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

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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