like, slowly recruit others and save money on travel to other spots.  Speak to Ian Warby (aston hill) or www.mtb-freeride.com guys, this is how it has to start.
I feel like a politician.

Paul I'll PM you later on about it when I get back.

Think that would work pretty well,

St.Jimmy
What happened last yr regarding it being made official, where did it all go wrong ?

No idea what happened last year. shame. Still we can sort now if we can rally the numbers.
Regards the tree felling. I have spoken to the FC again this arvo and they would make all plans to fell known to us with dates of intended work before leasing to us. They could even adjust any work plans, given how small the area is, so all parties would be happy with what and when it took place and in fact they went as far as saying we could even ask for some trees to remain if they were key to a trail. At present though it seems felling of trees there is not immediately an issue.

last year we stopped trying to make it an offical site as it started off just like this is now, we made a club, meeted FC there one evening for a chat, all seemed like they wonted to help us, and then they wonted some stupid ammount of moey off us for insurance, like 3k or somthing,

what about car parking?? this is one of the majour issues with the site according to the FC, as on a busy day cars/vans will be lined up all along that road, they have had alot of complaints!

so will they provide parking? or do we use the road? or do we use the car park around the corner which is about a 2 mins ride to the hill?

who will be in charge of building and maintaining? or will it stay as is, where any one turns up with a spade and digs, which has lead to all most every track overlapping another one,

there are alot of things to consider!!

i personally wont join a club and pay money to ride a place i had a large part in building, i've been ridng there now for 4+ years and rearly go there now even though its 10 mins from me as its just to short!

and racing would be a big prob as not even the car park around the corner would be able to cope with that volume of cars.

i also remember something about the place being sold for felling, and it was due to be chopped down this year, just like all the other hills next to the site which have all ready been felled, its only a matter of time before its all chopped down!

dave

FC want us to be a formed club with liability cover to 5million.
Parking is a shite there which is my main concern. FC and I would need to sort that of course.
Regards the trails, I don't like the way it is right now, which is partly why I want to do this. I want to see it as it was years ago and maybe go as far as taping off down the main runs and leaving the remainder to freeride messing.

I hoped as a club we'd atract yourselves and others who created it to start with to restore it to its full glory. I don't know jack about trail building but I hope I can help you and others who do to get it sweet.

Rogate aside. A proper club and venue in this area is a good idea though right? I know a few farmers who may lease to us...

Well the Forestry commission have a little hut/work bit at the bottom, over the Rode, maybe get them to wonder over every hour if in the Area.

that could be a start, and just make a note of who is there and who is a member etc.

but tbh its only 10quid and I'm sure people would pay that anyway when their there.

I'm in..

well where the gate is at the Bottom, make that a car park entrance and just take out the shrubs and few small logs and its a 15-20 car park.

BTW please if this does to together, make it either a 'FR' or 'DH' Facility and not a silly dirt jumping place. because the dirt jumps there were stupid. and there is sheet common with lots of jumps just a 5 min ride from there anyhow.

DaveM has a good point about about the venues shortness , not being able to go right from the top is quite limiting . If your going to put heart and soul into a place , and a huge amount organization it would be good to have something a bit longer , is there anywhere on the otherside or near by ? maybe the FC could advice , (away from dog walkers , ramblers and horse riders)and  with parking , just a thought

probably best to find somewhere totally new. maybe in the Same Area.
 like said above 'find another bit to build'


nick

I did mention extended up the hill to the FC and although its not agreed it sounds promising. That would give us a full minute run if done right. the FC do sound very keen to do this so I think we could approach them regards a totally new spot, I'll take it up with them.

sounds good to me. I'd definately pay a tenner to ride there, its nothing really for such fun.

I think if you/we could make the track longer and better it would be awesome. The bit above the main rogate has one line but its s**t.

There seems to be many places down the bottom where a car park could be made. I've heard that the FC actually closed a car park which is at the bottom....

If we could get a 1min run, tbh i think it'll be difficult to get that length, that would be wicked and i would definately come race.

We only need 40 people to pay a tenner and its sorted, the last busy day i was there were a large number of people so a tenner each would easily get the total needed.

Good luck anyways!

if you go up past the fire road at the top there are about 4 differnet lines comming on to different ones ofthe normal tracks, just most are over grown now and weather beaten, even with the top section you wont get a good minute run, the bottom bit at the mo is only like 20-25 seconds,

as for a better spot near by, i know the area fairly well, there 2 runs on the other side, one is never used and trashed, but with some work will be better, but still less than a min run, i do know a spot up the rade, but is way to over grown and i dont think a decent run could be made, plus  parking is alot worse than rogate

dave

On a side note, the posters up there need laminating as there soaked  ;)

If you saying that then another massive problem is the amount of litter up there. For fucks sake take it home with you.

yeah that is problem.....but that is quite easy to stop as if everyone picks up on people who do litter it will hopefully stop it.

well few Years back there was a Very large Black bin there, but someone took that for what ever reason ::)


btw if this all go 'tits-up' then sdh will be to blame.After'all it was APPARENTLY sdh that caused the invasion of 18+ cars a while back.


nick

I went up there for the first time in a long time today just to see what was going on up there had alook around a quick ride on the doubles.

The litter propblem up there is huge i picked up a couple of bits but the holes where people had been digging to get earth for the new doubles were full.

Because of the problem with walkers and things around there the holes dug need to be filled in because, a walker falls into a hole breaks there anckle and could end up stuck up there...

I would certainly be in for a tenner a year no problem well worth it just needs the effort.

Best of luck with it and hope to see you all up there soon

Joe

Yeh i was up there today too with joewey! The litter thing is definatly true, its not difficult to take you r litter home with you rather than just droppping it and litter annoys a lot of ppl, like walkers horseriders or any conservationist!
Its good to see a bit of work put back into it though, and thanks Paul for putting in th effort and trying to sort it all out, i'm willing ot put in 10 quid or more and i know at least another 3 or four ppl who would!

I got your number of the notice and i live locally, so if i txt you mine if you ever want any help building or theres a meeting where FC want to see that there are other ppl interested then a few of my friends and I are happy to lend a hand!

Good luck with it all!

adam

I also went up for the first time in ages, the fact that there is still stuff to ride and people to ride it, even after attempts to destoy it shows that something is worth sorting out. Some careful building of tracks could make it even better, even if they do not go above the path. Short downhills means short walks back up, I'll save the long downhills for Wales and Scotland.

