GirlzGoneRiding Feb 9th Open Ride Report

February 14th, 2013

From Wendy Englelberg: Today was the 1st of many I hope of GirlzGoneRiding (GGR) OPEN RIDES. A GGR Open Ride is a cross country mountain bike ride open to ALL levels…… especially encouraging beginners. EVERY GGR ride is a NO DROP ride at ALL LEVELS…NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND. We have a sweeper on EACH ride to make sure of this.

We had well over 50 riders signed up between the GGR event page and private emails, and with so many girlz being sick with the flu, we had many cancel. There were 38 riders respectively still!

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The intermediate and advanced riders started at Caballero Canyon single track (“Cabby”) while the beginners started at the TOP of Reseda. Goal was for all levels to meet at the HUB for group photos, announcements and BLING YOUR BIKE contest winners at 10am.

Cabby definitely could use some work. Some of the ruts are very, very deep and the narrow side to ride on is getting more eroded all the time. Not sure how we can repair those huge ruts though without hauling up a ton of dirt…….. Always a hoot to descend…but a rough one to climb in parts!

At last we all made it to the HUB and did some mingling and photo’s. It was a beautiful day with no wind and the views being clear. Funny, the few men at the HUB didn’t know what to make of all these women on the trails! I love it when we leave men speechless! Of course we made them take our pictures!

0209130835bTaking FIRST place in the BLING YOUR BIKE contest was GGR Ride Leader Ojai Ruth who did one outstanding and creative job blinging up her rig! She took home a gift card from CYCLE WORLD.

2nd place was the fast and furious DESI who also took home a gift card from CYCLE WORLD. And 3rd place was one of our beginner ride leaders LISA who went home with some CORBA socks!

So after some more fun photos, we split up into our respective groups. My group, the intermediate and advanced riders all went down Rogers Road (Back Bone) to the Old Oak Tree. Trail conditions were absolutely 100% perfect! We had 24 women and teenager girlz on this trail and they all ROCKED IT! Everyone was all smiles.

Now time to turn around and ride Back Bone back out. Some of the grades are very steep and rocky but these girlz ate them up for breakfast! I pulled over once on the longest climb to get my heart rate down…then started back up and was fine. I really enjoyed this trail with the girlz and especially knowing how happy they were, made me happy too.

Now off to retrace our tracks to the HUB for decision time! Having virtually all the riders back at the hub…we split up yet again. All but 8 riders opted to start heading back. So myself, Lisa and Ojai Ruth took the 8 riders for some extra credit. We opted not to go all the way to the other side for another 15-20 miles, yet decided on the Eagles Rock Loop which was more managable time and energy wise. It was a good call. All 8 girlz were still riding fresh and strong!

0209131232aSo after a quick rest after the Eagles Rock loop and a few more photos, us extra credit girlz headed back to Cabby. Once we got to the trail head at Cabby, Desi and Laura decided to keep riding while the rest of us were ready for some food! We all were having a great time on the descent. We stopped at the fork where you can descend on the short, steep hills or go to the left were the big, deep ruts are. I descended 1st down the steep part so I could get my camera ready. All did a great job and looked amazing!

Then as I was getting my camera put away, 2 very nice gentlemen stopped me and asked about the group since we were such a nice, friendly group of girlz! Love hearing that! Well, if you know anything about me, you know I’m not shy……so……..I stayed and chatted with these two cute, adorable men. Anyways, we ended up having lunch at the same place and come to find out one of their girlfriends had no other girlz to ride with…didn’t seem to know anyone! HA HA HA HA………..Well, he came to the right place now didn’t he! I gave him my GGR card and told him to make sure his GF signs up on GGR.

I wanted to thank each and every one of you that joined us today. I can’t begin to tell you how honored I am that you joined our group of women and was so stoked to ride with every one of you incredible ladies. I so much enjoyed riding with you and I hope that you all had just as much fun as I did and met some more women you can ride with!

We had a wonderful group of teenagers come out that race on one of the local high school teams which was awesome to have them join us so they could also see how many women of ALL ages and levels there REALLY are out there and all we have to offer!

Big huge thanks to our ride leaders today: Kimberly Cofield, Lisa Granata, Ojai Ruth, Michelle Friend and special mentions to Cystal (I made her go 1st all the time because she is the fastest and I trust her), and Charlotte for staying with the girlz so I could ride the extra credit with the others.

Also a thank you and much respect to the high school team that came out today. I was very leery of having high school kids on our women’s ride. I have to tell you that these girlz conduct was outstanding! I think I was worse behaved than them! Thank you young ladies! You are welcome anytime to join us for all future GGR events.

Please keep a look out for the Wenches with Wrenches workshop and the next GGR Open ride which will be at Sycamore Canyon in Newbury Park. Yet another amazing area that welcomes ALL levels of riders!

You can view more pictures of the event at the GGR Open Ride Photo Gallery!

Posted in GirlzGoneRiding, Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains | Comments Closed

Backbone Trailwork Scheduled for February 23

February 4th, 2013

Join CORBA and the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council as we fix up the section of the Backbone Trail between Zuma Ridge Motorway and Kanan Road. We’ll mostly be cutting back overgrowing brush, especially branches that are hanging down and make riders duck as they go by. After the trailwork is finished, CORBA will have prizes for some (or all) lucky volunteers, and treat you to lunch afterwards.

Riding the Backbone Trail between Kanan and Zuma Ridge

No experience is necessary to help out with trailwork. Tools and instructions on how to use them safely and effectively will be provided. Must be 18+ years of age.Be sure to wear protective clothing (sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat, golves) and bring snacks, sunscreen and water. CORBA will provide the tools and training.

We request that you pre-register (by RSVPing “Yes” on our Meetup event) so that we’ll know how many tools to provide. Remember, by pre-registering, CORBA will treat you to lunch afterwards, and enter you in the drawing for mountain biking prizes! We have some great 2.25″ CST tires, for both 26ers and 29ers.

You can find the rest of the details, including times and directions, on our Meetup event.

Posted in Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Building and Restoration, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

Skills Clinic Photos for February 2, 2013

February 3rd, 2013

It was a perfect day to be riding in Malibu Creek State Park to participate in the free monthly basic skills clinic. This month we had 16 riders and I’m sure eveyone had a great time with the clear and warm weather! You can see the photos in the February Skills Clinic Photo Gallery.

Posted in CORBA News, Free Basic Skills Clinic, Santa Monica Mountains | Comments Closed

February eTerraTimes Newsletter Published Jan 31

January 31st, 2013

The February edition of CORBA’s monthly newsletter, the eTerraTimes, was published today, January 31. 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.

Posted in CORBA News | Comments Closed

Randy Rogers Had it Right

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

Save the Date – April 7: Wenches With Wrenches

January 28th, 2013

From Wendy Engelberg of Girlz Gone Riding

backpack contentsWith the help of Matt Lay at Pasadena Cyclery and the enthusiasm of the fabulous Jenny Johnson and Sue Lafferty, we are going to start a new series of events: Wenches with Wrenches!

Our 1st event will be at Pasadena Cyclery April 7th, Sunday from 10am-3pm with a break for lunch. This is a FREE maintenance clinic! But not just ANY maintenance clinic, this is geared 100% to the GGR group and the women attending.

The main focus will be on repairing mechanicals that happen on the trail. Not just changing flats, but repairing derailleurs, chains, putting your brake pads back in, etc. We will duplicate situations on the trails and fix them so we can ride our bikes out, and not have to walk them out. We will limit the group to about 15 so the mechanics can keep a close eye on each girl and give more personalized direction. We will also include suspension set up which we have found out many, many girlz don’t know how to do themselves, basic maintenance that is simple to do every month, how to maintain tubeless tires and O so much more!

The more we educate our women, the better consumers they will become, and that forces our bike shops to treat women customers the same as everyone else, if not better.

I will be asking the girlz that sign up specifically what they want to learn to repair, and we will try to accommodate everyone’s request. I will post an announcement on the GGR blog site as well as put up an event page because sign up will be required and limited to 15-20 girlz.

I hope you all can attend, this is a great opportunity in so many ways and the beginning of something even bigger. We already have a second workshop set up for July 28 at Newbury Park Bicycle Shop.

