CORBA Kids Club Rides Summer Summary

July 31st, 2012

Despite many people being out of town during the summer months, the CORBA Kids Club has managed to beat the heat and keep the faith in parent/child mountain biking!  The groups were smaller, but the enjoyment was tops.

An unusually hot spring kept us on the west side of town and current temperatures continue to do so.  June’s ride at Sullivan Canyon, welcomed two new riders; we hope to see them again soon.  A total of 8 riders  and one hiker traversed Sullivan until we hit the downed tree, took a break, and headed back.

July’s ride at Sycamore Canyon welcomed back CORBA Kids Club Co-Founder David Lamon, who was able to ride again following major back surgery.  David had joined us on previous rides as a hiker, but this was his first time back on the bike., and he said it felt great! Two adults and four kids rode 8 miles round trip from the beach, through the Two Foxes trail and back.  The usual water crossings were devoid of water, and this was the first time the kids rode the Two Foxes single track.

We hope you can join us August 4th for another ride in  Sullivan Canyon (Brentwood side)  from 9 a.m. to noon.  Email kidsclub@corbatmtb.com for more information.

Posted in Rides and Events | Comments Closed

Chicken or Egg?

July 31st, 2012

By Mark Langton

Mark Langton at the Cindy Whitehead Desert Challenge, circa 1988

There’s a saying that goes something like, “as soon as there’s two of anything, there’s going to be a competition.”

Competition, in the form of racing, has probably been around since pre-historic times. When it comes to bicycles, racing has been part and parcel of the activity since the very beginning, and in the early 1900’s track racing was the most popular sport in the United States, drawing bigger crowds than baseball.

But like most things, there’s a time and a place for racing. As a motorcycle RiderCoach for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, I am constantly reminded of the statistics of sport bike riders who are killed or severely inured because they race each other on the roads of our local mountains. I am also constantly reminded that people like to go fast on their mountain bikes on our local trails, to the detriment of others and even to themselves. I have nothing against people who race. The problem I too often see is with people who think that because they are training for a race, they can ride the local shared use trails at race pace. Our trails in the Santa Monica Mountains are used by a wide variety of people, including new mountain bikers who have no idea what “on your left” means.

Again, I have nothing against people who race, or go fast for that matter. But when around other users, there is no excuse for not slowing down to others’ speed, uphill or down. If you want to go fast, make sure you can see far enough ahead so that your speed will not impact other trail users.

If you want to go fast but are not into racing, there are several places you can go where speed is allowed, such as Mammoth Mountain Bike Park (mammothmountain.com).

Mark Langton, Malibu Creek State Park, circa 2012

As I’ve said before, simply slowing down for other users (slowing to their speed) virtually eliminates the problem that people have with mountain bikers; being scared by getting passed at a high rate of speed. Slowing down improves things for mountain bikers, both from an image and safety standpoint. And it makes for a much more pleasant experience for everyone. Remember, your actions speak for the entire mountain bike community.

Posted in Advocacy | Comments Closed

Op Ed August 2012

July 31st, 2012

By George Sherman

As a long time bicyclist who rides on the pavement and the dirt, I thought that I had the right-of-way over others whenever I was out getting in a workout. After all, it’s much easier for a hiker to move off the trail for a moment to let me pass, right?

Recently, I began hiking the Backbone Trail. Walking along the trail I was amazed at how little most bicyclists pay attention to the trail courtesy signs that are displayed at trailheads. Nearly every cyclist I encountered along the trail slowed down a little bit as they passed with some yelling out “Hi!” and some just smiling. As a hiker, they thought, as I had, that I was the one who should get off the trail to let the bicyclists by. I am your average ‘nice’ hiker but I kind of expected that I would hear the words “Thank you and have a great hike!” on occasion. As trail users who make good use of these trails and who are also interested in getting access to more trails, it makes sense for us cyclists to realize that we are not more entitled than others We would be better accepted if we lived up to our part of the agreement for access to multi-use trails.

It was not all bad out there on the trails. One amazing thing happened on the first segment of my Backbone trek – two bikes approached me as I ascended the Wood Canyon Vista Trail – they stopped and got off their bikes and greeted me. I could not wipe the grin off my face for a mile or so. This behavior should be the norm – that is what the trailhead signs demand. But it is not and may never be.

I have to tell you that encounters like this one change peoples’ perspectives regarding bikes. The flip side is that hikers silently grumble about those darn bikes tearing up the trails when we do not yield. So, if you want more trails to ride, slow down and yield to other trail users. It feels great and it is definitely Win Win.

George Sherman is a long-time CORBA member and open space trails advocate. To sum up what George is saying—what I have been saying in nearly every one of my President’s Messages for the past few years—slow down to others’ speed when on the trails, even if it includes stopping and letting others pass! –Mark Langton

Posted in Advocacy | Comments Closed

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

July 31st, 2012

It has come to our attention through dialogue with representatives from National Park Service that over the last few months there have been several incidents involving cyclists traversing the trails unsafely. It has gotten to the point that rangers will now be stepping up their patrols and being more proactive in citing cyclists who they deem to be endangering the safety of themselves and other trail users. The following information was provided to us from the National Park Service (NPS) and would be enforced in such areas as Cheeseboro Canyon and the Backbone Trail. State Parks will likely begin increasing patrols in Pt. Mugu State Park as it is also an area of increased unsafe incidents.

In NPS property, citations would be issued under 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations); 36 CFR 4.2(b) dictates that NPS adopt California State law for vehicles and traffic safety. California code 4.30(c) states that bicycles are under vehicles and traffic safety regulations:

 36 CFR 4.22 (b) (1) Operating a motor vehicle without due care or at a speed greater than that which is reasonable and prudent considering wildlife, traffic, weather, road and light conditions and road character. ($350 plus $25 processing fee or mandatory appearance)

 36 CFR 4.22 (b) (2) Operating a motor vehicle in a manner which unnecessarily causes its tires to squeal, skid or break free of the road surface. ($150 plus a $25 processing fee)

36 CFR 4.22 (b) (3) Failing to maintain that degree of control of a motor vehicle necessary to avoid danger to persons, property or wildlife (Mandatory appearance).

 

 

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

COSCA Annual Trailwork Day Oct 20th

July 27th, 2012

Come out and join the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA), CORBA, the Santa Monica Trails Council and other volunteers for the 22nd Annual COSCA Trailwork Day. We will be working on new trails in the Conejo Canyons Open Space (aka Western Plateau).

COSCA will treat participants to lunch afterwards and have a drawing for some great door prizes, including CST tires contributed by CORBA.

For full details and to register, see our registration page. We hope to see a good turnout of local mountain bikers at this event!

Posted in Conejo Valley, Trail Building and Restoration, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

Mesa Peak Backbone Singletrack Trailwork Sept 15

July 27th, 2012

Come out to help us fix up the singletrack at the bottom of Mesa Peak Motorway on September 15th! We’ll be removing some overgrowing bushes and fixing major ruts at the bottom of the trail.

CORBA will treat participants to lunch afterwards and provide some great mountain biking prizes, including CST tires.

For full details and to register, see our registration page. We hope to see a good turnout of local mountain bikers at this event!

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

Send your comments: Open the Canyon Trail, Reconsider the Heritage Trail

July 16th, 2012

On June 26, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation released the draft reports on the Canyon Trail in Placerita Canyon Natural Area and the Heritage Trail in Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.  Those reports were the result of petitions signed by hundreds of people who wanted to see these trails opened to bicycles. The Canyon Trail was especially important, as it provides extensive connectivity to other trails in that are open to bicycles, and cyclists had been using the trail for four years without incident, because of an incorrectly placed multi-use sign.

At the first meeting held by the County, over 90% of the 90 or so attendees were mountain bikers. It was clear that this was an important issue, and the newly formed SCV Trail Users rallied local support. On July 12, 2012 the second meeting took place. This time about 200 were in attendance, with a little under half being mountain bikers.

The draft reports recommended that the Canyon Trail be opened to bicycles, after modifications to improve safety. These modifications include the installation of pinch points, additional signage, a posted speed limit, and the application of a “walk zone” close to the nature center, where docent-led interpretive nature hikes are often held.

Only one official County trail exists among all these at Vasquez Rocks

Only one official County trail exists among all these at Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area has two named trails, the Pacific Crest Trail (closed to bikes), and the Heritage trail, a half-mile trail connecting the two parking lots in the park. What we learned at the public meeting last Thursday was that the Heritage trail is the only County trail within the park. The extensive network of trails are all unofficial “social” trails, and as such, could not be considered for opening to bikes. Primarily because the Heritage trail does not connect to any other official trail, and there is a dirt road alternative, the recommendation was to keep the trail closed to bikes.

CORBA has put together our comments on the two proposals, available after the page break. We encourage everyone to send a quick email to lbradley@parks.lacounty.gov, stating:

Thanks to the County for considering opening the Canyon and Heritage trails to bicycles. We fully support the opening of Canyon Trail to bicycles. We’d like to see the recommended safety modifications prioritized and installed as soon as possible, so that bicycles can return to the Canyon trail. Opening of the Canyon trail to bicycles should not be made contingent upon the completion of the other recommended improvements to the trail.

We’d also like to see the Heritage trail re-considered for bicycle access, taking into account the potential for future routes as the numerous social trails are either rehabilitated or brought up to County multi-use standards and made official trails.

Comments are only being accepted until July 19, so don’t wait. The final decision will be made by the County Board of Supervisors. The more emails and letters of support they receive, the better our chances of having the County move forward on the recommendations and open the Canyon trail to bicycles.

 

 

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Advocacy, Santa Clarita Valley, Trail Access | Comments Closed

July eTerraTimes published July 11

July 11th, 2012

There are two items in this month’s newsletter that requre your immediate action, so check it out right away!

The July edition of CORBA’s monthly newsletter, the eTerraTimes, was published today, July 11. If you don’t get it by email, you can view it online. Normally the eTerraTimes is published two days before the first Saturday of the month, but the July 4th holiday and other commitments precluded that for July.

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

City of Glendale Trail Safety Patrol Program

July 10th, 2012

The City of Glendale is looking to get more eyes and ears on its trails through the new Trail Safety Patrol program. The program will be similar to the volunteer patrols conducted by the Mountain Bike Unit (MBU) in the Santa Monica Mountains and elsewhere, except they are looking to enlist volunteers from both the hiking and mountain biking communities.  News about the program emerged recently through a story on the L.A. Times blog.

Mountain bike patrol applicants will be required to attend CORBA’s free skills clinic, while hikers must be able to hike Brand Motorway in under 2.5 hours. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good physical health with a letter from a physician indicating you are capable of participating in the program. A background check and registration as an official City of Glendale volunteer will also be required.

A more complete description of the roles and responsibilities of the Trail Safety Patrol program can be found on the City of Glendale’s website at: http://www.ci.glendale.ca.us/government/council_packets/Reports_062612/CC_8b_062612.pdf

We encourage anyone who is already riding the Verdugo mountains on a regular basis to consider joining the program. You’ll be helping keep the trails safer for everyone, and will be good will ambassadors of the mountain biking community as a whole.

The Trail Safety program is being developed by the City’s Community Services and Parks department. Volunteer training is expected to get underway in August.  If you’d like to be notified when the program is ready to accept applications, please email Marc Stirdivant at mstirdivant@ci.glendale.ca.us and the City’s Volunteer Coordinator, Iris Hidalgo, at ihidalgo@ci.glendale.ca.us.  Include your name, address, phone number, summary of your experience as a hiker or mountain bikers, and why you’d like to be a member of the patrol. Volunteer patrollers will be expected to spend a minimum of four hours per month on patrol. If you’re already riding the Verdugo mountains regularly, it will be easy to meet the requirements.

Tags: ,
Posted in MBU, Verdugo Mountains | Comments Closed

Canyon Trail and Vasquez Rocks – Meeting Thursday July 12

July 10th, 2012

The County’s objective assessments of the Canyon Trail in Placerita Canyon Natural Area, and the Heritage trail in Vasquez Rocks, have been completed.  By applying the State’s Change In Use survey, objective data was gathered about these two trails.

The study concluded that Canyon Trail can be made suitable for multi-use designation including bicycles. It will require some modifications including pinch points, signage, and a designated walk-your-bike section. The trail, irregardless its potential for a multi-use designation, was found to be needing additional trailwork and restoration in several areas. We hope that the modifications needed to allow bicycles can be given priority over other needed trailwork.

Heritage trail, on the other hand, was found to be unsuitable for multi-use designation. The primary reasoning behind this finding is a lack of connectivity to other trails that allow bicycles, and the availability of an alternate route. Extensive impacts were noted from existing users (hikers and equestrians) that would require significant restoration.

While these findings might make sense if Heritage trail were the only candidate for opening to bicycles, there are many miles of trails in Vasquez Rocks. Mountain Bikers from the Santa Clarita Valley did not specifically ask for the Heritage trail to be considered for multi-use, they asked for the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area to be considered for multi-use including all its trails.

In fact, CORBA would like to know what objective data the County’s “no bicycles in Natural Areas” was based. By what process was this policy formulated?

CORBA supports the County’s assessment of the Canyon trail and the recommendation to open it to bikes. We do feel, however, that the assessment of Vasquez Rocks is incomplete as only one trail has been assessed. The fact that the only trail assessed in Vasquez Rocks has seen such significant impacts from existing users, underscores the point that all users have impacts, and bicycles in that respect are very similar to other trail users. We urge the County to complete the assessment of Vasquez Rocks’ trails and to consider future potential connectivity of all trails as a whole.

We also feel that the inclusion of State draft studies should not be cited as evidence until they are fully vetted and published, and the classification of bicycling as an incompatible “active recreation” is inaccurate.

The County will be hosting a public meeting on Thursday, July 12 to formally present the findings and take public comments. There is expected to be a large and organized opposition from other user groups present at tomorrow’s meeting, unlike the first meeting in which mountain bikers made up the vast majority of the attendees. The SCV Trail Users group did a great job of gathering and organizing local mountain bikers during the first meeting, and have continued to provide leadership on these issues, with the full support of CORBA and IMBA.

Please attend this meeting and let your voice be heard:

 

6pm, Thursday, July 12, 2012. 

William S. Hart Park – Hart Hall  (map)

24151 Newhall Ave, Newhall, CA 91321, USA

Consider RSVP’ing to the SCV Trail Users Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/246695458775275/

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Advocacy, San Gabriel Mountains, Trail Access | Comments Closed

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »