Galloway forest Park recce

[Austin]

Minted and I met with the recreation and tourist officers at Galloway forest park today. Most of the day was spent cruising around some of the trails we will be using in August. It was a very useful day and well worth the day off. Special thanks to Tony /Minted for also taking a day off and supporting me in this.*

First of all we couldn't believe how relaxed the SFC are about the ride. Nothing really seems to bother them, mind I think in their eyes we are bending over backwards to both cooperate with them and to be "responsible riders". That Is a theme that has clearly hit home with them.*

We learned a lot today:
1. I have mapped about 90miles pf trails. We haven't a hope of doing even half of it. *Archie persuaded me that it will be better to save trails for another trip. (they are anticipating more than one return trip too . )

2. The trails are mostly good quality hard core based forest tracks built for access by harvesting operations. A few had gained a muddy top surface with grass and/or ruts and were getting overgrown * These will be slippy if it's wet. Near harvesting sites the tracks get a lot rougher. This confirmed my view that any dual sport tyre should be ok. Also there was nothing extreme in off road terms but views even in the poor weather are spectacular. As is the sense of remotenesss. *Wild camping next time is must!!!*

3. Speed was discussed a few times. It is obviously a concern. 30mph was agreed as a sensible top speed. *Their concern centres around other fotest users - mainly mountain bikers who will not be expecting a speeding motorcycle coming up a hill. I agreed I would always be leading and at no more than 30. **

4. I will be getting a key in case any if the gates or barriers are locked. *

5. *3rd party liability insurance has reared it's head. I will investigate if it's possible to buy this, but we should be ok with just our regular road insurance. * *The forestry people require sight of or copies of all participants insurance certificates. *CAN YOU PLEASE PHOTOCOPY AND POST TO ME: *AUSTIN WINCKLER, 40,CROSTON ROAD, GARSTANG, LANCS. PR3 1HR. If you don't the last chance will be to show your certificate to the forestry commission in their offices in Newton Stewart on Friday 13th August when I call in to pick up keys and finalise the paperwork.*
NO INSURANCE NO PARTICIPATION.

6. The fee is £100plus £5 per bike. I am going to assume there will be the max of 25 participants. That works out at £9 Each. *You can pay me when we meet or anytime before. In fact let's make it £10 and i will donate the surplus to the TLD charity.

I think that was all. *Tony have I missed anything?

This is going to be the best yet!! * * *

[outrunner]

Well done that man! I was a bit miffed that I could not make the recce but as my holls start tomorrow there was no way I could get off. Will get the photocopy to you asap, can I pay you with Paypal or just wait until the day? Or I could chance it and stick a tenner in with the insurance.


Andy.

[XT6]

Nice one Austin. You ok if I drop my certificate & cash tobyou at work when you get back from your week off? Or will that be too late ? Andy

[Austin]

Insurance ASAP

MONEY is fine Until 14th August. But if you want to either a tenner or cheque with the insurance will be ok.

[raymo]

Thats ace Austin will sort paperwork and funds out

[Austin]

Supplementary.......

Numbers definitely limited to 25.

They want photos and quotes and stuff for publicity. I said i would also see what we could do about getting this in the bike press - calling Whealie.

We will be getting a laminated authority / licence thing. They will make this up and give them to me before the event. In the future we will try and get these done as a bike sticker.

We got taken to 2 visitor centres, 2 picnic sites and 2 toilets. Archie was very proud of it all and I think we are expected to use these facilities so the forestry commission benefits from our presence. The picnic sites had BBQs and were very very nice. I will work out how to factor it all in.

Umm, I really do think that's all now. I am on my hols after today so access only by Iphone and 3g.

[tramp]

yahoo!!,

consider it done, and my new K60`s will be nicely worn in by then along with me off road pegs.

just a safety thought, is someone bringing a First aid kit etc should the worst happen? and will the phones work in the forest? not that I`m clumsy or anything .
I`ll lookinto the insurance thing tomorrow but would think as its private property we would not be covered and sport insurance would be expensive.

Roll on August.

[Austin]

First aid kit - well I have got one. It was one of the things I was going to sort nearer the time, just Need to make sure we have 4-5 between us.

Phones.... A bit patchy. When we were in the depths of the forest, esp in the valleys there was nothing. Nearer the roads or villages it was better. My risk assessment took account of this though .

Insurance, great if you can look into it but you need to read and understand the documents I have prepared that outline the event - they are in the main thread. I was planning just to try and get third party liability only, you know, stuff like a dog gets run over or somethng or livestock get spooked. I thought it would be cheap if it's available.

yahoo!!,

consider it done, and my new K60`s will be nicely worn in by then along with me off road pegs.

just a safety thought, is someone bringing a First aid kit etc should the worst happen? and will the phones work in the forest? not that I`m clumsy or anything .
I`ll lookinto the insurance thing tomorrow but would think as its private property we would not be covered and sport insurance would be expensive.

Roll on August.

[tramp]

Hi Austin,

I`ve read your brief to the forestry people, and as I see it we [xrv bikers] need just third party cover for the following:

damage to the forest-[trees will regrow anyway]

risk of fire from a accident [ highly unlikely but we will follow std forest procedures]

The main thing is as you said injury to other forest users be it walkers or cyclists and dogs.

I take it we all agree that damage resulting from an off is down to the individual [bike or body].

I`ll see what I can find out and see what the std fullycomp bike insurance covers too that we all have, as we are riding on "forestry land" aka private but with the landowners permission and in theory all users both ourselves and the general public have to have liability insurance for damage to third parties and property. sometimes on your home insurance policy.

I`m off for a beer as my heads starting to spin

have a nice hols

[Austin]

Tramp you are a star

I don't want to pay much really it was just to avoid the hassle of getting copies of everyone's documents to the SFC - it's inevitable that Someones gets lost, is out of date or something. and if we can do it this time we know we can do it again for future events. If it Is £50 between us it's well worth it. If it's much more it isn't. I am probably way out of touch on costs but it all feels very low risk to me.