Summer Lightning - straightlines
We've blocked off a straightline exit to the end of the first section of Summer Lightning for the third time now.
It's a desire line - that is, an obvious line into the next section that helps riders carry speed. However, desire lines are not the only rule governing where a trail is placed.
The extra speed will likely increase wear to the next section - in fact, it's now apparent that that is begining. That'll take hard work to fix.
The exisitng twisty line is also there for a reason; it slows riders as they cross a bridleway. Horse riders also use the bridleway, and the intention of the twisty bit at the end of the trail is to give them time to see cyclists, and cyclists time to see them.
Which brings us to the main event; if people start shooting out of the first section into the second, there's a good chance that a horse rider and horse will get a shock (leading to all kinds of malarkey) and also that the trail will need a lot more maintenance.
If you are (or if you see) the person repeatedly clearing the straightline, please tell them to stop, and point them towards this site. It's really important that this stops, because it jeapordises the trail. If we can't manage it so it keeps rider riding safely, the Forestry will manage it - and that could mean simply closing it down permanently.
