Trail In Discovery Bay

I honestly think what we need is organisation, like we have the man power but we need someone to guide us though, to help us find the right place and just to lead. I would if i could but i am only 13, so i may not be able to do so.

I'm thinking we could build a trail somewhere around the golf corse, I agree with Tom's Idea of building an XC trail circling around the golf course but that was where the old Trappist trail was and there is not any space as they built a horrible biking trail around the construction site. I personally don't mind weather or not the trail is DH or XC, as long as there is a trail but I prefer DH. An Idea i had for Dh was to just build a trail starting from the top of the golf course road and end at the bottom somewhere, people could just bike up it and do some great DH.

Im really passionate about biking and i really want to do something about this.

Thanks for the responses so far.
Dylan

It has been disheartening to learn about the closure of MTB trails in Lantau but its great to learn that you guys are determined to reverse that trend. I am a passionate believer of taking care of your own backyard first and I wish there were 10 more groups like yours plotting new trails in their hoods.

First thing to note is that its not going to be easy to get your trail built legally. Digging trails is the fun and enjoyable task while lobbying the authorities is going to drive you nuts and be where most of the work lies. Having at least 30 riders behind you is a good start so make best use of their varied professional skills and go about this task in a very organised and professional manner.

Get your team organised. Use social networking tools like Facebook to set up both public and secret groups so you can spread your plans and get people on your side. Use the secret group to keep your core team communicating while you shape your plans and proposal.

You must approach the land manager(s) with a very well thought out proposal that links their values with yours. MTB trails presents an opportunity to diversify the recreational and commercial opportunities in DB. It will attract new residents who prefer trail sports over those on manicured lawns. This will undoubtably mean that rents and property values will go up. Developers like that kind of talk. Plus trails are a lot cheaper to build and maintain than swimming pools and golf courses and developers will like that too.

In preparing your proposal I would also try to engage an MTB Trail specialist. (HM Lim from Dirtraction in Singapore frequents HK and would be a an excellent resource on that front). Get the specialist to scout the area in question and suggest a proposed trail alignment. MTB trail design utilizes very environmentally sound principals and the goal is to respect the environment while building a sustainable trail that meets your riding/recreational requirements. The specialist will help you estimate costs for the project.

Its also important to get as many local authorities and groups on your side. Present your plans to your district councillor, local hiking or running groups (i.e., a shared use trail), and neighboring land managers (i.e, Lands Dept, AFCD). You may get lucky to find private land owners who are willing to let you build this trail on their land?

Get creative and propose a package of ideas that link in other kinds of cycling audiences. Pump tracks are fun and so are BMX courses. If its possible, ask for a an XC loop around the permitter of the golf course. This could have lights for night riding and serve as a training or racing course. HKR may be interested adding a few of these features to jazz up its recreational portfolio. Again you have to point out how these will improve its bottom line!

Also make use of the resources available online (IMBA is a good site) and here at the HKMBA as we can assist your team as it moves forward in this battle.

Tom

Hi
Some years back, the Discovery Bay management team looked into the feasibility to ride in DB

Problems encountered then if i remember correctly was:

Lands outside of DB complex are private, and some are designated buriel plots
Most of the lands outside DB is managed by AFCD (previously the land was open land)

and nothing really has moved foward since.

Now considering their had been a trail on the site well before the3 AFCD and the new building was developed DB riders may have a legitimate claim to speak to DB management and the AFCD saying that due to new developments and change in land management policies an existing recreational bike trail has been lost, and ask/demand that this is rectified. make enough noise to the management, call their bluff stating people live in DB because of the community and proximity to trails and wilderness areas. Now these are rapidly diminished DB is becoming a less desirable place to live. And something may happen to get them on your side

Then it is a matter of doing the same with the land managers, but considering that the South Lantau proposal (which had millions of dollars at its disposal is no at a stand still then this will be a hard task.

ALTERNATIVELY, just go out their and dig (but officially HKMBA condones this approach!) tools such as picks and hoes are readilly available, trimmers are more difficult and pricey, but HKMBA does have some at their disposal to members

if you take this approach you will need to go out and recce the sight first and carefully plot the lines before digging commences

Good luck guys

cheers
Bearded blunder

He'll reply in a bit. Keep the faith man!

Design, organisation and tools. We can get up to 30 ridders who are passionate on building a trail here. Who is Tom?

Thanks so much

Good to hear that people are fighting for the right to ride!

What exactly do you need - design, organisation, etc.? I think someone like Tom may be able to point you in the right direction.

Our trail in Discovery Bay (Trapist) has recently been demolished by construction to build more houses, therefore we must travel long distances to reach nice trails. We have all the people to build it but we just need a leader and permission from HKR. Me and my friends are in love with biking and we really would appreciate some help.

Thanks