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The July edition of CORBA’s monthly newsletter, the eTerraTimes, was published today, June 30. If you don’t get it by email, you can view it online.
As always, the eTerraTimes has all the latest news for mountain bikers in the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas.
State Parks has announced that the multi-use Tapia Spur Trail in Malibu Creek State Park/Tapia Park will undergo several changes to address the trail’s ability to sustain shared use by hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. The work is tentatively set to begin in September of 2011.
According to State Parks’ Tapia Spur Trail project description (Tapia Spur Trail Muli-Use Work Project Report – PDF), dated April 12, 2011, Tapia Spur Trail lacks a variety of components necessary to adequately accommodate multi-use moving forward based on new multi-use guidelines, and therefore intends to implement several multi-use components that will bring the trail up to current multi-use guidelines. These components include brushing (which has already begun), improved drainage and increased tread width, speed control sections in areas lacking sight distance, and realignment of one stretch of trail to increase sight distance and redirect the trail off the fall line.
Of particular interest to CORBA are the components of “sinuosity” (the trail weaving in and out of the topography to create a curvy alignment) and “pinch points” (placement of items such as rocks or logs that create a perceived narrow point in the trail corridor). Both of these components have been used in other areas with good results; that of slowing the mountain biker while maintaining an enjoyable experience for the cyclist, hiker, and equestrian. As I have previously stated, slowing down around other trail users can virtually eliminate the complaints by those who say that mountain bikes are dangerous because they go too fast. While most cyclists are in control of their bikes when passing other trail users, the perception of speed–even a few miles per hour–can reduce or even spoil another user’s trail experience, including other mountain bikers. We’re all out there for the same reason, to enjoy nature. Treating others with respect is part of that enjoyment.
CORBA is encouraged by this upgrade project as it will allow State Parks to work more closely with the trail user community in implementing shared use concepts and guidelines. Tapia Spur Trail can become a showcase of proper multi-use practices, and with the assistance and cooperation of the mountain bike community, we can potentially have a comprehensive example of multi-use guideline implementation. CORBA has been assured that mountain bikers will be considered in every step of component implementation on this important trail link from Malibu Creek State Park to Tapia Park.
I’d like to take this opportunity to remind the mountain bike community that CORBA’s funding and volunteer needs are ongoing. Trail work volunteers are still needed, as well as funding for CORBA Trail Crew tools and other supplies. Just recently State Parks released a comprehensive trail crew leader training schedule, and in addition to trail workers, we also need those interested in becoming trained and certified as trail crew leaders. Training starts July 7 so we need volunteers immediately. To contact CORBA, email advocacy@corbamtb.com, and go to our Join/Donate page to to help support CORBA’s efforts.
The Mugu State Lifeguards are holding the annual blood drive on Wednesday, July 6 from 1400 to 2000 hours. I’d like to invite each of you to come out and participate. This is a great opportunity to work together for a very good cause. All employees, volunteers, families, and friends are welcome. Feel free to call Lifeguard Dispatch at 310 457 4665 to schedule an appointment or show up at the Covehouse.
Tony Hoffman
Filming Coordinator
California State Parks-Angeles District
National Park Service-Santa Monica Mountains
818 880 0358 Desk
818 880 0383 Fax
This week on June 28, 2011, U.S. District Court judge Marilyn Hall Patel ordered the U.S. National Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the National Marine Fisheries Service to take “all necessary measures” to better protect 40 endangered species. The order specifically covers the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernadino National Forests in Southern California.
The agencies have been given six months to develop a long-term strategy to protect 40 endangered species. The order came as a result of a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, who claimed the Forest Management Plans for the respective forests failed to provide adequate protection for these endangered species. The species include the Santa Ana Sucker, the Arroyo toad, the California Gnatcatcher and the California Condor, among others.
Recently hopes had been raised for the opening of the Williamson Rock closure which has been in effect since 2005 to protect the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog. That is now highly unlikely and construction that was taking place in the area has been halted. There are less than 200 known individuals of this species left in a few select pockets in the San Gabriel mountains. The Williamson Rock closure affects Hikers, and has shut off access to climbers who regard the rock as one of the premier sport climbing destinations in Southern California.
CORBA will work with the Forest Service to determine which trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, if any, may be affected by this federal court order.
The CORBA Kids Club monthly ride was held Saturday June 4 at Point Mugu State Park/Sycamore Canyon. Despite forcasts for windy chilly weather, the marine layer kept it pleasantly calm and cool, and when the sun came out, everyone was happy to peel off a layer.
After reviewing trail etiquette, safety guidlines, and describing the upcoming water crossings, the riders started out on the main fire road. Along for the ride were 7 kids (Josiah, Julia, William, RJ, Elliot, Ethan, and Nolan and 6 adults (Larry, John, Joy, Dave and Dave, on bikes and Kat on foot).
