RIP Fishers Track [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

MXNUT

11th April 2011, 18:56

:sick::sick::sick:As you may have read already in the King Country Thread, fishers track is NO MORE.
The freaking Government has claimed it as part of the National Cycleway ( thanks John :angry: ) and the roading engineers have had their way with it and it is now a 2 lane F..king highway with 3 inches of gravel on top. There is only about 2-3 Kms of the original track left at the western end and that to will soon be gone.:bye::bye:

Glad i got to ride it for a few years before it was destroyed.

I was even speaking to the Gas Station owner at National Park and a couple of mountain bikers about it yesterday and even they thought that the new ROAD sucked.

As a fitting Eulogy post up any pictures you have of the Real fishers track and we can reminisce together, sad at the loss of another old friend.

junkmanjoe

11th April 2011, 19:10

had a few good moments in there...... fair well old friend...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_r4RTcX8Awjo/Sr8kBtaPztI/AAAAAAAAEds/VnG_bfl4VZA/s720/IMG_0482.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_r4RTcX8Awjo/Sr8kJu2QQCI/AAAAAAAAEd8/T4W8kutXyjk/s720/IMG_0485.JPG
eddies finest moment at the wash out...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_r4RTcX8Awjo/S9PzwOXRtKI/AAAAAAAAHic/cm_CXRv_NBY/s912/IMG_0090.JPG
<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BRlUFSjvtfY?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BRlUFSjvtfY?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>

JMJ

5150

11th April 2011, 19:15

BASTARDOS!!!!!!! :angry2::ar15:

.chris

11th April 2011, 19:22

Fishers is dead, long live the fishers!

junkmanjoe

11th April 2011, 19:55

the 42nd will be next..................

gav24

11th April 2011, 20:17

I read recently that all of the aggrieved land users in the UK ie. trail riders who have had their r.u.p.p.'s and b.o.a.t.'s (Road Used as Public Path and Byway Open to All Traffic) re-classified as footpaths, will be making the most of a day when most of the country will be tuned in to the TV watching some bloke called Wills marrying a bird called Kate?!?
They will be re-riding the Roads and Byways that they used to - for one day only!:woohoo: (April the something - royal wedding day- I dunno!)Safe in the knowledge that all the horsey set will be oohing and aahing at the carriages, and the walkers sitting around sharing cucumber sandwiches at the street parties, whilst all the police are on triple time, plus expenses, keeping royals far enough away from the plebs!
If only there was an event of equal or greater importance to kiwi's coming up, Something like a world cup of something would be good.
Then the new "road" could be re -ridden - would probably only take about 80 mins plus a short break half way for a team talk and an orange segment...:innocent:
Any ideas?

That looks like fun

11th April 2011, 20:30

I fear worse is yet to come :crybaby: Locals a bit further down the road who have, for years been using the paper rd that leads to a certain famous bridge that goes no where :yes: The track has been upgraded to a "cycleway" (know your enemy :shutup:) and DOC are telling the locals that they can no use the road as they have in the past to access hunting areas etc.
By what foul means (I hear you ask) have these filthy low life hillbillie locals been propelled along this "Paper road"? HORSE'S :facepalm: FFS Next they will be trying to ban trucks :facepalm::violin:
I can see it only being a matter of time before many of our beloved paper rds are lost to this cash cow that mountain biking is becoming :bye:
What is this country becoming? :blink: Can we stop it? Do we want too?

cooneyr

11th April 2011, 20:31

I know its not the same but if the land is still public land as a road reserve, your still allowed to ride it. Check with the district council what the status of the lane is and go ride it. If its just had a bit of gravel put on top it won't take long to become more "interesting" again ;)

NordieBoy

11th April 2011, 20:59

Yep. If it's a "road" then it takes quite a bit of effort to reclassify it.

Box'a'bits

11th April 2011, 21:05

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_OZDusBNIgW4/Sv-M6zcym6I/AAAAAAAAAf8/ymbT_WUGQwQ/s800/DSCF1767.JPG

It was always a muddy grovel :facepalm:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_OZDusBNIgW4/Sv-NA1ecCXI/AAAAAAAAAgM/MW1VaTg0ugo/s800/DSC00711.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_OZDusBNIgW4/Sv-NGZjbRnI/AAAAAAAAAgY/b45PfN2PlME/s800/DSC00714.JPG

Woodman

11th April 2011, 21:11

the 42nd will be next..................

