Cheesman access issues 08

N. Wigston · 05-06-2008

I just got the AW newsletter email and it outlines the agreement made between AW and the Sportsman's Paradise clan. Here is the link. It appears that when we want to paddle cheesman, we need to call the day before and arrange to drive across their property and access the river downstream of the club. They want us to be in groups so we limit the number of times they need to open the gate. Keck, am I reading this right?

My question is this: It says the vehicle needs to be escorted off their property after boats and boaters are unloaded. does the driver then get to walk back to where we are putting in, or are we basically required to have shuttle driver?

Here is the link: American Whitewater - Access agreement reached on South Platte River!

I'm glad we've reached an agreement, but it seems like it will be some difficult logistics. I guess that's okay considering everything. Any thoughts on how we can do it without a shuttle bunny? Does the hike in trail hit the river above the first drop? Maybe the driver could hike in and the group could tow their boat to where the trail comes in.

That's the new punishment for swimming. Instead of drinking a bootie, the next time you run cheesman, you have to be the one to hike in.

Thanks to AW and the boys that helped make this agreement.

Nick

ACC · 05-06-2008

I was thinking that SP would drive the driver back to through their property to the new put in after the vehicle is parked on public land. If all groups that are going to run it on a particular day access the run around the same time, then SP would only have to drive back and forth once. But I don't think the agreement means that someone has to hike around or that it is now mandatory to have a shuttle driver.

Would be good to get input from AW on this?

nathanfey · 05-13-2008

All, I realize that the arrangement does not specify how paddlers get back to the new put-in, but it has been covered. In my negotiations with SP, it was made clear that the Sportsmans Paradise "escort" would be willing to drive the shuttlebunny back to their group. SP does not want paddlers walking thru the property, and there is no reason for paddlers to hike around.
That's the point of the whole access agreement

Let's be sure to make those shuttle arrangements with SP on the phone, when calling ahead. Please be courteous though, and unload boats and gear quickly, so as not to keep the caretaker waiting for us paddlers to get it together.
The escort/shuttle shouldn't be an issue, but if it becomes one, let me know immediately. Happy paddling thru Wildcat canyon!

kayaker · 06-05-2008

The efforts are appreciated. Thanks for representing well for all Colorado paddlers. Tim Kelley's writeup on AW reads well. Stay safe

xkayaker13 · 07-03-2008

A group of us went into cheesman today. Thanks a lot to Nathan for working hard to clear up these access issues. The people at Sportsman Paradise were very friendly, helpful, and courteous making for a great put-in experience.

Unfortunately, the take out experience was not so friendly. You can no longer drive around the forest gate due to it being blocked by dead trees. We hiked from the river to the road which is over 3 miles and has considerable elevation gain. The fastest time for the hike out was 1:15 with the slowest being around 1:45.

Also there was a wood portage on the river right side of the island after Burmese Punji Stick.

Thanks again to Nathan.

tj@cu · 07-03-2008

Some of the goods, Christian in purmise punji stick

GPP33 · 07-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by xkayaker13

You can no longer drive around the forest gate due to it being blocked by dead trees. .

I'm not familiar with this particular road but what are you doing driving around forest gates anyway? They are there for a reason, respect them on all forest roads you may happen to drive on. Bypassing them can result in pretty hefty fines for driving off the designated road.