Archive for the ‘Youth’ Category

« Older Entries

Press for a Pump Track in Thousand Oaks at February 8th Meeting

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

If you live in the Conejo Valley or a nearby community, please attend a meeting to be held by the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) and press for a pump track and bike park to be included in the plans for the Lang Ranch Community Park.

On Wednesday, February 8th, CRPD will have a meeting to get public input into recreational activities they would like to see included in the Lang Ranch Community Park and other parks in Zone 2, roughly north of Hillcrest Drive and east of the 23 Freeway.

Two weeks ago we learned that CRPD has scrapped their plans for baseball fields and tennis courts on the 124-acre property bordered by Westlake Blvd, Erbes Rd and Aveninda de Los Arboles. An ancient landslide at the site makes it unfeasible to economically grade the land to safely accomodate playing fields. Instead, CRPD is exploring less intensive uses that won’t require extensive grading.

This is our chance to lobby for a bike park and pump track in a semi-urban area. Our kids and the young-at-heart could use to improve their balance, coordination, upper body strength, and generally have fun! In this age of video games, “sweet/salty snacks” and increasing obesity among our youth, everyone should appreciate a healthful, outdoor activity to engage them.

CRPD has plans for four public meetings:

Meeting 1: Background and Brainstorming
Wednesday Feb 8, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hillcrest Center Community Room
403 W. Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA

Meeting 2 – Walk Lang Ranch Community Park Property with District Staff
Saturday, Feb 11, 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Meeting 3 – More Brainstorming & Bubble Diagrams
Wednesday Feb 29, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hillcrest Center Community Room

Meeting 4 – Report Back and Recommendations
Wednesday March 21, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hillcrest Center Community Center

Directions to the Hillcrest Community Center. From the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks, exit at Lynn Road, turning north, then turn right onto Hillcrest Drive. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto McCloud Ave, then turn right immediately at the sign for the National Park Service and Conejo Recreation and Park District. At the stop sign at the top of the drive, turn left and drive the short distance to #403, on the left.  Google Map and Directions

Posted in Conejo Valley, Special Announcement, Youth | No Comments »

CORBA Kids Club’s Sullivan Canyon Ride

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

A small but enthusiastic group rode Sullivan Canyon on Saturday December 3rd.  Dave and Nolan, Kat and Josiah, and John and Ethan met in Brentwood,  where the weather was cool and the winds were calm.  Dave gave everybody a brief overview of the trail ahead, stressing the importance of speed control down the first paved hill. 

The group rode the gradual incline for about 2 miles, some choosing to walk rather than ride over the concrete waffle blocks that dot the area.  A downed tree blocked the rest of the trail at about 2 and 1/2 miles in, so the group took that as a sign to take a break, have a snack and explore the area.  Kat found a small bit of California Sage, and introduced the boys to what some hikers call “Cowboy Cologne.”  The boys pretended to be characters from Star Wars, and then Kat pointed out the large leaves on the trail, which were bigger than most of their faces.

The ride back took about 15 minutes because it was all downhill, followed by one challenging paved uphill back to the cars.  Check out the photo gallery of the ride, and you can also see the downed tree.   Because it was a small group and everybody enjoyed the location so much, we’ll be back at Sullivan Canyon on January 7th, and we hope to see more of you there!  Meet on the Brentwood side: http://www.socalmtb.com/socal/trails/sullivan.htm.

Bookmark It

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains, Youth | No Comments »

Light Rain Provided Perfect Dirt for CORBA Kids Ride

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

Though it was a small group who showed up for the November CORBA Kids ride in Cheeseboro Canyon last Saturday November 5, their enthusiasm ran big.  Light rains the day before provided perfect riding conditions.   The summer dust was lightly packed, the skies were clear and blue, and the temperature was pleasantly brisk.

After our standard greetings, 3 adults and 3 kids saddled up and headed out. Dave rode up front with Ethan and Nolan, John rode with Josiah, and Kat was sweeper and some-time photographer. When we got to “The Bees,” John guided the kids one-by-one through a small water crossing; the kids did great! We continued on until we hit 3.25 miles before taking a break and turning back. Most of the kids were tired after a total ascent of 500 feet.

During the break, John demonstrated the strength of his Kevlar gloves. He dared the kids to hit his gloved knuckles with a rock, and they each took a turn. After watching a large group of adult riders negotiate some technical rocky areas, the group saddled up. Most of the kids were uncomfortable riding back down some of the rockier sections, so they learned another lesson in mountain biking: There’s no shame in walking! Once we got past “The Bees,” everyone enjoyed the mostly downhill ride back to the parking lot.

After the ride, the kids snacked on chips and cookies, while the adults compared bike racks.

Check out the photo gallery of this ride. Next ride will take place Saturday December 3rd in Sullivan Canyon; meet on the Brentwood side: http://www.socalmtb.com/socal/trails/sullivan.htm . Hope to see you there!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in CORBA News, Los Angeles, Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains, Youth | No Comments »

Take a Kid Mountain Biking October 1, 2011

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Saturday October 1, 2011 – Saturday October 1, 2011

1925 Las Virgines RD

View MapMap and Directions | Register

Description:

Take a Kid Mountain Biking

On October 1st, in conjunction with the IMBA Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, CORBA will be having a fun ride at Malibu Creek State Park at 9:00 am. This will be a ride followed by a barbecue. All ages are welcome!

If the kids are too young to ride, feel free to bring a bike trailer or trail-a-bike and tow them along. These can be your own kids, nieces, nephews, friends kids, neighbor kids… Kids must have their own bikes and helmets.

There will be a few different ride options for different age groups. Feel free to participate even if you don’t have any kids to bring.

Childhood obesity in the United States has reached an all-time high. Experts say that the current generation of U.S. children could actually have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. IMBA and CORBA believe mountain biking can help reverse this trend. We need your help to get kids back on bikes.

To get to Malibu Creek State Park, take the Ventura Freeway (101) to Calabasas, exit Las Virgenes Road/Malibu Canyon. Go south 3.5 miles. You will cross Mulholland Highway and go another 1/4 mile to the entrance to Malibu Creek State Park on the right.

From Santa Monica, take Pacific Coast Highway north to Malibu Canyon Road and turn Right. Go 6 miles to the park entrance on your left. Just past the ranger kiosk to the left is a large gravel parking …

Meet at upper parking lot.

 

 

Register

Posted in Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains, Take a Kid Mountain Biking, Youth | No Comments »

More New Riders Join September CORBA Kids Ride

Monday, September 19th, 2011

On Saturday September 3rd, the CORBA Kids Club rode again with several new riders and a lot of excitement to see each other again after our last big ride in June.

Dave reviewed trail ettiquette and safety tips with everybody, we welcomed the newcomers, set our walkie-talkies, and then all 17 riders saddled up and headed out. It was the club’s second time at Sycamore Canyon/Point Magu, which was the perfect place to avoid the heat. Adult riders were Joy, David, Dave, Suzy, John, Kat, and Lorenz.  Kid riders were RJ, William, Julia, Nolan, Sean, Natalie, Ethan, Josiah, Emma, and Simon.  Larry and youngest son, Elliot, cheered us on and took photographs (see the photo gallery of this ride).

There was a surprising amount of poisen oak along the sides of the trail. Kat pointed it out to the new riders, and made sure everybody was careful not to put their bikes into it while waiting for the others to catch up.

All but two of the water crossing were completely dry, and most kids completed them with no problems. We took our first break where the kids used the facilities, ate their snacks, and climbed a downed tree.

At the end of the ride,  several adults and kids played in the beach cove, while Dave readied the BBQ, and cooked everyone lunch.   After lunch and snacks, we reluctantly broke up the party.  

We hope you will join us next month for the IMBA’s annual Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day at Malibu Creek State Park.  Meet at the upper parking lot 9 a.m.  Different ride options will be available, and a free BBQ lunch will be served.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Santa Monica Mountains, Take a Kid Mountain Biking, Youth | No Comments »

Round-up of June CORBA Kids Ride and Photos

Monday, June 27th, 2011

The CORBA Kids Club monthly ride was held Saturday June 4 at Point Mugu State Park/Sycamore Canyon.  Despite forcasts for windy chilly weather, the marine layer kept it pleasantly calm and cool, and when the sun came out, everyone was happy to peel off a layer.

After reviewing trail etiquette, safety guidlines, and describing the upcoming water crossings, the riders started out on the main fire road. Along for the ride were 7 kids (Josiah, Julia, William, RJ, Elliot, Ethan, and Nolan and 6 adults (Larry, John, Joy, Dave and Dave, on bikes and Kat on foot).

The first water crossing allowed for an easy introduction for those who were comfortable enough to get a little wet. There was a shallow section to the right, and everyone who rode it glided through and made it up the hill on the other side. The water crossings provided more teaching and rest opportunities as the kids encouraged each other along the way.

When we reached the 3rd water crossing, we had to wait for a family of Mallard ducks to pass before putting our wheels back in the water.

Several varieties of wildflowers dotted the way, as did the poison oak.  Luckily the trail was wide, and it was easy to avoid.  Kat pointed out purple and black sage,  white yarrow, and golden yarrow to Julia and Joy on the way back.

After the ride, the kids piled into Dave’s truck for snacks and water.

You can see all the pictures from this ride in our June photo gallery.

Next ride will be at Malibu Creek State Park on Saturday July 2 from 9 to noon. Hope you can join us! Please register online to let us know you’ll be coming.

Posted in Rides and Events, Take a Kid Mountain Biking, Youth | No Comments »

CORBA Kids Club ride – July 2th, 2011

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Saturday July 2, 2011 – Saturday July 2, 2011

1925 Las Virgenes Road

View MapMap and Directions | Register

Description:

Organized parent/children mountain bike ride to build confidence, promote health and wellness, share knowledge of trails and riding techniques, teach respect for each other and the environment; inspire the next generation of mountain bikers and CORBA volunteers!

Meet at Malibu Creek State Park lower parking lot at 9 a.m.

For info contact:
corbakids@corbamtb.com

Kids must have their own bikes and helmets.

Register

Tags: , ,
Posted in Rides and Events, Santa Monica Mountains, Take a Kid Mountain Biking, Youth | No Comments »

May CORBA Kids Club Ride

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

The CORBA Kids Club monthly ride was held on Saturday May 7 at Cheeseboro Canyon. After a hot week in SoCal, the weather cooled, and the kids enjoyed perfect riding conditions. Out for the ride were 8 kids (William, Julia, Josiah, Elliot, Ethan, RJ, Nolan, and Sean) and 5 adults (Larry, John, Joy, Dave, and Dave). As usual, the kids were super excited to see each other, make new friends, and get their tires onto the dirt.

After Larry reviewed safety guidelines and trail etiquette, we left the Cheeseboro trailhead with one Dave in the lead and another Dave on sweep. Most of the gang took the short single track option and pedaled up to the picnic tables for our first break. After some drinks, snacks, and tomfoolery, we did some hill climbing practice on the short but steep hill behind the picnic tables. Hats off to William, the only kid who cleared the climb!

After the break, we rode on past “The Bees” and to the up-and-over at the sulphur creek. Entry to the creek was wet and muddy and very, very smelly! Fortunately, the tree that had blocked the trail during our April ride was all clear and we were able to continue. From there, we rode up to one of the first rock wall areas before turning back. After another break, drinks, and snacks, the crew arrived back at the parking lot, completing a ride of about 6 ½ miles. The kids did great on the ride and we were all proud of their effort and skills on the trail. The kids celebrated with more snacks and play. And as usual, everyone was having such a good time, it was hard to break up the party. You can view our photo gallery of the ride. We are all looking forward to the next CORBA kids ride in June and hope you and yours will join in on the fun.

The next ride will take place at Point Magu State Park, Saturday June 4 from 9 to noon.

Tags: ,
Posted in Take a Kid Mountain Biking, Youth | No Comments »

Thousand Oaks Needs a Bike Park

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

By Mark Langton

If a demonstrated need in the community is the main criteria for building a bike park (pump track, jumps, skills area), then the City of Thousand Oaks should be at the top of the list. Jumps and mini-pump tracks are all over the place, yet they keep getting bulldozed because the community has not supported the youth who are putting in the effort to do something constructive. THE TIME IS NOW!

Unidentified jumps in Newbury Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is of course my local perspective because I see kids every day on mountain bikes and BMX bikes riding around our neighborhoods, trails, and yes, unauthorized dirt jumps. And I know a lot of parents who’s teenage kids go riding with them. I bet you know people just like that in your neighborhood.

The Socal High School Cycling League built a pump track in Riverside recently with CORBA’s help. The city of Glendale is considering a bike park and pump track in their trails master plan. There are parks and tracks all over the state. IMBA has had success in several cities including New York, Seattle, and Golden, Colorado. We’re not reinventing the wheel. Click here for the the Bring the Riding To the People project.

A bike park can be as simple as a pump track (rollers, bermed turns, table top and gap jumps), but can also include skill test features similar to what might be found on a trail. A supervised environment similar to a skate park, the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) already has an infrastructure to deal with this kind of  facility. Bike parks encourage volunteerism and stewardship. They provide an area for adult mountain bikers wanting to improve their skills and also help their kids learn, and an athletic/exercise outlet for youth who do not participate in team sports. And they’re just plain fun! Not only that, they do not require the same kind of space, materials, or costs associated with ball fields or other conventional recreational facilities.

Watch a video of the Stowe Bike Park pump track in action.

Representatives from CORBA have discussed the possibility of a bike park with the CRPD. CRPD managers are amenable to the idea, but stress that the only way something can be done is through community support and commitment. This would require attendance at CRPD board meetings by kids as well as parents and other interested parties to provide testimony and petitions, and other community support (such as bike shops, YMCA, teen centers, schools, etc); not to mention supporting testimony from such organizations as CORBA citing the success of tracks and parks in other cities. This process typically takes 3-5 years, so strong parental involvement is key. Again, CRPD is open to the idea and there are several possible locations, we just need community involvement! We could also use people with expertise in landscape architecture.

The author circa 1972.

If you are interested in becoming part of a team to bring a pump track to Thousand Oaks, please get in touch with us at volunteer@corbamtb.com .

Tags:
Posted in Advocacy, Conejo Valley, Health, Uncategorized, Youth | No Comments »

Bike Park Project Introduced to Glendale Commission

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Monday afternoon, April 18, 2011 at 2:30pm was the monthly meeting of the City of Glendale, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission. CORBA’s Steve Messer spoke during the Oral Communications period of the meeting. The Commission were introduced by Messer to the Glendale Bike Skills Park project.

The Bike Skills Park wasn’t an agenda item, and oral communications are limited to five minutes for each speaker. After Messer made his quick presentation several questions were asked by the commissioners. They were surprised that there isn’t any other bike park in Southern California. They were also surprised that there are four High School teams using Glendale trails for training.

More questions followed about the land requirement and how this proposal dovetails with the Safe and Healthy Streets Plan, which was to go before City Council the following day, Tuesday, April 19 (see below).  The Safe and Healthy Streets Plan has been developed by Colin Bogart of the L.A. County Bicycle Coalition in partnership with the City of Glendale, under a grant from the County of Los Angeles. It includes a recommendation for a Bike Skills Park in its educational section.

Even though this was not an agenda item, Jess Duran, Director of the City’s Community Services and Parks Department made the recommendation “for the department to do a quick feasibility analysis, to put a group together including Colin Bogart and see what the feasibility might be.”  He also added, “I can tell you that now is not a good time to be requesting new projects given the challenges of the budget and the staff resources, but we could do a quick feasibility analysis. I’d also like to get some background from staff to what extent we’ve evaluated this type of project before.”

(more…)

Tags: ,
Posted in Advocacy, High School League, Verdugo Mountains, Youth | No Comments »

« Older Entries