THEN THE MAUNGATAP

cyclist fcukers

Taz

11th April 2011, 21:28

Some pics of our dear departed Fishers.

pete376403

11th April 2011, 21:49

A few 4wds going through there should remove the excess gravel.
Are there or will there be big gates either end?

Howie

11th April 2011, 23:14

Yep. If it's a "road" then it takes quite a bit of effort to reclassify it.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_gSPAGg5zvGw/TaLevSpBBnI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/fT7ARdvtsGc/s640/fishers.jpg

Well according to WAMS (WALKING ACCESS MAPPING SYSTEM)Here (http://wams.org.nz/wams/index.aspx) it is classified as a road formed or unformed.

I had a hunt around google and can't find any reference to it being reclassified.

It is interesting to note that both malings, and edwards passes off the Rainbow road are also part of new cycleways, yet they are also open for use by bike/4wd with permission.

clint640

12th April 2011, 08:46

A few 4wds going through there should remove the excess gravel.
Are there or will there be big gates either end?

There are some narrow bits that you wouldn't fit a 4x4 through, so there won't be enough traffic to pack down the gravel which will mean it will be a PITA to ride on a pushie for a long time unless they get a roller out there. That used to be the beauty of Fishers for bikes (powered & non), it was mostly single track. If they reform the last original 2km however people will start going through by 4x4.

It's still public road & open access, just not as much fun.

Cheers
Clint

5150

12th April 2011, 09:22

Modified or not, I think us the ADV riders should still be going there and using the "road" as much as possible. If not, then it will seem we have accepted the the stance and the cycle scum wins. We need to stand united and use it as per our customary rights. :2guns:

neels

12th April 2011, 09:43

Real mountainbikers are not fans of rebuilding the tracks into highways either, it's government and councils trying to attract tourists on rented bikes who want to go for a nice pootle in the hills away from the traffic, or in other words it's all about money.

I was given directions by a guy in a bike shop to a couple of tracks in queenstown a while back, he told me if I wasn't likely to be back soon to ride them as the council was about to fuck them to make them more 'accessible', which for a mountainbiker usually means taking all the fun out of them.

But anyway, if it's a legal road then go ride it.

Night Falcon

12th April 2011, 18:35

But anyway, if it's a legal road then go ride it.

preferably with a trench digger on the back wheel....whats needed is for someone to bring these concerns to the attention of those making the decisions....then they can ignor us officially :brick:

Phreaky Phil

12th April 2011, 18:52

5150

12th April 2011, 18:58

Our young tradesman was talking to the boss at work this morning. He had been to Pureora forest hunting on the weekend. He has a quad to access a hunting area that he goes into and its normally a 3 hour ride in. When he gets there its now a gravel "highway" for mountain bikers. Sound familiar :angry:

I think Mr DonKey and his crunies need a cycle inserted up their fat arses. Then they will have a good excuse to have a vibrating seat in their new BMW limos. :motu:

dino3310

12th April 2011, 20:31

They get looked after and they dont pay any fuckin Levy's

bart

12th April 2011, 22:30

It was just like a shitty farm track. I loved it (though never did it in winter :gob:)

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p7cLUcsMDnQ0VvDviiUCkFHiQcibWD7lBUYjq_IucepFdXqV CrgBdHuncncxHnF76Vcgh4kXPhwBw32doitPUx-F0EsMZ0VdB/IMG_4065.JPG?psid=1

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p7cLUcsMDnQ1y-oAhjhfno_I_7M-zguvDsKZMQiGfilVtmUcMKXSjFKhthwP6yovVvPx5Q8NMHG4mO 2qYIpUB9QpPacNGR6Lg/IMG_4071.JPG?psid=1

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pmznMNt5b6HI3j0BkFsGCJe1JC2kQM1ehzOctm9ZK_qQIRTg 6I54sFBaepDJ7aN-bTQ1Koz18VmELzC93MKQlJoSILKJX0Ssa/IMG_4099.JPG?psid=1

