I've got two days to plan a trip to OZ!

Here are some of the suggestions!. .

Gena - Climb Sydney Harbor Bridge, Take a trip to the Blue Mountains for sure (about 2 hrs out of Sydney) but beautiful. On saturday and sundays they have cute farmers markets. If you drink coffee, figure out there coffee language before you go. That was my mistake. :)

Erica - I can connect you with some cool sydney peeps I met when I was there 2 yrs ago!

Mark - Go to Manley beach for a couple of days, nice beach nicer than Bondai. Check out Darling Harbor, Taronga Zoo is cool to see. Outside of Sidney there are a ton of national park areas. - check out the new south wales park site, there is a ton of cool stuff to see. (including the blue mountains that Gena recommended-great mountain biking there!) -...

Barbara - Definitely go to Jenolan (sp?) Caves- about 4 hour outside of Sydney. You should plan to stay over as you can't see all the caves in one day. I think most require a guide. ...they are stunning ...at least the were 15 years ago!

Aleesa - 1) take the ferry to Manly Beach one day- u get good views of the city to boot- it's a beach town good for lazysunbathing, walking the cute neighborhoods, beachside lunch/dinner.
2) spend a day at surfing at Bondi Beach and swim in the salt lake pool that is part of the ocean there (it's a local beach u can pay to do for one day). EXCELLENT running...  Oh and the aquarium in Sydney is great! The shark bit is the best part.

Farron - Just seeing this, but i presume you are not referring to Sidney,MontanaM. Thus, I recommend spending 3 actual days in Sydney and the go walkabout

Me - You people rock. Indeed we are talking about Australia. What about stuff off the beaten path? Aside from Erica, any of you have personal connections in Australia? We will be heading to GBR to dive. Any suggestions there?

Robert - Ah, to have your dilemma... :) (have a blast)

Farron - For what it is worth, Bill Bryson's Sunburnt Country provided me a few personal interest items to consider. Peace.

Jennifer - My cousin & his wife are biologists currently doing insect research in Queensland & Northern Territories. They are all-around cool people. Will you get up that way during your travels? Have a wonderful trip!

Carsten - The blue mountains, the 3 sisteres..... endless off things that you can do!

Kristin - my best friend in the world no pun intended lives down melbourne way... Don't know if you two ever met..Chris Kirby?? Anyhow, I will send you his contact info OK?? Only thing is you have to give him and his wife a hug and kiss from me.. They haven't been stateside in about 10 years!!

Daniel - P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney....Find Nemo

Marnie - Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb!!! Drive to Kalama for the blow hole. Drive to the Blue Mountains and go hiking. The Rocks. Take in something at the Opera House. Botanical Gardens - and look at those awesome bats! Have fun! If you don't think you'll go back to Oz then fly north - get yourself to Lady Elliott Island, the southern most tip of the GB reef. The diving & snorkeling is fantastic!

Me - @Dan McKendry - actually Nemo made it out to the Channel Islands where he had an untimely encounter with my spear gun http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs118.snc1/4729_113384937817_694482817_2706430_549770_n.jpg

Barbara - Around Dunk Island in the GBR had wonderful scuba diving. - saw giant Clams, Sea Cucumbers and 8' fish I think may have been flounder. ...pretty awesome where ever you go on the GBR, I suspect!
Happy B day and have fun!

Steve - Blue Mountains definitely worth a visit (take the train), walk the top of the bridge, visit palm beach (near mouth of broken bay), darling harbour, the rocks, the opera house and manly.

 

Now to sort them and make some phone calls.  Oh and my underwater housing just got here. . . I gotta jump in the pool and test!

 

There is a cool new mountain bike magazine called IMB.

SCOA's own Billy Savage is profiled!  Check Check it out!

It's online and free http://www.imbikemag.com/issue2/

Mount Wilson

Note:: This shuttle was set up for Mount Wilson. With Angeles National Crest Highway closed - so is the shuttle to Mt. Wilson. We are working on specifics for other areas which will be available shortly.

