Buy a license and stay on the north track

THE eThekwini Mountain Bike Association (EMBA) is appealing to cyclists who use the approximately 180km trails on the farms from Cornubia to Tongaat and at Shongweni, to obtain a licence from the organisation.

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Speaking to Northglen News, EMBA chairperson Noel Baker said that affiliated cycling clubs and Tongaat Hulett Sugar (THS) formed an agreement about 17 years ago for the EMBA to use the land for recreational purposes.

“This was concluded in 2007, and the renewal is on an annual basis. What we find happening more often nowadays is that cyclists who are not members of the EMBA are making use of the trails. All we’re asking is that these cyclists pay for the annual licence or obtain a day licence at R50. This, in turn, will make it more financially manageable for the association to maintain these routes which costs R35 000 per month. Riding on the THS land without a licence is trespassing,” said Baker.

He said all cyclists who utilise the route display their licence boards – that is the rule. If a bib is not visible, it means the cyclist has not registered with the EMBA. Currently, the EMBA has 570 registered cyclists who are well acquainted with the routes, knowing full well where the no-go routes are.

“There is also the potential of not having knowledge of the no-go routes posing a danger to the cyclists. Farmers have, in the past, warned that they would close access to the farms when they see riders use a route they’re not supposed to. Members know about these route zones and steer clear of them,” he said.

“The beauty of these trails is something to withhold. It’s also safe and well-kept and really is a cyclist’s dream to make use of. The trails include the existing farm roads, jeep tracks and single trails. We maintain the jeep tracks when required – and the many single tracks. Over the years, a number of bridges have been built and, due to flooding and vandalism, rebuilt,” he said.

The cost of an annual licence is R750 and R50 for a daily one.

“Sadly, we currently estimate that approximately 40% of riders using the facilities are unlicensed and do not purchase any licences. With the funding that could be generated if all riders contributed, we would be able to enhance the riders’ fun and experiences immensely with better maintenance and additional trails in both areas. We’re appealing to cyclists to buy their licences – it’s the right thing to do,” added Baker.

For more information, call Margie Gallagher on 082 714 2471 or Baker on 083 799 1075.

In order to purchase an annual or daily licence, you have to be a member of one of the following cycle clubs:

4.30 CLUB
Bring It On Cycles
Cycle Specialist
East Coast Cycling Club
Giba Gorge
KPCC
Leigh’s Cycle Centre
Melville Cycles
ROAG
Shongweni Cycle Club
Shut Up & Ride (SUR)
Summit Cycling Club
TRI-X
Westville Cycle Club

Membership forms are available on emba.org.za.

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