Forest Service consultation meeting on mountain biking

[MTBrider]

We leaked news of this meeting a few days ago, at the time Forest Service customer services desk knew nothing about it. Now, with a massive 7 days notice they have chosen to confirm the meeting will be taking place, on the last Saturday before the Christmas weekend, in a forest, some 20 odd miles from Belfast, the largest populated area of Northern Ireland.

The meeting is scheduled for 1pm at the Interpretative Centre, Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 17 December 2005. Our information is that the meeting room at the centre was only booked in yesterday so clearly no forward planning has gone into this meeting.

The full leaflet reads:

Forest Service consultation meeting on mountain biking
Forest Service is aware of the interest in developing mountain biking opportunities in public forests. We wish to explore the scope for considering future proposals.

Mountain bikers and representatives of the affiliated groups are invited to attend.

Given the time of year chosen, location and the appauling lack of notice it's questionable who if anyone will be able attend, in fact it could be reasonable to question if FS want anyone to turn up at all?

Comments welcome.

[Pete 36]

I will be turning up.

[AndyL]

Of course those fine chaps at Fs contacted IMBA, and the clubs, and the shops, and the people who have been writing to them asking for meetings and clarification on their stance, and CAAN, and NITB, and the MLA's and public representatives, and other interested parties, with more than a weeks notice so that we could put together a structured and reasoned proposal, didn't they?

Didn't they?

[Steveb]

They dropped some leaflets into me this morning, the guy said he was asked to drop them into every bike shop in north down.

So that's about 4 shops!

[timH]

Why only North Down, what about the rest of the country?

[Steveb]

Maybe they got someone else to do other areas.

There again....

[keith]

I will be there.

[tankslapper]

Er! Mmmm! Wot????

Is this not really a case of Lord R wanting his 'fan' mail to cease?

Anyhow - dialogue should be welcomed.

Is this really the end of the war or simply a celebration between the trenches?

TS

[Rick]

Hope they invited the media and press...

[Rick]

Below is only item advertised for 17th on the FS website:

December 2005


17th - Come along and help feed Santa's deer at Gosford Forest Park. Starts at 10.00am. Schools can also book Monday - Friday for the month of December. For further information contact Dawson Jones on 028 37552154.

You sure its not just another feed the deer???

[tankslapper]

http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/consultations/index.htm

I just dont know guys!!!! You only have to look. It was there all the time :rolleyes:

[Rick]

really clear and easy to find - duh !!

sounds good and positive - I like that.

Happy trails here we come

[Rick]

FOREST SERVICE CONSULTATION MEETING ON MOUNTAIN BIKING

Forest Service is aware of the interest in developing mountain biking opportunities in public forests. We wish to explore the scope for considering future proposals.

Mountain bikers and representatives of the affiliated groups are invited to a consultation meeting in the Interpretative Centre, Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 17 December 2005 at 1.00 pm

Light refreshments will be provided

[dulldave]

Tell me to bugger off and mind my own business if you want but I've got a few thoughts on this.

These guys want to believe that you guys are a bunch of disorganised louts who are just going to shout at them. I'd recommend that everyone that goes maintains a very civilised and positive attitude with them.

You'll get nowhere by pointing out how inept they are. Focus on the potential and the positives. You and the FS have the same objective; to increase the use of Forests (in your case on bikes) in a safe and sustainable manner.

You won't get anything out of them from the first meeting (unless they have already decided to do something) so the objective should be to keep the channel of dialogue open.

It's easy top get frustrated with people who can't see the wood for the trees (sorry couldn't help it!) and then when you finally get to speak to them you are shouting and they then aren't listening. Try to come across as enthiusiastic rather than annoyed.

I doubt I'm saying anything that some of you don't already know but I want to help where I can.

Good luck.

[gaulty]

Hope they invited the media and press...


there to busy filming ducks! Ducks get far more exposure than MTBing if you watch TV :rolleyes:

[Mac]

We were out on the bikes yesterday and the notice detailed above was laminated and zip tied to a bridge in Rostrevor Forest that many mountainbikers would cross whilst out for a spin. If the FS put it there then I'm of the opinion that they are doing something to promote this meeting.

