Archive for the ‘Advocacy’ Category

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Why? Good Question!

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

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By Mark Langton

It was recently brought to our attention that newly elected president of Equestrian Trails, Inc. (ETI) Robert Foster, a retired law enforcement officer, donates his time as an emergency medical technician at So Cal High School Mountain Bike Racing League races. Mr. Foster is a staunch supporter of the league, and in his president’s message in ETI’s most recent newsletter he stated that it’s a new era in our public open space trail systems, and mountain bikers are part of the trail user community so we all should try to figure out ways to get along.

Now I’ve been doing this advocacy thing for over 25 years, and I’ve experienced a lot of encouraging progress in the areas of shared use, especially when it comes to opening more trails to bicycle use. To hear the president of an organization that has historically had some of its members rally against mountain bikes say that we need to get along is truly groundbreaking. But things like this come fewer and more far between than I’d like, and during these 25 years I have often asked myself “why am I doing this?” The answer is always “because it’s the right thing to do.” This might sound insane (insanity once being defined by Albert Einstein as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results), and in many ways this might be true. But then something like Robert Foster’s reasonable position comes along and I think to myself, maybe we have been doing the right thing after all.

Over the years we have heard many reasons people feel mountain bikes don’t mix on shared use trails, but only one is valid; people riding their bikes too fast at the wrong time and place (around other trail users) is just not a pleasant experience for the people being passed at an inappropriate speed. As I’ve said many times before, we all have within our power the ability to solve this issue: slow down. In other words, use caution when around others. Let me put it another way; your actions represent the entire mountain bike community. The smile you create through a pleasant trail encounter goes a long way.

Posted in Advocacy, Angeles National Forest, California, Conejo Valley, International, Los Angeles, National, Palos Verdes, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access, Verdugo Mountains | 6 Comments »

Southern California National Forests Land Management Plan Amendment, Draft Supplemental EIS Available for Review

Thursday, February 21st, 2013

National Forest Draft Land Managment PlanThis was recently recieved from the Forest Service, regarding the Land Management Plan Amendment, which will guide the management of land in the Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernadino and Cleveland National Forests.  We previously commented on the process, but now everyone is encouraged to look over the draft to see what might affect our access to trails, and the protection of the lands we love.

CORBA (and I’m sure many other local advocacy groups from the mountain biking world and beyond) will be reviewing the drafts and posting our comments after the public meetings.

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Dear Interested Agencies, State and Local Governments, Tribes, and Public:

On behalf of the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino National Forests, I am pleased to announce the release of our “Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), Southern California National Forests Land Management Plan (LMP) Amendment” for review and comment. The proposed amendment would revise land use zone allocations for select Inventoried Roadless Areas within the four forests and amend LMP monitoring protocols. The Draft SEIS considers alternatives for the land use zone allocations and monitoring, as well as the No Action alternative. The Notice of Intent for this SEIS was published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2012 (Vol. 77, No. 82, page 25128).

The Draft SEIS is available for review and comment on the project website at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php?project=35130

The purpose of this comment period is to provide an opportunity for the public to provide early and meaningful participation on a proposal before a decision is made. Additionally, those who provide substantive comments during this comment period will be eligible to file an objection to the proposed amendment pursuant to the 36 CFR part 219 subpart B regulations at the time the Final Environmental Impact Statement is released.

How to Comment and Timeframe

The Environmental Protection Agency published a Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Draft SEIS in the Federal Register on Friday, February 15, 2013. The opportunity to provide comments and thereby establish eligibility to object under 36 CFR Part 219 Subpart B ends 90 days following that date. The publication date of the NOA in the Federal Register is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period for a proposed action documented in a Draft SEIS. Those wishing to comment should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. The comment period will close on May 16, 2013.

Comments may be filed through the project website at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php?project=35130

or send via e-mail to:

socal_nf_lmp_amendment@fs.fed.us.

Send written comments to the Cleveland National Forest, 10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92127-2107, ATTN: LMP Amendment. In cases where no identifiable name is attached to a comment, a verification of identity will be required for objection eligibility.

It is the responsibility of persons providing comments to submit them by the close of the comment period. Only those who submit timely and substantive comments will have eligibility to object to the proposed decision under 36 CFR Part 219 Subpart B. Persons providing comment should also note that if they wish to file an objection during the pre-decisional review process, their objections will have to be based on their previously submitted substantive comments unless their objection concerns an issue that arose after this comment opportunity.

Comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposal. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide the Forest Service the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent environmental documents.

Public Meetings

The Forest Service will be hosting multiple open house meetings during the comment period. The content and format of each meeting will be the same. Meetings will begin with an open house where Forest Service staff will be available to answer questions about the Draft SEIS. A brief presentation will begin 30 minutes after the meeting opens, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Maps of the alternatives will be available for viewing. The meeting times and locations are:

      • March 26, 2013, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Angeles National Forest Headquarters, 701 North Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006
      • March 26, 2013, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd, Alpine, CA 91901 (Hosted by the Cleveland National Forest)
      • March 27, 2013, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Palomar Ranger District Office, 1634 Black Canyon Road, Ramona, CA 92065
      • March 28, 2013, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Santa Clara Mojave Rivers Ranger District Office, 33708 Crown Valley Road,Acton, CA 93510
      • March 28, 2013, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, San Bernardino National Forest Headquarters, 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408
      • April 9, 2013, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Mt. Pinos Ranger District office, 34580 Lockwood Valley Road, Frazier Park, CA 93225
      • April 10, 2013, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Southern California Edison, 103 David Love Place, Goleta, CA 93117 (Hosted by Los Padres National Forest)

For Further Information Contact Bob Hawkins, Project Manager at socal_nf_lmp_amendment@fs.fed.us, or visit the project website at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php?project=35130.


Sincerely,

WILLIAM METZ
Forest Supervisor

Posted in Angeles National Forest, Environment, Trail Access | Comments Closed

Randy Rogers Had it Right

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

By Mark Langton

IMG_23141When I first met North Ranch Mountain Bike Club (nrmbc.org) founder Randy Rogers, he told me of his simple concept when encountering others on the trail. “You should slow down enough to have a brief conversation with them. Like, ‘How are you? Have a nice day.’” I told him I thought that this was overly courteous, and if you simply slowed down and said “hi” as you passed, it would be sufficient.

Now, 20 or so years later, I have to admit that Randy was right. Because in having that brief conversation, you not only slow down, you also show care and concern for the other trail user. And if we want to promote a backcountry that is harmonious and safe, then we all must act as if we are a family. Sure, like most families we may have our differences, but in the end our goal should be to care for, and be kind to, each other. After all, we’re out on the trails for the same reasons; to enjoy nature and to renew our spirit.

I challenge you to try this simple, easy experiment: When safely passing someone, including other cyclists, slow down to the point you’re almost going their speed (or stop if necessary), and ask “how are you doing?” (or the abbreviation “howdy!”). Pause just long enough to let them reply. If they don’t, at least you initiated the pleasantry. If they do reply, recognize the feeling you get from the exchange. They feel comforted and cared for, and you have done something nice. If that’s not a win/win, I don’t know what is. And at the risk of sounding cliché, you are paying good karma forward, which in most cases is contagious. And please drop me an email at mark@corbamtb.com or post a reply and let me know how it goes when you try this experiment. I’d really like to hear your experiences. Thanks!

(By the way, if you’re already using this method of trail courtesy, Thank You!)

Posted in Advocacy, Angeles National Forest, Conejo Valley, Environment, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Verdugo Mountains | Comments Closed

Town Hall 1/26 Cancelled

Thursday, January 24th, 2013

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we must cancel our Town Hall meeting at Paramount Ranch this Saturday January 26. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding meetings to discuss shared use issues with agency representatives of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Happy Trails!

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Posted in Advocacy, CORBA News, Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access | Comments Closed

Cancelled – Town Hall Meeting This Saturday Jan. 26

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013

meeting of the knobsBy Mark Langton

The trail user community, and mountain bikers in particular, have a unique opportunity to get involved with our open space trails on the ground floor this Saturday. Whether you’ve been using the trails for years or are new to our open space, you can meet the newly appointed Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) Superintendent David Szymanski and discuss with him how we can change the culture of shared use in our mountains.

An avid mountain biker who has logged hundreds of miles on SMMNRA and COSCA trails in just the few months he has been here, Szymanski has stated that mountain bikers in the SMMNRA are a integral part of the trail user community. This purpose of this meeting is to engage the mountain bike community to come together and examine the issues of our  shared use trail system.

Your attendance and participation in this meeting will speak volumes in promoting a cohesive and caring trail user community now and  for future generations.

We hope you will join CORBA in helping make this groundbreaking event a success. We need a good turnout of mountain bikers to show that we are willing to make shared use trails in the SMMNRA the most pleasant experience for everyone possible.

When: 1/26/13, 2pm

Where: Paramount Ranch Pavilion, 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, California 91301

There will be a short guided ride around the Paramount Ranch trail network following the meeting. Paramount Ranch’s trails are great for kids and new mountain bikers. Paramount Ranch is also the location of many film and television shoots over the years, and the historic Western town is interesting and educational.

Update: Due to circumstances beyond our control, we must cancel this event. See the follow-up post on this site for more info. We apologize for any inconvenience.

 

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Posted in Advocacy, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access | Comments Closed

CORBA Welcomes New Board Member

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

Jen for eTTWe are very excited to announce the appointment of our newest Director, long-time racer and advocate Jennifer Klausner.  Jen has served as Executive Director of Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC), www.la-bike.org, since 2007, but (little known fact) her cycling roots are in the dirt.  She explains it this way:  “Riding mountain bikes, especially on my local trails, has deep personal meaning for me.  I am a participant or fan of every cycling discipline, but there is something I get from riding dirt that does not come from all those asphalt and social ride miles; it’s soul-riding, and truly, the reason I’ve carved out a career in advocating for cyclists.  I am excited to apply my non-profit and administrative experience to CORBA’s effort to protect and develop public access to open spaces.”  If you can’t find her out climbing Sullivan Ridge, Jen can always be reached at jennifer@corbamtb.com.

Posted in Advocacy, CORBA News | Comments Closed

Q & A With New Nat’l Recreation Area Superintendent Jan. 26

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

David SzymanskiNewly appointed Superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) David Szymanski, along with several National Park Service and State Park representatives, will be available for a question and answer session this January 26 from 2:00-4:00pm at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills.

Presented by CORBA, this will be an opportunity to ask questions directly and discuss such issues as the future of the SMMNRA, improving user safety and minimizing conflicts, and creating a backcountry community through stewardship. This is a unique opportunity to meet our top land management representatives one-on-one and get a better sense of what the SMMNRA is going to look like in the next 10-15 years, especially on the brink of the final phases of the new Trail Management Plan.

It is important to have a strong showing from the mountain bike community to show our interest and commitment to working with land managers in the SMMNRA.

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Posted in Advocacy, CORBA News, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access | Comments Closed

RAM Still On 12/15/12

Friday, December 14th, 2012

Despite the rain forecast for tonight (Friday 12/14) and early Saturday morning, we will still be riding and meeting at The Hub in Topanga State Park at 10am on Saturday 12/15. If it’s raining during the meeting period (10-11am), then we might just do the photo and forego the cash drawings. We’ll take a vote and see how everyone feels!

Posted in Advocacy, Santa Monica Mountains | 2 Comments »

Be The Solution

Monday, December 10th, 2012

By Mark Langton

I agree with hikers. I agree that when a mountain biker goes by me too close and too fast, it’s scary and unsettling. And they don’t have to be going fast, just too fast for the conditions. If a mountain biker goes by me at 15 mph on a fire road, no problem. If a mountain biker goes by me at 15 mph on a singletrack trail less than six inches from me, then I have a bit of a problem.

I agree with hikers right up to the point when they say all mountain bikers should be banned from trails because some of them go too fast around other users. You can’t tell me I’m banned from the trails because of someone else’s irresponsible behavior.

I believe there’s nothing wrong with going fast, as long as it’s being done safely (and within reason). If mountain bikers go so fast as to create a danger to themselves–such as crashing and having to utilize tax payer money to get medical treatment and evacuation from the backcountry–then people could point at the mountain bike community as creating an undue burden on the resource management agency. But as we’ve seen, crashes of this nature are relatively few. But the agency still takes notice when there’s an increase.

I know there are those out there, myself included, who are angry at the people who disregard common sense and speed past others with no regard for common courtesy. They’ve replied many times to our blog posts. They are angry because they know that the people who are acting irresponsibly know they are doing it, but continue to do it anyway in spite of the fact they are giving the mountain biking community a bad name; when all they have to do is very simple. Be The Solution. Just slow down around others.

As an experiment today I stopped in the middle of a singletrack trail as a rider approached me coming downhill. Although he had plenty of room to see me, he ran into me, and nearly flew over the handlebar. He was apologetic, and the conversation we had was enlightening; because he was used to others getting out of his way, he just assumed I would, too.  I recounted an instance when I was riding along a trail and I came upon a hiker with her head down, and as I slowed to a stop she looked up, startled, and nearly fell over backward. Had I assumed she heard me and was going to get out of my way, I probably would have run into her.

It’s never going to be completely safe on the trails. There are always going to be accidents, but by slowing down around others (and maybe even slowing down for blind corners), we might be able to avoid a lot of very avoidable ones.

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Advocacy, California, Conejo Valley, International, Los Angeles, National, Palos Verdes, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access, Verdugo Mountains | 1 Comment »

Resolve to Solve in 2013

Monday, December 10th, 2012

How many of you have New Year’s Resolutions that you are hoping to keep? There is one you can make and keep, guaranteed. It will help you, the mountain bike community, and the trail community at large. Ready? Slow down when passing others!

How many things in life can you do that actually solve a problem? On our trails, the one justifiable complaint about mountain bikers is that they sometimes go too fast when passing others, which can be scary and upsetting,even to other cyclists. So all you have to do is slow down when passing, and you SOLVE THE PROBLEM!

Slowing down while passing others on our shared-use trails is a pure win-win proposition. The people who you pass feel good about mountain bikers. WIN! You feel good because you didn’t scare anyone, and everyone has a pleasant exchange. WIN!

Here’s a suggestion: Treat others you are passing on the trail as if you are holding the door open for them. That brief pause is a show of consideration, courtesy, and humanity that will come back to you and the mountain bike community in many positive ways.

It’s up to you. Would you rather finish your ride knowing you did something positive for mountain bikers and trails users, or that you made it worse for yourself and the mountain bike community? You CAN make a difference. And all it takes is slowing down when passing other users!

 

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Posted in Advocacy, Angeles National Forest, California, Conejo Valley, International, Los Angeles, National, Palos Verdes, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Verdugo Mountains | Comments Closed

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