Another successful Tokai trail build day was held yesterday, focussing on a newly created ‘all mountain’ section of trail, starting where the DH trail and ‘Boulders’ intersect. There was a brilliant turn out with some people arriving later in the day and some people leaving early -at about 11am there were at least 20 people digging, cutting, hauling rocks and creating trail. What a terrific sight!

Thanks go to Deon who is in charge of the build days and getting all the boring paperwork sorted
HUGE thanks to all those who pitched up, got blisters, broke backs and sweated to help make Tokai better-this is the best (or only?) way to have a say in what trails you want out there!

It was interesting to notice that most of the volunteers were from the DH crowd (Except for me and maybe 6 others) even though this trail is not solely aimed at the Downhillers. It will be possible (and fun!) to ride a hardtail down it, with berms, hucks and drops.

One of the guys that rode past while we were building even shouted out, “Why is it that the DHers are the only ones that ever build trail?”. Interesting question (though not 100% true) and I plead for the XC guys to come and help out (the next trail project will be benefiting all XC riders big time from what I hear!).

There was also only one lady out there (even though she rides better than most men!) and I reckon the women need to represent considering how many I see out on the trail nowadays. (That’s Rika digging the clay to mix with the sandy soil on the trail)

It was great to see Dad’s coming up with their children and all helping out - a great way to teach kids that trails don’t just magically appear. They got stuck in and dirty, just like children should be!

For more info, backgound, photos (and a bit too much random chatter ;) visit The HubSA and search in the Forums for “Tokai build day”

If you’d like to be kept up to date about upcoming build days you can follow iRide Africa on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll keep you updated.

For those wanting to help out on future trail build days, here is some advice;

• Wear old clothing -you’ll get dirty!
• Bring gloves -unless you are hoping to lose your fingerprints!
• Wear enclosed shoes -if you drop a rock or log onto your toes you’ll be sorry wearing flip flops
• Bring water and maybe a bite to eat so you can have energy the whole day
• Bring a friend
• Get out there! Even if it’s just for 2 hours.

On a final note: Please don’t ride the trail! It is still incomplete and needs some rains to bed in a bit.