Cam MTB - the Cambridge Mountain Bikers' Forum

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DISCLAIMER. MOUNTAIN BIKING CAN BE DANGEROUS. YOU JOIN US AT YOUR OWN RISK.

SAFETY BRIEFING.

  • Wear a helmet. Despite recent advances in medical science, brains still cannot be mended nor replaced.
  • Wear gloves or mitts. Hands often hit the ground first. Cuts and grazes invite infection and a hospital visit.
  • Wear eye protection, it only takes a twig or thorn to lose an eye. Crud catchers are a good idea in mucky weather.
  • When downhilling, for your own protection, allow plenty of space behind the rider in front.
  • Bring a bare minimum emergency tool kit and a spare inner tube.
  • Breakdowns are a bore. Plan not to have any by ensuring your bike is in perfect working order.
  • Punctures are also tedious. You can minimise them by fitting latex tubes, slime tubes or running tubeless tyres.
  • Don't ride too close to the person in front. If they crash into a badger, you'll need time to swerve.

Photo: CAMMTB Winter 2024 rides have been posted up - please click on the Runs List link.

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'trail maintenance'

There is a section of singletrack (its not much but how much do we really have) alongside the Roman Road near the end by Gog Magog. It would be fun except there are lots of branches that have grown into it through the summer so far. Not being familiar with English law in this respect, would I get in much trouble if I went through there with a pair of pruning shears and cleared it up? I'd be low key about it- no chainsaws or farm implements!

Re: 'trail maintenance'

I've pruned various over grown stuff over the years with out any comeback, if it's not major, go for it!!

Re: 'trail maintenance'

Pat used to carry a small saw for just such a purpose. But not any more.

Now he's got an axe, a hedge trimmer and a lawnmower stuffed inside that Camelbak.

Re: 'trail maintenance'

After about an hour with a leatherman that has a small saw, and a pair of pruning shears, the singletrack section is (mostly) clear. Would have been much faster with a big-a$$ pair of hedge clippers.

There are a number of other sections that are totally overgrown, and the section of trail here:
https://maps.google.com/?ll=52.197901,0.205457&spn=0.008483,0.021758&hnear=Fulbourn+CB21+5BH,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=16

is totally overgrown. You couldn't even walk through it- trees down, brambles everywhere, etc. Can you report such things to the county council?

Re: 'trail maintenance'

Wes, you can report problems - can work well with potholes in roads, didn't work at all with the dodgy pavement that my wife tripped on and put herself out of action for four months. Here is the link http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/roads/reportingafault.htm

may be best not to mention bikes, see the section on footpaths here...http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/environment/countrysideandrights/public/

Tony