NEW POTENTIAL TRAILS

With the ten legal trails being overcrowded every weekend, there is a need for more trails.

Im starting this thread to get your feedback and ideas on possible new trails, trails that are at the moment illegal to ride but have great potential if they were made legal

for example the YUEN TUNG ancient trail is rarely used by hikers and is ideal for bikers. (not that i would know this!)

there are many more ancient or natural trails out there that would be ideal for biking if they were re opened

HELP US if you know of (but at present not riding them because its illegal) some great trails that have the potential to become great legal trails let us know

hopefully by collecting info on new locations and proving them good for riding and giker free we may have a chancew to approach the government bodies and try to get them open.

SO PUT DOWN HERE ALL THE IDEAS OF NEW TRIALS THAT HAVE POTENTIAL

Mr Blunder, good idea. What would be even cooler is someone scanning a map or grabbing a shot of the potential trail section from google earth and inserting it into these boxes like some others have done for bike pics. Still trying to figure out myself how to use this thing

Believe there might be potential when you enter the Shap Long entrance of Chi Ma Wan to go left about 200 meters or so and it hits a dead end. But in fact there is a very old unused trail (overgrown grass/trees now) which the AAC used a few years back that could be cut half way to the correctional institute. Believe someone would have to continue a new trail towards the reservoir behind the prison correctional institute, but might be worth exploring. If that was done, then no need to worry about using the cement road, traffic, etc during races (training not so bad), but at least the goal would be to have a continuous trail loop around Chi Ma Wan.....Like the idea of doing "something" on the Chi Ma Wan extension to at least help some of us crap bikers that have given up on riding & hiking that section ages ago....there is only so much bike carrying one wants to do before loosing interest and going to another location....

The trail that I never could understand why the HK government is making officially illegal to ride bicycles on is from the Kei Ling Ha carpark along the coastal trail to Yung Shue O. This is a tarmac road along a water catchment that is closed to public traffic as well as bicycles (although you will find many cars there over the weekends). What is the logic behind making this road illegal for bikes? It is wide enough to allow pedestrians and bicycles to co-exist peacefully and it leads to the official MTB trail from Yung Shue O via a very remote but serene golf course to Hoi Ha and on to the Wan Tsai Peninsula mountain bike site.

I created a Google Map so that you can see what I'm talking about!
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=116883998569829334339.00043d60666884bfeec05&ll=22.423644,114.284506&spn=0.054904,0.11467&t=h&z=14&om=1

Thanks,
Marc

There is such a limited amount of riding on the Island, Lady Clementis, Sir Cecils and a link down through Tai Tam park towards Sheko would be excellent. Lady Clementis must be one of the most ridden illegal trails here. while walking there i only ever see polite and courteous riders who are mad enough to start early so as to avoid walkers and wardens!

The 'knarly' trail from the Buddha down to South Lantau Catchwater has long been popular with Downhillers and hardcore XC riders.

In the same area there's also an underused hiking trail around Keung Shan Mountain that contours a considerable distance in the direction of Fan Lau.. With very little $$ this could easily be turned into a usable legal bike trail.

Hmmm, so you want me to tell you what trails I ride so that they can be overcrowded too ... let me think about that one and get back to you.

Just kidding ... there are tons of questionably-permitted trails around Yuen Tung, and the Tai Lam area in general - a gigantic spiderweb of trails, as it were. Most of them I can't even remember how to get between, and I'd love to see a GPS map of them someday. Maybe we could Google-Earth them and vote on which ones are the best - ahem, I mean, would be the best for biking based on our hiking recon work. Then we could put them forward to AFCD as preffered trails to be opened, or something to that effect.

On a side note, these trails would make an absolutely killer duathlon/mtb enduro race course. I don't think I'll be joining the AA mtb races around the Tai Lam reservoir just because the course is so downright boring compared to our usual saturday rides.

Just saw the note about the Sai Kung path - I used to ride that village path every week - beautiful ride, it's the reason I bought a hardtail [had planned to just keep semi-slicks on it and race an FS]. I don't think that it is "illegal" in any sense that we would associate with punishment. There are no signs and no indication that you can't ride there, unless this is a new thing, and my philosophy is that unless there is some kind of signage, that you are free to ride there.

Laws are made to restrict certain freedoms that infringe on those of others, not specifically create them. Unless you live in North Korea, you can do what you like unless there is a strong incentive [jail, fines] not to do so, which is usually put there by people wearing badges whose job is to protect the interests of the public at large. And the public's biggest fear, after nuclear holocaust, I'm most certain, is healthy, fit people going willy-nilly on two-wheeled non-polluting means of transport. [Bicycles are not allowed in North Korea, by the way, and are slowly being eradicated in Shanghai and Shenzen.]