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pIkLoFpT98F4hHbV_Azcix5meDiagm9YOM8l72ZbGZ5_2rPS AN7RUFuG_nOL7qDVc9bssdUllqrEcjVGssqUUl48ZYrxsDF3e/IMG_4109.JPG?psid=1

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p7xXQB0NCfB-ByosWgRC3EKZUe9KX9HA0OYhrNUpo_nj9t9sJuSaWLf-bi3qvCS-T5UhP2k1xLiAAlEF3xjX2wp7H88srEcqy/IMG_4120.JPG?psid=1

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p7xXQB0NCfB_GLE8O_F-YwiBk0Xp7yjFQ670E1f0eogc-NfxBCxaPK2IoqcnRQQCI2HnOlbgEh9lrc6HPXWPt5xs8MJNucS Kc/IMG_4140.JPG?psid=1

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pRspQS2ageQaxOE4dRGxb2aRWvoAnHg8z0SCGP6j4ncQECi5 cukTkcU4W7YhuV5fCfbUdhrsAp7Ae0UIluFeCd1zjgl-xcs9d/IMG_4085.JPG?psid=1

http://svpesg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pY2-3ydXGygfBa54jjk5LV0gvTHdbkgX7oWbJUweukx1-CAEQHcHEaXHMy55vu2R0DDZtgRYQLkF2N-BeE5Zq2NzEcG-X7hXv/IMG_4094.JPG?psid=1

Cary

14th April 2011, 07:52

Looking at those pics it's hard to believe we were on the same 'road' :crybaby:

Taz

14th April 2011, 09:00

Didn't have to pay $10 though.

Eddieb

14th April 2011, 22:43

NordieBoy

15th April 2011, 07:44

A bit shaky but pretty good helmet cam footage there.

:devil2:

Eddieb

15th April 2011, 09:13

A bit shaky but pretty good helmet cam footage there.

:devil2:

Actually it was mounted on the headlight in that lot.

NordieBoy

15th April 2011, 09:57

Actually it was mounted on the headlight in that lot.

Really? :shit:

And here I was thinking it was on your helmet, the way it was below the blinkers of the other bikes :wari:

5150

15th April 2011, 10:12

Really? :shit:

And here I was thinking it was on your helmet, the way it was below the blinkers of the other bikes :wari:

LMFO !!!!!!!!!!!:killingme:clap:

NordieBoy

15th April 2011, 16:45

LMFO !!!!!!!!!!!:killingme:clap:

It was a well constructed trap wasn't it :D

Even worthy of Padmei.

barrie

17th April 2011, 18:03

They get looked after and they dont pay any fuckin Levy's
I ride a mountain bike where my gs won't go,the rock garden in the akatarawas for one,And I pay levies on two 750cc plus bikes a car and a van.
The local council is chasing the tourist dollar, I can't see what it has got to do with mountain bikers.

NordieBoy

17th April 2011, 18:11

The local council is chasing the tourist dollar, I can't see what it has got to do with mountain bikers.

Well, they're the ones the track is being re-done for.
It's not for road cyclists.

NordieBoy

17th April 2011, 18:13

I pay levies on two 750cc plus bikes a car and a van.

And none on the mountain bike.

barrie

17th April 2011, 18:20

Well, they're the ones the track is being re-done for.
It's not for road cyclists.
Mountain bikers are not the ones pushing for trails to be semi paved, They are being built for Cycle tourists, people with panniers that want to see the country.The local council is hoping that they'll stop and spend there dollars like they do on the central otago rail trail.
Everyone seems to hate cyclists,sorry but I don't get it.

Padmei

17th April 2011, 18:44

Mountain bikers are not the ones pushing for trails to be semi paved, They are being built for Cycle tourists, people with panniers that want to see the country.The local council is hoping that they'll stop and spend there dollars like they do on the central otago rail trail.
Everyone seems to hate cyclists,sorry but I don't get it.

i'm an avid cyclist however have to do this:facepalm: when we got the 'brains' of the country together to brainstorm how to make NZ productive & all they could come up with was build a fricking cycleway thru NZ:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

There is always conflict between landusers no matter what mode of transport they use. There are bullheads in all camps. Me- I sit on the fence:shutup:

thepom

17th April 2011, 18:47

"Everyone seems to hate cyclists,sorry but I don't get it"

Cos twat mountain bikers who have accidents are not paying regio for using our roads ....

Padmei

17th April 2011, 18:52

"Everyone seems to hate cyclists,sorry but I don't get it"

Cos twat mountain bikers who have accidents are not paying regio for using our roads ....

Yeah the barstards-serves them right - how dare they dare injure themselves offroad - serves them right for not paying rego:angry:

barrie

17th April 2011, 18:53

"Everyone seems to hate cyclists,sorry but I don't get it"

Cos twat mountain bikers who have accidents are not paying regio for using our roads ....
Mountain bikers are'nt on the roads, the same as MX'ers and trail riders. My apologies for stirring up this hornets nest.

NordieBoy

17th April 2011, 20:24

Mountain bikers are'nt on the roads, the same as MX'ers and trail riders.

How do you get to the mtb/mx/trail ride then, if not riding on the road?

That looks like fun

17th April 2011, 21:13

Walking :innocent:

Woodman

17th April 2011, 21:47

i'm an avid cyclist however have to do this:facepalm: when we got the 'brains' of the country together to brainstorm how to make NZ productive & all they could come up with was build a fricking cycleway thru NZ:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

There is always conflict between landusers no matter what mode of transport they use. There are bullheads in all camps. Me- I sit on the fence:shutup:

Gotta agree with you there, but I am willing to eat crow if it drags the country out of debt and we all become super rich, and then the Americans start bombing us because they say they don't like the way we run our lives, but really they just want our cycle trails.

Night Falcon

18th April 2011, 09:14

someone needs to make a law that no mountain bikers are allowed ride their bikes without first paying a fee to the "save the adventure riders tracks foundation":blink:....I volunteer to be treasurer and collect the dosh....well someones gotta do it:corn:

tri boy

18th April 2011, 19:24

Kanny has informed me:spanking:, that us blokes need to be more receptive to the fact that Fischers has changed.
Apparently we do not make up the total population of adv riders in NZ:shit:, and that other riders:love: may now enjoy the drop into the Retaruke valley without risking life and limb.:scooter:

So, guys, we are being officialy informed that we should consider riders like kanny, suzi girl, (sorry mark, my arm was twisted) et all.And that we should be happy that they can now enjoy that ride also.:sunny:

"Yes dear, coming dear, take out the garbage you say?
Anything for you my dear."
"Whats that?I need an attitude adjustment?:facepalm::shit::Pokey::ar15::bash::cry baby:........................

Night Falcon

18th April 2011, 19:41

JATZ

18th April 2011, 19:46

So, guys, we are being officialy informed that we should consider riders like kanny, suzi girl, (sorry mark, my arm was twisted) et all.And that we should be happy that they can now enjoy that ride also.:sunny:

........................

Yebut.... I'm sure MrsJ enjoys being pushed out of her comfort zone on the nastyest tracks possible :blink: without being to silly
'Least I hope she does :innocent:

bart

18th April 2011, 20:11

Why turn an awesome, challenging track, into just another gravel road. :angry:

The day they turn the Makairo into a boring gravel road, I'm hanging up my riding boots.

BTW...read in the paper that the Gentle Annie will be totaly sealed by the end of May. :facepalm:

Phreaky Phil

18th April 2011, 20:31

Yeah but the best part of that ride is following that other road from Taihape till it comes out on the top of Gentle Annie. Cant see that getting tar sealed

Woodman

18th April 2011, 20:42

Just ride fasterer.

NordieBoy

18th April 2011, 21:06

:gob: we're beein emasculted I tell ya...next thing we'll all be expected to ride cagivas :gob:

Or Triumphs...

Phreaky Phil

18th April 2011, 21:35

We need a volunteer, some one with way too much time on there hands !! to draught an email ( politely, as stomping your foot and throwing toys out of the cot wont get us far ) questioning the Ruapehu District Councils future intentions for the Fishers. Is it going to be a multiple access road or are we going to be shut out ? Until we ask the question we wont know.
Any volunteers ??