Whilst it is essential that mountainbikers turn up for this meeting I would suggest that the main thrust of the argument from the mountainbikers side comes from those who have had a hand's on experience with the proposed development, and recent applications to the FS for the development of the trails in Northern Ireland. People like the two Andy's, Claire at CAAN, Robbie Lamont of XMTB and all the others who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and still do so.

I'm of the opinion that if our argument, which is to be presented at the meeting, was more structured and less haphazard then everyone who is in attendance should be able to leave the meting knowing where we, as mountainbikers, stand with the regards to the development of sustainable trails in the Forests across Northern Ireland.

I felt that at the last consultation meeting questions were being asked from a lot of different people across the floor and the argument that was being put forward was quite fragmented. It would be good to go to this meeting and listen to the FS try to dodge the all the questions about their negativity from those who have experienced it at first hand.

Just my two cents worth ......

[andyh]

having spoken to somebody in Forest Service (near the top of the tree) in the last few days I can say that it appears they want to re-engage meaningfully but are unsure if mountain bikers want to.

My response was to assure them that we remain keen to discuss the development of mountain biking facilities in public forests.

I've informed Cycling Ulster that this meeting is taking place and also suggested that it would be good to talk with them before the meeting, they haven't responded as yet but I'm sure they will soon.

[marko]

leaflets given to bike shops in north down??that is strange as castlewellan forest is not in north down!!!there has not even been a mention in the local press in the Newcastle, Castlewellan area!!!

[Conor]

Marko, I'm gonig to say to Tom in mourne cycles to tell people about it and put a poster up. Feck, should have done that last week!

[andyh]

spoke to CU and they are going to send someone.

It is a shame that this has been organised at such short notice on the busiest weekend of the year but there you have it we just have to get round as many people as we can.

[Steveb]

It is a shame that this has been organised at such short notice on the busiest weekend of the year


By design?

[marko]

last weekend before xmas is not really a great time.Yea get a poster put up in mourne cycles today if possible. It is even to late to contact the mourne observer. conor try putting posters up in a few shops in newcastle or even in the leisure centre . i won't be home until saturday morning so i am not much use!!

[andyh]

By design?

surley not !

[graeme]

any1 emailed xmtb and other clubs?

[andyh]

any1 emailed xmtb and other clubs?


yes.

[graeme]

me 2

[Causeway]

Got this email the other day from one of the Orienteering members. Seems they would also be interested in knowing whats happening. I'll not be able to make it but will be able to pass on any info if you guys can let us know what happens. As far as I know the orienteering clubs would be interested in running a championship for MTBO but for them to do this they would need permission from the FS.




Folks

If anyone is interested, Forest Service are holding a consultation day about mountain biking – see details below. It is on this Sat at Castlewellan Forest Park.

FOREST SERVICE CONSULTATION MEETING ON MOUNTAIN BIKING

Forest Service is aware of the interest in developing mountain biking opportunities in public forests. We wish to explore the scope for considering future proposals.

Mountain bikers and representatives of the affiliated groups are invited to a consultation meeting in the Interpretative Centre, Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 17 December 2005 at 1.00 pm

Light refreshments will be provided

If anyone is interested then please go along and the NIOA committee would appreciate a report on the proceedings.

Thanks

Ruth Blair

[marko]

where exactly is the interpretative centre???i live down the road from castlewellan but i have never heard of it!!!

[AndyB]

where exactly is the interpretative centre???i live down the road from castlewellan but i have never heard of it!!! I'm pretty sure it's in the courtyard, beside the main carpark, I'm sure it'll be signposted
A.

[tankslapper]

Its in the courtyard as Andyb says

TS

[Charlieboy]

whos all going?

[kenny]

Crowd of us meeting at Real Cycles just before 12pm to head down.

[Marty D]

I am heading down, I will be at Real Cycles at around 12.