Archive for May, 2011

Third Public Meeting for Topanga State Park General Plan on June 14th

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

California State Parks is inviting the public to the third public meeting for the Topanga State Park General Plan. The purpose of this meeting is to present the single (preferred) plan and support materials. After the presentation, the General Plan team, comprised of CSP landscape architects environmental scientists, historians, archaeologists and park staff will be available to discuss this preferred plan. The single plan was developed with the input received at the first and second public meetings held in September 2009 and July 2010.

Following the third public meeting, the General Plan team will prepare the preliminary General Plan which will then be available for public review and comment as per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process.

After the completion of the CEQA process, the General Plan Document will be presented to the California Parks and Recreation Commission which will entail a public hearing process including additional opportunity for public comment.

A General Plan is mandated for state parks units by the Public Resources Code. The plan becomes the primary management document for a unit of the State Park System, establishing its purpose and management direction for the future. The plan does not provide specific physical designs but does provide a vision for the park and guidelines for future development.

Meeting location:

June 14, 2011 (Tuesday)

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Stewart Hall @ Temescal Gateway Park

Sunset Blvd. & Temescal Canyon Road

Pacific Palisades

Sunset Ridge Trailwork, National Trails Day (June 4)

Friday, May 27th, 2011

On Saturday, June 4, 2011, join CORBA and the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association for a day of trailwork on Sunset Ridge trail in the Angeles National Forest front country.

The Sunset Ridge trail is among those that was recently re-opened to the public. It is a popular hiking and mountain biking trail in the foothills above Altadena and Pasadena. It is often ridden as a loop with the Sam Merril Trail or Mt. Lowe Fireroad.

The trail has seen many days of volunteer maintenance since the station fire by several different volunteer groups, and the tread is in reasonably good shape. However, this season’s ample rains and a lack of traffic on the trail have allowed the trail to become severely overgrown in many sections. Our primary focus for this trailwork day will be brush removal, with some treadwork on sections that need it.

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Millard Campground parking lot at the top of Chaney Trail in Altadena. From there we will carpool one group to the upper section of trail while another group starts at the bottom and works upwards. Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes, as you may be turned away if you don’t meet these minimum Forest Service requirements for trail volunteers.  We will have gloves and hard-hats for volunteers (required for all trailwork volunteers in the National Forest), but bring your own if you have them.

Where:   Millard Parking Lot   (Top of Chaney Trail in Altadena)

When:  Saturday, June 4, 2011, 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring:  Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes, water/snack or energy food, gloves and hard hats (These will be supplied if you don’t have them).

Let us know:  RSVP to  trailcrew@corbamtb.com or on our Facebook Event

SoCal Racing League Outreach Tour Announced

Friday, May 20th, 2011

SoCal High School Cycling League

2011 Summer Outreach Tour

Are you a prospective or future rider, coach, team founder, parent, teacher, or administrator interested in seeing a high school mountain bike club at your high school?

Come to one of our information sessions!

Meetings start at 7:00 PM

www.socaldirt.org

May 24 @Trek Superstore North County

2123 Industrial Court • Vista • 92081

May 25 @Rock n’ Road Cyclery Irvine

6282 Irvine Boulevard • Irvine • 92620

May 31 @Helens Cycles Santa Monica

2501 Broadway • Santa Monica • 90404

June 1 @Open Air Bicycles

1303 State Street • Santa Barbara • 93101

June 13 @Meanda Grove

1830 Bradley Street • Riverside • 92504

June 6 @Trek Bikes of Ventura

4060 East Main • Ventura • 93003

June 7 @Incycle Pasadena

175 S. Fair Oaks • Pasadena • 91105

June 14 @Pasadena Cyclery

670 East Walnut • Pasadena • 91106

May CORBA Kids Club Ride

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

The CORBA Kids Club monthly ride was held on Saturday May 7 at Cheeseboro Canyon. After a hot week in SoCal, the weather cooled, and the kids enjoyed perfect riding conditions. Out for the ride were 8 kids (William, Julia, Josiah, Elliot, Ethan, RJ, Nolan, and Sean) and 5 adults (Larry, John, Joy, Dave, and Dave). As usual, the kids were super excited to see each other, make new friends, and get their tires onto the dirt.

After Larry reviewed safety guidelines and trail etiquette, we left the Cheeseboro trailhead with one Dave in the lead and another Dave on sweep. Most of the gang took the short single track option and pedaled up to the picnic tables for our first break. After some drinks, snacks, and tomfoolery, we did some hill climbing practice on the short but steep hill behind the picnic tables. Hats off to William, the only kid who cleared the climb!

After the break, we rode on past “The Bees” and to the up-and-over at the sulphur creek. Entry to the creek was wet and muddy and very, very smelly! Fortunately, the tree that had blocked the trail during our April ride was all clear and we were able to continue. From there, we rode up to one of the first rock wall areas before turning back. After another break, drinks, and snacks, the crew arrived back at the parking lot, completing a ride of about 6 ½ miles. The kids did great on the ride and we were all proud of their effort and skills on the trail. The kids celebrated with more snacks and play. And as usual, everyone was having such a good time, it was hard to break up the party. You can view our photo gallery of the ride. We are all looking forward to the next CORBA kids ride in June and hope you and yours will join in on the fun.