Woodman

18th April 2011, 21:39

I wouldn't worry too much about new cycle trails because a lot of projects are going to be canned to pay for Christchurch apparently.

Phreaky Phil

18th April 2011, 21:49

I wouldn't worry too much about new cycle trails because a lot of projects are going to be canned to pay for Christchurch apparently.Aparrently the funding is already allocated and these trails are nearly complete. I think these will continue regardless of whats happening in CHCH.

dino3310

18th April 2011, 21:50

tri boy

18th April 2011, 22:06

Or Triumphs...
Can't ride it.
No rego, warrant, n Nick the dick says so cos I might hurt myself.
I always do what i'm told:innocent:

We will find more tracks like Fischers.
It was getting too popular anyways.

bart

18th April 2011, 22:20

Yeah but the best part of that ride is following that other road from Taihape till it comes out on the top of Gentle Annie. Cant see that getting tar sealed

I quite enjoyed getting a 2 wheel drift going at....ahem....100kmh :Police:, on a superhighway width gravel road. That road was kinda unique, in a speedway sort of way.

As for Fishers, what's happened to that gun toting redneck on the quad? Is he going to harass the lycra brigade now?

dino3310

18th April 2011, 22:36

Can't ride it.
No rego, warrant, n Nick the dick says so cos I might hurt myself.
I always do what i'm told:innocent:

We will find more tracks like Fischers.
It was getting too popular anyways.

just put some XR stickers on the tank:msn-wink:

Phreaky Phil

18th April 2011, 22:46

A little Googling

NordieBoy

19th April 2011, 07:26

So, by "multiple use track" they mean walking and cycling?

Is it officially called Kura Rd?

clint640

19th April 2011, 08:10

... Is it going to be a multiple access road or are we going to be shut out ? Until we ask the question we wont know.
Any volunteers ??

AFAIK it's very difficult to ban vehicles from a public rd on any more than a temporary basis. Also the NZ4WD federated clubs managed to set a legal precedent a few years back that recreational use of a paper road was a valid reason to prevent that road being 'stopped'. No doubt there are other ways to try & shut out vehicles though so we do need to be vigilant. I 2nd the nomination of Pheaky Phil to send the Ruapehu council an email. :yes:

Cheers
Clint

Night Falcon

19th April 2011, 10:35

A little Googling

get this bit..... "Work on completing Fisher’s Track (also known as Kura Rd) to create a high quality multi-use recreational track".....how you define high quality in this instance is dependant on the specific recreational use the track is being used for; reading on it is obvious the term "multi-use" would be better phrased " dual purpose" (walking &non chalanging (limp wristed) cycling).

It is clear from the CEO's comments that this initiative is being sold as part of an econmoic stimulas to the region, and they obviously see their tourist dollars coming from soft outdoor types rather than people looking for a rugged outdoor adventure? ....and certainly not from local trail or mountain bikers.

This being the case it is likely that "initiatives" will be put in place to ensure the safety of all "track users" (as evidenced by the cocky who told us that 2 cyclists had been cleaned up by motorbikers recently) which will likely deincentivise motorbikes from using the track at anything more than idling speed.

my veiw is the fishers is now a lost cause for the likes of us lot....watch out 42nd:gob:

5150

19th April 2011, 11:10

:ar15:I'd like to see them try it with 42nd. 4wd boys would have an uproar!!!!

clint640

19th April 2011, 11:13

my veiw is the fishers is now a lost cause for the likes of us lot....watch out 42nd:gob:

They'll have a real fight on their hands if they try & shut vehicles out of the 42nd, I'd say it's unlikely. The 4x4 guys have done a lot of work to keep that track open, both lobbying & hands on maintenance.