The Arroyo Secco District of the San Gabriel are home to some amazing mountain biking descents and cross-country terrain. The Mount Wilson Toll road descends some 4500' along epic fire road with numerous single track options along the way. If you do it right you won't pedal uphill at all. The descent from Red Box - some 3700' - is 90% single track with switch back after switch back - you won't get bored. Oh so you want to pedal? Red Box is just a gateway. Strawberry Peak is 1500' above Red Box (about) and if you are really motivated, you can ride over to Azuza ~ 25-35 miles and 5,000 to 7,000 feet of elevation gain - you cross several valleys. It is a great ride. There are too many options to list here but if you don't see what you are looking for here - ask us!

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The Plan: We provide transportation from the JPL parking lot to: Drop off locations include: Red Box, Mount Disappointment and Mount Wilson Observatory (April 1 - November 30th). Once they re-open Eaton Saddle, we will resume drop offs there too. Chalio, Charelton Flats and other places are available on request! Get off at either place depending on what type of riding or which group you want to ride with. Ride down some 5000' of amazing mountain bike vertical and back to the JPL parking lot where you can repeat the process. Some people get in 3-4 descents in a day!

You can guide yourself down or you can link up with a mountain biking 'buddy' to show you the way down. Usually your 'buddy' will have radios and a map to help you choose your way down. Not every time slot will have a buddy. So if you want one please ask.

Times: varied but always scheduled - see calendar Click Here.

Cost: It varies but generally: your first run of the day will cost $20 ($15 mid-week) if you pay in advance on-line. It is $25 at the van for So.Cal. MTB members $30 for non-members. Your second run is $10 after that $5

Duration: Red Box - the San Gabreilino Trail (West) takes about 3.5 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. Eaton Saddle is about 2.5 hours. and Mount Wilson is about 2.5 hours depending on which route you take. Keep in mind the trails off Mount Wilson do not take you directly to JPL. You will need to coordinate with your shuttle driver or guide to arrange for a pick up.

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Suggestion: If you have never ridden Mount Wilson and don't know if you are ready for single-tracks, ride the Eaton Saddle Fire road all the way down. It will give you a lay of the land for the next run.

If I were riding, I'd take the 7:30 AM loop to Eaton Saddle. A quick ride up the fire road to the Mt Lowe Trail East - some fairly technical single track. The Mt. Lowe Trails dump you at the top of Upper Sam Merrill Trail. Ridding Upper Sam Merrill keep in mind there are hikers and other mountain bikers on the road. Upper Sam Merrill take you to the Echo Mountain 'Ruins' a very popular day hike spot. Instead of descending the rest of Sam Merrill - take the transition over to Sunset. Sunset will keep your attention to the bottom - Millard (pronounced MUH lard) Canyon. From Millard headback to JPL via El Pieto single track.

My next loop would be the less crowded Gabrielino Trail with a stop along the way for lunch. The Gabrielino is an adventure in everything mountain biking: rock gardens, single-track, multiple stream crossings, up hills, technical downhills and switchback after switch back. It is my favorite. I recommend doing this ride with a buddy.

My last ride would be either a Mount Wilson Toll Road ride all the way to Eaton Canyon or an Eaton Saddle Fire Road run. But that is me.

What will I need? A bike preferably a mountain bike BUT a hybrid with wide tires and good brakes will work. You will need a helmet, patch kit, tube and clothing commiserate with the weather. Clothing you can layer works BEST. You will also want to bring a hydration pack. Eye protection is a must - it is a dirt road.

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IMPORTANT:Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport, especially for those who tend to take risks. As event organizers we assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your equipment. We are simply a mountain biking “buddy”, nothing more. If you choose to participate you assume all risk involved. Also, please adhere to the following:

• Always wear a helmet when mountain biking. This is mandatory, no exceptions.
• Protective pads, gloves etc are recommended on more technical rides.
• Know your limitations, and do not attempt what you are not comfortable with. Hike-a-bike is no shame.
• Bring at least one spare tube, sunscreen, energy bars/food and enough water. Hydration packs are encouraged.
• If you have radios, toolkit, pump/co2, or first aid kit, bring them.
• Be familiar with and follow trail rules and etiquette.

So you got a mountain bike, now what?

