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CORBA eTerraTimes for February 2013

eTerraTimes Archive


 

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In this issue...


Join us for trailwork along the Backbone Trail, above, on Feb 23.
See details...

Rules of the Trail - Click for details
Proper Trail Etiquette

New on the CORBA Website
 

A Message from CORBA’s President by Mark Langton

Randy Rogers Had it Right When 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!)

Mountain Bike Unit 2013 Training Starts February 2

Calling all mountain bikers age 18 and over! The Mountain Bike Unit (MBU) is currently recruiting for its 2013 New Recruit Training Class. If you enjoy mountain biking and are interested in giving back to the community by volunteering some time to assist our understaffed Park Rangers in patrolling the parks, then the MBU may be just what you are looking for.  The MBU supports and are sponsored by the National Park Service (NPS), California State Parks (CSP), and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). See the rest of this article in our blog...

Girlz Gone Riding open ride February 9, 2013


GGR on the advanced ride in October 2012

LADIES SAVE THE DATE!!!! SATURDAY, FEB 9TH!

GGR (girlz gone riding), will now be having quarterly open rides starting Saturday Feb 9th! A GGR open ride is open to ALL LEVELS especially encouraging beginners. The Feb 9th ride will be in Reseda and an event page will go up here mid January where you will need to sign up for the Open ride. Sign up IS required: https://www.facebook.com/groups/350083721682365/. We will have beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of XC rides that will combine both single track, double track and fire road. LADIES ONLY PLEASE….

Plan is to have 4 or 5 GGR OPEN rides per year in different locations. This is not only a great way to learn the trails, but meet other women your level to ride with! Let’s have a blast and see the GGR jersey’s out in full force! Sign up, helmets, mountain bikes, water and smiles required! Make sure to sign up on the GGR Face book page for all upcoming events and read our blog at www.girlzgoneriding.com.

BLING YOUR BIKE CONTEST! Sponsored by CORBA and Cycle World Chatsworth. Bling up your bike in the GGR purple colors! Prizes go out to the top 3 blingers! To be judged and presented at 10 at the HUB!

25-Year Jerseys: Now in Stock at the CORBA Store!

CORBA’s 25th anniversary jerseys are now available at the CORBA store! Celebrating 25 years of CORBA’s mountain biking and trails advocacy, these attractive forest green and gold jerseys are availble in BMX and club cut. Also, the 25-year anniversary socks have arrived. To round out your wardrobe of support for CORBA, we still have some 25-year T-shirts available. So go to the online CORBA store, order some new duds and show your friends you care about the future of mountain biking!

 


Recreational Rides


    September's Beginners' Ride had 16 participants. Would you or a new rider you know like to join us too?

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

See our Rides Calendar for details and for other beginner-level rides. Many thanks to North Ranch Mountain Biker Michelle for leading these rides!

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.


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!

February 23: Backbone Trail between Zuma Ridge and Kanan Rd. 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. Please register in advance so we'll know how many tools to bring, and to be eligible for the prize drawing. Full details of the event are also on the registration page.

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

Join our mailing list to get updates on trailwork opportunities!
Send an email to Trailwork-Volunteers+subscribe@corbamtb.com


General News

Volunteers wanted for Backbone Trail Ultramarathon March 30-31

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.

The Grand Canyon by Bike, Not Burro

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


Free Mountain Biking Skills Clinic

Saturday February 2 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 Meetup, 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. Join our events on Meetup and 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

  • REI: Use the link at left and REI will donate 5% of the purchase price to CORBA
  • Holmes Body Shop: Get that dent fixed and help CORBA

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


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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.


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