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

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The section of trail in question was “built” by users blazing their way down the canyon after the Station Fire and subsequent floods ravaged and destroyed the trail.  The original trail through this section was completely obliterated. The resulting user-made trail was on the edge of a cliff that was getting undercut by the stream and was gradually narrowing. It was a hazardous section of trail where several people have reportedly gone over the edge and crashed. It was too narrow and unstable for equestrians, and nerve-wracking for anyone concerned with heights or exposure.

With Forest Service and Boy Scout Council approval, Keenan rallied his St. Francis and San Gabriel Valley Composite mountain bike team mates, fellow scouts, and a few willing parents to come out and rebuild this section of trail.  The trail was flagged out by Banner Moffat and after two days of prep work by him and Steve Messer of CORBA, was ready for the project.

Initially planned for the weekend of January 21/22, rain forced a cancelation for the work on Saturday. In reality it was a blessing as the dampened earth was much better to work with on Sunday. Crews re-cut the bench away from the cliff edge, filled three substantial drainages with rock supporting walls and rock armoring, and built up rock supporting walls either side of a “split tree,” through which the trail would pass. With 19 volunteers this section of trail, about 45 yards, was restored. An intrepid crew of four stayed on an extra two hours beyond the finish time to ensure the rebuilt section was completely passable for all trail users.

During the course of the work, two generous mountain bikers made on-the-spot cash donations to CORBA’s trail crew fund (and who still need to email Steve for receipts), a sure token of the appreciation all trail users have for the work we are doing. One regular El Prieto hiker has made similar on the spot donations in the past, and came through very much appreciative of how the funds have been applied (new tools and rock slings for the trail crew and for Friends of El Prieto).

The second day’s work was re-scheduled for Sunday, January 29. Thirteen volunteers came out, most of them student athletes from the High School league, and the St. Francis team in particular. Just below the previous week’s work, the trail ran into the streambed, following it for about  50 yards. The crew chiseled a bench out of rock, moving the trail up and out of the streambed onto the rock and dry alluvial wash.  Two stream crossings were eliminated.

Thanks to Keenan for giving back to the trails in such an important way, to Banner Moffat for helping guide the project, and to all the volunteers, student athletes, boy scouts, parents and friends who came out to make the project such a success. Over 180 person-hours were contributed over the two prep days and two work days for the project. The result is a 110 yard section of trail that is less dangerous, more sustainable, and still a load of fun to ride.

Below are some videos of the trailwork in progress.

Day One:

Day Two:

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This summer the state could begin closing 70 state parks, many of them popular for bike touring, bike camping and mountain biking. That’s why there’s a campaign to help keep them open.

Locally, the Santa Susanna State Historic Park is slated for closure.  This park is South of the 118 freeway, between Chatsworth and Rocky Peak. It includes some multi-use trails, including the old Santa Susanna Stagecoach road and El Camino Nuevo.

Statewide, there’s a lot at stake for bicyclists. Eighteen parks could be closed along the Pacific Coast Bike Route, an international bike touring destination and California’s only state-designated bike route, including two in Mendocino County that are crucial stops for bike tourists. Five parks popular for mountain biking, including Annadel, Brannan Island, China Camp, Henry Coe and Sugarloaf, are also on the closure list. Nineteen of the 58 state parks that offer low-cost “hike or bike” campsites for those arriving by bike or on foot are set to be closed.

Tell your legislators and Gov. Jerry Brown there are better solutions to the state’s budget crisis than closing state parks. Make the case in person at the 10th annual Park Advocacy Day on March 20 in Sacramento. If you own a business that would suffer due to the proposed state park closures, join the California State Parks Foundation’s “Closing Parks is Bad for Business” campaign.

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FUN RIDES FEBRUARY 26

Sunday, February 26: CORBA Intermediate Ride.   This is our regular Space Mountain – Rosewood ride except we start in the middle. It’s a fun loop ride with lots of singletrack and switchbacks for your biking enjoyment. We start with a brief road ride from the bike shop to the trail by the house with the model train in the front yard. After the whoop-de-doo trail, we’ll loop back around through the normal starting point for a singletrack climb up Space Mountain. Then we’ll continue along the Los Robles Trail to the “Lookout” and take a break at the picnic table. Then it’s time to catch some thrills as we make our way down the Rosewood Singletrack to Lynn Road. After a short jaunt on pavement we are back to the bike shop where we started.

Total distance is 9.3 miles with 1600′ of climbing, rated at E3 – T3. Time: 7:45 am. Organizer: Randy

Directions:   The ride starts at Newbury Bike Shop, 1560 Newbury Rd # 6, Newbury Park, CA 91320. Exit the 101 Freeway at Ventu Park Rd in Newbury Park, turning south. Take the first right onto Newbury Road, following it around 0.3 miles. Turn left into the strip mall; the bike shop is behind In ‘n Out Burgers.

Sunday, February 26: CORBA Advanced Ride.   This is one of our regular and favorite rides, plus a few road and trail miles to get from the bike shop to the normal start point. From the bike shop, we ride 2.4 miles on the road to the Felton Street access to the Los Robles Trail, which we ride to the regular start point at Wendy and Potrero. From here we’re on the regular ride, starting off on the connector trail that leads to Big Sycamore Canyon Road. We’ll descend down into the canyon and take Sin Nombre over to Sage and make the climb up to the water tower. From here it’s a fast and fun decent down Wood Canyon. Then it’s another climb up to the top via Guadalasca. We’ll ride the fireroad over to Backbone and enjoy another great descent. After a short jaunt on Two Foxes we’ll head up the main fireroad and climb up the dreaded asphalt hill. From the top it’s back to Los Robles Trail, then a road ride from Felton Street to the bike shop.

Total distance is 28 miles with 4000′ of climbing, rated at E4 – T3.5. Time: 7:45 am. Organizer: Jonathan

Directions:   The ride starts at Newbury Bike Shop, 1560 Newbury Rd # 6, Newbury Park, CA 91320. Exit the 101 Freeway at Ventu Park Rd in Newbury Park, turning south. Take the first right onto Newbury Road, following it around 0.3 miles. Turn left into the strip mall; the bike shop is behind In ‘n Out Burgers.

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For Immediate Release 1-27-2012

Contact: Mark Eller
IMBA Communications Director
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011

The U.S Forest Service recently announced a new set of rules that will shape the way foresters oversee its lands, including planning for and implementing trails and other recreational facilities. The Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, posted the new procedures online today.

“This is welcome news for IMBA and its affiliated chapters and clubs,” said Mike Van Abel, the executive director for the world’s largest association of mountain bike organizations. “IMBA’s outstanding relationship with the Forest Service sets the stage for our local affiliates to partner with individual forest units as they make plans for shared-use trails.”

IMBA sent dozens of representatives to the Forest Service’s national series of listening sessions as it was preparing for the just-announced rule change. “Those efforts proved to be really worthwhile,” says Jeremy Fancher, IMBA’s lead attorney. “It’s particularly encouraging to see a renewed emphasis on following best practices and considering scientific evidence. IMBA’s partnership agreement with the Forest Service will help us provide the right information for effective recreation planning.”

Fancher frequently advises IMBA-affiliated chapters and clubs on forest planning efforts. IMBA also offers scientific studies on the impacts of mountain biking and guidance on trail design on its website. Learn more about planning efforts in the forests near you by visiting the Forest Service’s Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) website.

To raise public awareness about how mountain bikers and Forest Service staff interact, IMBA helped sponsor Pedal-Driven, an award-winning documentary. The Forest Service has officially endorsed the hour-long film, and IMBA’s local chapters and clubs are currently hosting dozens of screenings. “This production documents the great things we can accomplish when we work together to solve problems,” said Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Supervisor Becki Heath, whose forest is featured prominently in the documentary.

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YOUTH IN NATURE PHOTO & VIDEO CONTEST!

Click here for the Get the Green website.

If you’re 13-18 years old and living in the L.A. Metro Area, this is your gig!
(L.A. Metro Area = Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Venutra & Riverside counties)

–> Take photos & videos of YOURSELF in NATURE
–> Get ideas of outdoor activities you can do in nature.
–> Enter your photos & videos on GetTheGreen.org
–> Win prizes!

•  Because nature & the environment are the core essence of life.
• It’s time we get outdoors to enjoy our lands and really get to know what’s around us.
• We have mad respect for the environment.
• Our trees, parks, gardens, rivers, beaches and forests are our #1 sources of clean water, clean air and so much more.
• It’s up to US to protect nature & the environment. If we don’t protect it, who will?

Checkout the 3 Prize Categories (below and on the right). Submit multiple photo & video entries of YOURSELF doing outdoor activities in nature to win! But submit only one (1) entry per type of outdoor activity (not 30 pictures of you hiking or picnicking; 1 photo or video of each activity will do the trick!).

1. Judges’ Award (4 winners): Make the most inspirational and powerful photos & videos of experiences in nature to win the big prize – $300 and aNovara bike, plus a smart rider helmet and lock!  Two (2) follow-up entries will win an educational award of $200, an REI Urban Traveler Daypack (value $89.50) and a $50 REI gift certificate.

2. Top Points (5 winners): Accumulate points each time yousubmit an entry with YOURSELF visible in the photos or videos! Top 5 people with the most points get $60 and an REI daypack!

– 1 point per photo
– 3 points per video (20 seconds minimum to 5 minutes maximum)
– 2 extra points for every adult family member you include
in the photo/video (with you in the picture too, of course)!
– 2 extra points if your video is bilingual (English & another language)!

Don’t forget: *YOU* have to be in the photo/video to be eligible for prizes.

Start entering January 18th.
Cutoff deadline is March 14th.
Big wins announced March 16th!!

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We continued on our work from our last trailwork event in December, working on approximately 2 additional miles of trail. The crews hiked in from the access road halfway between Clear Creek and Redbox. From there, one crew headed down the trail, and another headed up the trail. A third crew of two went to Redbox and worked their way down clearing debris and downed trees from the trail. The crews cleared and rock-armored several drainages, cut back brush, repaired damaged trail tread, and cleared rock and other debris from the trail. Several groups of hikers and cyclists came through as the work was being done, many more than we saw during the last trailwork day in December.

With the trail now over 95% rideable, we anticipate many more users on the trail as we enter spring. However, we must caution everyone to beware of the poodle dog bush. It’s impractical to cut back, but much of the trail is lined with the plant. At least two of the volunteers reported cases of poodle dog a few days after the work was completed.

Everyone had a great time. The Pasadena Mountain Bike Club were well represented, with several first-time trailwork volunteers.  “It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” commented Mike, one of the first-time volunteers. “I definitely want to come back and do more next time.”  A deli-style lunch spread was put on for the volunteers and at least five of the volunteers went and rode the trail immediately after lunch. “That’s the best reward ever,” said Jenny Johnson, “being able to ride a trail you helped restore.”

After lunch, Steve Messer and Mike McGuire continued working  to remove a 60′ long stretch of downed trees  near the start of the trail, shown in the before and after photos below. Therewere multiple  trees piled up and strewn across the trail. Some of these trees had been down for some time, as a bypass trail was very well established. That bypass trail was further buried in the brutal windstorms of late November, when several more trees fell in the same location. The two were able to clear out the original trail and close off the bypass.

