Kgalagadi - madness

[ChrisF]

Many of us have been fortunate enough to enjoy the splendour of Kgalagadi.

SANS Parks have now got it in their minds to host a cycling event in the park !!

NO this is not a bad joke.

They want to host a cycling event in the rever bed from Unions End down to Nossob - with back up crews etc etc. And they are planning this to be an anual event to be the pinacle of the sport. If you have seen the logistics involved in such an event you will understand that this WILL be bad for the ecology of the area.

You can follow the debate on SANSParks forum.

There is an action group on the ODP Forum intent on trying to preserve the Park:
http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/forums/sh ... ness/page3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[HennieO]

This is crazy!!

What sort of IDIOT would dream up a ridiculous idea like this??

ANY IDIOT WHO ENTERS A RACE LIKE THAT SHOULD BE SHOT.

[GI Jane]

Sjoe... will get back to reading when I have a bit of time to free to follow the threads... but disastrous if it is allowed..

[george]

I am the first one to denounce anything that hurts nature.
But before everyone gets carried away look at what they are saying

The first image one may have when one hear of such an event, is that of a large crowd of people destroying the environment and driving everything to dust. The opposite is however true. The organisers have limited the event to fifty cyclists, which will be organised in to groups of ten and ride as a unit accompanied by an armed ranger. This is not a race, but a cycle trail. Support vehicles and supporters will also not be allowed to run riot but will use the existing public and management roads. Camping takes place in existing facilities.

We wish to assure the public that the event will have a minimal and fleeting impact on the ecology of the park. Impact on visitors will also be limited since a very small portion of the park will be used on any given day and any traffic will be managed in a controlled way.

A list of measures put in place includes the following:
1. Vehicles will only be allowed to drive on established roads and no persons may exit vehicles except in the demarcated areas.
2. Groups of cyclists and motorists will be monitored by honorary rangers and medical assistance will be available. Communication will be by radio.
3. Water tanks, toilet and other facilities will be of the mobile type so as to be taken away afterwards.
4. Only existing game paths will be used unless none is available in a specific spot.
5. What is taken in will be taken out. A clean up team will ensure 100% compliance.
6. Should it rain more than 10mm immediately before the event, it will be postponed or cancelled.
7. Nesting raptors will be avoided and nests have been mapped on a GPS. An advance team will ensure that the route avoids any nests.
8. The advance recce has shown that cyclists had minimal influence on the animals.

The Desert Classic event will offer a unique opportunity for cyclists to experience the Kgalagadi while at the same time benefitting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Kgalagadi is, while it is one of our foremost parks, also at the same time a park with many challenges which needs public support to thrive. Promotion of and fundraising for the park is an important part of the SANParks Honorary Rangers involvement.

I know same honorary rangers and they are very passionate about there parks. This is not something conjured up by some office jockeys.So let see.

[Mountain Man]

I think it is great. As long as the comply with their measures they will put into place. 50 bicycles will do zero damage to the enviroment.