I have put this post here and not in the Row section, so that every one reads it.
On my way home from work today I decided that it was dry enough to take my road bike up 192-163, fortunately I was going extremely slowly as there was a length of electrical fence wire stretched across the lane at chest height. Also fortunate is the fact that I have enough padding to take the strain.
I have taken some photo`s which I will attempt to put below, before emailing to the police and council.
This lane is used regularly, by riders and horses alike, so please be careful. I was lucky!
-- Edited by Gruff growl on Friday 23rd of March 2012 04:28:24 PM
Bastard whoever put it there. A bit far fetched maybe, but can the Police carry out a forensic examination to recvoer DNA from it to trace who put it there? A trail rider was killed in Wales last year (I think) by a piece of wire strung across a lane. It'd be nice to catch people in the act of putting this up, where the TRF Code of Conduct can be placed safely to one side* and other means of educating the perpetrator can be brought to bear.
192-179 is usually bailer twine across the lane nr the field entrances , not quite the same but can be nearly as dangerous if nothing is dangling from the twine to highlight its there
Do they? Is that in a Hadron collider particle matter sense or in a oops someone can do this stuff n not be charged with anything too serious the group affected are just bikers sort of sense? Sorry that's not quality.
This is really worrying. I hope it does not take someone getting seriously hurt or even killed before a full investigation is made and those responsible made an example of in the eyes of the law. Mind you, with the events in Hampshire resulting in the acquittal of the killer of a trail rider who strayed onto private land, the law has a funny way of safeguarding the innocent.......
I've just returned from having a few days in S. Hams area, not on the bike though.
Just reading the threads to catch up and then I see this!
I use that lane nearly every time I'm out - it's a starter to the many in that area. To say I'm surprised is an understatement - I certainly wouldn't like to meet the culprit, especially if I caught them in the act, so to speak!!!
Glad to learn you and the bike are OK, Gruff. I hope something is heard from the powers that be. (I'll not be holding my breath though)
Martyn
__________________
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
TTR250 but now a mobility scooter Budleigh Salterton
There is quite often a van or car virtually blocking the lane at the bottom end but I've always been able to get by. I'd like to point out that on the occasional times i've seen the people who live in the adjacent house they've always been pleasant, usually giving a smile & a nod.
Me and biffer ^^^^ were just round the corner from there friday night on a ride about, lucky i ran out of water and we headed to the nearest garage and skipped that lane... lucky!
-- Edited by kingmarty on Saturday 24th of March 2012 03:57:39 PM
Today I have spoken to the police who have been out and talked to all the homeowners at the bottom of the lane, the local police who are dealing with this are the same police that I helped out a year or two back, with the rights of way questions they had. This was very fortunate as the police know me and know that, what I was saying about the lane is accurate.
Anyway all the locals and the landowner are claiming no knowledge of the wire. The police also spoke to prow, who are looking into it separately, although they have not spoken to me at all. They have not even replied to my email.
The good thing to come out of this is that everyone in the local area know nows that this is a legal right of way and that if they do anything to block the lane they will have to answer to the police.
The police have said that if we come across this sort of thing again, to please let them know, with as many details as possible.
A result of some sort I suppose!
I was also contacted by the local press, who are going to be doing some sort of piece on this.