So while I'm on a rant, I would also like to point out that, at the 'official' beginning of Hong Kong's premiere MTB trail, there is a very tiny sign that says "mountain bike trail" and a much bigger sign with a silhouette of a rider and a big red circle-strikethrough on it [although to be fair, a nearby sign says 'no unauthorized biking']. I take this to be an indication that such signs are placed accidentally or without proper consideration as to their location and so ought to be promptly disregarded by trail users.

By the way, the reservoir is only boring for people like me who ride it every week and have been mountain biking for 10+ years - and also because my technical skills far exceed my current level of fitness.

As mentioned:

*My Mate Dave* (not his real name) rode these trails ant thinks that they are OK

(in descending order)

On Lantau Island:
* Big Buddha DH trail i.e. Shek Pik country trail
*Keung Shan Country Trail and associated trails in and around Man Cheung Po - Me and AndyM used ride up there a lot when we lived on LT
*The Time Machine (only Joking)
* The trail around the west side of Shek Pik reservoir from the water services road at the head of the rsvr to the dam.
* The trail from Pak Keung Au to Nam Shan (part of S Lantau Country Trail)
*The coastal section of Lantau Trail from the Fan Lau end of the catchwater around to Tai O via Fan Lau and Yi O - not great *mountain biking* but a fun day out.
* The short coastal section between Sham Wat and Tai O that dips inside the LT north CP boundary (not currently legal, but ridden by everyone who rides Tung Chung- Tai O.

In the New Territories:
* Tai Lam area- the three sections of Yuen Tsuen Ancient trail as follows:
'The Hornet', 'Respect the Pipe', Won Ton (Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail) then turning onto 'Yuen Tsuen Country Trail' back to Wing Kay Bridge. These sections combined with the existing *legal* trails.
* Kap Long DH trail
* The section of WSD road between Ho Pui reservoir back up to the legal trails.
* The 200m section of WSD road leading out from the first dam at the end of the coastal singletrack around Tai Lam Chung rsvr back down towards So Kwun Wat.

Hong Kong Island:
*Lady Clementis ride from Peel Rise to right around to Wong Nai Chung Gap.
* Sir Cecils ride from HKCC to Braemar Hill area.
* The rideable trails around Bramar Hill
* Hatton Road from Po Shan Rd up to Lugard Road.
* Aberdeen Reservoir Road from Wanchai Gap to Aberdeen - a great shortcut across the island.
* The trails off Clementis at the head of the upper Aberdeen reservoir and around Bennetts Hill.
* Xylophone trail from Po Shan road to Queen Mary Hospital.
* A couple of sections of the HK trail between Pinewood battery and Pok Fu Lam reservoir.
* The WSD roads Pok Fu Lam reservoir road, and the roads connecting to Peel Rise.

Some of the above on HK Island particularly are good riding, a few sections are just useful ways of getting to trails and/or up to the peak.

special update - looks like the proposed "Shap Long entrance by that campsite to the back of the prison" trail is only country park land for the first 100 meters past the campsite if you look closely at an AFCD map. After this and all the way the old trail which is chest high with grass is "outside" the AFCD boundary. This means yes most of it is technically a legal mtn bike trail. Bad news is it needs the grass cut and regular maintenance. Believe if the mtn bike community talks to District Lands office about maintaining this trail regularly could be one idea as someone needs to maintain this trail if opened up.

Talked to AFCD and they said it might be possible that they could do "something" about this 100m section on their property but wont happen overnight. Would be great to get this section done before the Jan 20th AA MTB race then we could cut out the steep cement downhill going to Shap Long Chung Hau and exit onto the road after this but before the prison. The overgrown trail stops before the prison and someone (AFCD or District Lands Dept would have to look after "extending" the trail behind the prison as thick vegetation.

Lastly rumour has it the Chi Ma Wan prison is even complaining now that "too many mtn bikers" regularly are cutting through the prison and preasure is mounting on "other" govt depts to build some kind of trail behind the prison so bikers don't have to cut through the prison.

Lastly lastly AFCD might have a "mtn bike" meeting very soon for "all" bikers staged Saturday lunchtime at the Route Twisk office, but needs to confirm internally who at AFCD is available then will let everyone know by posting on AFCD website soon. If this is going to happen I would recommend all the mtn bikers to come but possibly elect?? not sure how an "official or unofficial" spokesperson(s) from a mtn bike club or mtn bike assoc (1 gweilo 1 local Chinese speaking)?? to have an agenda, pics on trail improvement, etc as believe you've mentioned a lot of this already...Otherwise if 10-20+ bikers show up it could be quite out of control...