As of our last inspection after the day’s work,  one drainage still needs repair, and one downed tree needs to be removed. The “waterfall” rock garden has become much more technical, and most will want to hike that section. Thanks to Mitch Marich and Edward Belden for the photos.

Thanks to the MWBA for organizing this extra trailwork day, and to all the volunteers who came out to give back to the trails. Our next trailwork date is February 19, 2012, with the location to be announced.

Trees cleared from the trail:

Newly re-cut bench and restored tread

The old log bridge has a new home:

 Formerly a hike-a-bike, now you can roll right through this drainage:

Enjoying the trail immediately after the work:

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The general plan does not govern trail use designations, and instead defers to the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Master Plan, which is still in development.

The current draft of the plan was released in December.  The public comment period ends today, January 23, 2012.  Below are the comments that CORBA is submitting. Members of the public are also welcome to comment on the plan, which can be found at http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25956.

February 23, 2012

Luke Serna, Environmental Coordinator
Topanga General Plan Team
California State Parks
Southern Service Center
8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 270
San Diego, CA 92108

Re.:  Topanga State Park General Plan

Dear Mr. Serna,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Topanga State Park General Plan. We have been involved in the process from the first public hearings, and are happy to see the plan approach its final iterations.  We congratulate you and the staff for moving the plan forward.  However, as CORBA represents off-road cyclists, there are a few items and omissions in the current draft about which we have some concerns.

1.  We read on page 49 “Eight additional focus group meetings were held to better understand a few site specific issues.” Then number 5 on page 50 mentions a focus group on user conflicts. CORBA as an organization representing off-road cyclists was not made aware of, and did not attend any such focus group. Nor did any of our members or anyone we can find in the bicycling community. There aren’t any details of who called the group or how that group’s findings may have affected the final plan. Without cyclists present, we are concerned that an unbalanced representation of user conflicts may have been made. Exclusion of one user group from such a focus group cannot possibly foster multi-use principles, just as excluding a user group from a trail furthers and deepens user conflicts when they do occur. Please document and clarify the process used to form this focus group and its findings as they pertain to the general plan. This would perhaps be suitable for inclusion as an appendix.

2. On page 65, it states “1. a. This management plan will address the ability of bikes, horses and other pack animals, and fire, construction and Park vehicles to carry and spread exotic plant seed throughout the Park.”  There is no mention of hiking boots, running shoes, shoe tread, socks or clothes as a vector for the spread of exotic seed. This should also be of concern and should be addressed, especially since hikers are much more likely than cyclists to go off-trail where they can be exposed to more seed than would otherwise be encountered by those staying on the trail. We feel this is an omission.

3. Page 53 states that “trail-use designations are not part of this plan…. However, trail corridors, as well as trail goals and guidelines, will be established as a part of this process.”  While these “trail corridors” appear in the legend of the map on page 105, the scale of the map and the visual indicators used in the legend do not allow for the easy identification of or distinction between “corridors” and existing trails.  A verbal description of each trail corridor proposed and/or a larger scale map would do much to alleviate and prevent any confusion. We feel we cannot adequately comment on the proposed trail corridors without fully understanding them.

4.  In Table 3, “Planning Matrix” on page 113, the Lagoon, Watershed Zone and Lower Topanga zones are listed as being restricted to “hiking on designated trails only.” To list an entire zone off-limits to other user groups will hamper the efforts to complete the Coastal Slope trail as it is envisioned–a multi-use long distance trail–that will pass through that zone. The Coastal Slope trail itself appears on the Lower Topanga/Lagoon Preferred Plan “Range of possible features” on page 115.  Making trail use decisions on a trail-by-trail basis, rather than a blanket closure of an entire area, will allow for better management of users in the area, and reduce impediments to the planned Coastal Slope Trail.

5.  According to the plan Musch Campground is open to bicycles.  However, the Musch Trail is currently closed to bicycle use. A formal change-in-use request has been submitted to convert that trail to multi-use including bicycles. How is Musch Campground currently accessed by bicycles?

Off-road cycling is a healthy outdoor recreational activity that entices people away from their couches and computers and into our treasured open spaces. Cyclists comprise a large portion of State Park visitors, yet only fire roads and Rogers Road are currently open to bikes in Topanga SP, concentrating bicycles on fewer trails, and placing them on wide fire roads that encourage high rates of downhill speed. This contributes to user conflicts and creates further divisiveness between user groups. We would like to see the General Plan recognize cycling as a legitimate, welcomed and, when managed appropriately, sustainable activity in Topanga State Park.

CORBA has a long history with State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains. Our trail crew volunteers have worked on Rogers Road and many other trails in neighboring State Park units for many years. We note in the plan that there is a recommendation to continue to work with volunteer and non-profit groups. We work side-by-side with other user groups at State Trails Day and other events. CORBA works constantly to educate, inform and encourage off-road cyclists to practice good trail etiquette, and the vast majority do. We look forward to continuing and furthering our relationship with Topanga State Park and other SP units in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Thank you,

Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association

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Calling all mountain bikers age 18 and over! The Mountain Bike Unit (MBU) is currently recruiting for its 2012 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).

Here’s what it’s all about. The MBU assists in providing park visitors with a quality outdoor experience and preserving natural resources while patrolling over 60,000 acres of public parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Beginning in February 2012, training will include visitor contact skills, State and National park radio use, park rules and regulations, first aid and CPR training, and field training exercises.

Patrol areas and opportunities include the following:

-National Park Service parks:  Cheeseboro/Palo Comado, Zuma/Trancas Canyons, Rancho Sierra Vista, and Circle X Ranch
-California State Park locations: Malibu Creek, Will Rogers, Point Mugu, and Topanga
-We also patrol MRCA areas near metropolitan Los Angeles, such as Franklin Canyon and Upper Las Virgines Open Space Preserve
-In addition, we volunteer to patrol and support other events such as the LA and Malibu Marathons, Wheels to the Sea, the Ventura County Fair, and CORBA’s Fat Tire Fun(d)raiser
-The MBU also helps support CORBA’s Youth Adventure Program, which offers at-risk youth the opportunity to enjoy the mountain biking experience in our beautiful parks

All MBU patrols require at least two patrollers.  All rides are self scheduled on the MBU website. We ask each of our volunteers for 100 patrol hours annually (roughly two four-hour patrols per month).

Would you like to learn more? We invite you to come to King Gillette Ranch Auditorium at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 04, 2012 for an indoor orientation meeting where we will share with you more details about this wonderful program and what patrolling with the MBU is all about. We encourage you to bring your bike and helmet because we plan to take potential recruits on a ride-along (sorted by ability) after the presentation, weather permitting. Training sessions will be held on February 11, March 10, April 14, 2012. Visit the MBU training web page for more details, or to contact the MBU via e-mail (admin@mountainbikeunit.com). To see the MBU in action, view our gallery of MBU photos.

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Dear Friends,

Our fight to re-open The Canyon Trail and Vasquez Rocks to mountain biking continues.

As a part of the “trail assessment process” the County is undertaking, a “first” public hearing will be held on this matter on Wednesday, February 15 at 7PM at William S. Hart Park in the “Hart Hall” building.  This is a very important meeting and we need all hands on deck.  So please mark your calendar and plan on bringing your spouse and kids and maybe a few “Share the Trails” signs.  More information will follow as we plan for this meeting.

Additionally, next week, some of our committee members will be meeting with Russ Guiney to discuss the status of our request to re-open these trails and to express our concerns about the process and approach they are undertaking to address this issue.  Mr. Guiney is the Director of LA County Parks and Rec and the buck does stop with him.  Ultimately, this is his decision.  Wish us well.

Thank you for your support and letters to Supervisor Antonovich.  We would not have made it this far without it.

See you on the trials!

Please sign our petition:  http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/canyon_trail_mtb_access/
Join our Facebook Group:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/saveplaceritatrail/

SCV Trail Users
Safe and Equal Access for All Trail Users
SCVTrailUsers@gmail.com
To add your name to our email list, please email SCVTrailUsers@gmail.com with such a request.

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As always, the eTerraTimes has all the latest news for mountain bikers in the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas.

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Wendy Engelberg

When it comes to social networking, we can always count on Wendy to reach out through the internet to generate excitement for CORBA’s events and activities. She also has worked tirelessly coordinating and assisting with several CORBA events over the past few years, in addition to organizing and leading rides for the North Ranch Mountain Bikers, a CORBA-supporting club. She is also an outspoken advocate for responsible mountain biking. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her dedication is relentless.

Matt Gunnell

Matt helped organize the SoCal High School Cycling League in 2008 and serves as the organization’s Executive Director. The organization currently comprises nearly 30 high school teams and more than 300 riders. Under his guidance, the league has grown substantially over its four year history, bringing hundreds of new student athletes–and many of their parents and friends–into the sport of mountain biking. Matt and the League emphasize that a major component of participation in the league is stewardship of the trails, including an appreciation of–and volunteering for–trail work and maintenance. The league’s impact on the sport in Southern California is already having far-reaching effects, with many student racers having moved on to careers in cycling and the industry.

Banner Moffat

Banner has had a long-time love of trails. He began mountain biking on El Prieto two decades ago, and soon realized that it needed upkeep. He has since spent many off his days off happily and tirelessly contributing to the trail’s upkeep, sometimes with help, often without, and always just for the love of it. Over the past few years he has formalized his love of the trail and his relationship with the National Forest by adopting the trail under the moniker, “Friends of El Prieto.”  He has contributed to many Eagle Scout trail restoration projects as trail boss and advisor on this and other trails, and serves as coach and mentor to the Crescenta Valley high school mountain biking team. His long time involvement in the mountain biking community has inspired many to become active and responsible mountain bikers.

Woody Smeck

As Superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) for the past 10 years, Woody has elevated the SMMNRA’s  stature in the National Park system, and worked with politicians to  help them understand the importance of National Parks near developed urban areas. He was also instrumental in improved inter-agency coordination and cooperation with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, and other agencies in the SMMNRA. For the mountain bike community, Woody was always accessible, fair, and honest in his dealings, making it clear to his peers that responsible mountain biking is manageable on public lands. On March 30 Woody will become Deputy Superintendent at Yosemite National Park.

The above recipients join a long list of past recipients of the CORBA award, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the sport of Mountain Biking in our area and beyond. It is the combined legacy of all the CORBA award recipients that has helped shape the sport in Southern California, and will continue to do so as the sport grows. It is thanks to them that the opportunities to enjoy mountain biking exist in its current form. These deserving 2011 recipients will be presented with their awards in the coming months as their busy schedules allow.

We congratulate them, and on behalf of the entire mountain biking community and especially CORBA’s members and supporters, we thank them wholeheartedly for their contributions to our community.

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As we look forward to our 25th anniversary in August, we of course have to look back at 2011. It was both a year of growth and important transition.

