Bikers contribute to Spruit Trail
SANDTON - The Braamfontein Spruit is a wonderland for biking enthusiasts who get their regular fix from nature, fresh air, and challenging trails.
Gavin Pelser, Amarider regional trails director in Gauteng, has been committed to caring for the biking trails on the spruit since 2006. Amarider is a South African-based mountain bike non-profit organisation driving sustainable trail development. Its supporters share the vision, ‘more trails to riders, more riders to trails’.
Pelser told the Chronicle the biggest challenges in keeping the spruit and its trails pristine was controlling soil erosion and water drainage. Further challenges included educating the public on the need to preserve the trails and teaching bikers to use them in a way that respected other trail users.
Pelser has been riding bikes since he was eight years old. He started as most kids, on his BMX and today rides a GT Zaskar.
“The sport has literally mushroomed in South Africa in recent years,” he said and called mountain biking ‘the new golf’ of corporates. “Since getting involved, I have seen parts of the country I never knew existed.”
He said he had ridden on trails throughout the province and the Cape. “Each biking site is considered in terms of water flow, erosion, rain water, gradient, entertainment and safety,” he said. “We are not spoiled with mountains in Johannesburg, but we must learn to maximise what we do have.” He said he loved the spruit for many reasons. “One is that it is literally on my doorstep and I just have to get on my bike and go.”
Since his involvement he has helped secure sponsorship for the upkeep of the Braamfontein Spruit and has helped facilitate a trail maintenance plan.
“Everyone wants a piece of the spruit,” he said. “Ultimately, it is the property of Johannesburg City Parks, but their resources are heavily strained and so it is up to the community and local businesses to also do their part.”
“Everyone wants a piece of the spruit,” he said. “Ultimately, it is the property of Johannesburg City Parks, but their resources are heavily strained and so it is up to the community and local businesses to also do their part.”
In future, Pelser would like to get involved in development programmes in underprivileged communities to foster talent in the sport.
He has appealed to corporates and individuals who share his vision for the sport to get involved as sponsors.
Details: www.amarider.co.za, or gavin.pelser@amarider.co.za