Another update on the Shap Long to prison potential new bike trail. Rec'd a call today from District Lands Office who confirmed that the public is allowed to cut the grass on the trail under HK Forestry & Ordinance. Note I said "grass". Ms Linda Fong from District Lands office recommended we use our own tools or ask AFCD if we can borrow them!!

So would recommend if anyone is finishing their Chi Ma Wan usual training, ride or hike up to the campsite at Shap Long and you'll see the trail start by the toilet. After 100 meters or so you will be outside the AFCD boundary and are allowed to cut the grass according to the District Lands office. If everyone spent only 5 minutes walking or cutting the grass believe this could be a reality quite soon.

This is a really nice trail with a variety of challenging riding and spectacular coastal views on a clear day like today. Wu Kau Tang can be found by turning right after Brides Pool. Follow the concrete path through the village and after about 1km, turn sharp left up some steps - about 5 mins portage then the trail becomes smoother and less steep and is mostly rideable, especially on a lighter XC or freeride bike. At the top there is a ridge ride then a superb 10 min downhill - very techbnical in places, down an old stone path. At the bottom, you are back on concrete to Sam a Chung village whwere there's a drinks stop if you need it. After this, it's undulating concrete path all the way to the beautiful walled village of Lai Chi Wo - great scenery around here. To get back to Luk Keng enter the walled village and bear left - at the back there is an exit which leads to a steep 700 ft climb. Unfortunately portage cannot be avoided here - it's about 20 mins up, but the reward is a fantastic 10 minute downhill on a rocky path towards Luk Keng. At the bottom, once again onto concrete for a generally flat ride, but terrific views across to China. At the road, you can either head back up the hill towards Tai Po or turn right towards Shau Tau Kok road. This is one of the most unspoilt parts of HK and except on a Sunday, there are very few people around. About 1 hour 45 mins including stops. This really should be a legal trail.

i live in DB and i go to tai mo shan all the time, but coming from australia with amazing trails, i discovered there are no freeride, big jumps and hucking trails ( that i know of). i suggest building a 5 minute smooth downhill trail with big jumps and hucks. although if im wrong about there not being any trail like this, i would love to know.

thanks,
dan

The problem is that most of the trails are in country parks where digging is prohibited. The Hornet trail in Tai Mo Shan has some pretty good jumps and hucks but is not 5 minutes. The AFCD wet their pants at the thought of anyone tripping over a shoelace in country parks so it's unlikely to change anytime soon. Lamma presents some good opportunities for trail building as its not country park - you'd have to liaise with the resident bikers if you want to do any work there.

i was wondering where the path up the stairs in tai mo shan goes, does it avoid all the XC before the actual downhill?

thanks,

dan

DDCD93
Quote "i was wondering where the path up the stairs in tai mo shan goes, does it avoid all the XC before the actual downhill? "

unfortunately no. however heliservices is nearby...

DDCD93
Quote "i was wondering where the path up the stairs in tai mo shan goes, does it avoid all the XC before the actual downhill? "

unfortunately no. however heliservices is nearby...

I heard there is a trail near Dragon Back entrance that goes down to "Big Wave Beach"....
Again, I heard, from Black Link there is a small section called Middle Gap that leads to the entrance of Aberdeen Res is kind of fun too....
But for sure, Lady Clemente is beautiful and is fun and easy to ride..... if this can be a legal trail then I am sure it will inspire a lot of novice bikers and familly riders!!!
I feel it is good to promote this sport as something for everyone young and old with kids and everything.... to soften the "X" image/factor a bit.....well just a bit

You may be interested to know that a new trail has been cut at Tin Ping Saan - it starts on top of the hill on the opposite side of the firing range and kicks off with a 6 foot drop off followed by some very technical single track with jumps and rock gardens - around 500 ft descent. THey've organised a race there on Sunday morning - it's advertised on Rock Wood Bike, but only in Chinese. There was a big fire at TPS last weekend which has opened up lots of hidden trails and some old dirt jumps. Come and check it out sometime.

Just did this trail today! It was awesome with fantastic views of the lower and the upper Shuen Mun Reservoir and Dam and the Shuen Mun Highway that cuts through the tunnel nearby. Didn't see a single hiker nor biker nor car along the route. With all the rainfall of the last few days, there were a few huge waterfalls too.

As the road is closed to traffic, it is suitable for families too, however not for small kids as there are some very steep slopes along the way. The more adventurous of you can combine it with a dip in one of the natural pools along the way. Bring your swim suit!

And those sport freaks of you who are not yet tired when reaching the upper dam, there is a staircase that just waits to be climbed by some crazy MTB'ers with too much energy...

This is the link on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&om=1&msa=0&ll=22.375218,114.157648&spn=0.013691,0.02738&z=16&msid=116883998569829334339.00044f39d5fee26a518db

Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69523826@N00/sets/72157600680702249

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