Bedfordshire Green Lanes

[Ovenpaa]

Can anyone point me in the direction of an online list of green lanes
in and around North Bedfordshire? Or alternatively a good reference
book?

My project is bike is nearing completion and assuming it does not fall
over on its MSVA (1) I should be on the road soon.

I am very much aware of the ongoing issues between landowners and
off-road type bikes and would like to both be totally legal during my
exploration, and equally not spoil future riding for other users so
any suggestions are welcome.

(1) Does anyone have first hand experience of the MSVA?

TIA

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/d

[Linger]

Post by Ovenpaa
Can anyone point me in the direction of an online list of green lanes
in and around North Bedfordshire? Or alternatively a good reference
book?
My project is bike is nearing completion and assuming it does not fall
over on its MSVA (1) I should be on the road soon.
I am very much aware of the ongoing issues between landowners and
off-road type bikes and would like to both be totally legal during my
exploration, and equally not spoil future riding for other users so
any suggestions are welcome.

I just look on www.streetmap.co.uk and zoom in to 1:25000 look for cros
symbols and dots.
+.+.+
THat's a Byway Open to All Traffic.

Check the definitive map at your local council.

[Preston Kemp]

Post by Ovenpaa
Can anyone point me in the direction of an online list of green lanes
in and around North Bedfordshire? Or alternatively a good reference
book?

As Linger said, streetmap.co.uk is pretty good, as are the OS Landranger
maps. But there's no guarantee the BOATs and RUPPs you find will still
be legal (or ever were). The 'Definitive Map' held by the local council
is the only true guide, & even they tend to be out of date.

The best way to find *all* the trails you can use is to join the TRF.
You can go for a few runs with them, & they'll mark your maps up.

It's also worth joining the Yahoo trailriding/enduro list -
www.rides.org.uk. Plenty of people on there who'll be happy to show you
around, along with a link to a 'riders database' so you can see who's in
your area.

Post by Ovenpaa
My project is bike is nearing completion and assuming it does not fall
over on its MSVA (1) I should be on the road soon.

I'm not sure how it applies to homemade specials, but most off-road
bikes don't need to be SVA'd. There are various exemptions based on,
iirc, ground clearance & seat height amongst other things. It's probably
worth checking out if you haven't already.

Post by Ovenpaa
I am very much aware of the ongoing issues between landowners and
off-road type bikes and would like to both be totally legal during my
exploration, and equally not spoil future riding for other users so
any suggestions are welcome.

Bravo! If you want to go one step further & do some letter writing, have
a look at the 'Campaign' link on my website (in sig below).

[Ovenpaa]

On Wed, 04 Aug 2004 10:52:45 GMT, Preston Kemp

Post by Preston Kemp

Post by Ovenpaa
Can anyone point me in the direction of an online list of green lanes
in and around North Bedfordshire? Or alternatively a good reference
book?

As Linger said, streetmap.co.uk is pretty good, as are the OS Landranger
maps. But there's no guarantee the BOATs and RUPPs you find will still
legal (or ever were). The 'Definitive Map' held by the local council
is the only true guide, & even they tend to be out of date.

Luckily I have loads of OS maps so I will try those first, then on to
streetmap, and finally the local council, maybe they have an access or
rights of way officer, I live with an environmentalist who hates
people who damage the countryside, but supports the right to roam and
believes motorcycles should be allowed in the wilds, I will wind her
up and point her in the right direction so she may be useful.

Post by Preston Kemp
I'm not sure how it applies to homemade specials, but most off-road
bikes don't need to be SVA'd. There are various exemptions based on,
iirc, ground clearance & seat height amongst other things. It's probably
worth checking out if you haven't already.

This is an ex crosser built by Armstrong (CCM) in the 80's and should
fit my needs quite well as it has soul, is quirky and robust.

It will be for all intents an enduro competion machine, however I
feel far too old to go back to competion so it will be mostly for
plodding around lanes and fun in the snow, plus I am so looking
forward to some 'proper' filtering in MK.

I have been advised in the Yahoo Rides group that trials and enduro
type competition machines, and/or machines registered pre 1993 are
exempt, so as long as I can prove this and get an age related
certificate of some form I should be ok, CCM had agreed to check and
provide one, however that may just be a problem now.

Post by Preston Kemp
Bravo! If you want to go one step further & do some letter writing, have
a look at the 'Campaign' link on my website (in sig below).

Thanks, you have a very informative site, will do.

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/d