The litter is ridiculous, if you take food along to the trails, then you have enough space to take the litter back, NO EXCUSES, when you drop it, it doesn't magically disappear, it stays there until someone picks it up (probably an irate walker planning on writing a letter to the FC...)

As for parking, as mentioned, there is plenty of unused flat land at the bottom, with a bit of clearing, it's a possibility?

If something could be sorted and for a tenner each I would happily pay it, much more though (as I think the last attempt worked out to) and I wouldn't be able to.

I will meet with the FC up there asap and see whats on offer for parking and extending our runs. Will be back soon. Meanwhile speak to your friends and lets get enough coming forward to make it happen. If nothing else... we core locals who may cough up will have saved the day! Its short there but long enough for training its just right to walk back up. For races we will need atleast 50 secs. One step at a time eh. Lets get the FC sorted and go from there.

No point holding races there as it's way way too short and the parking is a major problem.

if you want the Litter problem solved then talk to the little kiddy's on Dirt jump bikes and a norco with 66's, there a group of about 7 under 15 Years, ive told them about the situation ages back..

i dont want to blame the litter on them but they are the Guys who are down there everyday riding and Taking the mick!

again...the Parking can ne resolved by making a large parking space using the Bottom Gate a Car Park Entrance.

might go up tomorro...


nick

the mention of races is a bit of a turn off for the FC aswell, it will be much easier for you to juts propose getting the place sorted at least for now.
You also have to remember building will have to be carried out to IMBA standards (not too difficult) and often on insured dig days (more difficult)

Not trying to put you off at all but it will be hard and long enough to get anything started without considering extending courses witha  view to holding races.

Chris the problem is the tracks are like 20/30 secs long, so races are very difficult.

i think the whole Race idea is a no-no!
there arent even hills there than are 2x the size of Rogate anyway.

think everyone should just 'crack-on' and get the approval to start Building again within the Guidlines.


nick

starting sound like a plan. when I have enough of us to pay approx 10 quid and cover costs we can go get the place sorted cos we'll know its staying put. Sure others will come along and ride without paying and leave litter but this is too easy to pass up for a top practise spot to become legal. let me know if you want your name in and I'll be in touch when the next step is to be taken.

20/30 seconds long? Is it not worth fiding somewhere that has potential for atleast a minute and the guys who are showing interest here all teaming tgether to build something half decent?

Let me know, I'm up for a bit of dowhill again.

oh my god i went up yesturday and thank god it rained for a few days!
there is potential for a Car Park there easily.

the LITTER! i was incredibly shocked.  i was tempted to pick it up but that be 30mintues less of riding.

i know exactly who the litter bugs are and will be having a quiet word.

nick

i will put a bin up there soon if you think its a good idea and the people who are littering up there are  this group of dirtjumpers who are 14-15 years old if you see them tell them to pick it all up and take it home. it worked for me last time

It would be good to get a bin back up there, i cleared some of the crap up on sunday, still a bit of a mess though

Anyone see my crash yesterday there on the green rhythm, I dunno what I did  :'(

Can't say I did Roo but you were hustling along! It was a cracking day up the hill eh. (I don't think any one spilled any claret to speak of). I have now got 28 people keen to be a part of leasing the land etc. so I will now scan the FC for surprises and hiccups.
Thanks guys (and girl) I'll be back.

Nice to meet you, good luck with any talks.

i forgot to put i would be happy to be part of the leasing.

Rider... Cool, I have stuck you in my buddy list. you can email me if you like so I have your e address. I am meeting FC at their office on Wed morning then soon after on site to talk boudaries. Ian Warby (Aston hill) has been talking to them regards Rogate and a tailormade insurance package by the CTC for such sites to marry up with FC lease agreements more easily now and for the future. I hope this is a good thing?!  I fear Ians timing may mean Rogate will drag on a bit longer than hoped as they'll want to see what he comes up with.

I think the whole thing is a good idea, and i would like to offer as a leading member of the University of Portsmouth Mountain Biking Club, the support of my self and our members, as we have been comming to Rogate for a good many years now and is a much loved riding spot.

Rob  :)

Sweet - good to hear. Hope to meet you soon
Getting there

I really enjoyed myself on sunday some quality stuff being ridden. I took lots of photos of various different people. Any one want any pictures let me know what oyu were riding and ill see whether i got any good ones.

Joe

so do you want some of us down there wednesday?


nick

me and tom will be there wednesday to show our support.
and incase things get a bit nasty, tom can sort them out  ;)

NAsh Nash!

Since when have I looked like Gnasher  ::)

haha

we still going tom?
ill be arriving about 1-2pm because ill be fitting my new boxxers.

nick

This first meeting is at the office in Alice Holt not on the site at the trails.
appreciate the support though. I will only chewing on some small print and asking some questions about the lease and he wants to see the insurance policy we are using. After this meeting I will be meeting them up there at which point I'll let you all know.

How did the meeting go

Sorry Guys,

meeting is next wednesday, sorry. Will let all know then.

Paul

Cheers Paul.

anyone fancey a ride next week?

sorry i mean to talk about the future of Rogate  ;)
btw ill bring some littler signs too to put up! if not already done.


nick

Hello all,

The meeting with the FC went very well.
No hidden costs, no stress.

I have about 45 people up for this, which is a nice number.

Hello all, AGAIN... DAMN POUND SIGN THANG

The meeting with the FC went very well.
No hidden costs, no stress.

I have about 45 people up for this, which is a nice number.

10 quid per head leaves a bit in the pot for whatever comes.


Whats next to do:
A name is to be agreed for the for the official documents to come.
Rogate Down Hill (RHD)
Coombe Hill
Any other ideas? Let me know!!

I am to meet at the trails to discuss boundaries, car parking and upkeep etc. with an FC official soon.
Want to be there? Let me know. This hopefully will be wrapped up this week.

So once we have...
Agreed the boundaries with FC (a formality)
Opened the bank account
Gathered in application forms and your money
Signed up to the British Cyling Federation for insurance
Provided a copy of our constitution and insurance certificate
Signed the lease

...Then its ours!
We ought to have a sticker or tag to pop on our bikes or persons so we know who we are.
We can allow others to ride as invitees but regular riders need to sign up.

Speak soon.

Paul

Nice job paul hope to see you up there again soon.

Joe

do you have any idea when the next meeting will be, cos i want to be there

Just wanted to add my support, good job on all the work so far. If there's anything I can do let me know.