• CORBA became a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycle Association (IMBA). As a founding member of IMBA, CORBA saw the value of partnering with IMBA’s strength and reach to gain even more members and raise awareness of the ongoing goals of shared use trails in greater Los Angeles and Eastern Ventura Counties. Already we have seen an influx of new members.
• California State Parks “change in use” process finally began after several years of non-compliance. CORBA’s efforts to make sure this process was fulfilled was and will be unwavering. Currently the Yearling/Lookout Trail conversion/realignment in Malibu Creek State Park is undergoing review and work could begin as soon as this summer. Our blog article discusses this process further.
• CORBA established regular quarterly meetings with both State Park and National Park Service officials. These meetings have garnered a new and improved level of communication and cooperation.
• CORBA went from a single-day fundraising event (Fat Tire Festival) to several smaller events which involved some of our local bike shop supporters, as well as the Fat Tire Fun(d)raiser, a scaled down version of the festival that focused more on riding than “festivaling”. If you know of a local bike shop that would like to host a fundraising event in their store, please send me an email at mark@corbamtb.com.
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) Superintendent Woody Smeck accepted the position of Deputy Superintendent of Yosemite National Park. (Read our blog article on Woody.) While this transition is yet to be complete, we can assure you of one thing; the new superintendent will need to be educated as to the significance and importance of mountain biking in the SMMNRA, and how intertwined mountain bikers are within the trail community. While it is likely the new superintendent will be responsive to the mountain bike community, we’ve seen over the years that different individuals come with their own sensibilities and it is sometimes the case that those sensibilities do not always align with the previous administrator’s positions.
• State Parks implemented a more comprehensive volunteer trail work training program, requiring a greater level of commitment. CORBA members Steve Messer and Steve Clark stepped up and completed the training, enabling us to move forward with much needed trail improvement projects. In 2011 CORBA contributed significantly to trail work and maintenance in the SMMNRA, Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA), City of Glendale, and the Angeles National Forest (enhanced greatly through a grant from REI).
• In addition to our Youth Adventures Program, which ran 19 outings at Malibu Creek State Park and Paramount Ranch and served dozens of at-risk youth, CORBA introduced the Kids Club, and thanks to a dedicated and passionate group of mountain biking parents, regularly scheduled monthly rides took place and introduced mountain biking to a whole new generation of mountain bikers.
• This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the free Introduction to Mountain Bike Skills class. Last year saw the best turnout ever with a total of 300 participants, which included two special classes provided to the Mountain Bike Unit (MBU). In fact, the MBU has made the class mandatory for all new members.

Even with a quarter century of advocacy under our collective belts, there is still much to be done. Consider this: There are many miles of singletrack trails closed to bicycles in the SMMNRA, trails that are exactly the same as ones that are open to bicycles. As State Parks moves forward with their trail conversion process (a painfully slow one at that), we must be diligent and ensure that they stay the course.

And of course I sill implore everyone to simply slow down for other users. The primary complaint about mountain bikes on trails is that “they go too fast and scare us.” If you slow to other users’ speed on the trail, you remove the one justifiable complaint about mountain bikers. It’s easy to slow down, and it makes the situation more pleasant for everyone involved—a true win/win situation!

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Meet at the Upper Switzers Parking Lot at 8:00 a.m. (click the Map link above) or carpool from Flanders Rd & Chehalem Rd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, just north of the 210 freeway on ACH.

If you’re unable to make it on the 14th, we also have work scheduled for January 8th, Sunday, on the Rim trail.

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After CORBA’s productive trailwork day on the Rim trail in December, Belfree contractors went in and worked their magic on the most dangerous sections of the trail.

On December 28, 29, and 30th, they hiked in with hand tools and professional know-how and achieved what would seem impossible. The narrowest, most dangerous sections of trail have been restored to a much safer width.

The slide areas near the top and the large one about two miles in have been repaired, with rock retaining walls built and/or repaired. At least 6 rock retaining walls were built, repaired or replaced, and one large tree which had fallen onto the trail and was standing nearly vertically, leaning against the rock face above, was removed. CORBA contracted Bellfree Contractors for the work using a trail restoration grant from REI. When combined with our volunteer work, the grant money has helped open at least three popular trails in the Angeles.

The Rim trail is possibly in the best shape it has been in the last 10 – 15 years. Because only natural, local rock was used for reinforcement, the trail still retains a very rugged feel, and has not lost any of it’s backcountry character. In the before and after photo two retaining walls that were built and one that was repaired can be seen. We thank Bellfree Contractors for working with us to stay within our grant budget, and yet achieve so much.

We plan another day of trailwork with a small volunteer crew this weekend, on January 8, and continue brushing and benching the last two miles of the trail down to Newcombe’s Saddle. Please RSVP to trailcrew@corbamtb.com/ We’ll be cutting back slough and re-establishing the bench starting two miles in, and for as much of the trail as we can get to in one day. This will mean a two mile hike down to the work site. You’re welcome to ride a bike and continue on to Chantry Flat, or ride/hike back up, but will need to make your own shuttle arrangements. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeves, and gloves if you have them (we’ll supply gloves and hard hats if you don’t). Meet at Mt. Wilson by the observatory at 8:30 a.m. Carpool from the ACH, just north of the 210 freeway at 7:45 a.m. Thanks for making a difference to our trails.

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“We know that many people out there want to improve their fitness and maybe lose a few pounds, and we just want to give them a little nudge in the right direction,” says David Kooi, owner of SMMC. “Cycling is one of the easiest ways to exercise. It’s a low-impact sport that eats up calories and builds strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness.”

Under the program, participants will log their miles at Strava.com, a social training website, using GPS devices. Twice during the year, SMMC will reward participants with gift cards for the miles they have ridden. “A simple training plan that consists of 3 rides per week averaging 20 miles per ride will reward the customer with more than $300 for the year. When you can buy a quality fitness bike for $750 these days, that’s significant savings for the consumer,” says Kooi. Participants can earn up to 50% of the original bicycle purchase price.

About Santa Monica Mountains Cyclery: The Santa Monica Mountains Cyclery is located at 21526 Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills, California, and serves residents of the San Fernando Valley, including Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, West Hills, Agoura Hills, Topanga, Malibu and others. SMMC presents a selection of the finest road and mountain bikes available, as well as quality bikes for getting around town and to and from work. SMMC has an extensive selection of clothing, parts, and accessories – everything you will need to get riding safely, quickly, and stylishly down the road or trail. SMMC also performs bike repair, tune-ups, and maintenance and has a full bicycle fitting studio. More information at http://www.smmcyclery.com or call 818-453-3204.

From PRWeb.com

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However, to ensure you remain a member of CORBA, there’s one extra step. Be sure to choose CORBA as your local chapter so that your dollars will more directly impact local projects and advocacy. Of course, you’re free to choose a different chapter if there is another that is more appropriate, such as our neighbors and partners at the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association, IMBA’s newest California chapter.

Renewal reminders from IMBA will link you to a page where you will need to select your local chapter, pictured below, so Remember to Choose your Chapter:

You can also avoid the extra step by going to CORBA’s membership page directly. Donations to CORBA, over and above your membership, stay local and are also tax-deductible. You can make a donation at http://corbamtb.com/join/donate.shtml.

CORBA is proud to be an IMBA chapter, working together to strengthen the collective voice of the mountain biking community. We thank you for your ongoing support. 

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Gabrielino Trail, December 3, 2011

On a cool and mostly clear Saturday, CORBA and Mount Wilson Bicycling Association volunteers teamed up to work on the Gabrielino trail. The Gabrielino between Switzers and Redbox was opened to the public back in May 2011, though the trail has had little attention and was in very poor shapte. Through many sections the old trail is simply non-existent.  Starting at Switzer’s Day Use area, the volunteers worked their way up the trail.

At the outset, two large trees were removed from the trail. These had toppled in the ferocious wind storm of November 30, 2011, and were not present when the trail was surveyed for work a week earlier. A third tree remains and is too massive to move with hand tools. The yellow warning signs greeting trail users on trails that pass through burn zones has a clear message: That trees, weakened by the fire, pose a considerable hazard and may fall at any time. Especially now, more than two years after Station Fire, dead trees are beginning to rot and weaken. Falling trees will continue to be a danger for years to come.

The volunteer trail crews, led by Mitch Marich of the MWBA, and Hans Kiefer and Steve Messer from CORBA, rebuilt two severely damaged drainages that required extensive rock retaining walls and rock armoring. In addition, tread was outsloped and widened along many narrowed sections and the brush was cut back. The crews worked on approximately 1.3 miles of trail, from switzers to the second stream crossing and switchbacks. Some sections of the trail now run along the alluvial wash at the base of the canyon. This was created by the tremendous water and debris flows of the past two winters. However, all of the trail worked on by the crew is now easily negotiable for trail users (with the exception of the one large downed tree that remains). With another day’s work in January, we hope to have the entire trail clear of significant obstacles and seeing regular use once again.

Moving rocks and re-building the trail:

The gully below would eventually be reinforced, filled and armored (the first before and after photo below):

Drainages, before and after:

The crew was fed with pizza and sodas after the day’s work was done. Everyone came away from the event with a sense of satisfaction and were looking forward to getting the remain sections of trail completed in the new year.

Rim Trail, December 4, 2011

In response to a thread started on a popular local online mountain biking forum, SoCalTrailriders.org, CORBA volunteer Steve Messer agreed to facilitate work on this much-neglected trail.  Starting from the summit of Mt. Wilson, the trail is the least-used of all the routes from the famous mountain.  Over the years the trail tread had degraded and filled in with slough from the extremely steep and constantly sliding hillsides above. It was layered with two years worth of acorns and oak leaves, leaving the trail narrow, slippery and treacherous. It had suffered from a lack of use as well, with many sections of brush difficult to travel.  An eager crew of 9 was able to re-cut the bench and cut back brush on 1.6 miles of the trail.

Prior to work, much of the trail bench had completely filled in:

The Forest Service did not want volunteers to work on two particularly dangerous landslide zones (one is pictured below), and CORBA has made arrangements for a professional trail crew to take care of those sections. About half the trail is now in good shape. Good shape, for off-road cyclists however, is a relative term. This trail has several dangerous sections through which cyclists should walk their bikes.

One of the dangerous slide areas on Rim Trail:

Special thanks to all the volunteers who came out to help on the two days of trailwork: Mitch and the MWBA, Hans Keifer for coming out of “retirement” to lead the rock wall construction effort, Mike and Robin McGuire for the pizza and photos, and Mitch for additional photos. Over this productive weekend, mountain biking volunteers put in 159 person-hours into the Gabrielino and Rim trails of the Angeles National Forest.

Watch for upcoming dates in January (weather and snow permitting) to continue work on Rim Trail and/or the Gabrielino trail. If you’d like to be notified of upcoming trailwork opportunities, send an email to trailcrew@corbamtb.com, or visit the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association’s web site.

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This project is made possible by a grant from the National Park Service. It serves as a prime example of how the National Park Service can help another agency achieve their goals through financial support and shared resources, as we are advocating for the San Gabriel Mountains Special Resource Study.

The Guadalasca Trail in Point Mugu State Park will also undergo some substantial improvements over the next year or two. First, the lower section (part of  the old ranch road), will be brushed out to allow access for motorized equipment. An excavator will be used to remove the existing drain culverts and convert them to level crossings. The large rut on the uphill side will be filled in and the travel surface moved to the downhill side to improve water drainage. 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. The old trail will remain open while construction takes place on the re-route. Some of the 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 to reduce downhill travel speeds. This will help reduce conflicts with other trail users, including climbing mountain bikers. CSP has asked CORBA and other organizations to recruit volunteers to help with some of this work. We expect to be announcing trailwork days in the new year to get this work done.

Tapia Spur trail will be receiving an upgrade as well, bringing the trail up to the State’s shared-use standards. There are many blind corners and other potential problem spots, and narrow sections where two trail users cannot safely pass each other. The trail will serve a model for how shared-use principles will be implemented as other trails are converted to shared-use and new trails are constructed.

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Most important to the mountain bike community, Woody was always accessible, fair, and honest in his dealings with us.  There is more mountain bike access on NPS land in the SMMNRA than anywhere else in the country.  Woody has been clear that responsible mountain biking is manageable on public lands and has expressed that view to his NPS peers.  We owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

Woody has been a pleasure to work with and we’ll miss him.  Our loss is Yosemite’s gain.  A search is underway for a new NPS Superintendent in the SMMNRA.

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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.

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Date: December 5, 2011

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) has directed the preparation of and intends to adopt an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed project, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and State CEQA Guidelines. CDPR is the lead agency for the proposed project under CEQA.

PROJECT LOCATION: Topanga State Park is a CDPR park unit located within Los Angeles County.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT: The General Plan directs the long-range management, development and operation of Topanga State Park by providing broad policy and program guidance including goals, guidelines and objectives for the management of the Park. The plan will set aside a number of management zones including; a I/Ihldlands Zone constituting over 70% of the Park’s acreage that shall contain minimal development with modest camping opportunities; a Cultural Presen/e to heighten the interpretation and protection of outstanding cultural resources; a Historic Zone whose core includes the former Rancho Las Lomas Celestiales (now known as Trippet Ranch); as well as other zones for resource management, visitor use and accessible interpretive and recreational programs. The Plan also contains specific proposals to consolidate the Park’s trail system through eliminating duplicate trails and relocating trails away from sensitive resources.

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The Draft EIR is being circulated for public review and comment for a period of 45 days, beginning Thursday December 8, 2011 and ending on Monday January 23, 2012. Your views, comments and questions regarding this Plan are welcomed. They should be directed to:

Luke Serna, Park & Recreation Specialist
8885 Rio San Diego Dr., Suite 270
San Diego, CA 92108

or by email at

enviro@parks.ca.gov

Copies of the EIR may be reviewed at the following locations during normal business hours or downloaded from the CDPR website at the following web address:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25956

California State Parks, Angeles District Office, 1925 La Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

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As always, the eTerraTimes has all the latest news for mountain bikers in the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas.

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In October and November of 2011, the National Park Service (NPS) held another series of public meetings to discuss their preliminary study findings about the San Gabriel region, and present their revised draft alternatives. There were between 75 and 150 stakeholders at each meeting, a clear indication of how important the San Gabriel Mountains are to Southern California residents.

The report is an extensive 300 page document. It discusses a broad spectrum of the natural, cultural and recreational resources in the study area. For those interested in the geologic, cultural and natural history of the San Gabriels it is a handy reference, well worth reading. The document further describes the national significance of the resource, and ultimately finds the region suitable for NPS protection. It discusses the feasibility of NPS involvement, then presents the alternatives as to how the NPS may be involved.

As we reported in October, one of the original Alternatives, B, had been dropped, and one, D, added. The three remaining Alternatives, A, C and D were summarized and outlined by Barbara Butler, who is leading the study for the NPS. The presentations essentially recapped the Executive Summary. Members of the audience were then invited to ask questions.

Many of the questions were very specific, addressing the current shortfalls in maintenance, funding, staffing and infrastructure within the Angeles National Forest. People asked for more rangers to patrol for litterers and graffiti, funds for trail restoration and maintenance, more staff to handle volunteers and funding for recreation facilities.

Some were concerned that there may be an increase in bureaucracy and red tape if the NPS were to come in. The presenters again assured everyone present that all land use decisions would continue be made by the current land managers. They defined the NPS roles more as “Management Partners,” sharing resources with the Forest Service and other agencies, as well as facilitating better coordination and cooperation between agencies.

Others were worried that their particular interests–gold mining, off-highway vehicles, hunting, fishing, off-road cycling, to name a few–might be restricted or adversely affected under the proposed Alternatives. Again, existing use decisions and policies will not be changed by an NRA designation, we were assured.

People wanted to know why this particular area or that particular area were omitted from the proposal. In short, when Congress authorized the study, they authorized it for a very specific area. Alternative D includes some land that lies outside the study area, but only as much as needed to include an entire geographic or ecological feature. It doesn’t extend to the eastern boundaries of the current Angeles National Forest, something that several commenters called for. We agree that the contiguous areas of the Angeles National Forest should be included in the final recommendation.

There were also concerns about the costs involved and the reliability of funding in this tight economy. It was argued that if the cost of doing the study or the cost of running an NRA (estimated at $2 – 4 million per year) were just given to the Forest Service, they’d be better able to manage the forest. While this may be true in a perfect world, the Department of the Interior (NPS) and Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) are funded separately and for the Forest Service (FS) to get additional funds from the Interior Department would essentially require an NRA designation.

The vast majority of the attendees were in support of Alternative D. The San Gabriel Mountains Forever group, with whom IMBA was able to find a compromise that would keep a trail corridor out of a proposed new wilderness in the San Gabriel Mountains, were in strong attendance with a press kit, stickers for people to show their support of Alternative D, and printed sheets of talking points.

A small minority were in support of the “No Change” option, leaving things the way they are, fearing that additional management would lead to slowing of progress and other hindrances. Nobody at the public hearing we attended appeared to be supporting Alternatives A or C.