Cheers
Clint

Phreaky Phil

19th April 2011, 17:22

I had a good chat with a guy from the Ruapehu District council this morning. He said we would still have access to it. I explained the type of riding we do and that we are on road registered bikes. He said there was a guy at the council who did similar and he might be able to put us onto some more tracks in the area. I explained the importance of keeping our access open even though its not a challenging ride anymore it provides us with "through " access.
It is a grade 2 cycleway which means any old fart should be able to ride it on anything that has pedals.
There will be a narrow opening at the ends as the want to keep quad bikes out :yes:
This could pose a problem for BMW's and Fat arse KTM's with panniers :shit:

I asked him if we could get an undertaking in writing as to our continued access and he said YES so I will send him an email. I will offer our assistance with measurements of bike widths etc. He also mentioned the Bridge to Nowhere track so I will follow up on that.
All in all, not all bad news, but we'll see what happens

Night Falcon

19th April 2011, 18:18

This could pose a problem for BMW's and Fat arse KTM's with panniers :shit:

thanks Phil, your a ledgend on an off the trail :yes:.....having a big big butt can sometimes be useful though....like to warn off other motorcylists from undertaking dodgy passing manouvers on narrow tracks with long drop offs....not :facepalm:.....but you do need to be mindfull of other bikes when manouvering around them.....sorry bout that Chris:facepalm:

MXNUT

19th April 2011, 22:33

Taz

19th April 2011, 23:34

You realise if we didn't go on such challenging terrain on our rides and stuck to the seal TriBoy might just come along one day.....

Phreaky Phil

20th April 2011, 07:26

thanks Phil, your a ledgend on an off the trail :yes:.....having a big big butt can sometimes be useful though....like to warn off other motorcylists from undertaking dodgy passing manouvers on narrow tracks with long drop offs....not :facepalm:.....but you do need to be mindfull of other bikes when manouvering around them.....sorry bout that Chris:facepalm:I was actually refering to KTM 990's with panniers, but if you think your butt looks big just ask your wife :facepalm:

marks

20th April 2011, 08:10

I
There will be a narrow opening at the ends as the want to keep quad bikes out :yes:
This could pose a problem for BMW's and Fat arse KTM's with panniers :shit:

a scum filter?
what a good idea

NordieBoy

20th April 2011, 08:11

You realise if we didn't go on such challenging terrain on our rides and stuck to the seal TriBoy might just come along one day.....

Got a photo of him falling off the scram in the Maungatapu hidden away somewhere...

Night Falcon

20th April 2011, 09:47

I was actually refering to KTM 990's with panniers, but if you think your butt looks big just ask your wife :facepalm:

big butts are all the fashion in europe...not like japs that got no butts at all.:moon:

I asked my wife about my hieny but she said getting rid of my man boobs should be my first priority :apumpin:

a scum filter?
what a good idea

nah wouldn't work.....you'd also have to include a terd collector for KLR's....but their so large and heavy they'd keep blocking the drains:rofl:

Eddieb

24th April 2011, 08:55

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10720915

...

Mountain biking in Tongariro National Park is becoming increasingly popular. But although I saw quite a number of other cyclists, the Old Coach Road isn't the most popular route for peddlers.

The Fishers Track, which starts from National Park itself, described as the next best thing to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, is the biggest drawcard for the two-wheeled brigade, says manager Jason Cameron of The Park Travellers' Lodge, where we finished a perfect day in the restaurant watching the sunset over Mt Ruapehu. About 95 per cent of the 17km route is downhill, making it easy for beginners such as me.

The 42 Traverse is another route, favoured by experienced mountain bikers. It's a 42km-long remote track and is considered one of the North Island's best mountain bike rides.

dino3310

24th April 2011, 09:42

BULL - SHIT

and you can tell kanny i said that:love:

I agree mate sounds like someones pussy whipped

tri boy

25th April 2011, 20:41

I agree mate sounds like someones pussy whipped
You'll keep.:yes:

Phreaky Phil

28th April 2011, 17:21

I got this reply back to my email today. Good news :yes:

Phil – this is the answer from the roading team – I hope it answers your question.

From: Warren Furner
Sent: Thursday, 28 April 2011 3:11 p.m.
To: Peter Till
Subject: RE: Fishers Track/Road Access

Hi Peter

The matter of shared use of roads destined to become Great Rides was extensively discussed during the consultation phase of the Mountains to Sea and Central North Island Rail Trail proposal early 2010. One of the key matters discussed was displacement of existing recreations such as motorised trail bike and quad use, horse trekking, walking, hunting and fishing access. Established occasional uses such as 4WD events and commercial/recreational adventure rides have also been discussed at various levels throughout the country as trail proposal have come to a reality.