The next ride will take place at Point Magu State Park, Saturday June 4 from 9 to noon.

Angeles National Forest Trails to Open May 16, 2011

Friday, May 13th, 2011

The two questions we have been asked more than any other recently: “which trails are closed in the Angeles National Forest?  and “which trails are open in the Angeles National Forest?”

According to the Forest Service map of the station fire closure area at http://maps.fs.fed.us/stationfire/ the list below shows the status, effective May 16 2011, of some of the more popular trails that were affected by the Station Fire. Keep in mind that even though these trails are in the newly opened areas of the forest, the individual trails may be signed closed.  Please respect any trail closure signs and stay off those trails for your own safety and the recovery of the forest.

Many of the trails will not be in good shape, so be prepared for surprises like downed trees, slides, washouts, ruts, and other hazards. Many trails have been drastically changed from before the Station Fire. Many fire roads have not yet been graded and may be much narrower and in very poor condition with ruts and washouts. All the usual caveats about trail safety apply so use the trails safely and responsibly, and be especially careful the first time you travel on one of the newly opened trails.

Opened Trails (As of May 16, 2011 – Updated July 31, 2011) - 

  • Brown Mountain (to the saddle)
  • El Prieto
  • Gabrielino (JPL to Paul Little)
  • Gabrielino (Switzers to Redbox to Chantry)
  • Bear Canyon Trail
  • Sam Merrill Trail
  • Castle Canyon Trail
  • Sunset Ridge Trail
  • Mt. Lowe West Trail
  • Idlehour Trail
  • Kenyon Devore Trail
  • Rim Trail
  • Sturtevant Trail
  • Santa Clara Divide Truck Trail (Dillon Divide to Mt. Gleason to Three Points – non-motorized only)
  • Chilao Loop/Mt. Hillyer
  • Silver Mocassin
  • Shortcut
  • Valley forge
  • Mt. Lukens road (once the highway opens)
  • Earl Canyon
  • Haines Canyon
  • Mt Lukens Fire Road (as of June 3 opening of Angeles Crest Highway)
  • Graveyard Truck Trail
  • Grizzly Flat Fire Road
  • Doc Larsen
  • Everything east of Chilao

Keep in mind that even though these trails are in the opened area, the individual trails may be signed closed (And those signs mustl be respected). Many of the trails will not be in good shape, so be prepared for surprises like downed trees, massive ruts or slides, washouts, and other hazards.

Closed Trails (Until Further Notice)

  • Strawberry Peak
  • Tom Sloan
  • Dawn Mine
  • Millard Falls
  • Upper Brown Mountain (Saddle to the Summit/Ken Burton)
  • Ken Burton
  • Gabrielino from Switzers to Paul Little
  • Hoyt
  • Stone Canyon
  • Crescenta View
  • Rim of the Valley
  • Condor Peak Trail
  • Trail Canyon
  • Alder Creek
  • Colby Canyon
  • Josephine
  • Mueller Tunnel
  • Vetter Mountain

In addition to the above a separate closure remains in effect for the Williamson Rock area  (Closure Map is available).

Crest to Coast Trail Public Meeting, Santa Clarita, June 8

Friday, May 13th, 2011
If you live or ride in or around Santa Clarita the Coast to Crest trail should be on your radar.  The trail is envisioned as multi-use route from Magic Mountain in the eastern Angeles National Forest to the coast in Ventura County.  It is envisioned running along the northern slopes of the ANF, across the 5 and 14 to Santa Clarita Woodlands parks and eventually out through the Newhall Ranch property where it will meet the Ventura County line.
It is hoped that Ventura County trail advocates will continue the route all the way to the ocean. To ease the process the route may link several existing natural-surface routes include fire roads, service roads, and trails.
There is a public workshop on Wed. June 8, 6:30-8:30 Santa Clarita Sports Complex. 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, 91350. Learn about the vision for this project, the scope and possible routes. The team working on this project needs to hear from the public as to what type of trail this should be. While CORBA and IMBA representatives are involved in the process, the more off-road cyclists that can show their support for this visionary trail, the better off we will be.
We look forward to seeing you on June 8.

Angeles National Forest Opens Some Trails

Friday, May 13th, 2011

News Release
USDA Forest Service
Angeles National Forest

May 12, 2011
ANF-06-2011 Angeles National Forest
701 N. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sherry Rollman or
John D. Wagner at (626) 574-5208

Angeles National Forest Reopens About Half of Closed Areas

ARCADIA, Calif.—In a major step forward, effective May 16, the Angeles National Forest will reopen about half of the areas that have been closed due to the Station Fire.

The reopening of about 98,000 acres in the Forest’s northern, southern and eastern areas will offer the public recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking and camping in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

Over 100 miles of hiking trails are being reopened as well as popular campgrounds. Specific areas include Indian Canyon Trailhead, Charlton Flat Picnic Area, Gould Mesa Campground, Bear Canyon Trail, Paul Little Picnic Area, Mill Creek Summit Picnic Area, Silver Moccasin Trail, Nature’s Canteen Trail, Sunset Ridge Trail, and the entire San Gabriel Wilderness area. The portion of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Forest will reopen as well, with some minor reroutes.

The reopening is the result of a recovery strategy that includes community volunteers and partner organizations working alongside the Forest Service to remove invasive weeds, help plant trees, and restore trails so the public can once again access some of the areas impacted. Their support and involvement has allowed the Forest to implement repairs and reopen these areas in a manner that addresses public safety and ecological recovery.

The remaining portion of the burned area that is primarily within Big Tujunga Canyon will remain closed until further notice, as it requires additional recovery time. This area was recently designated a “Treasured Landscape” by the National Forest Foundation and efforts are underway to allow for species recovery and implementing sustainable recreational opportunities.

Please visit the Angeles National Forest website for a map of the areas now open.

Voice Your Support of Trails TODAY!

Thursday, May 12th, 2011
FROM THE CALIFORNIA BICYCLE COALITION:

Our partners at America Bikes just found out late last night that the U.S. Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee is deciding what goes into the next federal transportation bill today and tomorrow.

We need every advocate in California to take action TODAY!

If we don’t act now, dedicated funding for biking and walking programs may be written out of our transportation system for the next six years.

Senator Barbara Boxer is the chair of this committee and we need you to get word to her in every way and medium possible TODAY that we’re counting on her continued support for dedicated funding for biking and walking.

In every media interview related to Bike to Work Week, please be sure to thank the Senator for her continued support for dedicated funding for biking and walking, specifically Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails Program.

In addition, we ask that you alert all your members and supporters as soon as possible, urging them to call the Senator’s office today. Please use the message below.

Our apologies for hitting you on a day when you’re already very busy, but we just learned of this after 10 p.m. last night and with all the media being generated about Bike to Work Week this is a great opportunity for maximum impact. Again, we can’t stress the urgency enough: To preserve dedicated funding for biking and walking in next transportation bill we need California to get Sen. Boxer to take action today.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (916) 446-7558 or dave@calbike.org.

Dave Snyder

Relaunch Director/CEO

_________________________________________________________________________

Senator Barbara Boxer needs to hear from you RIGHT NOW.

The committee she leads in the US Senate, the Environment and Public Works Committee, is deciding what goes into the very important federal transportation bill today and tomorrow. She needs to know that we want her to fight for bicycling and walking programs like Transportation Enhancements (the federal funding sources that helps pay for bicycling and walking facilities and programs throughout California), Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails program.

If we don’t act now, bicycling and walking programs may be written out of our transportation system for the next six years.

At this very moment, she is negotiating with other senators who don’t think bicycling and walking are an important part of the transportation bill. She needs to know that we have her back on this issue and she shouldn’t give up on these crucial programs.

Call Senator Boxer right now and tell her:

“I am one of your constituents and I think bicycling and walking need to be a part of the transportation bill. Please ensure that Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails program continue with strong and dedicated funding as they are today.”

Calls to DC are best. Her Washington, DC office number: (202) 224-3553. If it’s busy and you’re short for time, here’s her LA office number: (213) 894-5000.

Eagle Scout El Prieto Trailwork

Sunday, May 8th, 2011

Saturday, May 7, 2011, Connor Ryken began his Eagle Scout Project: to restore at least el prieto trailwork plansnine sections of El Prieto that were hit hardest by this past winter’s storms.

CORBA Trail Crew volunteer Steve Messer and Friends of El Prieto’s Banner Moffat provided technical guidance for the project, helping lead today’s trail crews that were organized by Connor.

A lot was accomplished today with four of the nine planned sections being completed. Two of the sections were completely wiped out by last winter’s storms, leaving fine singletrack that disappeared suddenly in the sandy streambed. With the eager help of Connor’s boy scout and high school mountain bike league friends, we were able to move tons of rock to provide a stable trailbed above the stream area. We also completed a rip rap wall and rock armoring of the last creek crossing (as you descend), and repaired some other smaller sections.

Recently, Deputy Superintendent Marty Dumpis talked of the Forest Service’s goal of opening up to 110 miles of trails and 98,000 acres of the closure before summer.  We hope Brown Mountain and El Prieto will be on that list soon.

There’s still a lot to do on El Prieto. Connor will be out there next Saturday, May 14, 2011, continuing on his project. Come out and volunteer to help restore one of everyone’s favorite trails.

Connor on the completed section:

Connor Ryken on the completed section of El Prieto trailwork

LA Kids 13-18: Take Pictures of Nature, Win Prizes!

Friday, May 6th, 2011