The first water crossing allowed for an easy introduction for those who were comfortable enough to get a little wet. There was a shallow section to the right, and everyone who rode it glided through and made it up the hill on the other side. The water crossings provided more teaching and rest opportunities as the kids encouraged each other along the way.
When we reached the 3rd water crossing, we had to wait for a family of Mallard ducks to pass before putting our wheels back in the water.
Several varieties of wildflowers dotted the way, as did the poison oak. Luckily the trail was wide, and it was easy to avoid. Kat pointed out purple and black sage, white yarrow, and golden yarrow to Julia and Joy on the way back.
After the ride, the kids piled into Dave’s truck for snacks and water.
You can see all the pictures from this ride in our June photo gallery.
Next ride will be at Malibu Creek State Park on Saturday July 2 from 9 to noon. Hope you can join us! Please register online to let us know you’ll be coming.
On Saturday June 4th, CORBA volunteers worked with Mount Wilson Bicycling Association to restore the Lower Sunset Ridge trail. The one-mile trail runs between Millard Campground and the Mt. Lowe Fire Road. This portion of the National Forest had just been opened a few weeks prior, and the trail was in relatively good shape, but severely overgrown in places.
The original plan was to split into two crews and tackle both the Lower Sunset Ridge and brushing on the Sunset Ridge trail. It was a disappointingly low turnout, with only five people coming out to give back to the trails. However, the five who came out were all experienced trailworkers, and we were able to get the entire trail brushed. That includes all the poison oak. We also rebuilt a basket that supports the trail through a drainage, carrying several tons of rock by hand to fill the void in the trail and restore the tread.
Mount Wilson Bicycling Association had done a previous day of work on State Trails day, repairing another problem drainage along this trail. We’re happy to see the MWBA getting more active once again, and look forward to working with them on future trailwork days.
Thanks to Mitch Marich of the Mount Wilson Bicycle Association, Angeles Mountain Patrol and intrepid trailwork volunteers Mike and Robin McGuire for all your sweat.
More before and after pictures after the break.
The BBC reports there will be a 30% growth in mountain biking in Scotland over the next five years.
“The idea of a healthy adventure activity, where you can just pick up your bike and go, has grabbed the imagination of the mass market,” Katrina Morrison, Scottish Enterprise, told the BBC.
As a result of the demand, Tourism Intelligence Scotland produced a guide on mountain biking tourism offering advice on how to cater to cyclists’ needs–suggesting companies stock up on basic bicycle repair items, offer secure bike racks and cleaning facilities, and print off daily weather forecasts for guests.
More than 1.3 million visits are made to Scotland each year for mountain biking, according to the Scottish Enterprise.
Thinking of planning a trip to the UK (like I suddenly am)? You won’t need much convincing after reading these articles about mountain biking in Scotland.
From Beth Puliti, About.com Guide June 27, 2011
Saturday July 2, 2011 – Saturday July 2, 2011
1925 Las Virgenes Road
Description:
Organized parent/children mountain bike ride to build confidence, promote health and wellness, share knowledge of trails and riding techniques, teach respect for each other and the environment; inspire the next generation of mountain bikers and CORBA volunteers!
Meet at Malibu Creek State Park lower parking lot at 9 a.m.
For info contact:
corbakids@corbamtb.com
Kids must have their own bikes and helmets.
Nine beginners at Sycamore Canyon (Point Mugu State Park)
Nine mountain bikers turned up for CORBA’s Beginner Ride in Sycamore Canyon (Rancho Sierra Vista/Point Mugu State Park). We started our ride on nice double track leading through the meadows of the National Park Service property of Rancho Sierra Vista. Once at the top of famous Blacktop Hill we took a moment to talk about safety of descending the hill: Watch ahead for gravel on the corners, control speed (max 15 mph), slow down for other trail users, perhaps say “Hello” and last but not least… have fun!
Once down the hill we turned west onto Ranch Center Road, unfortunately passing by the fun side route known as Art’s Trail, which was closed a year ago due to archeological concerns (read here about Art’s trail). After some climbing on the paved road … our reward. Wood Canyon fire road and two great single tracks, Two Foxes and Sin Nombre. I think I speak for all of us when I say we had a great time! No one even complained that we had to finish our ride with a final climb back up Blacktop to Rancho Sierra Vista. Not only that, they smiled! Just check out the picture.
14 miles, 1300 feet of climbing, all smiles!
The 14-mile ride took us about three hours and had 1,300 feet of climbing, and by all accounts was pure fun!
I would like to thank everyone for joining the CORBA/North Ranch Mountain Bikers Beginner Ride. Check out the pictures.
Hope to see you on my next ride! Visit CORBA calendar and see you on the trails!
- Danusia Bennett-Taber
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