The mountain biking as well as hiking and fishing communities were hit pretty hard with the Station Fire.  Many of our favorite places are still closed to let Mother Nature do her thing.  Mountain bikers have been pushed far and wide to get their 'ride on.'  Well we are getting pushed further.

MTBOutdoors.com one of SCOA's groups, has been venturing to Kernville to ride the Cannell Plunge some of the best mountain biking on the planet.  It is a long haul but well worth it.  Here is a GPS profile of the ride.

This morning the THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER broke another fire - Heat, dry brush fuel Bull Fire to 6,000 acres.

I am no expert but due to the terrain, it looks like the Cannell Plunge will be adversly effected.  Due to the terrain, wildlife and heat - it is over 100 degrees, there is nothing likely to stop it from burning a lot of Cannell Plunge.

Beach House Poll

SCOA is going to the beach!  Will you come join us!

POLL - 23 July 2010

SCOA Beach House Poll!

We are potentially renting a beach house walking distance from the beach in Venice. While the details need to be worked out, we are interested in finding out what you think. Right now we are looking at late August. Our current though is to offer the house to SCOA members only. Since there are over 5000 members, there will be a buy-in to attend. We hope to have some surf boards, boogie boards and beach chairs to use. People will be able to shower and clean up if they want.

Take Poll

SCOA's Dave Covert forwarded this email to me - it is a subject near and dear to me.This is an opportunity to be involved in the discussion from the ground up. If you can make time please do.  Come back to the blog and post your comments, impressions and findings.

/c
====================================================================
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Works
PRESS RELEASE
-------------------------------------------------------------  Thursday, May 13, 2010 
 
Media Contact: 
Gary Bozé, PIO 
   
T(626) 458-4094 
M(213) 703-6483 
ghboze@dpw.lacounty.gov 
 
         

COMMUNITY INPUT SOUGHT FOR BICYCLE MASTER PLAN   

Bicycle riders are invited to participate in the second series of community workshops on the countywide Bicycle Master Plan, currently being developed by the Los Angeles County Public Works Department.   

The Master Plan seeks to expand and connect County bikeways, improve existing County bicycle facilities, develop and prioritize a list of proposed new bikeways and bicycle projects, and promote bicycle usage.   
     
As part of the effort, the Public Works Department is hosting three series of community workshops to obtain input on the Master Plan.   

During this second series, workshop participants will have an opportunity to review the input provided to date, and recommend additional bikeways and bicycle facilities for the Plan.   

The workshops will begin on June 2, 2010, and end on June 30, 2010. Meetings will be held in Marina del Rey, Topanga, East Los Angeles, Ladera Heights, Newhall, Hacienda Heights, Baldwin Park, Calabasas, Lancaster and Athens Village.   

A third series of workshops will be held later this year.   

Visit www.lacountybikeplan.org to obtain the date, time and location of the workshop nearest you or for more information on the Bicycle Master Plan. For questions, contact County Bikeway Coordinator, Abu Yusuf, at(626)458-3940 or    ayusuf@dpw.lacounty.gov.       


### 

      ----------------------------------------------------------------
              Public Service That Works
For Information on other Public Works projects, visit http://dpw.lacounty.gov

 

Speaking of the Station Fire, here is a chance to take action.  The Mount Wilson Bicycling Association is having a fund raiser.  Money raised will be used in the upkeep and general maintenance of local trails.  SCOA WILL be attending the event!  You should too.

Just got this email from a SCOA mountain biking stalworth.  Not sure if he got it from an email or one of the MTBing forums.  The message is clear, have fun but be courteous and stay on the trail.  The Station Fire has messed things up for all of us.  Please don not excaserbate things by riding off trail - read on. . .

(Editor's Note)

==================

Subject: Cherry Cyn. Access Threatened
 
  Hello
  Just wanted to share a concern we have.

  With the bulk of the forest closed we have seen a huge increase of riders in Cherry Cyn. Thats cool, I mean we've gotta ride, right?. But sadly there have been riders cutting the trails and riding off trail. Serious damage and erosion is already visible in places. This is pissing off the wrong people off and could result in Cherry Cyn. being closed to bikes!

 I would strongly suggest avoiding the general email blast inviting all and anyone to come ride Cherry Cyn. You should have select responsible groups (High School league and other wise), should stay on the trail and ride respectfully, but the word has got round and we now have irresponsible mountain bikers riding in Cherry Canyon and cutting trails. This must stop!

When you ride, please share this and make sure that we govern how these trails are used. If you see the misuse of a trail taking place, please educate the poor fools responsible.

It’s a special gem spot and cutting trails or being rude to hikers will get it closed.

The Station Fire was and still is a tragic loss, but regardless we must be patient and let the mend run its course.
 
Thank you so much, best regards.

Concerned Cherry Canyon Riders

Here is a link to a cool new online Mountain Bike Magazine.

Click Here - http://www.imbikemag.com/issue4/

Many of you have traveled with me and OPtical Edge Inc (SCOA's parent company) on our amazing Isla Holbox adventures where we: swim with the whale sharks, fish with the fishermen, check out Salt Water Crocodiles and watch sea turtles lay their egss.  Every year there is a new developer wanting to put property right on the water.  This year they might be successful.

Please read the below email I received from one of the hotel managers we have worked with in the past.  Read the note and read the petition.  If it resonates with you as it did with me sign it and pass it on.  While it isn't clear to me this will stop the developers, at least your voice will be heard.  Alternatively, if you have a different view make a comment let us know.

Become informed, think, take action. . .

Please join me in signing the Save the Holbox Beach! petition
 
Click Here sign the Save the Holbox Beach petition!
Don't let local authorities destroy the Holbox Beach!


Local authorities have decided to develop the beach IN FRONT of the hotels that already exist. They plan on building cement block bars and businesses and a paved road! Now only will they be destroying the environment, and the vibe of Holbox, but they will be destroying their own prospects for tourism.

The "proyecto" (project) planned for the beautiful Caribbean island of Holbox, Mexico- will destroy the dunes and the white powder sand that is so special to Holbox; part of the eco Reserve of Yum Balam. Their plan is to bring in the machines, knock down the dunes and the palm trees, and build a boulevard running parallel with the water's edge and then build permanent structures all along the avenue for rent to restaurants and bars.

Gone will be the golden sunset walks, the sea shells, the frigates, pelicans, flamingos and cranes. The wide white beach will be converted into a commercial zone, serving only the tourist that enjoys traffic... The rustic-caribbean-laid-back-funky tourist town will disappear and the natural beach will be gone forever.

We need the voice of world tourism to express their love for Holbox in its natural state; non-developed, non-groomed, and without bars, restaurants, and traffic. Please help show the tourism department and the local "planners" the error of their ways by signing this petition!

DONT FORGET TO PASS IT ON & INVITE OTHERS!