In Ruapehu we have provided access for all of the groups listed above except for heavy 4WD vehicles. The reason for limiting heavy 4WD’s is that trails are built to a design loading for cyclist, motorised trail bike use can of course damage the trails as well, however we have agreed to appeal to users of the trails to respect the shared use and needs of other recreations. This will be a theme for safety messages and signs throughout our trails and conflicting uses will need ongoing management. I will use the Share with Care, Common Sense and Courtesy theme on our, on and off road trail sections.

The boundary gates will have a cattle stops and gates installed to allow for horse, quad motorcycles and cycles access alongside a vehicle gate, cyclists will not have to get off bikes to open gates, potentially this will reduce the amount of times gates are left open as well. Vehicle access will allowed in certain circumstances such as emergency services, DoC and Transpower access plus trail maintenance crews. The cattle stops have no less than a 1.4m clear opening and are designed to the national cycle trail design guidelines.

Continued use of the trails by motorised vehicles is anticipated however we will need to carefully manage safety. This is especially true when motorised use opposed the predominant mountain bike direction of travel. Fishers is one such case where care is now required.

I hope this help answer the questions raised by Phil, I would be happy to discuss this in more detail if required.

Regards

Warren

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Night Falcon

28th April 2011, 17:56

.....The matter of shared use of roads destined to become Great Rides was extensively discussed during the consultation phase of the Mountains to Sea and Central North Island Rail Trail proposal early 2010....discussed extensively??? like when the injuns discussed what was good for the cowpokes right before they circled the wagons :shutup:

......however we will need to carefully manage safety. This is especially true when motorised use opposed the predominant mountain bike direction of travel. Fishers is one such case where care is now required. ...i dont like to say I told you so....but this has a distinct "last rights" feel about it :bye:

Phreaky Phil

28th April 2011, 18:01

...discussed extensively??? like when the injuns discussed what was good for the cowpokes right before they circled the wagons :shutup:

...i dont like to say I told you so....but this has a distinct "last rights" feel about it :bye:WTF ? The letter says we are free to use it. Unless some one fucks it up for us and has a head on with a cyclist. It may not be what it was, but at least we can still use it

NordieBoy

28th April 2011, 18:21

WTF ? The letter says we are free to use it. Unless some one fucks it up for us and has a head on with a cyclist. It may not be what it was, but at least we can still use it

And if the cyclist is in the wrong?

Still a big shit storm against motorbikes.

Strap a pillow to the front...

Phreaky Phil

28th April 2011, 18:43

And if the cyclist is in the wrong?

Still a big shit storm against motorbikes.

Strap a pillow to the front...Come on man, the glass is half full ! It's the same as any other road or track we share. Basic road rules still apply, keep left. At least there's no 4wd or cars to run into.
I might ask what other tracks they've got that we might be able to play on.

Box'a'bits

28th April 2011, 18:52

I might ask what other tracks they've got that we might be able to play on.
I was thinking the same thing as I read it! It might be fun to join all the tracks. Imagine being able to run thru' a large portion of the country (or at least the Ruapehu district) without the need to run on sealed roads....

Don't see the issue with running downhill in any event. It used to be pretty crappy running uphill.

MXNUT

28th April 2011, 18:59

It may not be what it was, but at least we can still use it

Good work Phil, appreciate the effort you have put in.:love:
Like you said, whats done is done but at least we still have access to go through there.:scooter::scooter:

Howie

28th April 2011, 19:06

Come on man, the glass is half full ! It's the same as any other road or track we share. Basic road rules still apply, keep left. At least there's no 4wd or cars to run into.
I might ask what other tracks they've got that we might be able to play on.

That sounds like a good idea, I read it that he was talking about the tracks in general, and not just fishers.