Here are some thoughts that were pilfered from various sites on the Internet. Read them and apply them as you see fit. The most important thing is to make sure all your questions are answered preferably by a qualified professional. So. Cal. Mountain Bikers does not qualify as professional advice - think of us a 'mountain biking buddy' - but perhaps as a catalyst for deeper investigation.

For your consideration:

• Buy a helmet or borrow one that properly fits you. This is priority one, there are no exceptions! There are several pieces of safety equipment you can get, but aren’t necessary for the first few rides. As you progress further into the sport, you may find you require more. Equipment such as gloves, shin guards, arm braces, etc. you may look into later on.
• Talk to your local bike shop or friends about finding local places or areas that allow bicycles on their trails. If you are uncomfortable hitting the trails right off the bat, then go out and walk them before you ride and get acclimated with them. Be sure to be aware of other riders around you and step off the path when they approach you from behind.CORBA - provides a "must attend" Free Mountain Bike Skills Clinic on the first Saturday of each month. While I have not attended it, I hear it is an incredible class - so go. It is usually on our Calendar. Go here for more info http://www.corbamtb.com/programs/skills.shtml

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Additionally, Southern California Mountain Bikers has two weekly rides designed for beginners: Tuesday Brown Mountain (depending on time of year, you *may* need lights for this event) and Thursday Morning Sullivan Canyon/Westridge Rides. Takeaway - you've got the bike get out there and ride :-)

• Come prepared/be self-sufficient. On your first ride it isn’t necessary to have all of the equipment you will see most people carrying; however there are a few essentials: helmet, hydration pack, cell phone and tools to fix a flat.
• Make time and keep riding. As adults our lives are busy, but adults have to play too! I have found it to be a fabulous stress reliever.

Again these are just some thoughts on how to begin. Look around, ask questions but most importantly - don't put it off. There are a bunch of great mountain biking groups. It doesn't matter which one you ride with but get out there and ride!

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Hang on folks we are in for a potentially amazing ski season.  Mammoth Mountain just announced that they will be opening 16 October!

Read for yourself!

My buddy Brian put together an incredible experience this past weekend that took camping to a whole new level -

They went to wilderness class.  Here are some pictures from the event -  http://www.scoaoutdoors.net/album.php?user=Brian&album_id=45

 

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MTB - Mt. Pinos Delivers the Goods!

 

In case you missed it, we had a fantastic time at Mt. Pinos last weekend. First the weather was perfect. It wasn't too cool but it wasn't hot either. Second, it wasn't crowded at all. Not only are people not wearing white after Labor Day, apparently they aren't coming out to play either. Finally, the people that came out were awesome. Marcela came down from Santa Barbara and Scott 'n' Sara drove up from San Diego. Of course the 3F Crew was in effect!

If you have never been to Mt. Pinos - you are missing out. There is something for everyone, really. Mt. Pinos doubles as a X-Country skiing place so there are miles and miles of hiking trails - separate from the mountain biking trails.

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The mountain biking course is 7 miles long with about 2500 feet of elevation change. The McGill trail is unique that no matter what level of rider you are - you'll get something unique out of it. Those that can flow down the hill without touching their brakes, the rocks, logs, berms and tree branches provide the perfect playground for some sick Free - Riding and Downhill. For the rest of us, there is just enough for a challenge but not too much to overwhelm. Essentially, the faster you go the more challenging it gets. Are you super slow? It is possible to pick your way through a beginner's paradise!

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Marcela, Paul, Dominik and Chris G caught the first load up and got 6 rides in for the day. 7 miles times 6 rides - 42 miles of amazing single-track bliss. While not everyone had the energy for 6 runs everyone got their fill.

Camping at Chula Vista was a little like a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get. In the future, if the Mt. Pinos or McGill campgrounds are open that is where we will stay.

Sunday was more of the same MTBing heaven. We had some added spice - guests. Scott and Sara drove up from San Diego to taste the good at Mt Pinos. While the morning was full of people by 10:30 AM the riff raff were at home with a cold one watching the game. Perfect - it gave me time to put on the helmet, cleat in and barrel down the hill. I cannot wait to go back. . .

Speaking of which - SAVE the DATE - 3/4 October.

Here are the pictures from the day!