Posted in CORBA News, GirlzGoneRiding, Rides and Events | Comments Closed

Volunteers wanted for Backbone Trail Ultramarathon March 30-31

January 25th, 2013

On March 30-31, Coyote Cohorts will be presenting a 68-mile run along the length of the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. About 150 runners in three categories will be challenging themselves to complete this grueling course.

Vounteers are needed to help with logistics and support of this event. If you are interested in helping out, please visit the Coyote Backbone Trail Ultra website for details and contact information.

Posted in Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains | Comments Closed

CORBA Kids Club Rides in the New Year

January 25th, 2013

Despite being rained out last month, and being busy with the holidays, the CORBA Kids Club has been busy riding the trails!

Two new families joined us for January’s ride: Josh and Zachary, and Geoff, his son Oliver, and
Oliver’s friend, Jack. Welcome, and we hope you continue to ride with us!

In January we rode the North Grasslands trail, on a clear but cold morning that
saw frost and some ice on the trail! We had a total of 14 riders — 8 kids and 5 adults. It warmed up to
a beautiful, perfect day.

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Next ride will be Cheeseboro Canyon on Saturday February 2nd.  Meet in the upper (dirt) parking lot at 9 a.m.

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Posted in Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains, Youth | Comments Closed

The Grand Canyon by Bike, Not Burro

January 25th, 2013

The Suburu/IMBA Trail Care Crew helps bring new singletrack to the North Rim

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona has often been called the “eighth wonder of the world.” Lesser known is the area’s value as a mountain biking destination. Eighteen miles of moderate singletrack with stunning views into the canyon are open to bikes on the North Rim. The land is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) North Kaibab Ranger District, which is looking to add additional miles to the existing, out-and-back trail.
IMBA Grand CanyonContrary to popular belief, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is not a desert. The Rainbow Rim trail sits at 8,000 feet, winding through forests of ponderosa pine and aspen trees. Users can expect to see abundant wildlife, including the rare Kaibab Squirrel, a white-tailed, tufted-eared critter that only lives in the 40-mile radius of the Kaibab Plateau. The forest is also home to wild turkeys, often spotted running in packs through the trees.
During the last weekend of September, the Subaru/ IMBA Trail Care Crew (TCC) helped the staff of the Kaibab forest prepare to add seven additional miles to the existing Rainbow Rim trail. Several of the rangers there are mountain bikers and wanted IMBA’s guidance to design the extension specifically for bikes.
To kick things off, IMBA hosted Land Manager Training, helping the Kaibab forest staff and rangers from the neighboring Dixie National Forest to better understand mountain bikers as a user group. The presentation was followed by a robust discussion about resource protection, risk management and trail design.
The Trail Care Crew—along with IMBA regional directors Ryan Schutz and Patrick Kell—then assisted the rangers in finding the most fun, beautiful and sustainable route for the new trail, which will utilize a steep side slope to add a loop and turn Rainbow Rim into a lollipop ride. Schutz, Kell and the TCC flagged the steep hillside carefully, using the contour to ensure good flow in the final trail while keeping riders off an unpleasantly steep, loose service road. The new section of planned trail must undergo an environmental assessment, but as soon as the Kaibob rangers get the go-ahead, construction will begin.
The Rainbow Rim project also involves a road-to-trail conversion, which is already underway. The TCC and volunteers from Arizona and New Mexico reclaimed 900 feet of road, converted 1,200 feet of road into trail and cut 900 feet of brand-new singletrack to bypass the old road. The USFS will finish where the volunteers left off, replacing the road with sinewy singletrack.
After a night spent camping on the North Rim with the volunteers and sharing a headlamp-lit cookout, the TCC had a chance to ride the Rainbow Rim trail.
“The remoteness of this trail gives you a feeling of isolation that is often not found at the South Rim,” said TCC member Jesse Livingston. “And the well-designed nature of the trail allows riders to enjoy mileage that is difficult to achieve in mountainous terrain.”
Only a few days after the TCC left the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab rangers contacted IMBA headquarters asking for more help with their next big trail idea. We hope this visit marks the beginning of a lasting partnership with one of America’s most treasured natural splendors.

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Posted in IMBA News, National, Trail Building and Restoration, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

Town Hall 1/26 Cancelled

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

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