Definatley interested in being a part of this, fairley new to downhill, heard of rogate but never been up there even though I think it's quite close. A rider owned organised venue sounds like the way forward to me.

Email b08_smith@yahoo.co.uk and let me know how I can get involved (and where it is :))

Cheers

Bob

Paul as you know I'm up for it aswell.

Thanks guys. Won't be long. I am no longer going away thanks to my business so I will arrange to meet the FC on site hopefully first week of August.

cool, give me a pm and i will see if me and old skool can come along

I should be around the first week of August, unless it's a Monday.

noooo not the first week of august!

im in Portreath, but the second week i shall be there everyday i can.

cannot wait, shame im moving but ill still pay the 10pound Fee.

nick

i was up at rogate yesterday and me and freinds smelt smoke we went up above the firetrack at the top and found a disposable barbecue upside down. there were not many flames but it was spreading underground and then flames started popping up in tree stumps in ranges of a couple of metres. it was spreading through the peat we tried to stop it but we made no affect so we phoned for a fire engine and got 2. they put it out and stopped it spreading. earlier on in the day we heard lots of rustling and some loud noises. i suspect it was some kids that started it but this is the second time i have found a fire there and i think we will need to sort something out about this because if that wasnt found when it was the whole wood could have been burnt down by now.

*take my hat off to you*

good thinking, seriously well done. With no Rain for a Few Weeks now the wood like you say would have been on Fire NOW!.
Who would turn a BBQ upside down?  ::) Its Common Sense.

nick *thumbs up*

sounds like whipper snappers! well done guys for pursuing it.

nice one for stopping that fire!!! How was it spreading underground?!

I'm still up to pay the tenner btw!

it was spreading through the peat somehow

oh back to the naming bit i think 'Coombe Hill' i think is good.
Everyone knows 'ROGATE' as the name and Rogate is no where near is not even Liss!!

'nick's dh' sounds pretty good ;D


nick

I've heard it called "Rogate" "Liss" "Milland" "The coombes"
Its actually a good 2 miles from any of those villages.
Coombe hill is actually where it is so there we go.

Just caught up with this thread, excellent work so far ;D
     you'll have my tenner, that's for sure I'm also happy to get involved in other aspects if ya need the support, just drop me a line.

 I'm pretty keen to have a spin about the place this weekend, having never been there & it being fairly local to pompey, what's stopping me is that i don't want to be part of the reason it gets flattened.... again!

hi whereabouts is rogate? sorry for my stupidity but if it is close to me then i would pay as well. cheers

a bit dumb i know but i never knew that rogate was so well known, i would definatly pay for membership there and so would my mates seeing as we go there nearly every saturday/ sunday.
the track is near liss station, near as in 30 min walk/ cycle.you go across the a3 i think and head towards petersfield/ rake and its by the side of a road, not helpfull soz but its hard to explain its whereabouts, easier to meet someone in liss and take you there.

Well if you Live near Petersfield OR Liss then its near you.

East Surry i think a nearby sign says?

nick

thats too bad i live no where near. ahwell, good luck with getting everthing sorted.

rogate in on the hampshire west sussex border

It's in West Sussex just.

Well done to Paul for sorting this out
We have done a very similar thing to what have done at a secret spot in East Sussex. I might be way of but don't count on every one to come up with there

i dont think you understand ROGATE!
Rogate is Rogate and its just Legendary!
no question asked!

you gotta check it out.
Now that its getting money thrown in to get better its going to KICK ASS! ;)

nick

Couldnt have said it better!

For the 2 years that i have ridden it i have never wanted to go any where else because it sufices my everying biking need.

Joe

just had a brilliant weekends riding up there, today there was a nice lot of bloke who turned  up and some excellent riding going on, and i think that i can safely say that there was a great day had by all!!
harry

yup just had a weekends riding up there and it was wicked. So good! There was some wicked skills being thrown down and just such a cool weekend. Definately worth the huge sum of 10 quid!

Was a Top notch afternoons riding at the "LEGANDERY ROGATE"

 It was good to  meet a few of the Locals involved in keeping this legendary mini whistler alive and all who rode,
don't forget I want pictures!!!
any of you that I did aim the camera at E mail me for a pic and I'll e mail it back to you when I can.

one Rekindled a flame  for the place I use to race way back in the late 90's "not that I really ever lost it" just been  playing further a Field and playing with a bl**dy camera ....
But today was about riding just like it should be .

Managed to blag  Mr D's ATX 1 for the days riding and started slow building up to railing the berms and taking the jumps as quick as Fairclouth  "I wish!!" But had ace fun!
check out  MBUK's antigravity  dvd where he hits the same spots we were riding if you've not ridden here!
here's a couple of pics of the day, One I did take is  FASTLANE rider Mr D who was pinning it all day and one Mr D took of me flying the jumps at the and in the END ...
 TEN POUNDS DON'T EVEN GET YOU A FULL BAG OF CHIPS FROM WHERE I COME FROM !!!dave@fastlanephotography.co.uk




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OH YER ME ON A BIKE !! ;D

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Oh yer! one last thing we found these on the way home and they were scary large!!

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how is the money going to be collected of people. i have about 10 mates who are willing to pay.

Paying up---Email blast later this week coming up. attached will be a simple word doc to print off, fill in and return with a cheque. I will email receipts as they come in. if I only know you by SDH please PM an email or postal address.

Good to meet you Dave, I'm "Paul" on the grey hardtail sorting the FC out. I see you found Sheet common on the way home! sweet eh! My son goes there a lot, but not for me, too scary!
The boys are at the trails right now, I'm just off to get them and pick up some litter.
I'm meeting the FC guy there tomorrow (tues) at 2pm. He's not happy and its going to be a delicate meeting. He's the only hurdle left for us so I'm asking everyone to leave the place alone tomorrow arvo. Just me and him, maybe Keith Wilson too. He doesn't like us its clear. I will park around the corner and walk there to make every effort to keep it tranquil for him, nothing to start him off. Hope all understand. I know some wanted to be present but this guy aint fun. We need it clean and quiet and him done and over with.

I had a top riding weekend! nice guys around as usual. Hope to see you all soon

Thanks

Paul




 

Errmm what happens if we don't have cheques.....But maybe i'll see you up there one day and i'll keep a tenner on me...

Why does he not like us? As if its something we can do then explain what we can do to keep him happy..

Do you think it'll be alright to ride other days of the week as well?


Oh and GOOD LUCK!

