Farmers closing roads

[Scribble]

Bie, I think we can agree to disagree.

If the government is unsure of the status of the road, then the farmer feels justified in locking it.

However by the same token a rider may feel justified in using it.

This leaves me a bit red faced, as I was quite sure that this road was still proclaimed, and perhaps the farmer was quite sure of the opposite.

I am still not sure of the solution, but will definitely think it through a bit more.

does the government know their arse from their elbows on any given day ?

[BlueBull2007]

A question for the farmers: Would you object if I cut the chain and added a new lock of my own for the next time I come along?

[Bie]

If discussed prior to doing it, I think few will object.

[Sandban(g)k]

I agree with Bie.

From this thread its clear that most bikers will respect that locked gate (might still be angry), but look for another way round. In 10 bikers in the 20 years it will take for all to choose that road, it would be one or 2 that would regard his right of way above that pf someone who makes a living and life there.

Those guys are not usually the calm, relaxed and open types, so the discussion with the farmer might get interesting should they come accross each other 

[2wdrift]

A question for the farmers: Would you object if I cut the chain and added a new lock of my own for the next time I come along?

If it was my farm I would probably not mind as long as you introduce yourself and state your intent. If I just found a extra lock on my chain I would probably bypass it or get a new chain. I would see it as a sign of an impending foxtrot uniform with either thieves or random people accessing my land for whatever reason.

[Single Cylinder]

Do not break locks or chains, turn around and keep your neck wound in. 

[Lakey]

This has pissed me off big time
I am one of "those farmers " who lock gates on a " public road". The police know about it and have said that although it is illegal they wont interfere since the gates are opened during the day and they know how to contact us to have them opened if necessary
Let me explain my situation
1 In a 3 year period  I had around 72 cattle stolen. Over 60 were recovered not by police but by us being proactive on our farm
2  I have dog hunters coming in regularly with up to 40 dogs at a time. The police come in after the fact
3 I have poachers with guns ( even a police captain was caught) shooting game on our property. We have to try apprehend the guy.
4 Snarers come in and  set traps
5  We have had  cows slaughtered in the veld with a 3 week old calf refusing to leave her remains
6 One Sunday evening while talking to my brother on the land line the phone went dead. Next morning I found 900 metres of the phone cable was stolen from right outside my house. the time? 7 pm. Telkom won't replace the line and we have bad cellphone reception.
7 The next weekend  they stole a solar panel and pump worth R35000 100 m away from our houses.
8 The road in question isn't a thoroughfare road but those that use it regularly have keys.  It is also maintained by OURSELVES at IMMENSE cost because the dept is too useless to grade it.
9 I was once confronted at a gate by 2 Chinese nationals wanting to know where the road came out. Those said 2 were arrested  later with perlemoen.

AND YOU CAptain Obvious moan about your right of riding around the area unhindered above someones security? Go tell someone who gives a damn.
If anyone comes around or phones and requests the gates to be opened at anytime we will gladly open them. Even come have a cup of coffee.( These gates are usually opened during the day on weekdays but may be closed earlier on weekends )
BUt your attitude towards this is crap and please forgive me if I don't welcome you with open arms
I'm embarrassed to notice that you are from the EC .

[Mapog]

I wonder how many city folk know how much work it is to sort and class two full camps of cattle or sheep that got mixed up.

If you have 2 camps of say 300 ewes(600 in total) with a lamb each and they get mixed, just imagine the work that goes into getting every lamb and ewe together again........!

Guess its much easier to just cut a lock?

Anyways, at the current rate that farmers are harrased in this country, it wouldnt be a problem in thee future:

You would just go and buy your Aussie meat at Woollys and ride bike wherever you want.

Africa,---------- here everyone does whatever he/she wishes to do without thinking about the consequences for other folks?

[BlueBull2007]

Thanks Bie & 2wdrift - Your answer was spot on and a nice solution to the issue and how bikers can get around without upsetting anyone IMO.

[TheBear]

I wonder how many city folk know how much work it is to sort and class two full camps of cattle or sheep that got mixed up.

Or, the damage involved when 45 hungry cattle walk through an open gate into a mealie field.

[TheBear]

Thanks Bie & 2wdrift - Your answer was spot on and a nice solution to the issue and how bikers can get around without upsetting anyone IMO.

The problem, as always BB, is the 1% who couldn't care less. 

[BlueBull2007]

Thanks Bie & 2wdrift - Your answer was spot on and a nice solution to the issue and how bikers can get around without upsetting anyone IMO.

The problem, as always BB, is the 1% who couldn't care less.  

Sure.   Life is what you make of it.

[Mikie]

I have never really dont routes with gates, but there is a big possibility I will later this year and definitely in future too, would be nice to be able to knwo where there are definite locked gates, and possibly just avoid those routes and frustration. Anyone keen on adding to a map somewhere?
Will benefit us all with route planning

[Bie]

Consider the roads indicated in broken lines on Garmin at risk.

[Ama ride ride]

I think some of the farmers here miss the point.

Not a single poster don't agree that a locked gate does not have any security (or farming) benefits. However since the locked gate is still a public road the onus are on the person who locked the gate to provide information to any would be user.

[Captain Obvious]

I said I was done with this but Lakey has prompted a reply

My advice to you next time you find a rider illegally on a public road, swear profusely, beat him up properly and then shoot him, preferably in the kneecap. This will teach the city boy a lesson he sorely needs.

After all might is right and violence justified, it is the way of the farmer.

I am now done with this discussion

[Kortbroek]

I said I was done with this but Lakey has prompted a reply

My advice to you next time you find a rider illegally on a public road, swear profusely, beat him up properly and then shoot him, preferably in the kneecap. This will teach the city boy a lesson he sorely needs.

After all might is right and violence justified, it is the way og the farmer.

I am now done with this discussion

  ek is jammer maar goeie F@k nou is jy net besig om 'n P@$S te wees

[TheBear]

I said I was done with this but Lakey has prompted a reply

My advice to you next time you find a rider illegally on a public road, swear profusely, beat him up properly and then shoot him, preferably in the kneecap. This will teach the city boy a lesson he sorely needs.

After all might is right and violence justified, it is the way og the farmer.

I am now done with this discussion

Perhaps you could have pointed him to your later responses as he clearly did not read them prior to posting?

[The TRANSPORTER]

 

[Sláinte Mhaith]

To all the farmers: I put this to you..

I understand closing a servitude road or access road on your farm for security. But lets take the road below as an example.

The gravel road between Kenhardt and Pofadder crosses a couple of farms and there are existing gates over the road.
If I remember correctly there are few fences next to the road.
There is also an alternative or main road to get to Pofadder or Kenhardt.

Would it be reasonable to close these gates over the road?