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.

This summer has been the best ever for SCOA!

with Chris Ashford

330 events since we first started and 1,600+ members and growing. While the summer isn't over, I've been looking through the pictures and now video on our website - we have come a long way baby! Many thanks to all of you for coming out and playing with SCOA and to the Co-Organizers who make this group zip.

You should also know, we had a super successful first fully sponsored event on Wednesday - the Amazon Adventure Expedition was a huge success and they are super excited to be working with us! Also - take a minute and click on Columbia Clothing link. There is still much more to come but these successes were a long time in the making. Thanks to Samantha, Stephen, Brian and Erica for believing and encouraging SCOA along.

Are you starting to notice that a LOT goes on with SCOA on and off the Internet? This week we have had a lot of movement in the mountain biking world. While one place opens - Mt Wilson Toll Road - another - Sullivan Canyon - Closes. If you are a mountain biker or hiker in those areas I encourage you to read both blogs but especially the one regarding Sullivan Canyon. It is going to close unless we speak up (thanks Chris).

One of the best parts of working at SCOA is seeing all the photos and videos. This week was no exception! There are a few from the bungee jumping event that are breath taking. The ones from this weekend's Zion Canyoneering experience take the cake. Easily this was one of the most spectacular and dynamic events this year. On Saturday the "guided" up with a local outfitter to get the lay of the land. On Sunday, SCOA's own Stephen Lee hooked up the group with some secret sauce. He took the group down into places that don't see direct sunlight all year - check out the amazing photos.

There is lots of smoke and ash on the East Side today; unless the fires burn out or there is a major wind shift, this weekend could see some unhealthy air. Use caution outdoors this weekend. Regardless of what you do, enjoy it. Don't forget to take video and pictures and upload it!

Life well Played

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

Ride it while you can folks.  Sullivan Canyon is getting a make over by the Gas Comapny.  CORBA is reporting that the gas company has permits to :

• Cut, prune and otherwise impact 185 protected trees, including the removal of 31 sycamore trees "up to 50 inches in diameter and 95 feet in height";
• Grade a 12 foot wide road with wider turn-outs all the way up Sullivan Canyon from Queensferry to Mulholland;
• Import 3100 cubic yards of fill and use 2100 cubic yards of in-situ cut material for the road bed;
• Use articulated concrete mats and ungrouted rip-rap on 22 pipeline exposures and "backfill" 15 eroded sections on the road where it intersects the main stream and intermittent side streams;
• Involve at least three excavations of 40 feet long by 15 feet wide at various depths;
• Involve extensive brush cutting and vegetation removal, including the application of herbicides, all along the road construction and pipelines;
• The road construction, brush clearance and tree cutting will be done first, starting September 1, 2009.

Since the torrential rains of 2005, the Mount Wilson Toll Road leading up to Henninger Flats and Mount Wilson has been closed. The popular, yet historic, trail has been a favorite for outdoors enthusiasts. The fire road leads into the hills above Pasadena and offers sweeping views across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond towards downtown and Catalina Island. After nearly four years, it officially opened last Friday to hikers and mountain bikers.

"The view of the city from the overlook is truly breathtaking at night," volunteer hike leader Richard Nyerges would write in e-mails to Outdoors Club members when it was open. Unfortunately, using the trail at night or camping will stay off limits until officials with LA County Fire fully repairs vehicle access. That's because rescues and emergencies, if they should occur, are more difficult to manage at night without the road open to emergency vehicles.

"It's going to be dependent on whether or not we can get our heavy equipment operators up there to do some work," explained Kevin Johnson, Assistant Chief of the Forestry Division for LA County Fire, when asked about the completion date. "There's some additional work to do to make it safe for vehicles. It's going to require more than just annual maintenance and they're all tied in fire season right now."

Casey Schneider at Modernhiker notes that the trip to "the Old Mount Wilson Toll Road is a fairly steep, 9 mile (one-way) winding route to the Mount Wilson tower farm, observatory, and visitor’s center." To Henninger Flats and back, it's 5.4 miles.

From the laist.com

MTBing, Bungee Jumping or Surfing - so many choices!

with Chris Ashford

Mountain bike with the crew at Mammoth, bungee jump at the Bridge to No Where, spear fish at Santa Cruz Island or do paper work. . . Well someone has to make sure we keep getting cool events on the calendar!