Night Falcon

28th April 2011, 21:02

WTF ? The letter says we are free to use it. Unless some one fucks it up for us and has a head on with a cyclist. It may not be what it was, but at least we can still use it

Love ya work Phil....as you say the letter still gives us limited use....but they have left the door open for further "safety measures" if required. Lets hope theres no nutters out there that cause them to review our entitlement.....I,ll keep off it if you will :facepalm:

5150

29th April 2011, 09:35

I will behave ofcourse and follow the rules, but until the cycle fcks pay their road usage charges, I have zero respect to them.:angry:

nic

29th April 2011, 10:48

Good work Phil, appreciate the effort you have put in.:love:
Like you said, whats done is done but at least we still have access to go through there.:scooter::scooter:

yeah....wot he said :)

Thanks Phil

Eddieb

29th April 2011, 11:07

The letter says we are free to use it. ..... It may not be what it was, but at least we can still use it

I probably wouldn't bother anymore, the magic is gone. Maybe I'd use it as a transit route but not as a destination in it's own right.

I think for future Central Plateau rides I'd rather do Old Whanga rd.

chasio

29th April 2011, 11:38

I will behave ofcourse and follow the rules, but until the cycle fcks pay their road usage charges, I have zero respect to them.:angry:

I can see no logical difference from an ACC perspective between an unregistered MX bike and a treadly taken to a trail head on the back of a ute. In both cases it seems likely to me that the rider is paying ACC in other ways. On reflection, MX injuries may well occur at higher speeds and, despite greater protection, could well be more costly.

Or are you saying that MX bikes AND treadlies should BOTH be paying ACC now?

5150

29th April 2011, 15:17

I can see no logical difference from an ACC perspective between an unregistered MX bike and a treadly taken to a trail head on the back of a ute. In both cases it seems likely to me that the rider is paying ACC in other ways. On reflection, MX injuries may well occur at higher speeds and, despite greater protection, could well be more costly.

Or are you saying that MX bikes AND treadlies should BOTH be paying ACC now?

What I'm saying is that why should cyclists who also use public roads be exempted from paying user charges. They go on how they fight for their space with drivers opening doors or pulling out or even cutting them off, but mst of the cyclists I see on the road ride like twats. Go through red lights, use pedestrian crossings, ride footpaths or ride 2,3 or even 4 abrest. You give me one reason why should they have my respect when they are the ones who break the road code rules. :motu: (to the cyclists)

Box'a'bits

29th April 2011, 16:06

What I'm saying is that why should cyclists who also use public roads be exempted from paying user charges. You give me one reason why should they have my respect when they are the ones who break the road code rules.
How far are you going to take that arguement? Gunna tax the pedestrians as well?

5150

29th April 2011, 16:16

How far are you going to take that arguement? Gunna tax the pedestrians as well?

Why. They don't ride like twats on the road. lol

5150

29th April 2011, 16:22

All I am saying is that bikers should be treated fairly. And if the government is going to overcharge one lot, they should look at the other lot too who contribute to ACC claims. I know, it's the old battle now. But it just pisses me off that cyclists can get away with it when they ride like idiots and don't really have any protection, where as most bikers spend alot of effort and money to make them selves safe on the road, yet we get shafted.

dino3310

29th April 2011, 19:31

oh dear its turning into one of those threads is it:facepalm:
well in that case,
fuck ACC and can it and make everyone responsible for there own accident insurance.

slowly heading for PD :laugh:

chasio

29th April 2011, 21:47

I apologies for responding to the O/T inanity. :facepalm:

Perhaps we could introduce some silly hats at this point? That or memories of Fisher's; there's a thought...

5150

30th April 2011, 07:11

oh dear its turning into one of those threads is it:facepalm:
well in that case,
fuck ACC and can it and make everyone responsible for there own accident insurance.

slowly heading for PD :laugh:

AMEN!!! :drinkup:

Eddieb

20th August 2011, 20:02

Better watch out next time we do a ride around Taumaranui way.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5479807/First-countrywide-cycle-trail-leg-opens

The first parts of a countrywide cycle trail - three routes between Taumarunui and New Plymouth that take in part of the Forgotten World Highway - opened today.

The largely on-road tour routes are part of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail, a project initiated after 18 off-road Great Rides opened last year.

''These new touring routes encourage cyclists and cycle tourists to use safer and more enjoyable routes, and steer them away from busy state highways and areterial routes,'' trail programme manager John Dunn said.

The newly-opened routes run from Taumarunui to New Plymouth, Taumarunui to Whakahoro - linking to the Ruapehu-Whanganui trails, and from Taumarunui to Ongarue, to link to the Pureora timber trail.