Forest Service Anti-Cycling?

The reason for the meeting was the discus the proposed MTB race this September and to show him round the course we intended to use.

Mr Mulholland seemed satisfied with the intended course, being that it was unlikely to have any impact on flora or fauna in the area. He also said that the fact children were included would count in our favour, perhaps reducing the charge for the race. He told us that contrary to rumours being spread in particular on cycling message boards, Forestry Services were not anti cycling and were willing to accommodate events such as ours. I asked him what the fee was likely to be and he told me that  that although he had a figure in mind he preferred not to comment until he had spoken to management due to the amount of recent miss-information.

Well, the waited response has arrived via email the contents of which are as follows:

"Trevor

As we discussed on the telephone I have discussed your application with the District Officer, John Watson.

All Licensed mountain bike events across Forest Service land will attract a minimum charge of  £500. This charge is made up of three element as I outlined in my email yesterday.

Your proposed event will attract a charge of £500, (subject to  ratification in Forest Service HQ).

Please contact me if I can be of any more assistance.

Regards
Breandan "

So there you have it. Now it should be said that this was the charge imposed on the Irish Champs at the weekend. Then again with an entry of around 170 this cost could just about met although I am sure it was difficult.

Take then Tievenadarragh. £500 for what? not even a carpark The entry could be around 60 which will just about cover the prize money and first aid.

So what do you do, put the entry fee up to £20? That won't work as many will be put off so the pot will still be around the same amount.

To me this looks like the end of (organised) cycling in Forestry Services land and perhaps this is exactly what their agenda is regardless of what they tell us.

Until now we have pleaded with mtber's not to jeopardise races by riding without permission on FS land and the majority have obliged. Now with this latest revelation I can't see any incentive for clubs to intervene which will result in more un-sanctioned cycling and trail building.

Forestry land may have been suitable for MTB but it is by no means the only option. There are plenty of other venues with a lot less restrictions.

To close this issue for me would be answers to the following:

• How much are horse events charged?
• How much are clubs on mainland GB charged?
• How can the £170 administration be justified?

Note they say minimum charge, watch this space!

Bob Patterson bob@dromaracc.co.uk 07745672320