Comments can be submitted until December 16. After the comment period closes the current Alternatives will be further refined and distilled into a recommendation. The study team will then make a final report and recommendation, expected in Spring 2012. That recommendation will likely be some variant of the current Alternative D, which is the current “preferred” alternative by the study team, and apparently by the public.

From there it will pass through various reviews by the National Park Service and the Interior Department, who will add their comments to the report and recommendation. It will then pass through Congressional Committees before reaching Congress. The process could take several years. Only about 1 in 3 NPS Study Areas results in a congressional designation for a new NPS unit, so a recommendation is not a guarantee that anything will ultimately change.

When and if there is a designation by congress, we will have to stay involved in the process. Many of the concerns raised by attendees at the meetings were very specific, and too finely detailed and site-specific to fall within the scope of such a broad study. Those details will be hashed out in a General Management Plan, which will go through a similar process of study, public input and refinement before adoption. CORBA will closely monitor the development of a General Management Plan when and if the time comes.

Environmental Assessment

The National Environmental Protection Act requires federal agencies to identify the “environmentally preferred” alternative. Alternative D was found to be the environmentally preferred alternative in this case. It protects more resources over a larger area, it improves recreational facilities outside the National Forest, decreasing use pressure on the forest itself, and provides for expansion of wildlife corridors, over the other alternatives. The Environmental Assessment did not find any significant impacts of an NRA designation that would require a full EIR, however, any site-specific projects would still need to go through the NEPA process, which includes public involvement and comment.

CORBA supports Alternative D

CORBA supports the report findings. We agree that the area is a unique resource suitable for inclusion in the National Parks system. Conceptually, we support Alternative D for a number of reasons. It protects resources over the largest area, improves recreational opportunities, has the most positive socio-economic impact, and fosters a more cooperative management between the various land managers in the study area. It provides opportunities to expand and link wildlife and recreational corridors through urban areas. It provides resources to urban communities to expand and improve their open space and recreational opportunities.

To further refine the current Alternative D, CORBA would like to see language to:

• Honor and maintain existing trail-use designations and permitted activities within the ANF and other open spaces in the proposed NRA.
• State that if resource protection necessitates a recreational use or activity be discontinued, viable alternative locations for those uses or activities must be provided so as not to diminish already limited recreational resources.
• Ensure that if any additional land or resources are acquired by the NPS, they will be managed to multiple-use standards, and that multiple-use should be the goal for any newly proposed trails or recreation facility projects within the study area and/or NRA.
• Include a paragraph from Alternative A (page 173), which states: “This study recommends that the establishing legislation require specific additional funding to be allocated each year for recreation, planning, visitor services, wildlife management, and resource protection.”  We strongly urge that this language be included in Alternative D.
• Assure that funding levels and sources for the Angeles National Forest be maintained or increased, without regard to additional funding for the region that may be received from the NPS and/or Department of the Interior.
• Have the final report include recommendations for alternative additional funding sources from both the public and private sectors, and specifically exclude any additional use fees beyond the current Adventure Pass (for National Forest lands).
• Ensure that funding for the portions of the Angeles National Forest which lie outside the study area and proposed NRA must not be reduced as a result of this proposal, but should be increased.
• Include all of the Angeles National Forest contiguous to the current draft Alternative D in the final recommendation for an NRA.

If the report and recommendation do eventually result in a NPS designation for a San Gabriel National Recreation Area, CORBA looks forward to continuing and extending our relationship with the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and other land managers within the region. We currently maintain a good working relationship with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and would welcome the additional resources an NPS designation will bring to the San Gabriel Mountains and River region.

Comments can be submitted until December 16 through the web site or by email or written letter.

The executive summary of the draft summary report is available here. The full report is available here. Questions that should be addressed in your comments are:

• Of the alternatives presented in the Draft San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study, which do you prefer? Please explain why.
• Are there specific proposals or aspects of the alternatives that you feel are important to be included in the preferred alternative/recommendation for the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study?
• Do you have any suggestions for improving the proposed alternatives? If so, what are they?
• Do you have any other comments related to the draft study findings or the environmental assessment?

To comment on the document, there is a convenient form available at the NPS Park Planning web site at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=43639. You can also mail a letter to:

National Park Service
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains SRS
Park Planning
333 Bush Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104

Or email:

pwr_sangabriel@nps.gov

We encourage everyone to voice their feelings about the proposal. If there are issues that we have not covered or that have not been raised, let the NPS study team know, and feel free to send us a copy or post your thoughts in the comments below.

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Mark Langton: Riding bikes in the dirt since 1969

August of 2012 will mark the official 25th anniversary of CORBA. In the coming months we will be announcing several ways in which you can help us celebrate. We’ll also be giving you a detailed accounting of what CORBA has achieved for the open space trails in Los Angeles and eastern Ventura Counties and contributed to the mountain bike community.

We’d love to hear from you who have stories about your involvement with CORBA, old or new. Photos are most welcome! Please send your contributions to me at mark@corbamtb.com. Happy Holidays!

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The petition asks the Obama Administration to fully and permanently fund the LWCF and its work buying open space and helping cities and counties build parks, many of which contain mountain bike trails and are in your own backyard.

TAKE ACTION! If we reach 25,000 individual signers by Dec. 16, the Obama Administration will look at the issue and give an official response. Please sign today!

LWCF funds are being diverted from their intended use. Of the $900 million authorized this year, very little of that is actually going toward America’s parks and outdoor recreation areas. Be part of a united voice. Help us urge the White House to restore full, dedicated and permanent funding for the LWCF.

It only takes a minute. Sign the petition today!

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