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Pulled from: http://www.altadenablog.com/
It breaks my heart. . . .

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Chantry Flats: received this from several sources Greg Sweet:,

I have just received word from a Forest Service briefing that they are going to let Chantry Flat and Big Santa Canyon burn. The Station fire is to the west and they have cut a fire break to the east. This canyon is home to 80 historic cabins, 113-year-old Sturtevant's Camp, and the last pack station in Southern California. It would be a shame to loose this piece of history, but to have no intention to defend it is disgraceful. This canyon is a living museum and as much a part of LA history as the Observatory.

PLEASE pass this along - and fast!

Angeles National Forest
Contact: Sherry Rollman
626-574-5208
srollman@fs.fed.us

Supervisor's Office
701 N. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006 Jody Noiron, Forest Supervisor
jnoiron@fs.fed.us
(626) 574-5200
FAX (626) 574-5233
CRS 1 800 735 2929
M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

District Ranger
Mike McIntyre, District Ranger
mmcintyre@fs.fed.us
(818) 899-1900
FAX (818) 896-6727

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Newsletter - 01 September

I am so ready for the weekend? What are you guys doing anything fun?Here is a last minute reminder of something coming up: Happy Hour at Hash and High in Venice. If you have never been you are missing an amazing place with spectacular views.

Thursday we are hosting a mid-week networking event on sea kayaks in the LBC.

It should come as no surprise one of the most happening activities within SCOA is canyoneering. The events usually fill up within 20 minutes. . . This weekend is no different. We are off to San Antonio. Check out the video.We are listening, we just scheduled a beginner's canyoneering event 19 September. You get a cool new SCOA T-shirt too!

We just added some flying for Saturday. This event is weather and fire dependent. If you do sign up make sure you stay in tune with the website or call me for updates. Even if you cannot make the event, you can watch us fly! There is a real-time video feed, real-time GPS track, a flying chart and list of who is flying. Check it out!

Finally, we are seeing you put up some cool photos and video at SCOAOutdoors.net - check out Garrett Durand's Coyote Flat Expedition! Thanks Garrett and other for contributing to the SCOA Community!

Have a great long weekend everybody!

Brad, Brian, Dario Padilla, Diana Bernal, Helen Leung, Katja, Rosemary Phillips, Stein, Stephen

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A view of our Trails

A good friend (Peter Porras) of mine just sent me some amazing photos from the Station Fire. The focus in taking/organizing them was to share what our mountain biking and hiking places look like now. It is tragic.  El Prieto, Brown Mountain and the Ken Burtan trails, from what I can tell have been completely defoliated.

Based in what NPR was saying this morning Chilao, Newcomb's Ranch and Mt. Wilson are next.

Many of you know that at the beginning of 2009 the Forestry Service closed access to Chainey Trail from Markham Saddle due to a landslide. Like the Mt. Wilson Toll Road, it will take a few years to sort who will clear the slide then another few years to actually do it. Because it is closed the firefighters cannot access it to fight the fire. . .

Anyway, based on what I am hearing from the group, no one has been hurt from SCOA and no one has lost their house! Thank goodness! Of course our hearts go out to those that have. Continued courage to the professionals out there who are risking their lives for our safety!

Check out the photo spread!

 

Please don't forget to attend tonight's meeting regarding Sullivan Canyon -

_*Notice of Community Meeting with Southern California Gas Company
Regarding Work on Pipelines in Sullivan Canyon*_

PLACE:
West Los Angeles Municipal Building
Second Floor Hearing Room - Room 200
1645 Corinth Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025

DATE and TIME:
Monday, August 31, 2009
7:00pm

The Brentwood Community Council ("BCC") has coordinated this meeting
with representatives of Southern California Gas Company ("Gas Co") and
representatives of the Office of Councilmember Bill Rosendahl in order
to afford the residents of Brentwood and those who recreate in Sullivan
Canyon the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns regarding
the Gas Co's plan to temporarily close public access to the land it owns
in Sullivan Canyon on or about Sept 1, 2009, to work on 2 natural gas
pipelines.

 

Positive thoughts everyone. We will get through this one. It is gonna take awhile.

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