As I type, some of the pictures are in from bungee jumping - they are fantastic. SCOA represent! This event was a long time in the making thanks for following through and jumping. Thanks to Diana for making it happen.

Thanks for your continued patience with individual email - I haven't gotten back to you all. I encourage you to use the forums and comment sections to get the answers you need.

More Co-Organizers Needed!

Are your good at working with large groups and being active? Are you personable? Do you have a skill or a passion you would like to share? Wanna be a Co-Organizer? SCOA is one of the busiest groups in the area. If we had more people to draw on for events - we could be busier!

All you have to do is be early, courteous and make sure everyone has fun. SCOA will take care of the rest. Interested? Drop me a line adventures@opticaledge.com.

It took 6 weeks for the new HD helmet camera to come in - but it is here and Brian Petras was gracious enough to let SCOA borrow it. The video picture quality blows away everything else.

Even better, I no longer have to carry around that 14 lbs. pack anymore. We are expecting a few more cameras to trickle in over the next month or two - so come on out and ride. Beginner and experienced riders wanted. Just in - we are going to ride Wintercreek all day on Saturday (Intermediate and Advanced riders). Check out the video.

The details are in on SCOA Amazon Jungle Expedition. Every day I get more and more excited about this adventure. While it isn't for everyone, if you seek adventure - we have it. It is one thing to go to a South American resort and sleep in a bed, go zip lining, eat dinner on a table with white linen, river raft and check out the village. . . There ain't no resort. You catch and prepare some of your food. You live and learn the jungle. If it sounds intriguing, come join us Wednesday for free drinks on Wednesday at the Mountain Bar. Only a few of you are signed up - which means more drinks for us! If you cannot make it - no worries - be by your computer and we will stream the video and audio to you. This will be an excellent chance to speak with Mickey - our guide. He and a handful of his crew will be available by speakerphone to fill us in!

We are flying this weekend too!Click Here

We hear you some of you all would like some softer adventures. September 26 and 27 we will be in Santa Barbara horse back riding with picnic lunch, wine tasting and taking in an Indian Summer. We still have a few details to work out but please feel free to RSVP yes to let us know of your interest.

Scuba Diving Catalina on the Mr. "C" Labor Day Weekend is through Pacific Wilderness in San Pedro. It is $110 or so payable to them. When you call ask to speak to Jeff Smith and let him know you are with SCOA.

What are you doing for New Year's? Fancy cruising the Caribbean on a sailboat hoping from island to island in shorts, tevas and a tank top? http://www.scoaoutdoors.com/calendar/11187040/

Life well Played!

Hey SoCalMTBers!

It's been awhile since we have done a newsletter - we are back! Obviously we are super excited about the new website and invite you to post pictures and video from your rides and adventures from where ever on the planet you may be! It is simple and free. We want to grow our mtb community and think we have the tools to do that. Don't worry, you can turn off all of the email notifications from the new website. Come and go as you please - there is no requirement to join.

The process is as easy as remembering your meetup.com user ID and password. Turn your browser to www.SCOUOutdoors.NET for more info.

After our Specialized and Mt. Pinos event, we started to get some attention from the local reps and a few of the national folks. While it is still some discussion away, we hope to at least be able to do some more demo days - maybe get some club gear on board for group use. It is too soon to get too excited but damn, I am human - I am excited!

Many of you who like to shoot video know about the Contour HD. It is a beautiful piece of gear, less than a pound and takes amazing video. SoCalMTB has one for a little while and has ordered 2 more for keeps. The idea is that after the ride, especially on the weekends, we can put back a few beers and edit a short video. A community gets closer through regular and meaningful interaction - so bring your camera and lets get on it!

The shuttle is back - that isn't true - it was never gone. True, with the "tunnel" closure, much of Mt.Wilson is off limits to human travel. Saturday we are doing two runs at Wintercreek and Mt. Wilson for the advanced and intermediate riders. Red Box in both directions are amazing rides and are still open. Hopefully the Mount Wilson Toll Road will re-open soon for beginner mountain bikers. If you are interested in doing any of those rides, drop me a line so we can coordinate. Better yet - sign up! Mount Wilson Shuttle

Until then, free beers* (until the money runs out) on Wednesday. SCOA - SoCalMTB's sister group, has a sponsored event Wednesday at the Mountain Bar. The Mountain Bar is off the Gold Line in China Town - so no matter where you are it is easy to get in and out of. We will have a bunch of cool video from Eco-Planet Extreme Adventurs running in the background. Also, they will be Skyping in to do some virtual Q&A. Even if you are not interested in going on the adventure you should stop by and check out the video. Oh - you need to RSVP to be eligible for the drinks - http://www.scoaoutdoors.net/userpage.php?page_id=11

Finally, while the last video on the newsletter is a spot we edited for the travel company, check it out. There is a 12 foot anaconda in it! If you are sensitive to foul language don't watch it. I think Peter Porras might identify with it.

That is all for now. Roll on!

Big Announcements today!

They are a long time coming and thanks for our patience! The SCOA T-shirts are in! Yep I have a handful in house (Men - Large and Medium - Ladies). This run we did on plain white American Apparel Ts. We are looking at other colors and types of apparel in future runs. If you'd like one they are $21.43. You can use Paypal or Amazon if you like. Send payment to punkfish@opticaledge.com. We will have them in our "store" in the coming week.

Skydiving just got cheaper! If you are interested in Skydiving later this month check out their website $189 (http://www.skydiveperris.com/school.html) Click here to sign up! I see some of ya "talkin' big. So ya wanna solo jump? You can do that too! They have an Accelerated Free Fall Course and a refresher coach on hand if you already have your license. So. Now excuses. Oh and we have 2 more spots in the plane that I am flying from LA to Perris Valley. Arrive in style - eh?!

Last night Sheryl and I went to the Mountain Bar in China Town. It will be the site of our big Virtual Amazon Adventure next week (click Here for details). The place is groovy - you'll like the decor. Also - they don't open until 7PM so we are rolling the start of the event until 7:30 PM.We highly encourage use of the Metro, it drops you off two big blocks away - 10 minute walk. We have a couple hundred bucks to spend on booze and only a handful of you are signed up. Those that show up are gonna get their groove on! Don't get caught slippin'!

Video Contest

Finally, we are going to have a best video of the weekend contest! The winner gets a a free SCOA T-shirt. Only registered users will be able to vote on the videos. What are you waiting for? Signup on the new site www.scoaoutdoors.net and upload your video! We will have details on the contest next week. But know this - it has to be video you shot!

Another awesome weekend is here!

Striding Out the Adventure Summer

with Chris Ashford

This has been an incredible summer for me. We have been sea kayaking scuba diving, mountain biking like Sam Farmer, canyoneering, horse back riding and backpacking - we are not done yet! Abalones come back in season, some of you are looking to speak fish and the snow glaciers of Mount Hood beckon a pre-season ski and snowboard trip in October! Stay tuned.

When Brian approached me about a 'survival class' I was skeptical. The last time I did survival it was Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape. I had the pleasure of doing it twice, once as a cadet and then as an officer. It takes a special person to want to expose themselves to Mother Nature and learn from her in her elements. Doing it for the service of one's country is one thing paying for it - is another.

20 of your are special indeed, signing up for Man vs. Wild in September. It took less than a week to fill out the class. Ironically, the 10 of you that requested the class didn't even make the waiting list! So our SCOA Adventurers are ready to step up their game - eh?

After the class filled up, Sam Wellman, your nutrition connection and I put our heads together. How could we "stretch" our adventure envelopes without tearing it. After a couple of calls to our extended network one name kept coming up Mickey Grossman.

A former IDF Special Forces and survival expert Mickey Grosman is the "go to man" of Eco Planet Adventures. We exchanged some ideas put together some plans and it is on - we are going to Ecuador in 2010! In turn, he and some of his crew will be coming out and going on an Optical Edge Adventures this year and next.

For many of you 12 days in the jungle with no downturn service, is out of the question. For those of you who are intrigued - come join us 26 August for a virtual meet and greet with Mickey Grossman. There will be free drinks, videos and live conversation. Should the satellite and video deities align we will be streaming live audio and video of the event over the Internet!