I think he's just under the impression we're a bunch of sumbags wrecking his woods.
If you don't have a cheque book then carry 10 quid on you but let me know when I might see you but best get someone with a cheque book to write a cheque and give them the tenner if poss.
Ride when you like of course, I not the boss but in the name of smoothing this guy just don't be there around 2pm tomorrow for the best. If you really need to or have to be there tomorrow arvo bare in mind that this meeting is delicate and important so keep aside until he's surveyed our plot a gone. Its good and tidy right now so hopefully it will all be over in 15 mins and sorted.
Politics dude!

lol, dirt bags i'd prefer!  ;D

I'll PM you when i'm going up incase you'll be around... I won't be there tomoz but maybe some other time in the week.


Yeah for sure dude but was just wondering what you thought could be done to keep this bloke soothed...maybe bring a couple of bevvies... ::)

I may have to sleep with him. lol

lol, don't let the wife find out!  ;)

Hey Paul, great job with this so far.

Ive not been up to rogate for a while but ive been keeping a bit of an eye on this thread. Can you add my email address for your next message. napalm100@hotmail.com  I know a few guys who would be willing to pay a tenner if the place is going to be maintained well.

Im going to go up there on tues 8th with a mate who hasnt been up there before.

how far have things progressed? e.g the bike tags or stickers??

cheers

Ant

the club isn't set up yet, he's meeting with a FC bloke tomoz, and if that goes smoothly it should be up in a week or two. Well thats what i have found out from chatting with paul but things may have changed.

Paul was thinking of a high quality sticker something which will stand up to washes etc, as tags might get ripped off...

cheers. in that case anyone riding up there next tuesday come and say hi. il be on my glory and my mate will be on a not quite-ATX (old proto thing)

Ant

Ant I may be up there next tuesday, I'll be on a Glory aswell.

Get ready for a long read!

I have had the meeting and its all very good news!
One thing new is that we are not on an annual lease but doing an initial lease
for 6 months to see it works well, we're on probation.
Then he will grant us a 3 year lease! Cool I think.

So initially I will not need so much money but membership will be renewed in January for as little as I can negotiate divided by the number of willing members we have onboard by then.
Sounds good eh.

First off, his opening line to me on getting from his car was...
"So what so bloody different about you and your lot that you not gonna f**k this up again".
Nice! I bit my lip. What a prize specimin.
So any way I let him bang on for two mins then he actually came good for us.

It turns out out that this guys is the FC bigwig and what he says goes and he says we're on
so there we go!

He has asked us, as it is illegal, but mostly as a demonstration of our goodwill and commitment, NOT TO RIDE
there at this delicate time until the lease is signed, the lease is going to be written up approximately 9th August so its only one week, please ride elsewhere as he is going to make frequent drive bys to check we are as responsible as I just claimed us to be.

Regards the area to be ours... we get from the roads (leftside and bottom) to the fenceline on the right side by the technical trails and all the way to the top! yep, up above the fire road to the fence by the field.
Two points though...
1 The 2m verge on roadsides is not ours or FC's, it belongs to the Highways people.

2 When using the trail above the fire road and crossing it at speed it needs to be marshalled, that is
some one stood there to warn and help walkers and horses to cross when its safe and allow us bang down without worry.

If no marshall (aka "girlfriend") is present then riders must slow to a virtual stop and cross with proper care.
An incident here will lose us the top section and probably the whole site in this first six months.
I have to wirte up a risk assessment for it so its not taken lightly.
I suggest we only use the top though when plenty of us are about and a marshall is willing.
Maybe even go further and save it for specific club days (BBQ!) or race days only.
It breaks the law if we stop anyone passing and we don't need complications, common sense needs to provail.

He's all for the car park idea too.
Whats more he will soon bring in a JCB to help clear it for us and mentioned the old one over the road being revived if need be and clearing the verge a bit if we want.
I pushed for a new one at the bottom though so we can still see our cars and have a kinda pits area.
He offered to supply a gate across it to help deter abuse from pikeys to which we could add a combination lock
as they do at Wisley. We'll see about that as it developes eh.

Now some of you don't care for races here but others are well up for it, we'll see what comes of it
but we DO have permission to do this and of course the longer hill now.
Obviously this involes a few costs to put on and will therefore cost us to enter even as members. We could do it with a stopwatch and megaphone ourselves then it would only be a few quid for a days race insurance.

For now though, lets just get it paid for, sort the place out and get to January when its leased to us long term.
A race during this probation period could backfire on us I feel.
Besides, Brendan will win so why bother.

We're real close now and I'll be after your money this week, that will be my next email.

To gauge the cost per person at this point I need a head count so any of you who have been in touch and said
"I have few mates too" please give me their names or atleast how many you are asap.


Yours in sport,


Paul Turrell
01730 269552
07780 668 148

Nice one Paul I'll put a post up about not riding there for the time being. If you need any help I'll be happy to lend a hand.

Tom.

Cheers for the info paul, glad it went well. Even though i want to ride there i'll have to control myself.... :P

Paul I have one suggestion, everyone might not like it but it will be for the good. What about a gate system that stops you riding the whole track in one go. It works at Wisley and at Myndd du. Key/s would be issued to certain members etc.

a gate system....ermm where? It would make the short tracks even shorter...

Nice work mate. Went there today (before i read the post about riding) and the place is still mint. My only problem would be some of the recent building work there is well.. poor. Rotting wood used to make jumps and landings and some things just seem badly built and dangerous. Saying that alot of it is great just my $2. Ill be up for putting soem cash in

I normally post on Chocolatefoot (which is down at the moment) but I'm sure I could find at least ten riders with cash.

Put me down for membership. Be great to get that place back. A gate above the fireroad to sort the crossing issue sounds a good idea as well.

count me in too. sounds like you're doing some good work Paul. You have pm.

I don't know what will come of the trails, most want the now well established trails to stay as they are forever with some tarting up of course (in fairness to the builders of the latest 3 jumps they do seem to have bedded in now and are better than no jumps at all) I figure nothing will happen immediately but come autumn/winter when racing dies down and the boys are back in town we can get it overhauled proper with good wet soil not this flour we've been riding lately.
For now I think all members should put forward there thoughts but hold of digging. maybe write down ideas and drawings or suggest people you trust to be appointed head trail design gods.
No ones trying to take over so I'm sure it will be cool, peace brother etc!

I for one will roll with what the most experienced riders in the club think and dig when and where I'm told (I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!).
my only real problem is the criss-crossing lines, that needs to be sorted. There'll still be bags of room for freeride experimenting and random stuff with tape down the runs.


 

I think all the lines gives character to Rogate. IMO the best thing about Rogate is the chilled atmosphere there. There isn't an order, there isn't set lines and set starts. You can pretty much ride where ever you want there and if you are on a line which you don't like, you can switch lines to get onto one you know is good. If we start taping bits off it loses its free feeling as you have to stick to that line even if you don't want to... Yes the line which you have taped off may be one of the good ones but it still makes the place slightly more strict. If you see what i mean then good, if you don't, what i'm trying to say is by ordering Rogate it loses some of its charm...

I haven't seen any problems with people switching lines even when it was super busy...a good thing about people i've seen is that people are always aware of riders around them. And if someone isn't then someone points it out and everything is sorted...

Bit of an essay but hopefully i explained what i meant.. :)

Agree with above. Even on busiest days never saw a crossing crash (but have seen a few close calls which were hilarious)

THis is bloody good work youve been doing Paul, i appreciate it and im sure everyone else does too!

Cris crossing lines make for an interesting added thrill to riding the area, ive seen many people nearly hit they both come skidding to a stop and havea laugh about it, ive never seen some one hit. Every one i see up there whether ride there bike down or walking there bike up are all aware and will always give way to the rider and if riding them selves give way to the faster. I dont see this to be an issue at all.

Ill be away for 2 weeks from tomorw so will not be able to pay till i reaturn i will be there on the sunday of the 20th with a check. Not sure if its been mentioned but whose the check to be made payable too?

Joe

I'm not in favor of the tracks crossing as I was out for 8 months because of some idiot getting in my way by crossing when I was coming down.

I think we should keep the tracks as they are but make them rideable i.e. build the jumps etc properly so they don't fall down/apart because they are made with rotten wood. Also as regards to the jumps think we should make them so they are rollable for riders who are begginning.

Paul I'll pm you with some ideas I have.

Tom.

Looking forward to riding Rogate again soon.  Sorry if I am being dumb but is there an address or contact regarding joining the club, sending funds off etc?  More than happy to put my

Andy speak to Paul.

Paul Turrell
01730 269552
07780 668 148

if we made the jumps rollable that would make it boring for any one who is starting out...there is no thrill in clearing it. If you are talking about the doubles at the bottom they have a table top on them anyways. Not a very big table top but a table top none the less.

That is bad news to hear about your injury St. Jimmy, but as said in my previous post by taping bits off it takes out the fun and freedom of Rogate.

I'd rather it be taped off than someone end up in hospital like me. If we are doing this we might as well do it right the first time.

Glad to see things are getting put in place by commited riders to ensure this riding spot gets legal.

As for crossing tracks - This was one of the main issues the forestry commision had with the area to start with 3-4years ago.  Any crossing tracks are regarded as a severe risk, because of the injurys that can occur (even if only accidents).

The other issue that was raised were jumps being too close to trees, but this issue is pretty much resolved with the design of the current tracks.

There needs to be a central body that will make all of the trail building decisions, and enforce/remove any unathorised sections. I know this seems harsh to take away the work other people put in, but it will be nesescary to make sure the insurance cover is valid. This would ideally be a group of the regular rogate riders that cover different bike types, and riding experience so the area develops into an area to be enjoyed by all.

Portsmouth University Mtb Team will be in touch with regards to membership fees etc for the insurance.

Scar

I agree with most of what you said Rich. The reason i said make the jumps rollable is to keep the FC happy. If the FC are not happy then we are f**ked. Simple as that.

So what happened then St. Jimmy, and what injuries did you get?

But are the FC still concerned about crossing tracks? Does it still matter if you are in the club and the FC having their backs covered...

There are still quite a few jumps near trees though...

I agree with you about having a central body with building in mind...but then who knows who is in that body...

If the FC are fine with the gap jumps then there is no need to make them rollable.

Tendon and knee ligament damage to my left knee, docs said I was lucky not to break my knee.

that must have been bad damage to be out for 8 months.....sometimes its better to break something then damage ligaments etc...

What track were you on and how did it happen?

grr pounds signs!  ...10 pounds in.

Same applies in Swinley Forest, all the jumps built need to be rollable as decided by the FC (or the crown estate or whoever owns the land).  We may be able to do them but there's always one little kid who falls in the double and who's parents then decide to sue.

I hate that people might sue becasue they're f'ing dumb ass kid tries a jump he can't do and fucks himself up. They should take responsability for their own dumb actions...

f'ing pisses me off when people sue who ever they can to get a quick buck and this then affects every other normal person... >:(

Don't sweat too much about what needs doing trail wise, mostly the FC want to see us manage ourselves without incident and with a splash of order.
So far not a word has been said about design etc. its up to us and common sense must provail. tape off the fastest lines and leave the rest free for what ever. We will sign post it and I will see that all parents of younger inexperienced riders are spoken to in due course to be sure they understand what the place is about.
First thing I will tackle infact if I can get some help is to create a easier trail with table tops along the less steep roadside for groms and new boys. this seperates they abilities safely. might be nice flowing run for us too, who knows. FC go on about it being a facility for all more so than track layouts and jump spec. I don't think they care if we get hurt as long as they never hear from us except to pay our rent they're happy.

Also, they hope that by doing this hill properly they will stop us riding other illegal spots nearby like over the road. so bare that in mind folks.

Remember it will work itself out over time, let it unfold, we're all good chaps.

One thing... Do our Pro riding members get free passes or do I charge them 5 quid too?
Also Mike Smith (DMR) asked me today if he can build some dirt jump trails at the bottom right over on the left where we don't go? What does everyone think. I don't need them but it would be good to see him do his thang. Could be useful for the future too.

Was talking to Mike at Wisley 3 weeks ago about Rogate and he's up for helping. Paul I think we should let him have some.

For inexperienced there is that line on the far right, the one nearest the road which is very tame indeed. But it can be ridden how you like so fast or slow it doesn't matter. There are also a number of lines near that line which are also tame.

i was thinking if you really think there is a need to tape s**t up maybe just do it where there are a lot of lines close to each other...But then a lot of lines are close to each other and link into one another so from one start, you may have 3 differant middle sections on one line...which is another good thing about Rogate as you can alter the lines to suit fun factor.

Tbh i don't think "Pro" riders should get free passes....why should they be given something over other people just becasue of their status.

I don't see why Mike can't...but do you think it might bring unwelcome people who are interested in making mischief.....can't think of any other reasons unless we start to build something there, but then there isn't anything we can really build.

At the end of the day we will have to go with the majority vote on changes, if any are on the cards. I'm cool with beginners coming up personally. We were all shite once and some still are despite the big rigs. educate them and we'll be fine. If 60 or so people are paying the rent for this club, crap guys and pros, then best we can, the hill must remain or change according to the vote. I really think that the truly experienced riders onboard should be listened to and trusted with moulding the place. After all they have given us this place we all love so far so by default deserve to be heard more than most us. Its one thing to know what we like but another entirely to create it. Like music.
I know John Lennon writes a good song but knowing that doesn't qualify me to knock out an album myself. I should just buy the CD and play it... Deep man! Know what I mean though? 
Regards the FC, they just want a quiet life. Lets give them that. We have what we want... If changes come or not how cool is the coming year or so to be. Our own hill!!! Not mine yours or theirs, ours! Spread the love!
 

Great work on getting this all sorted.

Don't think we should worry to much about decisions too far down the line, just make sure this first 6 months goes smoothly to get the longer lease.

Applications in the post ;D

Cheers

Bob

Kinda sounds like everyone wants something different from the place but when it comes down to it one person or maybe a few will get to decide. I think tapes a bad idea. Rogates rogate, no tape, no set lines, you just go up and go well im gonan ride from here and end up over there. Tape will ruin that and the 2 tracks going down the middle dont need them as they are very clear.

totally agree with you mate, it just keeps rogate how we all like it. IMO

Time to set up a Rogate site/forum ? ? ?

We could get our own website up next year? Maybe someone in the club can sort that free. who knows.

Didn't something like that happen at longmoor army camp,some goat hurdler Kidd and their tw*t hammer dad were riding their (not at a race just riding )and the dumb kid broke a leg or something so tw*t hammer dad being a monkey nuts lawyer decided to sue the land owner resulting in the lose of the use of land for races.I really hope their not riding bikes any more you don't won't them turning up trying to earn a buck.
 anyway as I've said anything I can do to help let me know,respect to what your doing guys
Fastlane..

Unfortunately it's the culture that Claims Direct et al have created, there's always going to be people out to make a quick buck with the ambulance chasers  >:(

As you may have noticed i feel quite strongly about people sueing for their mistakes!

So if you hear anyone say anything about sueing the FC becasue they fell off at rogate...lamp them.  ;D


Bring on the club barbecue!  ;D

.. and then watch them sue you!

Cheque in the post for membership today  :)

AW! HHHMmmm......i'm the Stig, but on a MTB!!! I swear!  ::)

i think a balaclava is in need.......

I went up there yesterday, my internet has been down for a few days so I haven't been up to speed with current events.
    I met up with some other riders, you'll be pleased to know we saw the signs & didn't even bother getting our bikes outta the vans ;) It's a good thing we've got here, it's worth the wait.

 As for the trails, well I think with the ammount of interest in them, they will be fettled & ridden by all of us, they will shape up & develop, jumps/drops/burms/lines will be built & rebuilt to suit, this won't suit everyones standards of riding but that's the beauty of the beast, you want a challenge, it needs to change or it will stagnate & get boring.

 In theory common sense & an element of fear (hopefully) will dictate & deter an inexperianced rider to jump something & badly injure themselves, however unless you have a go at it you'll never develop the skills to nail it!  It's the sword of Damocles'   "damed if you do- dammed if you don't" keep the gap jumps 'cause theres nothing like nailing one!  Make some of them table tops, to help build confidence over them, it's all about comprimise & of course elbow grease! 'cause they don't build themselves ;D

It might be wise to get members to sign a disclaimer to make them accountable for their own actions.

Alas the pros & cons of living in a nanny state >:(

The problem with landowners getting sued is often not because of the individual that has been injured. It is more likely that the injured rider gets his body fixed via a medical insurance policy then the insurance company does evrything it can to get  it's money back. Hence why landowners are so s**t scared of it. Anyway hope all goes well i'll definately ride there through the winter.

Anyone see an aussie on a fusion there recently?

Unfortunately the days are gone of when people would just call you an idiot for doing something stupid and breaking yourself.

Everything has its risks, and those that are seen to be managing the risks inherit all of the liability involved.  This is purely because someone must be responsible in the event of a catastophic accident.

The amount of people spouting "rogate should stay as it is", i agree that this would be the best thing. But times change, and this is a HUGE change to the management of the area.
Therefore everyone can expect it to change, but there is no reason for it to become boring. It may not continue to have the same laid back atmosphere with no restrictions, but i'm sure everyone aggrees this is better than having nothing!

If we all embrace the changes that need to happen, this can prove to be extremely worthwhile and benefitial to everyone.

Scar

Some change is inevitable but it will be sweet I'm certain. I love it as is and the main few lines must remain but it would be rude not to create a new trail or two to mark the new era and turn it up a notch. Im most looking forward to the car park and a sort of pits area. That and getting to know you all better.

Theres no avoiding the risk of being sued so don't sweat it guys, just trust that those who attend are cool and any problems are for the BCF to sort out thats why we're affiliated with them. Its not possible to make it safe enough that we're safe, i mean where is that line??  Forget it and have fun.

This hill is by DH riders for DH riders and that will have to be understood and due to the location will probably be ok.
Mums dropping of little 9yr olds and buggering off is a worry, thats not really on. We should watch for that more than anything.
Also MX and fun bikes need to be seriously detered.
I am being given a 24hr tel line to call if we see them nearby or on our hill and I think we use it. This will bring the FC onside and stop them wrecking our trails. If folk want to ride MX and fun bikes then great, I do myself, they're fun, but not here, thats not a dirt biker you see, a brother in sport akin to the DH mindset...
oh no... thats a tw*t that is!
Real Motocrossers go to real tracks!

I have had some payments in already. Thanks for that but keep them coming.
I can't really afford to pay this bill from my own pocket I need your fees in the bank asap.
Will you be last? Surely not...


Paul
(who, incase you've not ridden with me yet, is no authority on DH, I'm just the sucker doing the paperwork)





 

I admit that Rogate will change....but it is so good atm i would hate to see it change for the worse... The lines are so good, so flowing and so varied. Tbh i don't think there is space to build more lines...that bit of land has been covered in lines and by making more lines you might destroy some of the old ones....I think the lines which should be altered are the lines over on the left side, as they are very confusing as there are so many differant lines...all the techy lines....

Paul, I'll have to pay you when i see you when i go riding there on the 10th....or maybe afternoon of 9th as i presume the thing will be written up in the morning...i'm desperate to ride there!

Hey.

Just recieved the email with the application form n wanting to check that this is correct as it is for the "Coombe Hill mountain bike club"?

Or have i missed the point and were linking to that club to keep the area?

Cheers
Scar
P.S. I have forwarded it to all the Pompey uni club members aswell.

i haven't got the e-mail yet.... :'(

have forwarded it to you

Harry if I pm you my email address can you email it to me please?

yer will do

Just got it cheers mate.

cheers harry. Can't wait till we can ride there!



Just being annoying, but wouldn't Rogate DH Club sound better than Coombe Hill.....even if it is actually Coombe Hill....and Rogate is actually a couple of miles away.... ::)

stop being fussy

     At last a chance to get online and get involved! I was at rogate on sun 30th (skinny bloke with battered blue santa cruz and sex pistols tee) and had the pleasure of meeting paul and many other new (to me at least) faces.
    Fantastic day riding top bunch of people and whopping great thanks to paul for getting this off the ground, been riding rogate since they used to have races there and am pretty fond of the place. As i mentioned to paul my email wont send at mo so can i PM you my address so i can get my cash in asap?
     Oh yeah howdy to beany!!

Yeah was really good riding on that sunday.....you were the bloke on the bullit and i think shivers....i'm the bloke who was on the black big hit with 888Rs....

Shame you left early as there was good riding in the late afternoon.


Paul you have mail.

can i ride there tomorow or any of this week

no you can't ride there. Not until Paul has signed the papers and has said its all sorted.

And got the membership....

cheers my membership form is in the post

You will be able to ride there after the 9th.

thats only if the paperwork is finished though. And Paul has the certificate from the BCF....And there are no hiccups either. Paul said he'd send us all an e-mail when its done.

dosh in the post today

Cheers guys, its going well. Well done to all who have paid already. I have ordered the membership stickers and the BCF documents should be here tomorrow. The Forestry should be ready to sign over tomorrow or Thursday too. I do need the dosh in asap though. Please spread the word please.
cheques to: Coombe Hill
address: 17 Glebe Road
Buriton, Petersfield, Hants, GU31 5SB
email: paul@oneprinter.co.uk with questions. (out tomorrow from 3pm though)
Loads of you have the application form, so please spread it about and remind friends etc.
No form... don't worry just name etc on a bit of paper and the cheque for a measley 5 squid.
Thanks everyone.
Will be in touch as soon as things develope further

Paul

nice one. Do you think it would be a good idea to have a couple of stickers in the car for anyone who comes to rogate and doesn't know about everything? just a thought..

Would be best to have laminted notices on the trees by the parking.
Like the previous ones about ride at your own risk.

Just following up the possibility of having a rogate club board with the mods.
Cos this 12 page thread is getting a bit long ;)


Payment will be in the post tomorow.

Scar
P.S. The portsmouth uni club will be looking for a club membership. What would be the deal with this? Give exact numbers and then pay, or give estimated numbers. I'm not the club president anymore but have close links with the new one.

Please don't take this the wrong way but, I am just putting this together, its not my club if you know what I mean so I won't be discounting or letting Pro's ride free etc. To ride Coombe Hill nr Rogate, you need to join as an individual. This is because it is a hill for riders by its riders. We all fund its legal existence and we all contribute equally. Any ideas to help with costs will obviously get the cost per head down each year and we will all thank you for your contribution.
"Ask not what Coombe Hill can do for you but what you can do for Coombe Hill"

Regards non members, signage will go up explaining everything and we will all tell them as we find them too. At which point they will apply as you all have had to and send in their details and cheques. I don't like the idea of strangers handing strangers money on the day, thats gonna get messy.
 Remember guests can come and try the place but we can't be taken the P out of and we wouldn't want to be talked about as "the clicky lot" either so no need to get into fisty cuffs. Getting anxious now. Let you all know soon as...

Back to work...

Paul

SO?!

    On the subject of names for the club, if nothings been decided yet, hows about the Coombe Hill Collective.

     Or is it that a bit too cheesy?

Can we ride on thursday?

or friday

Guys just wait until Paul has posted up saying we can ride there.

I can't wait!  ;D

Well your just going to have to!!

 :'(

It is confirmed that the FC lease will be ready to sign by the end of today. The BCF posted (2nd class, grrr) the certificate I need on wednesday so providing the certificate arrives tomorrow (friday) which it should, I will be signing the lease about lunchtime Friday. Watch this space, an email blast will go out too.

So... Come on Posty, you can do it!!!!

Thanks for the update Paul. My form and cheque will be in the post next week when I'm back from France.

so wats the score
can we ride their now?
just turn up nd go or do we need to pay or something
let me no i couldt be arsed to read  all the pages

cheers

well done for sorting this

2 question

What do you do when Joe Blogg and his mates turn up and just ride the place regardless
dont say beat them up they could be well ard?

how do you stop young uninsured chavs useing the place, dirt jumps bring these in by the buket load

You can't legally ride there until the lease is signed tomorrow. I will post and or email all who wanted to know immediately once done. until notified riding remains illegal and they are watching us very closely right now.
Once leased to "Coombe Hill", then...

If you've paid the 5 quid -
your free to ride - of you go then... lets see what you got.

If your name is down, you intend to pay but have yet to do so -
you can ride as a member but will not be issued a members sticker until you pay. Fail to pay and expect to be treated as a scumbag (see below).

Your names not down -
Then you'll be a guest. Come ride once or twice as a guest so your sure about things then join properly. Be sure to introduce yourself to a member though. Be upfront so as not to be mistaken for a scumbag (see below)

Scumbag - show up regularly without joining, you are then riding illegally, this may become a problem for the future of the club and you can expect to be not so politely asked to bugger off as your taking the P.

Every rider, and I mean every rider, has been super positive and come forward to be a part of things so I forsee no problems. It will be great.

email me at: paul@oneprinter.co.uk if you want to sign up, its 5 pound for unlimited riding for the rest of 2006.

Regards vandals, motorbikers and idiots, shoot to kill, protect the hill!
 
By the way Bognor trials club will no longer be allowed to trash the top in the future, its ours now, all ours, OURS! Mwa hahahahaaaa! (evil laughter)

Paul
 

seriously regards utter fools coming up - I think its important that we show an air of dedication and pride in the place and then all who come will be in awe and want in. Dirt jumpers know all about respecting a trail. Its only non riding idle gits that pose a problem and thats just life! We are in the middle of nowhere so I don't see a this being a problem for us.

whats the rule with building up there???

there going to be specific building days? or a build for all feast?

We will sort that out when the lease has been signed, but to be honest much of it will stay the same I think.

 ;)

Just had an idea of having a members only "persuasion tool" thats locked to a tree with keys given to major members.
This could be used to persuade people to join the club  ;D

But all kidding aside, its just something we have to deal with.
Its not like it costs a lot of

LOL. We could strap an emergency can of "Whoop Ass" to a tree!

Maybe have machine gun bunkers on each corner and cut them down as soon as the nova's blue lights come into site!

When you tell people to its only a fiver they'll join. the response so far has been the same to the man, "thats bugger all, where do I sign?!"

Build days will happen, I suggested building first weekend of each month, but not until summers over as the key riders/experienced builders will be racing and the soil is too dry at present.

What digging takes place will be discussed in the mean time both on the hill and online. I do urge the less experienced riders (which includes me) to listen to the immortals who race loads and built this place to begin with.
What ever comes you can bet your mum it'll be good.

If dirt jumps appear near the bottom far side, its Mike Smith of DMR and Co. They'll be big I suspect and I think it'll be quite a show when he trains on them. If you don't want him to make these big ass doubles then let me know. If the majority think its a bad idea then I'll tell him no. He's chill. Personally I think it will be cool! Most people seem open to it. Think Pro level slopestyle not poxy chav magnets.




 

do you think if DJs are built it may attract the wrong sort of people? Like DJers...  ;) jokes, but you know what i mean by the wrong sort of people. It would be impressive but could make problems for the rest of the place....just a thought anyways.

Yeah. I agree with both of you.

personally i'd prefer some medium size trails to play on, but TBH if these attract undesirables it may be best to build large ones that scare them away. ;)

Rogate was DH to start with, so i'm not really that fussed about keeping it DH and having a few but not loads of DJ's.

Have posted the cheque off today so should get to you soon.

Scar

DJs are always fun too ...... some medium size sets can be a nice change from the DH

i think it would be cool to se some big dirt jumps to go up because it would be cool to see some big assed moves being thrown down.
harry

the only thing which woudld or might be bad is the changes like:

me and my m8s and other people i knwo have been riding there since it first kicked off and we love it it did get partly flattened but most is built up again and is preety sweet.

its just if this turns into a like a mayor thing or you have people come from all over people will wont to make bigger jumps and stuff, and theat might lead into just dirt jumping and stuff.

hopefully most of this makes sense.

thanks Ben

also about this thing about peeps reking the place and people not paying and riding there more than twice and just pissing around you coulld have camera which you have at the car park which is going to be mde or what ever and you have the pictures of the member which are allowed in and the people which havent signed up but thats like high tech lol or you could have like 1 cam in the parkin part and then i dunno 2-4 in the trees sorta thing which then i dunno some how record the data back to the ower of this or you paul it might be a bit derastic but hey i dunno it was just a coplue of  ideas or maybe the isde i have given you could be turned into something else and get other peeps thinking about how to liek over come this and to look arfter the hill,

anyway it was just a coplu eof thoughts (probs silly) but hey

thanks ben lol

Paradox, as for your first worry of it becoming a DJ area.....This is a DH area, the suggected DJ's were only in addition ot the current tracks on the hill (plus they would be in the un-used area at the bottom). I don't see that the DJ's will over take as there are already a much more developed DJ sites very close (sheet common).

As for the surveilance idea.... Unfortunately there is no way that this is achievable or policable. The only way that we can enforce this is to just keep reminding those that are there without the members stickers to join.
If they become known non-member regular riders then there may need to be more of a direct approach towards those individual persons.

But the club is there for the benefit of rogate, and as long as everyone knows this then they should be willing.

Scar

the dirt jump idea sounds good but they should be kept to a reasonable size so most people can ride them

I don't think things are going to change that rapidly to worry,
   Rogate will always predominantly be  DH trails by it's basic geography, it's on a slope, you don't see many dirt jumps on a slope like that.
 The dirt jumps will form at the bottom somewhere (i'd imagine) again these won't appear overnight (unless they get a machine in & being a machine operator who has worked on FC land, believe me when i say the red tape & time it takes to sift through it is horrific as far as safety is concerned) they will take a lot of time & effort to build. Why not learn to ride them whilst they develop, I intend to & i'm pants at dirt jumps!! Heheheh!

as for the "wrong" element turning up to ride the trails, again I don't think it will be a major drama, most of the riders i've ever met on most trails up & down the country are passionate enough to inform people they've got to wear a helmet if they're riding here & if they're not a member of the club, have a go but remember that the insurance only covers members.

 I'm sure we'll all do our little bit for Coombe hill in our own way ;D

yer ok i see what you mean kool and yer i know about thesurvallance it  wouldnt be possible it was just an idea but to pricey and silly

thanks

HERE'S THE ONE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR...

I HAVE OUR BRITISH CYCLING FEDERATION AFFILIATION CERTIFICATE AND A SIGNED LEASE FROM THE FORESTRY COMMISSION.

IT'S DONE... Coombe Hill nr Rogate is now a legal ride spot for club members and its guests.

If you've paid the 5 quid - Your free to ride.

If your name is down, you intend to pay but have yet to do so -
You can ride as a member but will not be issued a members sticker until you pay. Fail to pay and expect to be treated as a scumbag (see below).

Your names not down -
Then you'll be a guest. Come ride once or twice as a guest so your sure about things then join properly. Be sure to immediatley introduce yourself to a member though. Be upfront so as not to be mistaken for a scumbag (see below)

Scumbag - show up regularly without joining, you are then riding illegally, this may become a problem for the future of the club and you can expect to be not so politely asked to bugger off as your taking the P.

See you there tomorrow and maybe sunday too.


Paul

great news hope to see you there tomorrow

also do you have a date for when the stickers will arrive

stickers will be with me any day, I will hand out at the trails if poss tomorrow unless they don't arrive in which case it'll be posted out

Nice one Paul, I'll be down with my mate Rob tomorow afternoon, we're both fully paid up members - Black M1 and Silver Demo8 - keep an eye out for us.  ;D

 :)Woohoo!!! :)