Year End Newsletter

As another year has come to an end, we would like to thank all our trail users for their continued support throughout the years. We love seeing people being active, enjoying our trails, pushing their limits, getting stronger and fitter and meeting new people. We are truly grateful to be able to share our passion for the outdoors, running, hiking and cycling with you all by providing a network of trails that meander through the Thornhill area.

2021: THE YEAR THAT WAS

 2021 was a busy year for us and while we had numerous setbacks throughout the year, we managed to achieve the following:

  • Employ an additional two staff members full time to assist with trail maintenance
  • Re-route Red Holstein & Black Porcupine to avoid going through Thornhill and the dangerous road into Longmore
  • The construction of Dam Baster – a fun, flowy 4 km loop which starts at the top of the Purple Cow climb
  • Mark and clear ‘The Forts Loop’ – a 41km route into Longmore which boasts several historical features and incredible views
  • Introduce the Protea Fields climb which links up to the ‘Room with a View’ downhill
  • Introduce a 3Rivers Trails casual wear line as well as sportswear
  • Carry out remedial works to the ‘Cool Runnings’ downhill to address erosion issues
  • Carry out remedial works on Purple Cow – removing erosion ruts, upgrading the trail surface and adding several new berms on the downhill sections.

All of this would not be possible without the help and support of many people. We would like to thank our loyal trail builders who work on the trails almost every day of every week. Their passion, hard work and dedication towards improving and maintaining the trails does not go unnoticed. We are also extremely grateful for the relationship we have with our landowners such as MTO Forestry, Bluegums Farm, Crossways Farm Village and Jbay Bike Park who allow us access to their beautiful properties and allow us the opportunity to explore these incredible places. Lastly, we would like to thank you! Without the ongoing support from the trail users, we would not be able to continue maintaining and building trails.

2022: THE YEAR AHEAD

 We strive to constantly improve our trails and to provide you with a wide variety from which to choose and this year we are hoping to:

  • Re-route the ending of the Van Stadens Dam Hike to avoid the old and worn Van Stadens Train Bridge.
  • Repair and possibly re-route a section of Raging Bull and replace the “fence line” downhill with a natural flow-type trail.
  • Bring back Shuttle Sundays and Mountain Hatrick days (If COVID allows)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Please note that our sign in area will soon be moving to the grass area where the market parking usually is. This will be a temporary measure whilst there is construction on the restaurant side.

To all annual members, you’ll be receiving a car sticker with your permit board which is to please be placed on your windscreen. This is to assist us in identifying who is still out on the trails if a vehicle is parked at Crossways after hours.

 As a Non-Profit Company, we rely fully on day permit and annual membership income. We urge you to please pay your way by purchasing either a day permit each time you use our trails or an annual membership. If you know someone that is not paying their way, please report it to us. This assists us in maintaining our current trails and building new ones. It would be greatly appreciated if you also encourage others to pay their way. We also encourage you to report any issues on the trails you may come across, such as fallen trees or overgrown areas – this helps us keep the trails clear and in good condition.

To all trail users, please ensure that your annual membership is always visible or that you have your day permit form with you whilst on the trails. Those who do not respect our rules will be asked to leave.

We wish you all the best for the year ahead. May it be filled with many kilometers, good company and even better trails. Stay safe and have fun!

Share this: