Meet Supervisor Tom Contreras

April 6th, 2012
Steve Messer, Jim Hasenauer, Tom Contreras, Mike and Robin McGuire and Banner Moffat at Brown Mountain Saddle

Steve Messer, Jim Hasenauer, Tom Contreras, Mike and Robin McGuire and Banner Moffat and Beau at Brown Mountain Saddle

Tom Contreras took the position of Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest in August 2011. Already he’s making an impact, and a very positive one at that.

Tom started his career in 1976 in Utah, and has worked in National Forests all over the western states. He served as the Winter Sports Specialist for the Intermountain Region, where he oversaw ski areas. His most recent post was supervisor of Mendocino National Forest.  His hands-on approach is refreshing and welcomed.

At the first Forest Service Volunteer meeting he attended, he was overwhelmed by the number of people present. Forty-one volunteers, representing many different volunteer groups welcomed him at that meeting. “It was far above my expectations for a volunteer meeting,” he said.  He asked to be invited to visit and work with each group. Today, April 6, 2012, we took him up on that offer.

Mike and Robin McGuire of the Angeles Mountain Patrol, Jim Hasenauer of IMBA/CORBA, and CORBA board member Steve Messer of joined Tom for a ride up Brown Mountain to the saddle. Along the way we were caught by Banner Moffatt of the Friends of El Prieto. Banner was prepping for tomorrow’s trailwork on Upper Brown Mountain. Tom is still learning the forest, and though he’s seen most of it from the air, there’s nothing like getting out on the trails on a bicycle.

Already the impact he’s having on the Forest is visible through his direct engagement with the volunteer groups. He can see the passion the many volunteer groups have for the mountains and the trails, and his passion is equally evident. He brings a new sense of urgency and passion to solving the many problems faced by the forest, and we are confident the forest is in good hands.

We look forward to working with Supervisor Tom as we continue to restore and maintain trails within the Angeles National Forest for the enjoyment of all.

 

Posted in Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains | Comments Closed

April eTerraTimes published April 5

April 5th, 2012

The April edition of CORBA’s monthly newsletter, the eTerraTimes, was published today, April 5. 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 Rides and Events | Comments Closed

CORBA Board Member Bennett-Taber Resigns

April 4th, 2012

It is with great sadness that we must announce CORBA’s Treasurer and one of its Directors, Danusia Bennet-Taber, has resigned her positions due to health concerns.

Danusia has been the backbone of CORBA for the past four years, keeping our books organized and up to date. She was also pivotal in navigating the transition to becoming an IMBA Chapter, working diligently with IMBA’s IT department making sure our interests were represented. Additionally, for many years Danusia has been deeply involved with CORBA’s programs including Youth Adventures, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, the Fat Tire Festival, and leading Beginner Rides. She has also been an active and avid member of the Mountain Bike Unit (MBU). We are losing a truly dedicated mountain bike advocate and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We will “see her on the trails!”

Posted in Rides and Events | Comments Closed

CORBA to Participate in Malibu Adventure Games April 28-29

April 4th, 2012

The inaugural 2012 Malibu Adventure Games is a 2-day event featuring the XTERRA Malibu Creek Trail Runs, the Mountain Bike Poker Ride, the Sport Climb Knockout, and the Geocache Hunt.

The MTB Poker Ride takes participants past the park’s most important landmarks, including the filming locations of Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H. Riders start at their own discretion between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. It is a fun, 14-mile ride to five checkpoints where riders build their poker hand. The best poker hands win prizes. All participants will get the Malibu Adventure Games technical shirt.

The fun-filled XPO includes CORBA (Concerned Off Road Bicycling Association) Mountain Bike Skills Classes, a kids obstacle course (ages 2-7), rock climbing walls, outdoor and eco-friendly exhibitors, BBQ food, and FREE outdoor activity demonstrations, including climbing for beginners, wilderness camping, and slackline.  State Park Docents will also be leading nature walks around the beautiful park throughout the day. Stick around for Movie Night at the park and watch the Planet of the Apes.

Proceeds from the Malibu Adventure Games benefit the Malibu Creek State Park.  Volunteer opportunities are available as well.

For more information please visit www.MalibuAdventureGames.com.

Posted in Rides and Events | Comments Closed

COSCA Spring Trailwork Report

March 26th, 2012

North Ranch Mountain Bikers Randy and Jim show off the section of the trail they've been building

On Saturday, March 24, sixty-nine volunteers and several Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) rangers worked together to build 0.4 miles of a new 0.63-mile long singletrack, multi-use segment of the Canyon Overlook Trail. Among the volunteers were 11 mountain bikers representing CORBA.

The new trail in Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks starts at the Mesa Trail, passes below Lizard Rock and connects to an existing gas pipeline access road. This area was volcanic and the hillside is steep and quite rugged and rocky.

After registering at the meeting area, the workday started with a noticibly steep 0.8-mile climb up the utility road to get to the work area. Fortunately the COSCA rangers had driven the tools up to the top so we didn’t have to carry them. We were especially grateful not to have to carry up the six rock bars we used!

The new trail is looking pretty sweet!

At the top, we collected our tools and listened to the standard safety training and proper tool use instructions for a few minutes before breaking into groups of about ten and heading out to build the new trail. Each group had an experienced trail crew leader to guide the volunteers on what should be done.

The brush had been cut from the trail corridor a few days earlier, so all we had to do was to dig out the slope to make a nearly level trail about 3 – 4 feet wide, gently outsloped so rain water would run off it. Much of the hillside was dirt so work went quickly there, but there were also sections with large rocks that took some effort to dislodge, and even larger rocks that were too much for hand labor. Rangers will go through again over the next few weeks with jackhammers to remove the more stubborn rocks.

After about three hours of work, we headed back down to a barbecue feast prepared by the COSCA rangers. The burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers, with all the condiments, were delicious! After eating, the CORBA volunteers took part in their usual drawing for mountain biking swag. Everyone won something!

Eric, another North Ranch Mountain Biker, has swapped his bike for a pick-mattock. He'll bring his bike here later on.

With such a large turnout of volunteers, we were able to complete about two-thirds of the new trail, a little more than what the organizers had expected. Nevertheless, this means that about a third of the trail remains to be completed. Even so, because the brush has been cut down, it’s easy to follow while hiking and probably even on a mountain bike since the cross-slope is mostly relatively gentle. However, the whole trail will provide technical challenges for all mountain bikers, even when finished, because of the rocky nature of the terrain. With the new trail, Wildwood Park is now connected by trail to the Conejo Canyons open space area and to the Santa Rosa Valley in general  This will be a welcome addition to the collection of multi-use singletrack trails in Thousand Oaks!

You can view the photos of this trailwork day in our photo gallery.

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

2012 Santa Monica Mtns Trail Days at Sycamore Canyon

March 20th, 2012

Friday April 27, 2012 – Sunday April 29, 2012

View MapMap and Directions | Register

Description:

Once a year we have an opportunity to work on the trails and then BBQ and camp at Danielson Ranch in Sycamore Canyon. It is opened annually for the Santa Monica Trail Days! This is a unique opportunity to work on the trails that we enjoy so much in Sycamore Canyon followed by a BBQ and prizes, with free camping on Friday and/or Saturday night. This is hands down the best day to get in your trail maintenance work! Camping is optional, you may leave with the escort after the BBQ.

Schedule at a glance

Friday night April 27 – arrive for overnight camping (optional). Bagels and hot beverages supplied Saturday morning for campers.

Saturday April 28 – Trailwork, barbecue dinner, prize give-away. Bring your own lunch. Optional overnight camping. Bagels and hot beverages supplied Sunday morning for campers.

Sunday April 29 – Trailwork, prize give-away. Bring your own lunch.

You can volunteer to help out on Saturday, Sunday, or both.

Manning the barbecue on Saturday night!

BRING: LUNCHES, BEVERAGES, SNACKS AND WATER. Tools and instruction on using them are provided.
WEAR: Gloves, hat, long pants, protective clothing, and work boots or sturdy shoes.
REGISTRATION: Advance registration is required for the activities shown below, and appreciated by April 21st!
TRAILWORK: Saturday and/or Sunday. Help out with one or both! There are also opportunities to help out in the camp instead of trailwork.
CAMPING: Free camping Friday and/or Saturday nights for volunteers at the Danielson Multi-use Area located under the sycamores and oaks in the heart of Point Mugu State Park. Bring your own gear.
DINNER: Sat. Night Barbecue Free FOR VOLUNTEERS. Bring appetizers and beverages.
PRIZES: Thank-you prize give-aways will be held Saturday after dinner and Sunday after trailwork.
VEHICLE ACCESS: You will be able to caravan into and out of the park by vehicle only at these few designated times.

ARRIVE

Friday – 5 pm and 7 pm
Saturday – 8 am and 4:30 pm
Sunday – 8:30 am

DEPART

Saturday – 4 pm and after campfire
Sunday – 8 am and 2:30 pm

DIRECTIONS: Take the 101 Freeway to Wendy in Newbury Park; drive south to Potrero Road, turn right; at Reino bear left to NPS service road (first driveway). Cars will be escorted into and out of the park only at designated times shown above. DON’T BE LATE or you won’t be able to drive in.

MAP: http://bit.ly/GFrK1I

Register

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

CANCELLED: Guadalasca Trailwork April 14

March 20th, 2012

Saturday April 14, 2012 – Saturday April 14, 2012

View MapMap and Directions | Register

Description:

Riding up Guadalasca in Pt Mugu State Park

Because the rain on Friday will make the trails too muddy and slippery, this workday is cancelled.

 

The Guadalasca Trail in Point Mugu State Park will undergo some substantial improvements over the next year or so. We have already cleared brush out of the lower section to allow access for motorized equipment. State Parks staff is going to remove the existing culvert drains and convert them to level crossings.

On April 14, we will work down from the top, cutting  back the largest plants from the edge of the trail.

Later, part of the newer section of the trail will be rerouted and in the process will add 1/4 to 1/2 mile to its length. Some of the existing switchbacks could be converted to climbing turns, and rolling dips will be added to help control erosion. Using IMBA-influenced designs, sinuosity and pinch points will be incorporated into the trail to reduce downhill travel speeds. This will help reduce conflicts with other trail users, including climbing mountain bikers. See our full blog article for more details on the work to be done…

CSP has asked CORBA and other organizations to recruit volunteers to help with this work. This is the third scheduled event to clean up Guadalasca (the second event on March 17 was cancelled due to rain).

Remember, by registering here to help out, CORBA will treat you to lunch afterwards, and enter you in the drawing for mountain biking prizes!

Be sure to wear suitable clothing (sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat, golves) and bring snacks, sunscreen and water. CORBA will provide the tools and training.

Meet at the corner of Wendy and Potrero in Newbury Park at 8:30. We will carpool/caravan from there to the top of Guadalasca Trail.

Directions: From the 101 Freeway in Newbury Park, take Wendy Drive south to the end of the road at Potrero Road.

Map: http://bit.ly/zg3ht2

Register

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

SoCal High School League Trailwork – Brown Mountain 4/7/2012

March 14th, 2012

Saturday April 7, 2012 – Saturday April 7, 2012

North Windsor Avenue

View MapMap and Directions | Register

Description:

On April 7, 2012, CORBA will be combining forces with the Friends of El Prieto, Pasadena Mountain Bike Club, and Mount Wilson Bicycling Association to invite So Cal High School league athetes, coaches and team managers to work on Upper Brown Mountain. This trailwork event is only for those groups. 

This trail is still officially closed from the saddle to the top of Ken Burton due to the station fire, though we and the forest service are aware that many people have been using it. There are a few dangerous sections near exposed cliff edges that we’ll be moving and/or repairing. We will cut back brush, and prepare the trail to be officially opened for public use by the Forest Service.

Though it is officially a fire road, most of Upper Brown Mountain has narrowed down to singletrack since the Station fire. Sloughing off of the slopes above, and growth of vegetation have narrowed it to a fun trail. The Forest service has no immediate plans to grade the fire road back to its full width, though it will happen eventually, especially if needed to attend to a fire or other emergency. In the meantime, we get to enjoy the extra singletrack out-and-back, and with this trailwork, make it a little safer.

Remember you’ll be required to bring long pants and a long sleeve shirt. We will supply a hard-hat and gloves.  Sunglasses or other eye protection are required if you will be using swinging tools.

It will be a unique experience for many, as we’ll be riding in to the trailwork site. The trailwork is happening on Upper Brown Mountain, from the saddle up to the top of Ken Burton trail where there is no vehicle access. Approximately five or six stronger riders will tow trailers full of tools, and others may carry smaller tools in backpacks. Be prepared for a climb of between 3 and 5 miles, depending where you start working on the trail. Since long pants and long sleeves are required, we suggest bringing them in your backpack. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the trailwork.

Afterwards we’ll ride back out to the parking area. Be sure to RSVP by Friday, April 6.  The Forest Service has asked us to collect additional demographic data for all volunteers such as age group and gender.

The SoCal High School League encourages all teams to put in at least one day of volunteer trailwork on the trails on which they ride, race and/or train. If you’ve never done trailwork, don’t worry. There will be plenty of options to learn, and group leaders will be there to make sure everything gets done correctly.

Register

Posted in Angeles National Forest, High School League, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

COSCA Spring Trailwork Day March 24th

March 7th, 2012

Come out and join the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA), CORBA, the Santa Monica Trails Council and other volunteers for the Annual COSCA Spring Trailwork Day. We will be building a new trail to access the new bridge to the Conejo Canyons Open Space from Wildwood Park! The new trail will go from the Mesa Trail to an Edison Rd that starts near the bridge and climbs towards Lizard Rock.

At noon, following the morning of trail-building, workers will be treated to hamburgers/vegi-burgers, chips, fruit and drinks while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow trail enthusiasts!

Wear protective clothing (long-legged pants, long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses), sturdy shoes, gloves, hat and sunscreen.

No experience necessary. Tools and instructions on how to use them safely and effectively will be provided. Must be 18+ years of age. Beware of poison oak, ticks & rattlesnakes.

Follow directions of park rangers and trail crew leaders at all times.

Pre-registration is required so that COSCA will have enough tools, crew leaders and food!

Directions to the meeting place and other details are included on the online registration page.

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

CANCELLED: Upcoming Guadalasca Trailwork on March 17th

March 7th, 2012

Due to the forecast of rain, the March 17th trailwork event is cancelled. Instead, please come to the COSCA srping trailwork day next Saturday, March 24, and help us build a new trail in Wildwood Park! See details and registration form.

On Saturday, March 17th at 8:30 am, we will continue making major improvements to the Guadalasca Trail in Point Mugu State Park that will take place over the next year or so. First, the lower section (part of  the old ranch road), will be brushed out to temporarily widen it. This will allow access for motorized equipment that State Parks staff will use to remove the existing culvert drains and convert them to level crossings. Also, the trail will be moved to the outside (downhill side) of the trail and outsloped to allow for better drainage, lowering the need for future maintenance so we will be able to spend more time riding and less doing trailwork.

The lower section of Guadalasca where we'll be working March 17th

You can read about the rest of the planned improvements for this trail in our earlier blog post.

During our February 25th trailwork, we had 22 mountain bikers and about 8 others working on the lower section of the trail, and we cleared brush over about 3/4 of the lower section of the trail. You can read the summary on our blog. On March 17th, we will work on the remainder of the lower section and then continue through the stream crossing and up the newer part of the trail, as time allows.

Some volunteers have already signed up with our on-line registration form, but we need many more to get this work completed!

View our trailwork page to learn more about trailwork, what you should wear to protect yourself from dust and scratches, and what you should bring along. CORBA will provide the tools and training on how to use them safely. The on-line registration page lists the details of when and where to meet.

Remember, by registering here to help out, CORBA will treat you to lunch afterwards, and enter you in the drawing for mountain biking prizes!

This trailwork day is a joint effort with the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council trail crew.

We have other trailwork events scheduled for later in the year. Here’s a list of what is currently planned:

April 27-29
State Trails Days in Pt Mugu State Park

April 14
Guadalasca Trail

March 24
COSCA Spring Trailwork Day

Posted in Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Crew | Comments Closed

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