CORBA Home Page
The voice of off-road bicyclists  

 

 

CORBA eNews

CORBA eTerraTimes for July 2011

eTerraTimes Archive


 

If this email message is not displaying correctly, it will display properly for you on this web page.

In this issue...



Many-time US and World Champion Leigh Donovan will be visiting Cycle World on August 12 for CORBA's fundraiser.
See story...

 

PDF VersionGet this eNewsletter
as a
PDF document!

Rules of the Trail - Click for details
Proper Trail Etiquette

A Message from CORBA’s President

By Mark Langton

Tapia Spur Trail to Undergo Shared-Use Upgrades Starting in September 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.

CORBA Fundraiser at the New Cycle World in Chatsworth to be August 12th!

You don’t want to miss this! You are cordially invited to an evening with CORBA and Cycle World! This will be an amazing night of mingling, introductions, trail talk, guest speakers, a bike fit demo, skills demo, & even some surprises! There will be goodie bags for you to bring home and a silent auction with all proceeds going to CORBA!

Today (June 30) we learned that Leigh Donovan, nine times US National woman's mountain bike champion, '95 World Champion and 2001 World Cup Champion, will be speaking at the event after spending the day riding some of our local trails!

Don’t miss your chance to check out the new Cycle World and enjoy an evening of socializing and fundraising to keep your local trails open!

Date: Friday, August 12. Doors open at 7pm. Purchase anything at the store from 7pm-8pm and Cycle World will donate 10% of sales to CORBA.
Cost: $10 donation at the door: 100% of proceeds go directly to CORBA.
Location: The new Cycle World Chatsworth

21112 Devonshire Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-349-6902

View the location and get directions with this Google Map.

All Fun at June 18th CORBA Beginner Ride

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... Read our blog for the rest of this article.

Fall Fat Tire Fun(d)raiser to be Nov 13th!

Save the date! November 13, 2011 will be the date for CORBA’s annual fun(d) and awareness raising event. This year we will be returning to Malibu Creek State Park with a slightly different format than in years past. We’re still working out the details, but you can be sure that there will be great rides and some great prizes given away. We will be toning down the festival atmosphere and concentrating on what we love to do most—ride! We’re also hoping to have a full complement of some of the hottest bikes available for testing by some of the industry’s best manufacturers. All proceeds will go to our programs that help keep the trails open to shared use, and hopefully open up more of the many miles of trails that are currently closed to bicycles.

 

Upcoming and Recent Trailwork

For many years, most trailwork has been done by volunteers because of budget cutbacks at our parks systems. So come out and help CORBA and other volunteers keep our trails in top riding shape! You can learn more about what to expect and what you'll need to bring with you on our Trailwork web page. Keep in mind that CORBA now provides prizes and lunch after the event for volunteers who register in advance! And by registering in advance, you'll help us prepare by knowing how many volunteers to expect. If you come out to two or more trailwork days in a year, we'll give you a cool long-sleeved CORBA trail crew shirt - be sure to ask for yours!

At publication time, we don't have any trailwork scheduled. But keep an eye on our trailwork calendar to see when new events are coming up!

To see all trailwork dates, including those of other groups, visit the CORBA trailwork calendar.


General News

Mugu State Lifeguards to hold blood drive July 6

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

Fire Season Trail Safety

The Ventura County Fire Department has published a pamphlet about safety on the trails during fire season, called “Ready, Set, Go! for Trail Users.” It starts off

“Ventura County is a trail-lover’s paradise. From walks on the beach, to urban paths and back-country trails, walkers, hikers, mountain-bikers and equestrians have many options for exercising in a natural setting. Many of these paths and trails are either in the wildland urban interface – a place where development meets a natural area – or in the wildland itself. Anyone on a trail during times of high fire danger could be at risk from wildfires.
“Fortunately, the Ready, Set, Go! Trail Users program provides many ways to prepare and protect against wildfires.
“The Ready, Set, Go! Trail Users program is about being prepared (ready), situational awareness – knowing what’s going on around you (set) – and getting out of harm’s way (go!). By following a few simple steps, trail users can enjoy the natural beauty of Ventura County without putting themselves in the path of a wildfire.”

The full pamphlet is available for download. You can also view the general Ready, Set, Go! web page for fire preparedness at http://www.vcreadysetgo.org/.

New on the CORBA Website


Recreational Rides

For a list of upcoming recreational rides, please visit the CORBA Calendar.

CORBA’s Recreational Rides calendar provides a full monthly schedule of mountain bike rides for all skill levels. Mountain bike rides are organized by CORBA member clubs and led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Recreational rides are a fun and social way to experience a variety of trails in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and beyond.


Free Mountain Biking Skills Clinic

Saturday July 2nd is the next skills clinic.

The CORBA free skills clinic is held on the first Saturday of every month at Malibu Creek State Park.

Mountain biking is a lot like tennis or skiing. Just a few minor adjustments in technique can make a huge difference in your control and proficiency. If you want to get better faster, you need to know the fundamentals of mountain biking technique. Whether you're just  getting into mountain biking or have been riding for years, you'll learn some valuable tips from our Introduction to Mountain Biking  skills class that is offered each month. Check out our Skills Clinic web page for all the information. After the clinic, see photos of your new skills on the CORBA web site that you can share with your family and friends!


Follow CORBA on Twitter and Facebook

We have set up accounts with Twitter and Facebook to help keep people informed of the latest developments in our trail advocacy, recreational rides and trailwork days. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CORBAmtb and Facebook at facebook.com/CORBAMTB.

Get Our Blog Articles Delivered to Your Desktop

Have you ever wished you could get our blog articles without having to check the CORBA website every day to see if there’s anything new? Well, you can! Even though our blog software won’t send articles by email, you can still get them delivered to the inbox of most email readers like Microsoft Outlook. You use the “RSS feed” functionality for this. In fact, you can read our articles in any software that receives RSS feeds, such as Internet Explorer and other web browsers. This blog article on RSS feeds shows you how.


Support CORBA

Join or Renew your membership today on our membership web page.

Join Our Team! Do you have any ideas about mountain biking recreation in the L.A. region? Would you like to apply your skills and manage projects that contribute to the sport and lifestyle that you love? Is there an advocate in you? We are recruiting motivated individuals who work well with others. Send an email to info@corbamtb.com or come to a monthly Members Meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help. Check the calendar for the next meeting.

Other simple ways to support CORBA

(Click on the links above to get more details!)


CORBA News eMail List

Please do not reply to this email as the corbanews mailbox is not monitored by people. To contact CORBA, email to info@corbamtb.com or visit our 'Contact Us' page for other addresses.


 Home

About

Membership

Info

Galleries

  Visit CORBA on Twitter!   Visit CORBA on Facebook!

 Site-Map

Activities

Blog & News

Calendar

Buy Stuff


Copyright 1987-2020 CORBA. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy