Adventure Sports Journal // April/May 2016 // Issue #90

Cider vs. Beer I Heal the Bay I Surfer Bud Freitas I Event Profiles

April/May 2016 Issue #90

keeper issue 2016 Race Calendar

women on wheels bell’s joy ride

dirt for all community bike parks

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classic whitewater royal robbins: the man behind the legend

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Table of Contents

departments

9 10 11 12

Editor’s NotE

Raising powerful girls

Ear to thE GrouNd

News & notes from the outdoor industry

EPiC

Heal the Bay

Photo: Tom Frost

features

Liquid imaGEry Bud Frietas

14

GEar WE LovE

32

EvENt ProfiLEs

33

EvENt CaLENdar

Goodies for an active lifestyle

A peek at some of California’s best upcoming events

2016 Essential Race Calendar

14

17 18 20

thE dyiNG GamE

Young athletes and extreme risk

WaLkiNG thE WiLd EdGE Hiking the Lost Coast

BridGiNG thE GaP

Classic whitewater gem Giant Gap

Photo: Lyle Fritchey

22 25 26

royaL roBBiNs

The man behind the legend

Craft hard CidEr

Small batch, quality ingredients

dirt for aLL

Photo: Dusty Bermshot

28 30

roCkiNG thE Joy ridE

The rise of women’s MTB

mtB ProtECtivE armor

Keeping safe on the trails

Cover Photo Santa Cruz Bicycles

A guide to community bike parks

pro rider Scott Chapin pinned on the California Enduro Series’ Battle Born Enduro course (Called To Creation).

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE – Subscribe to Adventure Sports Journal Mail a check for $20 to PO Box 35, Santa Cruz, CA 95063 along with subscriber name and address, or order online at adventuresportsjournal.com/subscribe.

2014

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6 ASJ — April/May 2016

APRIL & MAY EVENTS April 14 - 17 — Sea Otter Classic, Monterey April 29 - May 1 — Wildflower, Lake San Antonio May 15 — Silicon Valley Bikes! Festival, San Jose May 21 — Santa Cruz Old Cabin Classic, Santa Cruz May 22 — Surfer’s Path Marathon, Capitola Visit adventuresportsjournal.com for the full (and ever evolving) list of events!

asj contributors when is the last time you felt like a kid again in the outdoors?

PUBLISHING + EDITORIAL PUBLISHER Cathy Claesson cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com

leoniesherman Yesterday I got on my surfboard for the first time in two months and quickly wiped out. Sand in my crevices and salt water up my nose, I surfaced grinning and giggling, happy to be alive.

EDITORIAL/MARKETING Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com EDITORIAL/LAYOUT Michele Lamelin michele@adventuresportsjournal.com

havenlivingston The outdoors is the ultimate playgound.

Whether it’s my backyard or far off adventures, being outside always fills me with child-like wonder and curiosity.

INTERN Avery Robins avery@adventuresportsjournal.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Leonie Sherman, Haven Livingston, Derrick Peterman, Tim Hauserman, Doug Robinson, Dave Nelson, Dave Robinson, Elizabeth Gilbert CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Phil Boyer, Daniel Brasuell, Called To Creation, Mario Courbis, Glen Denny, Bruce Dorman, Lyle Fritchey, Peter Haan, Jonathan Hart, Kaori Photo, Bogdan Marian, KC Mares, Saris Mercanti, Caitlyn Pura, Josh Sawyer, Tom Frost WEBMASTER Brooklyn Taylor brook@adventuresportsjournal.com

dougrobinson This week skiing powder through the trees. Can I snake that gap and then drop sharp right? You know fat parabolic skis have you grinnin’ big time when you’re bruising your shoulders!

timhauserman Almost every time I get out in the woods for a ski or a hike and my mind gets the time to relax and wander. When I reach kid brain status is when the writing

davenelson Snowboarding with my wife and daughter in Tahoe. The snow was so good, and the air was fresh up thre!

ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy Claesson I 831.234.0351 cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Geoff James I 415.828.8322 geoff@adventuresportsjournal.com

michelelamelin My inner child emerges anytime I’m out exploring.

Caught in a snow flurry while snowshoeing recently, I felt giddy with excitement, catching the giant flakes on my tongue like a little kid!

EVENTS & DISTRIBUTION Steve Shaw steve@adventuresportsjournal.com All content © Adventure Sports Journal 2016. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editors.

ADVENTURE SPORTS JOURNAL PO BOX 35 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 Phone 831.457.9453 asjstaff@adventuresportsjournal.com PROUD MEMBER

daverobinson Riding the pumptrack yesterday!

elizabethgilbert Any day I get to bounce around in the forest and play on my Juliana mountain bike, I find pure joy reminding me that we never truly grow up.

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

7

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8 ASJ — April/May 2016

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A Surfer Girl

Raising powerful girls in a world of boys

Photo: Nelly

R

ecently I was giving my daughter Mia a ride home from school when she mentioned that a classmate said something that made her feel bad. I asked her to elaborate and she got quiet and just stared ahead. Concerned, I asked her what was wrong.

She told me that a boy in her class had called her a surfer girl and it made her sad. I stared at her and we locked eyes.

Why the sad face? She could tell I was pretty concerned.

“He was only saying that because I have blond hair. I’m not a real surfer girl,” she said, fighting back tears. “I’m really bad at surfing and I don’t like it.”

It was heartbreaking to hear these words. “Of course you are a real surfer girl. I have pictures of you standing on a surfboard. You are only nine years old.

You just have to keep practicing.”

What was left unsaid is the history Mia has with surfing. Even though a classmate was simply giving her a compliment, I understand completely why she would react with sadness and regret. You see, when it comes to surfing, Mia and I have a troubled past.

A couple of years ago I was pushing her into waves at 38th Avenue, a popular beginner’s spot near Pleasure Point on the east side of Santa Cruz. She was on a foam Costco board and I was standing in the water as I pushed her into small rollers. She would stand up on tiny waves for about 50 feet and then jump off and wait for me to swim over. Then I would wade her back out to the take off spot and we would do it all over again.

“Standing in a commitment to help Mia become a powerful woman – including the opportunity to surf if that’s what she chooses – what is now possible for me as her father?”

Everything was going fine until I pushed little Mia into a wave just as I noticed an older man with a floppy sun hat paddling across our trajectory. I could see this was not going to end well as Mia has no ability to turn a surfboard and she was now on a collision course with this man who for some reason didn’t seem to notice her.

Sure enough she plowed right into him and they both tumbled off their boards and emerged from the water with tangled leashes.

I quickly began wading and swimming towards the collision site, which seemed to take forever as I was in chest deep water and fighting the current. As Mia popped to the surface she began to say sorry over and over again to the man with the hat. He had a grumpy look on his face and remained silent at first. Then, when I arrived and began untangling Mia’s leash I was not as quick to apologize as she was. Truth be told I was a little annoyed that he didn’t just move out of the way while being approached by a slow moving eight-year-old on a twofoot wave.

Sensing that I was not overflowing with apologies the man said, “that’s OK little girl, it’s your dad that needs to apologize right now.” Upon hearing these words I froze and stared him right in the eyes.

Then I heard the following words coming out of my mouth before I had a chance to stop myself: “No way.”

If I could go back in time and just humbly apologize so I could diffuse the situation I would. After all, it’s a silly thing to get prideful over, especially since no one got hurt and that’s all that really matters.

Instead I became “Papa Bear.” You know, one of those silly parents you see at soccer games and little league games who get overly protective of their kids to the point of social awkwardness.

He responded by closing the distance and getting in my face – which did nothing to send Papa Bear into his cave where he belongs. Mia was now on her board in between the two posturing

men. Just when I was about to get into some sort of verbal jousting match with this guy an acquiantance whose teenage daughter was also in the water saw what was happening and came over to let Floppy Hat Guy know that Papa Bear had friends in the water.

Very quickly things escalated between Floppy Hat Guy and my friend and when they started screaming at each other I snapped out of my testosterone stupor and saw what was REALLY happening: my daughter was scared out of her mind and borderline traumatized because in her eight-year-old brain she clearly must have done something horribly wrong to cause all this conflict among adults. What she didn’t know at the time is that adults can act like children sometimes, especially in a crowded surf lineup.

The yelling match between my friend and Floppy Hat Guy was to the point where this thing had become a full-blown public spectacle. I moved Mia away to a different place on the waves and ostensibly began helping her surf again but she was not happy to say the least.

Meanwhile my friend and Floppy Hat Guy were now kicking each other out of the water – never NOT awkward – and they ended up yelling at each other all the way to the parking lot like baseball managers screaming at an umpire after a bad call in the World Series.

Mia and I have not surfed together since. She really has no interest. About a year ago she did a book project for school with a title “The Angry Man” complete with detailed pictures of the entire sordid affair. The toughest part to see was the hand drawn picture of her on a surfboard with tears streaming down her face.

When I read her book I felt like a jerk. For the first time I realized the full impact of my lack of wisdom and humility. A better father would have just apologized to the man with the floppy hat, smiled, and moved on.

So what now? With the knowledge that beating myself up over the past will not help Mia’s future, I am thinking long term. Standing in a commitment to help Mia become a powerful woman – including the opportunity to surf if that’s what she chooses – what’s now possible for me as her father?

We have Mia enrolled in the Junior Lifeguards program, she plays soccer, and most importantly she is a MiniMermaid. With Mini-Mermaids girls are given a chance to run together as part of an after school program that encourages girls to think powerfully about themselves.

Given this, what’s now possible for me as her father is the ability to get out of her way and encourage her to do anything her little heart desires, including learning how to surf because that’s what powerful girls do.

Feel free to drop me a line at matt@adventuresportsjournal.com

— Matt Niswonger

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9

EAR TO THE GROUND Outdoor News and Notes for the California Region

Big Sur Marathon (Reno DiTullio)

Wildflower Voted Top 10 Destination Race Tri-California Events has earned yet another title for their iconic Wildflower Triathlons. Complete Tri, a leading triathlon apparel website, recently listed Wildflower as one of the top 10 destination races in the United States.

Complete Tri awarded the ranking to triathlons that offer a variety of racing distances, have also stood the test of time, and offer a special venue. This year’s Wildflower Triathlons, held throughout the weekend of April 30-May 1 offer all of this and much more.

“Wildflower’s setting in the active

Central Coast of California is one of many reasons athletes travel to this special race,” says Colleen Bousman, President of Tri-California. “Athletes and spectators attending the festival will never be at a loss for things to do. The outdoor venue includes live bands, as well as Yoga in the Park, nature hikes along the lake bed, a group mountain bike ride, race clinics, a corn hole tournament, and a large array of exhibitor booths, all lending their touch of fun for a fantastic weekend. This world renown event is an industry leader and earned its name of One and Only since there is nothing quite like it.” For more information on this event, turn to our Event Profiles section on page 33.

Royal Robbins’ Green and Socially Responsible Initiatives

From crashing waves to verdant vineyards, a new race series comes to Monterey County. “Waves to Wine” is a three race challenge selected from the Big Sur Marathon’s family of events.

Special Waves to Wine Challenge medals will be presented to all those who finish both the newly-acquired Salinas Valley Half Marathon on August 6 and the Half Marathon on Monterey Bay on November 13, and either one of the April Big Sur Marathon events (9-mile distance or greater), or the Run in the Name of Love 5K race held on Father’s Day, June 19. A vast array of prizes from sponsors will also be given out.

“We feel our four events are some of the most beautiful in the country,” said Doug Thurston, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon organization.

“More and more runners like the extra challenge, rewards and bragging rights of completing a race series.” Learn more at bsim.org.

Royal Robbins’ commitment to environmental and social responsibility dates back to the brand’s birth in the Yosemite Valley in 1968. Today, thanks to newly appointed CEO Michael Millenacker, Royal Robbins is doubling down on its founder’s original commitment to environmental preservation by signing on as a bluesign System Partner. Iconic rock climber Royal Robbins was one of the first and most vocal proponents of clean climbing. In 1967, he and his wife, Liz, made the first ascent of Nutcracker in the Yosemite Valley using only removable nuts for protection. It was the first climb of its kind in the United States. In May 1967, Robbins advocated using nuts rather than pounding pitons into the granite cracks in his seminal article in Summit Magazine.

“Environmental safekeeping is the core foundation of our brand’s heritage,” said Millenacker. “We are devoted to continuing and expanding on Royal and

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Liz’s original vision. We are committed to social responsibility and are taking several steps to improve our day-to-day business.”

Royal Robbins is committed to minimizing the environmental and social impacts typically associated with apparel production. Royal Robbins partnered with bluesign in order to evaluate and reduce its textile production and manufacturing chain’s environmental impacts. Millenacker will work with factory partners to improve performance and reduce impacts in resource and energy productivity, consumer safety, water emissions, air emissions, and occupational health and safety.

Royal Robbins has long adhered to a detailed code of conduct and requires that its manufacturing partners be committed to the same principles as well, including ethical standards, fair labor practices, anti-discrimination measures, and environmental safekeeping. To ensure compliance, Royal Robbins conducts annual audits through thirdparty social compliance auditing firms.

Millenacker knows firsthand the importance of environmental and social responsibility to the Robbins’ and their brand. He served as Royal Robbins’ director of sales and marketing in the 1990s, reporting directly to Royal. In late 2015, he returned to the heritage brand after serving as president of Eagle Creek and vice president of sales at The North Face. Millenacker is committed to following in the Robbins’ footsteps and extending this responsibility ethic to all aspects of the heritage apparel brand.

Sierra Nevada College Takes Three National Championships At the close of the 2016 US Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) Collegiate National Championships in mid-March, Sierra Nevada College (SNC) Tahoe’s men and women had captured either the gold or silver overall team titles in all three of their divisions – snowboarding, freeskiing, and alpine skiing.

The Men’s teams captured the Gold in snowboarding and the Silver overall in both freeskiing and alpine skiing, while the women’s teams brought home two Golds overall in alpine and freeskiing, plus a Silver in snowboarding.

At press time, the college’s president, Dr. Alan Walker, was set to compete in the 2016 NASTAR national races in Steamboat, CO. Walker is an accomplished NASTAR ski racer who has qualified for the NASTAR national championships in each of the last three years and earned a silver medal in his division racing out of Ohio in 2015.

SWITCHBACK Should Human Powered Cycling Be Allowed in Designated Wilderness?

Our readers answered 84% “Yes” and 16% “No” Read on for some of the comments: MikeMac: Thanks for a thoughtful and articulate examination of this issue. MTB’s don’t belong everywhere – shoot ... PEOPLE don’t belong everywhere. But even a modest redress of the blanket ban of bicycles in wilderness and proposed wilderness would amount to a 2-point swing for the conservation and stewardship community.

Any reasonable person or group when told that they could convert their single biggest detractor into avid and vocal supporters simply by considering a small handful of concessions, would jump at the opportunity.

This IS that opportunity.

Duncan Young: My off road cycling friends are some of the most environmentally friendly and earth conscious people on the planet. To them it’s not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.

It would be a shame to lose access to the amazing backcountry wilderness areas that have been kept vibrant and thriving by these very individuals. Bravo the STC! See you on the trail!

Todd: You have to remember that the Forest Service was a hostile participant in the Wilderness Act. The Forest Service actually testified against the Wilderness Act. Is it any surprise that there are some Forest Service memo’s etc, that are against the Wilderness Act and are defining “mechanical transport” incorrectly. The Forest Service is one of four agencies that manage wilderness areas.

The National Parks Service, Bureau of Land Management and Fish & Wildlife Service all got it right the first time by outright banning bicycles in wilderness areas. The Wilderness Act specifically says “no other form of mechanical transport.” Bicycles are mechanical transport. I’m sorry, but some Forest Service Employee’s memo doesn’t take priority over the Wilderness Act. Zimmerman: If no mechanical transport is allowed then how do you explain touring skis with pivoting mechanisms? Whoops.

APRandom: It is important to remember the difference between the concept of “wilderness” outlined in the gospels of Wordsworth, Thoreau, Muir, and Abbey, and the Wilderness Act, which is a piece of legislation. Designated Wilderness areas are to be set aside for the “use and enjoyment” of the American people, and maintained in such a way that future use and enjoyment remains unimpaired. The Wilderness Act, like most pieces of legislation, is a compromise.

Not everyone is going to get everything they want. There are many who think that humans should be totally excluded from Wilderness, for example, but this is not the intent of the Act. People can be excluded from National Wildlife Refuges, but not Wilderness.

Places defined by the Act are basically nonmotorized playgrounds for people, where the environment is left alone, but trails are maintained. There is plenty of evidence that those who framed and passed the act meant that “mechanized” equals motorized. This is in testimony delivered during the debate about the act. If the Sustainable Trails Coalition is not successful in their legislative efforts, there is enough evidence for a federal court case which would determine whether or not Wilderness administrators are following the intent of the law as it was established, which is not the same as the beliefs established in the minds of the wilderness faithful.

NEXT SWITCHBACK: Should kids be discouraged from participating in certain extreme outdoor sports? If so, which ones?

Why or why not? Read Tim Hauserman’s article on helping outdoor athletes understand extreme risk on page 25 and chime in at adventuresportsjournal.com/switchback. www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

11

EPiC: Environmental Partnership Campaign

Heal the Bay Healing waters from city to sea Words by Leonie Sherman Photos courtesy Heal the Bay

T

hirty years ago locals were watching the Santa Monica Bay die before their eyes.

“Lifeguards were getting sick, surfers were getting rashes, and we found dolphins with fin rot and huge tumors,” explains Lilian Ledesma, Volunteer Manager for Heal the Bay. “Nobody should ever get sick from swimming in the ocean and enjoying the beach.”

The source of the pollution was partially treated sewage from LA’s Hyperion waste water treatment facility. Dorothy Green gathered friends and neighbors in her living room to address the problem. The group pressured city officials to bring the treatment facility up to federal standards. “Now Hyperion dumps 90% less sewage into the bay,” says Senior Coastal Policy Manager Dana Murray. “That experience taught us that a small group of people working together really can change their world.”

That small group of people formally incorporated as Heal the Bay in 1986. Three decades later, they have a dedicated staff of fifty and an annual budget of $4 million, which they use to train hundreds of volunteers, educate thousands of school children and work closely with local agencies to ensure the continued health of their beloved bay. “When people from this community come together and take action with courage and conviction, we’re not just helping the environment, we’re helping neighborhoods and communities,” says Senior Aquarist Jose Bacallao.

Bacallao oversees Heal the Bay’s Aquarium, under the Santa Monica Pier. Originally run by UCLA, Bacallao helped the aquarium transition to private hands. “We wanted to change the programming so when kids come here they can hear the voice of Heal

the Bay,” he explains.

“We’re not hindered by relationships with oil companies, so we get to educate the young people who come here about whatever environmental causes Heal the Bay is working on.”

About 13,000 students and 75,000 tourists experience the Aquarium’s interactive educational programs each year. “We go out on our boat every week and sample kelp, the way you might sample tomatoes at a farmers market,” says Bacallao. “We take a personal approach to educating. We actually bring visitors to where they can touch the water and feel the sand.” Admission is $5 for adults, and free for kids under 13.

PHOTOS Main image: Santa Monica Beach. Circle: Los Angeles shoreline after a major rain storm. Above, top: Heal the Bay President Alix Hobbs (right) and Vice President Sarah Sikich (left). Above, bottom: SCUBA divers remove trash from underneath the Santa Monica Pier on Coastal Cleanup Day.

Adventure Sports Journal is excited to announce Environmental Partnership Campaign (EPiC), a program designed to bring awareness to the non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting stewardship and access for the outdoor sports community throughout California.

To that end, we are proud to update our mission statement to reflect our own commitment to stewardship and access:

EPiC

Adventure Sports Journal’s ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP CAMPAIGN 12 ASJ — April/May 2016

“Our mission is to provide inspiring coverage of California’s epic terrain, and to help the outdoor sports community preserve and maintain access for future generations.”

Starting next issue, we will present a regular column featuring outdoor non-profit organizations that have done great work in California. We will also donate advertising space to each organization!

Follow us on Facebook and/or visit our website for more information:

adventuresportsjournal.com • facebook.com/ASJmag Photo: Conrad Fries Photography

The Aquarium is only one way Heal the Bay makes a difference. Their efforts aim to address any human impact to the Santa Monica Bay and heighten awareness of how individual actions affect the ocean we all rely on.

Towards that end, Heal the Bay issues Beach Report Cards which grade beach water quality based on levels of bacterial pollution. When the program started in 1995, A to F grades were given to 64 locations; 20 years later they gather water quality data and assign grades for nearly 500 beaches from Washington state to the Mexican border.

“We also host monthly ‘Nothin’ but Sand’ beach clean ups,” Ledesma explains. Volunteers collect trash and keep a tally of what they pick up. “Those tally cards helped to ban styrofoam here in Santa Monica, and after we banned it they showed a lot less styrofoam on the beaches,” Ledesma explains. Almost 7,000 volunteers participate each year.

Their enthusiasm continues to inspire Ledesma. “People really want to protect our environment, they just need the tools and knowledge to do it.”

A recent oil spill in Santa Barbara polluted the Santa Monica Bay and activated Heal the Bay’s citizen scientists.

“We went out and took samples before some local agencies even got there,” says Vice-President Sarah Sikich. “So we were able to notify the public where pollution was happening.”

Smart water management is another goal for Heal the Bay. LA imports 80% of its water from the Colorado River, Owens Valley and Northern California; the recent drought makes that situation increasingly precarious. But on a rainy day billions of gallons of storm water run-off pollute the Santa Monica Bay. “Our single use mindset affects the way we see water,” says Program Manager James Alamillo.

“Our challenge is to figure out how to increase storm water filtration into the ground so it can become part of our water supply.”

This commitment has brought Heal the Bay full circle. “Thirty years later, we are focusing on Hyperion again,” explains Sikich. “Even though the water they flush into the bay is up to state standards, we

“Ultimately, when we heal the bay, we heal each other.”

believe that water is wasted. How can we re-use that water, so it can be treated for landscaping or agricultural and industrial purposes?”

“We really want to connect the city to the sea,” says Sikich. “What you flush down your drain in Pasadena, 90 miles inland, has a huge impact on the Santa Monica Bay.” In an intensely urban environment, it can be difficult to understand how individual actions impact local waterways. So Heal the Bay brings educational programs to local schools, city councils and church groups.

They also focus on legislation. Heal the Bay worked on California’s plastic bag ban for eight years before its passage in 2014. “Plastic bags are one of the most common pieces of trash we find on our beach clean-ups,” explains Sikich.

“So in addition to the state-wide ban, we also worked on encouraging local governments to pass their own bag bans.” As a result of their efforts, LA county, LA city, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Malibu all passed their own local ordinances banning single use plastic bags.

“That fight is also coming full circle,” sighs Sikich. The plastics industry fought back and gathered enough signatures to float a referendum on the 2016 ballot.

Low turn-out made that possible – the number of signatures required for a state-wide ballot initiative is proportional to the number of voters in the previous election- and high turnout will be critical in defeating industry efforts. “We’re doing massive voter outreach, in hopes that the people of California will uphold our landmark legislation.”

But Heal the Bay likes to bring it back to what locals can see and touch. The fight to prevent oil drilling on Hermosa Beach was one of their most recent victories. When E & B Natural Resources announced plans to start drilling under the sea floor of a popular beach and construct 34 wells in a residential neighborhood, Heal the Bay teamed up with Keep Hermosa Hermosa and the Surfrider Foundation. “We had pep rallies, phone banking and organized a huge social media campaign,” says Ledesma. “And we helped to save that beach! 80% of voters voted no on Measure O!” “The work we do requires political will,” says Sikich. “With so many pressing needs at the state and local level, it can be really difficult to make environmental issues a priority. But ultimately, when we heal the bay, we heal each other.”

PHOTOS Counter clockwise: Heal the Bay led the charge to enact a single-use plastic bag ban in California; nearly 100,000 people visit Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium each year; Angler Outreach Program volunteers educate fisherpeople.

Sailing Season Begins Mother’s Day Weekend May 7 & 8

OYC’s captains and the Team O�Neill are U.S. Coast Guard licensed, insured and inspected annually.

CATAMARAN SAILING IN SANTA CRUZ

Daytime and Sunset Sails Wednesday Night Regatta

Wine & Beer Tastings Live Music Cruises

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Nelly’s Pics

Liquid Imagery

Bud Freitas Hometown: Santa Cruz

Stance: Regular

Specialty: Rail surfing

Favorite wave: Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz Goals: To be the best father and husband. To live a healthy, happy life with no regrets.

Your scariest wave: Pipe. It’s a place that deserves all the respect. I never felt comfortable out there and most likely never will. Mavericks is also one that scares me, but I want to have a go at it soon.

What you like to do when you aren’t surfing or teaching others to surf: Hang out with my family, and play golf as much as possible.

What you like most about owning Surf School Santa Cruz: Getting to share the stoke of surfing with random people that I have never met. I also get to watch someone fall in love with the ocean right in front of my eyes which is pretty amazing.

Thoughts on beginners in the lineup: I feel there is a place and time for beginners in the lineup. Not all lineups are made for beginners, but for the most part there are plenty of beginner waves available in Santa Cruz.

Final thoughts: I respect where I surf and hope that everyone around me can see that. I don’t plan to create hassles in the water but to better the line up for all locals and beginner surfers as well.

To see more of Nelly’s photography, visit adventuresportsjournal.com/nelly.

14 ASJ — April/May 2016

LOCALS MID-WEEK LOCALS MID-WEEK LOCALS MID-WEEK LOCALS MID-WEEK SP IN GSGP SP EEC IIA LLL SS P R IRNR GI N E IE LA SP S P IA PC CAC

CO O TSA A N O C.M O || 56 56 CCO S TS A N O A .A O |M 6 8.0 191.9.1011. 0 CS OT TN AO NA OC..A CM O |60 5 100 10 000 C O M 5.0 0 .788.9787.97 ORSSSO SS RI, D DR 90 20 10001R1 0O IS RII S DR P,, D EP CS AC DA REE ORR 9C 6 0 CEDD A D E, OO RC, O 220 002 RR1S O P,SE EP SE CS A ,AC,CA A4A 949 404 06060600

© 2016 Wolverine Outdoors, Inc. 79208

Carves Steps out of stones.

24 ASJ 00 ASJ—April/May — April/May2013 2016

The capra bolt

WITH UNIFLY™ MIDSOLE FOR HIKING UP QUICKER AND FLYING DOWN FASTER.

The Dying Game

Helping the next generation understand extreme risk Words by Tim Hauserman • Photos courtesy of Go Bigger Coalition

“W

e are sick of going to funerals,” said John Walsh, a lifelong Tahoe local and former ski racer, lamenting the steady stream of Tahoe based athletes and adventurers (including his nephew) who died in recent years while pushing the envelope in dangerous sports. Action sports filmmaker Steven Siig adds, “You never want to make that phone call that a friend has died.” He knows, he has made the call.

Walsh and Siig are part of a group of Tahoe locals who, fed up with the pain of losing a steady stream of great athletes and friends, have formed the Go Bigger Coalition. The group is attempting to discredit the prevailing wisdom that flying through the air 200 feet on skis is a worthy goal no matter what the risks, and emphasize the importance of being alive at 70 and enjoying the simple beauty of skiing every day.

In outdoor recreation oriented communities like Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe, children grow up surrounded by risk takers. “We tend to normalize and glamorize certain high risk behaviors. We say this is who we are,” says Robb Gaffney, a psychiatrist specializing in risk behavior, and author of the iconic book Squallywood.

There are a lot of factors pushing up the risk meter says Gaffney, one of the prime movers behind the Go Bigger Coalition. Biologically for many people it begins with dopamine, that part of the brain which lights up when the risk lover feels the risk.

When you feel the pleasure of the dopamine high, you want to get that feeling again whether it is sex, drugs, gambling or going bigger in action sports.

Add to the biological pressure the financial and social incentives: Go big or go home is not just a slogan. It is an approach to life and marketing. Sponsors such as Red Bull and others create events where those who take the biggest risks also take home the most money and glory. There is also social media pressure. What garners the most likes and accolades on Facebook in a mountain town? It’s the guy who skis off the cliff.

The sociology factor of a small community of like minded individuals is another issue. The closer you are to someone who is a risk taker, the more likely you are to do something unsafe yourself. While this is true of skiing and other adventure sports, it is certainly also the case with a group of fraternity brothers on a college campus, or gang members in an inner city. Kids and young adults want to be part of a group that makes them popular, and in outdoor recreation communities, often it is the envelope pushers who are the most admired.

Gaffney says, “The key is to find the right friends. From the parents’ perspective, you need to get your kids away from high risk individuals.” But sometimes parents get swept up in the love of adventure as well. They watch the same videos, and develop similar visions of glory for their kids. Or themselves.

“First, be aware that the decisions you are making are often automatic. You need to step back to develop an awareness of what your needs are at your current age,” says Gaffney.

Recently local adventurer Erik Roner died while skydiving as part of a presentation at an event in Squaw Valley. He crashed hard into a tree and died in front of many witnesses including Tahoe resident Renee Koijane.

“That was the final straw,” Koijane said. “We have lost so many people. I have compassion for the families who are left behind. We are trying to preserve the future generation. How do we break the cycle? My son is an amazing skier. I had to make the conscious decision to pretty much remove him from the sport until the culture shifted.”

Gaffney has been working on the issue for a long time. Five years ago I interviewed him about this topic while writing a story for Moonshine Ink. It was shortly after the death of world famous Squaw Valley daredevil Shane McConkey, who died base jumping. Gaffney created a website with the following goals: “We believe that athletic careers can span decades if approached the right way. We believe that experiencing our sports from the different perspectives across those decades creates a rich sense of fulfillment that is worth shooting for. We will march forward using all avenues possible to help create a cultural shift toward sustainability in sports. Our mission is to stimulate grass roots discussions and academic research to help us promote our goals. We partner with legendary athletes, experts in various fields, researchers, physicians, and companies who believe in our vision. We use all forms of media to project our findings to a worldwide audience so that today’s athletes as well as the next generation will benefit from long, healthy athletic careers.”

“We tend to normalize and glamorize the high risk. We say this is who we are.”

— Robb Gaffney Realizing he could be of service, Koijane reached out to Gaffney after the high profile death of Roner. They formed the group and held a presentation on December 14, 2015 at Steven Siig’s Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema in Tahoe City called Why the Huck?

The presentation focused on the psychology of daring and adventure, and how people get caught up doing what is not in their best interest. After the event, coalition members were encouraged when several teenagers approached them and said they were concerned with the road they were on, and wondered how to get off it.

The Go Bigger Coalition is fine tuning their presentation for 8-12th graders, and is taking it to the local schools. They are also developing a group of child ambassadors, to pass on the word that you can have your fun and still stay alive.

They are hoping to do a Ted X conference focused on the issue sometime in 2016.

And they are trying to get the issue in the minds of as many people as possible via the website and through all forms of media.

Here in the Sierra when someone in our little community dies doing an adventure sport, we say that they died doing what they loved. That they were a hero. We say this because we want to support the family left behind and honor the memory of fallen friends. But there is a part of us that sees the tragic futility of it all. A true hero is the person with gray hair and sore muscles who on his 75th birthday is hiking to see that amazing sunrise over Lake Tahoe from the top of Rubicon Peak.

“When I think about the outdoors it’s about celebrating and respecting nature.

And becoming a part of nature. Sports I think is about setting goals and learning values about life. How to be on a team, how to handle disappointment. How to handle winning and learning how to be humble. Something is really being lost today,” says Koijane. “We want our kids to live a long life.”

To learn more about the Go Bigger Coalition check out sportgevity.com.

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2016 EVENTS WEST COAST

LOS ANGELES - APRIL 16 LOS ANGELES - APRIL 17 HALF ARIZONA - APRIL 30 ARIZONA - MAY 1 HALF TAHOE - JUNE 11-12

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17

Walking the Wild Edge Exploring the mythic Lost Coast of California

By Leonie Sherman Photos by Mario Courbis

Y

ou can’t get lost hiking the Lost Coast. To the west the heaving pounding thrashing Pacific ocean stretches to Japan, fading into foggy depths of gunmetal gray. To the east, dramatic dark mountains thrust skyward, sheer walls of crumbling mud.

Hemmed in by impenetrable cliffs and the unfathomable sea, the narrow boulder strewn beach is the only path. Long stretches are swallowed by rising tides twice a day. With no cell reception and no way out, the stakes are high but the rewards match the risk. This is the wildest, most remote section of California coast, and it’s available to anyone who’s willing to shoulder a pack.

“Lost Coast” refers to the roadless section of Northern California’s shore that stretches from the mouth of the Mattole River to Usal Creek. Three tectonic plates meet here at the Triple Mendocino Junction; the Pacific

Plate is moving north, relative to the North American Plate, while the Gorda Plate is diving underneath the continental crust.

The geologic processes move too slowly for us to observe, but the results are clear: steep terrain, violent upthrust and severe erosion.

Kings Peak rises from sea level to 4,087 feet in less than three miles. The San Andreas fault has its northernmost landfall along this stretch of coast.

My partner and I planned to explore the Kings Range Conservation Area, the northern part of the Lost Coast.

Our hike followed the coast for almost 20 miles before veering inland. Next we’d tackle the Buck Creek Trail, climbing 3,000 vertical feet in three and a half miles to the summit of Saddle Mountain. From there we’d hike 25 miles north along ridge tops back to our vehicle. After

PHOTOS

our first high camp, we’d hike Main image: Driftwood 20 miles of deep forest and and beach glowing at dry chaparral with no water sunset. Circle: Hiking source. through dense forest.

When I read the words “beach walk” I imagine sand between my toes. But the coastal section of the Kings Range Conservation Area features second class scrambling over slick boulders and fields of ankle rolling rocks. I hiked 30 miles along the edge of the Monterey Bay barefoot in January, but wore my burliest boots to hike the Kings Range in April.

And April is the premier season for this hike.

Magnificent Roosevelt elk graze on coastal prairies. Wild salmon spawn up cascading creeks; we watched a pair patiently dig a redd to lay eggs. Douglas Iris blooms paint wide swaths of blue and purple across verdant hillsides and meadows. Bears prowl the beach at dawn and dusk, sniffing for food and potential mates. This is the most

Photo: Dawson Friesen

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We were mesmerized by gleaming ripples on the gently lapping ocean.

A bear appeared through the gloom and ambled south before heading inland.

OUT HERE, ALONE, YOU PONDER SOME TRULY DEEP QUESTIONS.

YOUR CHOICE IN FOOTWEAR SHOULDN’T BE ONE OF THEM.

O B OZ FO OTW E A R. CO M

sunset. We PHOTOS cursed our 5am Left: View from Buckeye reveille, until Ridge. Right: Snow realizing we we falling on redwoods. were the only travelers in the pre-dawn stillness. A full moon provided enough light to hike by and cast spooky shadows on the beach before slipping beneath the horizon at dawn. We were mesmerized by gleaming ripples on the gently lapping ocean. A bear appeared through the gloom and ambled south before heading inland.

As we passed Randall Creek, the dusky violet of night gave way to clouds streaked with light. By the time we reached Rattlesnake Creek the sun was overhead and we were ready for a siesta as we waited for the next low tide. I resolved to drag myself out of bed earlier while backpacking so I can appreciate the transition of night into day and earn a fat afternoon nap.

That evening we built a driftwood bonfire at Gitchell Creek and watched the sun sink into an ocean of shifting light.

I strummed my ukulele as my partner cooked dinner and we howled at the rising full moon, before the gurgling creek lulled us into gentle dreams.

The next morning we headed for the interior after bidding farewell to the heaving ocean and barking seals. The Buck Creek Trail is shrubby and desolate as it winds through spiky chaparral and dense forest. Relentless switchbacks offer sweeping panoramas of placid ocean, precipitous green hillsides and crystal clear skies. At the summit we turned north onto the crest of this most violent and stunning coastal range. We skirted badly eroded sections of trail and marveled at trees with exposed roots clinging to sheer hillsides. The interior, though lashed with over a hundred inches of precipitation each year, is a dry desolate place. We didn’t see another person until we left the wilderness.

On our last morning we woke to an inch of snow. Dark branches gleamed under their frosty flocking. My companion’s belongings lay in a puddle at the foot of his sodden sleeping bag. Our breath hung in the air as we discussed options. A tenmile hike to the nearest pavement was the quickest exit, and once we started hiking, mud and snow discouraged breaks. We were at the road by early afternoon and the third car to pass brought us back to our vehicle.

We paused at the parking lot with gulls wheeling overhead and the distant rumble of the surf filling our hearts.

A trip into the back country along California’s wildest shore left us reverent and contemplative. We departed with salt on our cheeks and a wistful nostalgia for the days when all of coastal California was wild.

W OM E N’ S S AW TO OT H L O W Bd r y / V I OL ET /

popular time on the route and hikers congregate at the few level campsites along creeks above the tide line.

Years ago I hiked the southern section of the Lost Coast, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, during February. In three days we saw two people. Blue-eyed grass and lupine dotted the hills. Our first night we camped at an abandoned homestead, beneath blooming stone fruit trees, next to feral tulips glowing in the setting sun.

We supplemented our dinner with wild greens and barked back at curious harbor seals on a desolate beach.

Sometime during that first night, a front moved in. Wind clawed at our tent while rain and hail pounded our puny shelter.

The next morning the trail was a river of sludge. Top soil poured off the hillsides, entire sections of trail collapsed, and thousands of feet below us the ocean roared, eating away at the base of cliffs and hills. Unseen tectonic forces buckled and thrust the earth’s crust upwards.

Though we grumbled about wet socks and clammy rain gear, we also got a front row seat to the epic battle between land and sea.

You can experience a slightly less dynamic version of coastal geology during a sunny day in April, hiking south from the mouth of the Mattole River. Low dunes give way to steep coastal terraces.

After three miles, the decaying Punta Gorda lighthouse looms over the shore.

Decommissioned in 1951 after only four decades of operation, the lighthouse was named “massive point” after the promontory on which it stands.

Along 24 miles of coast in the Kings Range, three sections are designated “impassable at high tide.” Conventional wisdom suggests skirting these sections within two hours of low tide. This feels like a logistical hassle until you pause just north of the lighthouse and realize that “impassable at high tide” means a cliff drops straight into the ocean. Rising waters quickly devour the thin margin of boulder strewn black sand. When you’re hiking any coast-line, “Impassable at high tide” is not a suggestion, it’s a commandment. Honor those who have come before by learning from their mistakes.

During our two days of coastal hiking, low tides occurred around sunrise and

TRUE TO THE TRAIL

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com 19

Bridging the Gap Stepping up to Giant Gap, a classic whitewater gem

By Haven Livingston

T

hree years ago a friend introduced me to Giant Gap, a well known class IV+ whitewater run on the North Fork American river that is accessed from Highway 80.

We were on our way back from a week-long river trip and decided to pull over for lunch.

“This is Giant Gap you know,” he said as I picked through leftover cheese and crackers. In hushed tones he described the miles of glorious whitewater that churned far below, out of sight from our lookout. I sat back on the tailgate and listened. In his mind Giant Gap was the perfect transition between the gnar-hard class V Generation Gap upstream and the easier intermediate class IV Chamberlain run downstream. As a rookie kayaker I wondered if I would ever have the nerve and skill to tackle such a remote testpiece.

After three years of steady progress as a kayaker, I began to think I might be ready to step up to the plate and give Giant Gap a try. Flows on the North Fork American have been holding steady this winter, rolling with the snow melt in our mid-winter warmth. Giant Gap was setting up to be perfect for my mid-winter birthday weekend.

Not wanting to spend my birthday in high anxiety mode, I decided it was best to do the run the day before my birthday, that way I could spend my actual birthday in the exhausted warm after-glow of whatever beatdown or glory was to come.

Giant Gap begins near Alta with a mile or so hike down to the river, most of which the kayaks can thankfully be dragged down. Our little team of four set off and dropped into an emerald swimming hole at the put in.

The water is icy cold and the deep canyon gets only spotty sun.

The run starts with some fun warm up rapids and then passes through a narrow constriction of massive rock walls marking the start of the more serious rapids. A hike out from the river isn’t impossible, but is completely unreasonable. The steep canyon walls feel miles high from river level and hiding under the forest canopy is a carpet of poison oak.

Fear is exhausting, but eventually it wears itself out. You just can’t continue to be afraid indefinitely.

The first rapid of consequence in Giant Gap is called Grater and yes, it grated me. I was pretty clear on the path I needed to take through the shallow boulder field, but there was no bank to scout from and the entrance was blind so I was going on my imagination’s version of a teammate’s description. The description included a part about “you can go right or left around the rock below the curling entrance chute.” My choice to go right wasn’t getting me there fast enough and in a last ditch effort I did what all well trained paddlers do--paddle like hell to get over whatever you can’t avoid. And, as occasionally happens, I just slammed right into the rock and the force of the water at my stern pushed my boat down into a groove where I promptly popped out of my boat when I felt water piling onto me. From there my boat and I pin balled down the rest of the rapid.

No big deal. A little banged up, but damn!, it feels a lot colder than it should and that cold is migrating down my legs and creeping up my belly. Scrambling up the rocky bank I feel the ice bath flush into the booties of my dry suit and I look down to see the last three inches of my drop seat zipper open. Then comes that sinking feeling when your anger boils at having failed yourself and you can picture how the rest of the day is going to be based on your one, tiny, rookie mistake.

Strip and wring out #1.

Knowing we were only three miles into a 14.5 mile run, my options were few. Leaving the river wasn’t one of them. Even if it was, I really wanted to see the rest of the run. Sitting my wet ass back into the cockpit, I was a little unsure if I was now over amped or overwhelmed.

Would I charge ahead with false confidence or would I be a freaked out deer in the headlights? Turns out I was a little over confident, the cold having numbed too much of my necessary fear.

Some fear is a good thing. It keeps me diligent. I thought I knew how to manage fear after two decades of climbing, but it turns out that there are really different kinds of fear depending on what you’re actually afraid of. My fear in climbing was mostly a fear of failure. My primary fear in kayaking is of direct bodily harm. The speed of kayaking forces you to deal with your fear before you get to the river, because once you’re on, the focus must be proactive in facing what you are falling into, not fearfully reactive.

Teeth chattering, we come upon Locomotive rapid. You know how trains are; they look innocuous and nostalgic

from the front but are PHOTOS enormous beasts viewed Main image: Kayakers from the side. It felt meander around an early completely manageable entrance rapid in Giant approaching the smooth Gap (Lyle Fritchey). Above horizon line until a little middle: Haven hiking in from eddy current spun my the Euchre Bar trailhead nose and I had no choice (Phil Boyer). Above bottom: but to go off this six foot Emme King makes her way drop caboose first into a towards the final drop in class well-storied recirculating V Dominator Rapid (Daniel hole. My crew sat Brasuell). Opposite page: audience to the series of Hoping to come out alive from super awesome moves Five Alive rapid (Lyle Fritchey).

I made next: Back loop, front loop, cartwheel, side surf, window shade, eject button.

The G forces were enough to push more water out of my clothes and down into my booties.

Strip and wring out #2.

As any great crew should do, they all made the excuse of wanting to eat lunch anyway and enjoyed the thin warmth of winter sunshine while I stood shivering in my underwear, slapping my wet tights against rocks cursing my own stupidity.

Fear is exhausting, but eventually it wears itself out.

You just can’t continue to be scared indefinitely. I’m not saying I breezed the rest of the run, but I was pretty

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certain I had already dealt with the worst of my day. Mile after mile of continuous rapids I forced myself to smile until I didn’t have to force it anymore. It didn’t take long once I found the balance between alertness and confidence. Fear didn’t leave me completely, but I was able to convert what had been a burning lump of coal in my stomach into the fuel for strength and calm.

At the class V Dominator rapid I took a nice walk down river right to release the remaining edge off my day and watched my buddies run the maze of cascading whitewater.

When I started kayaking I watched videos of friends on gnarly runs with complicated, steep and dangerous rapids.

I wanted to be like them because the ride can be so viscerally thrilling and the places they go are some of the most beautiful in the world.

In 2014 I paddled over 100 days. I pounded out the mileage trying to engrain in myself something that comes naturally to gifted and long-time paddlers – balance. In 2015 I paddled nearly 70 days with a focus on specific techniques – boofing, bracing, leading and reading the water with a wider scope of view.

With a little distance from the starting line I can look back now and actually see a progression. Along the way it has felt like I’ve been moving behind the curve.

At times it’s been impossible for me to not hold a yard stick up to other paddler’s progress and feel like I’m falling behind.

But this isn’t their game and nobody has my exact set of circumstances. Beating someone else to the next run has never been my end goal. Bridging the gap between dreams and reality is what I care about.

It wasn’t entirely pretty, but I successfully paddled Giant Gap. It’s both an accomplishment and a stepping stone.

It’s a reward for what I’ve worked for and a reminder that far off dreams get closer day by day. What sounded light years away three years ago at that lunch break overlooking the Gap is now an experience I can build from as I reach toward my next kayaking dream.

Get Your Wet Willies Not everyone wants to devote years of practice just to go down a beautiful reach of river. Even fewer people are cool with being rolled upside-down while attached to a kayak from the waist down. However, there plenty who love to frolic in rivers and don’t mind a little adrenaline pumping rush now and then. For those waterdogs there is rafting!

While there are no commercially run rafting trips down Giant Gap, many outfitters run Chamberlains just downstream.

The reach is shorter than the Gap, but still packs in big rapids, glittering scenery, and a remote feeling – all while floating down emerald clear waters.

To prepare for such an adventure: Go rafting. Chamberlains isn’t for beginners, so get an introduction to whitewater rafting on other runs first. Look to the South Fork American, Kings, Kern, and Merced Rivers for good places to get a feel for the sport.

And while you can do it all in a day, our 2- or 3-day trips give you time to hike, fish and swim all while enjoying our deluxe river camping experience— gourmet meals included!

Discover more: oars.com/california 800-446-7238 Why choose O.A.R.S.?

O.A.R.S. 2- and 3-day Tuolumne River rafting trips include comfy camping and delicious catered meals!

Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth” and by Outside Magazine as one of 2013’s “Best Outfitters of the Year,” O.A.R.S. has the right mix of experience, great guides and top-tier service for an ideal California adventure.

Log on to adventuresportsjournal.com to read or submit your

Guide Stories

Be flexible. Most spring runs are fed by snow melt and the window of time they run varies on how much snow is on the mountains and how fast temperatures rise. If it gets hot fast, flows can quickly overstep their safe levels. Plan for a back-up weekend.

Layer up. Outfitters typically supply wetsuits, but have extra base layers on hand just in case. Adding a merino wool or synthetic long sleeve top under a farmer john wetsuit and a neoprene skull cap can make the difference between a shivering day and one of the best days on the water ever. Stick with lace up tennis shoes for foot protection; adding neoprene socks will keep your toes extra happy. Even if the days are warm, the water will be chilly!

Ditch the selfie. Don’t miss a second of action because you are distracted by your camera settings. Check with the outfitter to make sure they’ll have a photographer out ahead then leave the fussing to them, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the experience. Face it; they’re going to take better photographs anyway. Sign up and go! A limited number of companies are licensed to run trips on Chamberlains, and they offer a variety of packages from a short day brown bag lunch to multi-day multi river extravaganzas. Check out theamericanriver.com to pick your own adventure and reserve early!

Meet OARS rafting guide Jon Abrams Davidson.

Photo: Justin Bailie

California guides lead people from all walks of life on adventures across our great state’s epic terrain.

Experience stories of adventure, defeat and heroism. Some are humorous and others, well, not so much.

Click on the community tab on our website and share your story!

Readers will not only learn about you and your company, but also valuable tips for the next time they go into the great outdoors.

adventuresportsjournal.com www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com 21

Royal Robbins The man behind the legend

By Doug Robinson

A

black Land Rover seemed to glide up the dirt road.

We were pulling ropes out of cars and packing lunches; in the mid-1990s my climbing students were jazzed to be at Wamello Dome, a little-known destination of superb granite up an obscure logging road halfway between Yosemite and Fresno. Sleek with smoked glass widows, the Land Rover oozed a kind of captain-of-industry presence. Even under a patina of dust it seemed out of place here, where you’d more expect good ol’ boys in beatup bro trucks.

It came to a stop by me. The window whirred down and there was Royal Robbins, smiling cordially. It had been a few years, but this was the perfect place for a reunion; Royal had introduced me to this secret spot twenty-five years before, when I was guiding for his climbing school, Rockcraft. I loved the climbing and had been coming back ever since. This class from Foothill College was just the latest in a long line of appreciative students I’d brought here.

It turned out that Royal was on the same mission. The back of the Land Rover was teeming with Boy Scouts from the flatlands of his hometown, Modesto, eager for

22 ASJ — April/May 2016

their first taste of adventure in the Sierra. What they didn’t know was that Royal was giving back. He credits the Boy Scouts with not only introducing him to climbing as a teenager in LA, but for fully turning his life around.

Royal Robbins is widely known as the kingpin of Yosemite’s golden age of big wall climbing, starting with leading the first ascent of the face of Half Dome in 1957. But few know that his childhood during the depression in West Virginia set him off on a rocky start.

Royal’s mother was stalwart from the beginning, but his father – who Royal only really knew through scraps of legend about hunting bears in Alaska and surviving being marooned by a shipwreck there – disappeared early.

He was followed by a stepfather, who insisted that the hapless lad take on his name. A drunk who was forever being fired from jobs, his lot improved, for awhile, with a move to Los Angeles, where WWII increased demand for machinists. But Royal’s mother’s hopes for a father figure for her young son were dashed as he beat the boy and then turned his fury onto her. Royal recalls his reaction as bewilderment, edging into self-blame. His ultimate response, though, was tellingly high-minded.

“All I got from my two fathers,” Royal wrote, “were examples of boorish behavior and self-absorption.”

Anyone who’s interested will find that Royal has painted these scenes of his childhood quite unflinchingly in his recent three-volume autobiography, My Life. Climbing writer John Long said of volume one, To Be Brave, “If there’s a finer memoir, written by an American climber, I haven’t seen it.”

I agree (though I also love the snatches of autobiography, like small gems, in the writings of John Gill). I lived shoulder-to-shoulder with Royal in Camp 4 during the magical sixties. We all did, without knowing – really – where each other came from. And why. Instead, our day-to-day lives were more riveted in the eternal present, absorbed in striving against the exacting demands of the Valley’s slippery granite. Who each of us were tended to be judged more by our most recent climb rather than the pasts we had left behind.

Only later could we relate our backgrounds to our strivings, and it took Royal – among many other climbers – decades to bring those links forth into print. It’s been well worth the wait.

By the time his stepfather’s life flamed out, Royal was

PHOTOS ranging more widely in Main image: Royal and Liz Robbins atop El search of Capitan after Royal’s historic first solo ascent of El Cap’s Muir Wall in 1968 (Glen Denny). adventure, Above middle: A Rockcraft climbing camp body surfing gathers around Royal, in the middle with his Santa Monica, young daughter Tamara on his lap, in the hitchhiking 1970s. (from SuperTopo, photographer Roger everywhere, Breedlove). Above bottom: Royal climbs the and riding third pitch of the Salathé Wall on El Capitan the rails during the first ascent by Robbins, Pratt and hundreds of Frost in 1961 (Tom Frost). Far left: Royal is miles across pensive at the memorial for John Bachar, Yosemite’s greatest soloist until Alex Honnold Southern burst onto the scene. (Peter Haan).

California.

Intriguingly, like Dean Potter generations later, Royal had recurring dreams of flying. “My dream-flying, however,” he wrote, “could occur only by dint of great effort. I flew because I would … I didn’t understand yet that perseverance is a gift too.”

“Royal was swept into the folds of Sierra Club climbers, where his talent immediately stood out, along with a brashness they took as arrogant, even though he was barely in high school.”

PHOTOS

As a preteen afloat in Los Angeles, Royal had Top: Royal begun flirting with the ventures onto life of a street punk, a virgin El Cap, ganging up for a string pitch 5 on the of petty burglaries – Salathé Wall’s first ascent “money was a secondary in1961 (Tom goal … our burglaries Frost). Above: were more about A curious Royal adventure” – that led to examining loco a stint of several days in weed in the juvenile hall. Then a Boy Mojave desert Scout leader took him (Peter Haan). climbing, and Royal’s life abruptly changed.

“Scouting was a lifesaver that kept me from drowning in a sea of anarchy and aimlessness.” His first climb was Fin Dome, just off the John Muir Trail. He loved it, and was hooked: “I had learned there was a power within me that I hadn’t dreamt existed, a power to climb.”

Interesting to me, because it showed how events are all about perspective. I had grown up camping in Yosemite, sailing over its granite swales, so when I passed

by Fin Dome at about Royal’s age on a backpacking trip with my Dad – who had introduced me to the Sierra and been a wonderful presence in my early life – the climb that had so inspired Royal hardly seemed worth scrambling up.

Soon Royal found Stony Point, a collection of sandstone boulders and

minor cliffs in Chatsworth, out on the edge of the San Fernando Valley. He could hitchhike there after school, and in old snapshots we catch glimpses of a gleeful teenager in Converse tennis shoes who is tearing up the place. A good sixties film, one that features Royal and Yvon Chouinard climbing the West Face of Yosemite’s Sentinel Rock, actually opens with scenes of Stony Point, showing it as a cradle of modern California climbing. There, Royal quickly met all of the era’s most active climbers (with the interesting exception of John Salathé , who was beginning a decade as Yosemite’s most innovative climber – though hardly anyone else in California had even heard his name yet). Royal was swept into the folds of Sierra Club climbers, where his talent immediately stood out, along with a brashness they took as arrogant, even though he was barely in high school. The rest soon became history.

Royal’s climbs simply dominated Yosemite’s golden age of big walls in the 1960s. Many have praised his style, but maybe a totally contemporary view says it best. We were all struck by Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson’s brilliant free ascent of El Capitan’s Dawn Wall last January. Here’s how Tommy summed up Royal’s influence: “Royal Robbins is one of my greatest heroes. He has been acknowledged as a bold visionary, the man who started a ripple in the culture and ethic of climbing, who has directed and inspired every climber since, whether they know it or not.”

Less well-known, but a telling aspect of his character, was Royal’s influence

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beyond the elite, on generations of rank-and-file climbers as a guide and climbing instructor. His climbing school, Rockcraft, began at Lover’s Leap late in the 1960s, the second (or possibly third) climbing school in California. He would write two modest-looking little books, Basic Rockcraft and Advanced Rockcraft, which were hilariously illustrated by Yosemite’s bon-vivant cartoonist Sheridan Anderson. They seemed extremely modest when compared with the eye-catching photos of alpine instruction (not to mention the elegant sweaters)

24 ASJ — April/May 2016

in Gaston Rebuffat’s On Ice and Rock, yet their influence was huge. Hear it from Ron Kauk, whose free climbing dominated Yosemite in the 1980s and beyond: “As a fourteen-year-old I used to hide out in the back of the classroom and study something from another world.

My textbook was Basic Rockcraft by Royal Robbins … I find in Royal’s writing a kind of love story that ultimately touches my own heart through his commitment to adventure, as well as his honesty.”

Yes, Royal inspired generations of climbers. I got to witness it up close through the early 1970s, when I worked for him as an instructor and guide. Royal had just moved his Rockcraft climbing school to the region around Wamello Dome, which was then unknown to climbing.

He christened it The Hinterlands. Every week a caravan of students and instructors would follow Royal’s red and white VW bus up those dusty logging roads. We went to the Balls, we went to Shuteye Ridge, always exploring.

The adventure was palpable. Royal didn’t mention it, he lived it, and brought us along. I would lead students up a barely-mapped-out route, while Royal soloed to check out what would become the next day’s climbs.

His footwear was a curious anomaly. Recently on the market was a climbing boot Royal had designed. It featured a stiff lug sole, and of course royal-blue suede.

Friction was not the strong point of “RRs,” so Royal usually wore soft, gummy Tretorn tennis shoes to solo on the slabby domes. That intrigued me enough to go buy a pair too.

I vividly recall the first day Royal took us to Wamello Dome. It’s Fresno Dome on the maps, but Royal had read of John Muir going there, and Muir mentioned that the local Indians called it Wamello. We hiked up from below. Stately pines gave way to a major dome bristling with climber-friendly features. Immediately I grabbed a couple of students and started up the South Buttress, its longest route. Soon I was slinging runners around gargoyle-sized plates to protect climbing that romped upward. It may even have been the first ascent, though

no one seemed to care; PHOTOS the Hinterlands bristled Far left: Chuck Pratt and Royal with granite domes Robbins atop El Cap Spire and now has several during the first ascent of the guidebooks.

Salathé in 1961 (Tom Frost).

Above: TM Herbert and Royal I last saw Royal two years organizing gear in Camp 4 ago. His sixties wallduring the golden age of big climbing partner Tom wall climbing (Tom Frost).

Frost had organized the Oakdale Climber’s Festival.

Pushing eighty, Royal’s arthritis (which he playfully named “Arthur”) seemed to be getting the best of him, and he accepted a hand to join Frost onstage. The crowd hushed to hear two of the golden age’s “fab four” (Pratt was dead, and Chouinard not in attendance) talk about their legendary adventures together. Fielding questions from the audience, they joked with us and with each other. Their relaxed wit sparkled, and often a paragraphlong question would evoke a two-word answer. The perfect two words.

Doug Robinson has moved back to the Sierra, where he climbs and skis pretty hard for a guy collecting Social Security, and tours to promote his recent book, The Alchemy of Action, which Doug claims finally answers the riddle of why people climb. Recently he has joined with Flatlander Films to work on a major biopic about his old friend Tom Frost.

CALIFORNIA BREWING

The Rise of Craft Hard Cider Small batch breweries focus on quality ingredients

By Derrik Peterman

H

ard cider is hot. Virtually non-existent in the United States just five years ago, cider consumption has more than tripled between 2011 and 2013, from 9.4 to 32 million gallons according to the Beer Institute. In 2014, Nielsen reported off-premise cider sales grew by 71%.

There’s plenty of excitement surrounding this beverage made by fermenting the sugars in apple juice. Look around and you’ll see billboards and advertisements touting all sorts of new cider drinks and brands. Behind these mass-market ciders you’ll find mass market breweries. Both Smith & Forge and Crispin Cider are owned by MillerCoors, Strongbow Cider is owned

by Heineken, and Johnny Appleseed Cider is part of Anheuser-Busch. Then there’s Redd’s Apple Ale owned

by SABMiller, which isn’t actually a cider but a beer blended with apple juice and other flavors. The market leader in cider sales throughout the US is Angry Orchard, owned by Boston Beer Company of Sam Adams Boston Lager fame.

As with mass-market beer, mass produced cider is engineered by large corporations that often take production shortcuts. The product may contain less than 50% juice with the remainder artificial flavors and sugar water. The apple juice itself is often sourced from concentrates from orchards in China or Europe.

Chemical additives like malic acid are often introduced into the beverage.

In a positive trend, smaller craft breweries with a focus on quality are getting into the cider market. San Jose’s Gordon-Biersch Brewery released their “Wildcide”

cider late last year. Gordon-Biersch co-founder and brewmaster Dan Gordon found himself dismayed at the low quality of mass-market ciders. “Reading the back labels of the major producers, there wasn’t a 100% allnatural hard cider I could find made from fresh pressed juice without additives.” As he does with beer, Gordon stresses the importance of using quality ingredients.

“The most important element was using fresh pressed apple juice. That was the key to capturing the aromatic qualities of the apple. By using fresh pressed juice, we were able to achieve a very aromatic flavor profile and fruitiness while keeping it dry with a crisp body. Many of the large producers are using concentrate and nearly everyone uses sulfates. We don’t use either.”

Hard cider has been available locally in California for over fifteen years. One of the first cider pioneers in the United States is Mike Faul, who founded Red Branch Cider in Sunnyvale. He began in 1995 producing mead, fermented honey, before introducing a honey-apple cider in 1999. “In 1995, there really wasn’t any hard cider in the United States,” Faul recalls. “There were some imports from Canada and the UK, but very few US cideries were in business.” Like mass-market cider, Faul’s business is growing rapidly, too. “In 2011, we produced 25,000 cases a year, which grew to 45,000 cases in 2014.” Faul doesn’t credit the growing popularity of mass-market ciders for this growth, noting “No one comes in asking “What do you have that tastes like Redd’s Apple Ale?” Instead, Faul credits the growing trends of consumers to buy local and seek out high quality artisanal products, the same trends that are fueling the craft brewing industry as well.

Red Branch, like many local California cideries, blends other fruits like cherries, pears, peaches, lemons, into various offerings in their cider line-up. It wasn’t always that way. Mike Faul remembers when he first released his Black Cherry Cider over ten years ago, a daring experiment at the time. “I wanted to make a berry flavored cider and nobody was using black cherries.” The tart cherries created a fresh counter-point to underlying cider and became an immediate hit. “I never expected it would become our most popular cider.” Explaining what he looks for in fruit, Faul explains “Of course, the quality of the fruit matters. What I’m also looking for is the sugar content and the acidity.” Like most local California cideries, Red Branch uses a blend of different apple varieties to create a greater depth of flavor through a balance of sweetness, tartness, and body.

There are now over 50 cideries in California alone according to ciderguide.com. Most are small establishments, selling cider either onsite in tap-rooms or in restaurants or bottle shops in their immediate area.

A few wineries also engage in cider making. Since both wine and cider involve fermented fruit juice, cider is a natural extension of their core business. In fact, cider bridges a gap between wine and beer. Hard cider is a simple communal beverage enjoyed over conversation with family and friends, yet has the complex and subtle floral and delicate fruit flavors that make wine such a provocative beverage. Given this it’s safe to say that hard cider is not a passing fad and will continue to see increasing market share for many years to come.

We ’re nowy!

CAT fr iendl MEET OUR NEW BREWMASTER:

CAT WIEST

Cat comes to us from Speakeasy Brewery in San Francisco. She is excited to continue brewing up the local favorites as well as putting her own flare on tap.

Our beloved brewmaster for the past gajillion years, Jason Chavez, and his lovely wife Caroline are leaving us in May to begin their new adventure as owners of the Kelsey Creek Brewing Company in Lake County, CA. Check our website for details on their going away party, right meow!

Cheers, Big Ears!

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PHOTO A young rider confidently takes on the intermediate jump line at the beloved (and belated) Aptos Post Office Jumps county bike park (Bogdan Marian/Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival).

riders alike enjoy the trails and features of this park. The Air DH Trail boasts 40 progressive table top jumps in a row; the Fish Loop Short Track XC is a one mile single track time trial course; and the North Shore trail features over a quarter mile of technical balance lines.

Additional features include The World Cup Observed Trials Zones, Pump Track and the South Shore Drop Zone.

Learn more at woodwardmtbpark.com.

Dirt for All

A guide to California’s community bike parks Compiled and edited by Michele Lamelin

A

s mountain biking continues to grow in popularity, bike parks are cropping up everywhere. Just as healthy, sustainable bicycling trail systems benefit communities, bike parks similarly do so. Cycling promotes physical, mental and emotional health, and bike parks – which are designed to accommodate riders of all abilities and ages – make it convenient for individuals, families, friends, clubs and other groups to get outside for some clean, healthy fun. Bike parks also draw visitors to their communities, which in turn lends support to local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, hotels, bike shops and other businesses. Read on to learn about the thriving bike parks located in communities throughout California.

BIJOU BIKE PARK South Lake Tahoe The Bijou Bike Park consists of three slopestyle jump lines, a BMX track flanked by two pump tracks and a perimeter loop trail located on five acres of land within an existing City of South Lake Tahoe park.

The start hill for the jump lines allow local kids to rub elbows with some of the best riders in the world like Cam Zink and Martin Soderstrom.

Led by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA), the community 26 ASJ — April/May 2016

support and use of the bike park has been huge since its opening in September of 2015, and the City has received much praise for its forward thinking use of park land.

The park is free and open to the public sunrise to sunset, weather permitting.

Learn more at bijoubikepark.org.

STAFFORD LAKE BIKE PARK Novato The 17-acre Stafford Lake Bike Park is located within Stafford Lake County Park in Novato.

The full spectrum bike park provides progressive opportunities and experiences for riders of all ages and skill levels to participate in positive, healthy, and active outdoor recreation.

The Friends of Stafford Lake Bike Park, in conjunction with Marin County Parks, raised approximately $800,000 for the project from local companies, families, bicycle oriented corporations and generous foundations.

The facility opened to great fanfare in 2015 and serves a population of approximately 1.3 million people – of all ages and skill levels – and attracts visitors from Sonoma, Napa, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo as well as its home base in Marin County.

Learn more at staffordlakebikepark.com.

TRUCKEE BIKE PARK Truckee A cycling destination that includes a pump track, dirt jumps, flow lines, drop zone and dualslalom, this park builds bike skills for all abilities, and is fun for the entire family.

The park is the product of a non-profit, volunteer-supported effort to build a world-class destination for locals and tourists.

This recreational asset for the Truckee community offers many benefits for its community. Privately funded, with three more phases of development already approved, donations are welcome.

Learn more at truckeebikepark.org.

MORRO BAY BIKE PARK Morro Bay The Morro Bay Bike Park is dedicated to accommodating riders of all ages, skill levels and riding disciplines, and has brought the Morro Bay community together in many ways.

The local gardening club took on the landscaping as their community project, parents enjoy the activity with their children, and kids take a proactive part in the park maintenance giving them a sense of ownership and a healthy physical outlet. The bike park also benefits the community by bringing in out-of-town visitors which in turn supports the local businesses and restaurants.

Learn more at cccmb.org.

RIVER BEND BIKE PARK Lompoc

WOODWARD BIKE PARK Fresno One of the most dynamic mountain bike parks in the country, this 10-acre progressive facililty serves its community by offering youth a healthy outlet and by attracting people from the surrounding area to visit Fresno.

Beginner, intermediate and expert level

This five acre multi-skill level facility boasts four pump tracks, ten wood features and eight jump lines. Features vary in complexity to challenge all riders from beginner to expert, and include narrow bridges, balance beams, a 20-foot tall wall ride and more. The park was built FOR the community BY the community and is free to ride during normal daylight hours, weather permitting.

Learn more at riverbendbikepark.com.

In the Works VELOCITY BIKE PARK Felton Velocity Bike Park is being developed in an accessible, attractive location with community involvement and support on private property. The facility is sustainably designed, appeals to a wide range of riders, and helps foster a community atmosphere in a unique outdoor setting.

Intentional bike park design also considers long-term maintenance, rider progression, and changes within the sport of mountain biking.

Designed to maximize instructional opportunities, Velocity is both a bike park and bike school. Using pump tracks, skills zones, flow trails, jump lines, the acrobag and more all under the attention of trained and certified bike coaches will create a unique facility.

More than just a bike park, Velocity is committed to being a benefit to the local community.

The facility is currently working with Santa Cruz County to complete the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) needed to move forward with their planning process.

Keep tabs on their progress at velocitybikeparks.org.

LOS ANGELES BIKE PARK Los Angeles The Los Angeles Bike Park Collective (LABPC) stands with one purpose: to bring bike parks to Los Angeles.

Despite being the birth place of BMX and being home to thousands of riders, Los Angeles lacks even one single bike park.

In comparison, there are 52 skate parks in the greater LA area, but only a few of them allow access to bikes.

The LABPC is committed to educating the city as well as the public about the need for a purpose built facility for bike riders of all ages and skill levels.

Keep tabs on their progress at labikeparks.com.

LAKE CUNNINGHAM BIKE PARK San Jose The City of San Jose’s 270 acre Lake Cunningham Regional Park is best known for housing the Raging Waters amusement park and also includes the Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park. A new ten acre bike park will bring additional action sports to Lake Cunningham and cement it as a premier outdoor adventure sports park.

The facility will feature beginner through advanced pump tracks, dirt jumps, freeride park, drop trails and skills trails. A dual slalom track will flank the southwest side of the park providing riders a chance to race each other side by side.

City of San Jose Vice Mayor, Rose Herrera, is excited that the new bike park “has the opportunity to become a hub for community and larger scale events and bike races.”

Keep tabs on their progress at sjactionsports.com.

NEW FOR 2016

Learning to Ride on the Offensive

T

he number one focus for riders should be what the next move is.

Riders often talk about being ready or staying in balance as their priority when on the bike. Although indeed important, if that’s your number one focus, you may be holding yourself back from your true potential. Looking ahead and being prepared for your next move is what will allow you to charge with certainty down the trail.

If you ride being focused on what you need to do next or what the trail options are then you are able to move down the trail more efficiently. The trail shouldn’t make the decision for you or make you ride defensively. As soon as you do that you are getting taken for a ride not going for a ride. What sounds more fun?

While hands-on mountain bike skills coaching is your best bet at learning how to ride better, reading tips and techniques about it are also helpful. Learning through visual, auditory and kinesthetic styles will reinforce the skills you are trying to absorb.

Here are some tips on how to ride on the offensive: • Physical and mental level: Ask yourself how do I feel? This will determine how aggressive you should be riding that day.

• Trail: Look at the trail to see what its challenges are. Does it exceed your mental and physical state?

• Environment: Take into consideration temperature, weather variables and distances being traveled.

After taking those things into consideration let’s look at how we hold ourselves on the bike. Our position is forever changing as it goes through the variables a trail can throw at us. So we need to be ready, in balance, or as we like to say, “on the offensive.” We will sometimes use the term attack position, too, as it has that sound of being aggressive.

The picture at the top of this column shows what your middle range of motion is for a good offensive riding position. Take a look at the picture and note some aspects of this postion: • See how the rider has a centered, or neutral position, on the bike.

• Notice where the COM (center of mass) is.

• Look at where the feet are and how the weight is in line with the bottom bracket.

This is what we would call LOG (line of gravity).

• Weight is almost centered in the wheelbase, or the BOS (base of support).

• Finally, look at where the eyes are looking – they are focused ahead.

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Continued at asingletrackmind.com/ 2016/03/10/body-position ...

This excerpt courtesy of A Singletrack Mind, a professional mountain biking skills coaching.

Learn more at asingletrackmind.com. www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com 2 7

Rocking the Joy Ride MTB group “Girls Rock” inspires international following

By Betty Gilbert

A

t nearly five foot six and sporting a ponytail, simple tee and casual riding shorts, Jessica Klodnicki ascends the nearest stool. Her husky voice casts over the crowd as she thanks the riders for attending and calls out the four numbers that determine who’s going home with a brand new Bell helmet. Around one hundred women surround the scene, conversing with coffee in hand, and waiting to gather into groups to hit the well-known Santa Cruz trails at Wilder Ranch and Pogonip.

Klodnicki, at first glance, is unassuming with her skate-inspired flat pedal shoes and laid-back style. She’s not an elite racer fully kitted out with sponsors and fitness prowess and quads-for-days. Despite coming in as a beginner to the sport herself last year, her humble and inviting demeanor has created quite a following and her efforts are steadily compounding. In fact, this is the woman who founded the latest women’s mountain biking movement that’s spreading like wildfire from Santa Cruz to the rest of the US and Canada.

In early 2015, Klodnicki set out to learn how to mountain bike. Hoping some guidance could jumpstart a positive experience on the bike, she registered for one of the camps at the Trek Dirt Series. At a local trailhead weeks later, Klodnicki bumped into one of the women she met at the camp and the two decided to ride together. The excitement of teaming up with another female rider was all it took. Klodnicki decided it was time to start a club.

Word of this new women’s mountain biking group blazed through Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas. It was the word local gals were waiting for: here was an organized group dedicated to women who want to share the joy of mountain biking together. Klodnicki named the group Girls Rock and began recruiting volunteers organically as the invitation list multiplied from four to 400 within 18 months, with an average attendance of 80 women joining each monthly ride. “As this group has grown, it has taken a BIG team effort by women who have been pitching from the start – like Juliann Klein who designed our logo and built our website, Alexis Morgan who is now leading up our volunteer organization, and Krista Gray who is expanding our coaching efforts,” Klodnicki says. She adds, “The list of local companies that have helped us along the way is long and that has played a major role in making our events even more fun and educational.”

“I struggled in the beginning to navigate the sport ...

I want to make that path easier for other women so they can experience the joy of mountain biking.”

28 ASJ — April/May 2016

Tom Morgan of Ibis Cycles says the company is inspired to continue supporting Girls Rock. “We always talk about the latest technology representing the biggest development in mountain biking, but to me the biggest change I’ve experienced is the growing number of women and young people in the sport.” Epicenter Cycling’s Candice Covello echoes similar sentiments. “Girls Rock is helping us accomplish one of our biggest shop goals – to help women feel comfortable and welcome in the cycling industry.”

Klodnicki sums up her personal motivation for growing the group, “I struggled in the beginning to navigate the sport – where to ride, what to ride, how to ride and more. I want to make that path easier for other women so that they can experience the joy of mountain biking.” To account for the rapid success of the group, Klodnicki offers, “We welcome riders of ALL levels – from those who are touching wheels to dirt for the first time to those who are seasoned,

advanced riders. We really strive to keep it social and fun to take away any intimidation.”

Sounds welcoming, right? But there’s an even more powerful force in action during the women’s-only group rides.

Girls Rock has created an environment where women are actively encouraging one another through tough physical and mental obstacles; where they extend support to each woman to carry on long after they may want to give up.

PHOTOS Main image: Girls Rock founder Jessica Klodnicki leads the way for Joy Ride ambassadors (Bell/Josh Sawyer). Circle: Girls Rock regular Julie Kanagy at Wilder Ranch State Park (Bruce Dorman). Below left: Kat Sweet (left) and Krista Gray pitch in on a Girls Rock-sponsored local trail work day (Bogdan Marian/MBoSC). Below right: Girls Rock leaders get psyched at Santa Cruz Bicycles (Girls Rock).

PHOTOS Clockwise from top: Gathering at Ibis Cycles for the debut of Bell’s Joy Ride program in March; young rider Jade Richardson gets a little push from a friend; Joy Ride ambassadors Q&A session (Josh Sawyer/Bell).

A wondrous phenomenon occurs when women are positioned as partners in exciting challenges – they have an absolute blast. During that moment when a rider grits her teeth in the face of difficulty and wins a small battle that feels like a monumental achievement, the rest of the group is at her side with a celebratory roar of applause and highfives. That is the special ingredient that can’t be bought or supplied by sponsors, and that’s the magic that enriches the community, fosters new friendships, and elicits personal growth. And that is where the profound and enduring addiction to mountain biking takes hold.

Birth of Bell Joy Ride As Girls Rock’s powerful message ignited at the local level, it sparked a new idea. As General Manager/Executive Vice President of Bell Helmets, Klodnicki pondered the possibility of leveraging her resources and launching her vision to a whole new level. She had unearthed a glaring need for women’s mountain biking groups, and it happened to align with hunches the company was already investigating. After some research and a widespread survey of female riders, Bell jumped on board and began to develop a program to transform the Girls Rock model into a movement. Bell launched an application process that brought in a response from over 200 women who wanted to help lead the way as Bell Joy Ride Ambassadors, creating additional sites for new women’s mountain biking groups to flourish.

Eight charming ladies from all over the US and Canada were hand selected based on their passion and enthusiasm for the Joy Ride vision, and were brought to Santa Cruz in March for formal training with Bell. The women were armed with the Bell Joy Ride Ambassador toolkit, given plenty of Girls Rock tribal knowledge, and, of course, they all went for a ride together. Putting rubber to dirt instantaneously joined the women in a bond of laughter and joy. The

ambassadors are given free rein to adjust the program to their location’s specific needs, but the goals for each group will remain the same: be obsessed with dirt, be fun, be organized, and be inclusive.

Klodnicki openly revealed her secrets to success with Girls Rock. A large part of that success hinges on the social aspect of the group – sharing tales of triumphs and crashes and making friends over beverages (preferably roasted bean or barley-flavored) – but that only goes so far. The program can only create community by reaching straight into the hearts of cities and towns; harnessing support from bike shops, local businesses, and (yes, of course!) the wonderful men who support women on bikes. Another key component is allowing ample time for women to plan ahead by scheduling ride dates in advance.

The Joy Ride Ambassadors departed Santa Cruz with plenty of new Bell swag, resources, and inspiration to propel them straight into operation. It’ll be exciting to see how CES each location CMYK Logo develops and what new ideas transpire to connect women with dirt and with their communities. As C-10 M-10 Y-10 for the future of Girls Rock, it willK-100 remain separate from the Bell Joy Ride Program.

Klodnicki shares, “I am looking forward C-0ourM-25 Y-100 K-0 to formalizing structure, possibly seeking official non-profit status. And, I look forward to exploring new options like additional coaching opportunities C-100 M-34 Y-0 K-0for riders and mentorship for women who are considering racing enduro or cross country.”

Betty Gilbert is a technical communicator and copywriter specializing in the bicycle industry.

She works for a number of different companies, near and far, to create high-quality communication and design.

Playtime consists of mountain biking adventures in the perfect dirt of the coastal redwood forest.

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Visit adventuresportsjournal.com/GirlsRock ds black for Q&A’s with the Girls Rockpantone volunteers and Bell Joy Ride ambassadors!

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Wh Cya

A look at MTB Armor Making sense of the vast array of mountain biking protective pads

By Dave Robinson

S

30 ASJ — April/May 2016

Comfort and Fit This is a big one. If you don’t like how your pads feel while riding you’re not likely to wear them.

Some pads pull on like compression sleeves (for example G-Form pads) and don’t restrict movement at all.

I’ve got a number of friends who pull these on before every ride and as a result we don’t have to stop at the top to wait for them to “pad up.” The drawback to the sleeve type pad is that they may not take the bigger hits as well due to less material or may slip when you slide on the trail after your graceful exit. Pads designed for heavier hits usually will have adjustable straps to prevent them from

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carbon wheels built in the USA

o you’re rolling down your favorite singletrack with your best ride buddy and feeling great. It was a good week and you’ve got a pass for the day from any other tasks, your mind is clear, and your bike is responding to your every whim. You come blasting through your favorite berm and there it is, the jump you have been dreaming about. You hear a hoot and two riders come flying through the berm and easily soar over your jump like it’s nothing. You’ve been looking at this thing for months and you feel so good today. It’s not much bigger than anything you’ve done before so you hike up and do a mock run. Hmmm. Something’s missing. It definitely won’t be good if you short this thing. If only you were wearing pads!

Folks who wear pads have a variety of reasons for doing so. Besides giving a confidence boost, they provide a bit of warmth plus protection from stickers and poison oak, and most importantly they add a layer of safety. Whatever your reason for considering pads we’re here to help you sort through the dizzying array of choices out there. Here’s our take on the most important features available in the world of mountain bike pads.

PHOTOS

Impact Jackets

Opposite page, main: Knee pads give a confidence boost as well as a layer of protection (Sterling Lorence/Fox Racing). Opposite, circle: These elbow and knee pads pull on like compression sleeves and don’t restrict movement at all (G-Form). Opposite, below: Pads help keep kids safe on the trail (Jonathan Hart/POC). Left: Pro rider Jeff Kendall-Weed on Tunnel Trail in Santa Barbara (Saris Mercanti/Kali Protectives).

sliding around upon contact. Also, some pads feature neoprene or silicone rubber contact patches on the interior of the pad to promote stability.

Length and Coverage When reviewing leg protection you’ll have an option of shin, knee, or combo pads. Shin coverage can be beneficial if you’re considering riding flat pedals when a simple slip can result in an interesting tattoo on the front (or sometimes back) of your lower leg. Knee protection can make a huge difference when you run the risk of contacting rocks, or anything for that matter, at speed. We’ve all heard a shattered kneecap story – not pretty.

Keep your knees protected when the

terrain gets steep. You’ll also notice that coverage is directly related to comfort, and the more coverage you get the less mobility you feel. A pad that fails to protect the side of your knees or back of your leg may not give you all the protection you need, particularly if you’re going big. If going big, do consider a pad that gives you a ton of coverage, or if you just want a little extra margin of safety a smaller pad may suffice.

Padding Types In recent years some exciting new materials have emerged that are soft and doughy under normal riding conditions and become very rigid upon contact.

Both G-Form and POC feature these

materials in their pads. Technology isn’t cheap so be prepared to pay a premium for these newer materials. Conventional foam pads still provide more protection than nothing so if you’re feeling a little light in the wallet you may also consider more traditional padding. You’ll still be putting something between those hard bits out there and your body. Hard shell covers reduce friction on impact and tend to weather multiple crashes a bit better than softer covers. If you’re going down repeatedly or riding in skate parks you may want to consider this feature.

The protection you choose is obviously a personal choice but don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and your mates at the local bike shop to see what they prefer. Be sure to size your pads correctly; this may warrant a visit to the aforementioned bike shop to ensure you get the right size pad and you’ll also be keeping your dollars in your community.

The price of protection may seem a bit high but consider the alternatives, or your insurance deductible. Sometimes all that is missing in our search for improved flow on the trail is a small boost in our confidence, and perhaps the right bit of protection could give you that boost.

Early downhill racers rode with hard shell motorcycle chest protectors designed to deflect gravel and “roost” from the back wheel of other motorcycles.

Fortunately, torso protection for mountain biking has evolved significantly since then. Now iXS gear ranges from lightweight shirts with sewed-on foam on to full coverage back, shoulder, chest, and elbow guards integrated into a single piece of gear. Some impact jackets and vests even integrate hydration into the design.

You can observe the whole range of protection in the bike park where the Alpinestars trail tends to be hard packed and travelled at a high rate of speed. In this environment the cushioning characteristics of the gear is paramount.

You don’t want your pads to shift under impact so look for retention straps to hold them in place. If you’re happy with your elbow pads you might consider a jacket without to keep the cost down; just remember that shoulder impacts account for a large number of injuries so look to have some protection there if you plan on going big.

You may feel invincible once you’re all padded up but remember to use the grey matter beneath your lid to keep yourself safe. Remember, padding is never a valid substitute for solid technique, always ride within your limits! – DR

Family Cycling is the Largest Bike shop in Santa Cruz Our customers say, “ This shop has the best selection of any shop I’ve ever been in.”

If you’re in the area stop in and see us you’ll be glad you did !

FAMILY IS A BIKE SHOP FOR EVERYONE !

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Don’t let the name fool you — we have more high end bikes,parts & accessories than most high end shops!

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Gear We Love

4

3

Goodies for your active lifestyle

2 1 6

5

8 7 1. Toad & Company Men’s Shirt Toad & Co’s special nylon–poly weave is a modern take on a classic look. A sharp looking seersucker with a bold check, Toad & Co blends comfort, style and durability into one wrinkle free look. As with all technical shirts the fabric naturally lifts above your skin for constant air–conditioning and dries fast in any climate while remaining naturally wrinkle free. Travel tricks include a hidden zip stash pocket, forward shoulder seams for comfort under a backpack and a very good UPF rating (30+).

MSRP $85.00 toadandco.com 2. Royal Robbins Men’s Shorts The Traveler Stretch Short is a performance short with versatile pockets and full-length running gussets helping it perform in any outdoor activity. We like the look and feel of these shorts that look equally at home walking on the beach or with a nice shirt in a more formal situation. The lightweight, durable Discovery nylon fabric has UPF 50+ protection, quick dry, wrinkle resistance, and a bit of stretch for added comfort.

MSRP $65.00 royalrobbins.com 3. Crescent Moon Gold 9 Snowshoe A high performance snowshoe is the key to having fun while putting in your winter hiking miles. With polymer gel straps that will not freeze or come out of adjustment the Gold 9s hug your feet and keep you square to the ground with ice-grabbing crampons. We like the teardrop shape that lets you walk with a natural stride without waddling to avoid stepping on the other shoe. If you appreciate a good winter hike and putting in the miles in a variety of challenging terrain then these are the right footwear choice for you. Crescent Moon snowshoes are made in Boulder Colorado of partly recycled materials.

MSRP $249.00 crescentmoonsnowshoes.com 4. Bolle Duchess Women’s Goggle Treat yourself to the Bolle Duchess 32 ASJ — April/May 2016

goggle for maximum fit, fashion and function. The wrap-around lens reduces distracting glare while maintaining reflections that enable you to differentiate snow from ice. Like many high quality goggles the Duchess are Photochromic, automatically getting darker to adapt to increasing glare.

Engineered venting systems in each frame promote directional airflow across the inside surface of the lens, reducing the potential for moisture build up and maintaining your pristine vision. We like the fleece liner that hugs your face and the over all look that combines comfort with street cred.

MSRP $138.00 bolle.com 5. Vittoria Morsa MTB Tire Vittoria’s new Morsa mountain bike tires are aggressive and grippy, yet fast rolling … an excellent choice for Enduro/all mountain riding. Curved sipping and sharp, squared edges offer the ultimate performance on the downhill, while ramped leading edges minimize rolling resistance for ease in ascents.

Tough and maneuverable, these tires will take great care of you out on the trail!

MSRP $71.99 vittoria.com 6. deFUNKit Permanent Odor Control deFUNKit is a revolutionary new fabric care treatment for athletic wear (and more) which not only prevents strong odors from permeating your clothing, it removes existing, persisting odors as well. And adventure enthusiasts know how funky those odors can be! deFUNKit works by removing the buildup of soap scum and body oils that cause athletic stink and then creating a durable fabric shield that prevents odor from returning. The treatment is durable enough to keep working through 20 washings, and comes in a machine

wash size that treats a full load of your gnarlies, as well as a hand wash version for those smaller loads or delicate fabrics. Treat those nasty mildewed towels and pet blankets with deFUNKit, too.

MSRP $9.95-19.95 deFUNKit.com 7. Sanuk Chiba Chill Men’s Shoe The Chiba Chill is a laid back version of Sanuk’s top selling sandal/shoe that defines California beach culture.

Categorized by a lightly squared toe shape and unique upper patterns, Sanuks look great with jeans, chinos or just about anything else. Your feet, of course, will feel amazing which is what sets Sanuk apart from the many knockoffs out there. Note that these are not available in half-sizes.

MSRP $70.00 sanuk.com 8. Blackburn Wayside Tool Roll The Blackburn Wayside Tool Roll is a handy organizer for the repair and accessory items you need on all your cycling adventures, short and epic. This tool roll makes it easy for you to find your tools, spares and other items without having to rummage through a larger bag. Made from a stylist waxed canvas material, its slim construction minimizes weight and bulk. The design includes mesh organizers for your multi tool, tire levers, CO2 and more, plus there’s a zippered I.D. and cash pocket. The top tube straps adjust to mount quickly on almost any bike.

MSRP $24.99 blackburndesign.com

A Beer Worth Earning

New Belgium / Ben & Jerry’s Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale

P

lenty of different breweries have collaborated with each other to produce special beers. Rarely does a brewery partner with an ice cream company. But then New Belgium and Ben & Jerry’s have a long history of doing things differently. They both also take care to ensure their business plans are as earth friendly as possible. So it makes sense for them to collaborate to produce a beer inspired by an ice cream. The result is Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale. Sales of Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale raise money for Protect Our Winters, an organization created by members of the snow sports community devoted to fighting climate change. For those worried that a beer inspired by an ice cream would be a thick, sweet syrupy mess, have no fear. There’s lots of nice caramel and dark chocolate flavors that don’t feel heavy with very little sweetness. It’s a humble brown ale jazzed up to be caramel and brownie-like, creating a beer that is as drinkable as it is decadent.

— Derrick Peterman

Event Profiles

a sneak peek at some of the season’s best upcoming events SANTA CRUZ OLD CABIN CLASSIC May 21, Santa Cruz

SEA OTTER CLASSIC April 14-17, Monterey

Debuting 26 years ago as the Laguna Seca Challenge with a total of 350 athletes and 150 spectators, the Sea Otter Classic is now regarded as the world’s premiere cycling festival hosting over 10,000 athletes and 65,000 fans. The “celebration of cycling” attracts professional and amateur athletes alike who make the annual pilgrimage to participate in some of the sport’s most competitive and enduring events.

Mountain bike races include cross country, downhill, dual slalom and short track. Road cyclists compete in circuit, criterium, and road racing. Cyclocross and noncompetitive events are also offered. The event hosts the largest consumer bike expo in North America, and features an international food court, entertainment, bike demos, stunt shows, and carnival activities for children. seaotterclassic.com

Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBoSC) is proud to present the Santa Cruz Old Cabin Classic at Wilder Ranch State Park – the first cross-country race in Wilder Ranch in over twenty years. The Old Cabin Classic is a celebration of mountain biking and a homage to this iconic venue. The race is being held as a benefit for the park, with proceeds going directly into a fund earmarked for trail development. Although race entries sold out immediately upon registration opening, organizers stress that the event is not only a race, but a celebration of community. With a kids’ section, local artist expo (including frame builders and a bicycle museum), beer garden and food court, you will want to bring the whole family out for some good old fashioned community celebration.

The Old Cabin Classic is the result of an increased level of cooperation between MBoSC and California State Parks. The two organizations have been working together to improve trail access in Wilder Ranch, starting with the Enchanted Loop re-route and restoration project in 2015/16, and hope to continue this partnership to build and improve trails in the coming years. oldcabinclassic.com ongoing drought conditions, the campgrounds have been closed to the general public for the year; however, Wildflower attendees will have the privilege of racing and camping at Lake San Antonio for the event weekend.

Wildflower continues to draw thousands of competitive and amateur athletes each year. This year’s El Nino brought enough winter rain to raise the water levels back up to the boat ramp for a swim start at Harris Creek; allowing for over five miles of open water swimming.

When it comes time to race, participants have their choice of distances: Long Course, Olympic, Mountain Bike Sprint, On-road Sprint and even a Kid’s Race.

Complete Tri, a leading triathlon apparel website, recently listed Wildflower as one of the top 10 destination races in the US. This ranking was awarded to triathlons that offer a variety of racing distances, have also stood the test of time, and offer a special venue.

The Wildflower offers all of this and much more. With its challenging course and fun-filled, three-day festival, it’s sure to remain *the* destination race for years to come. wildflower.tricalifornia.com

SILICON VALLEY BIKES! FESTIVAL AND BICYCLE SHOW May 15, San Jose

WILDFLOWER TRIATHLONS April 30-May 1, Lake San Antonio

Wildflower is known all over the world for its festivallike atmosphere, challenging courses and some of the happiest volunteers on earth. Some of the greatest triathletes in the world have participated in the Wildflower. For many athletes, this event is on their bucket list of places to compete, for others it’s a yearly celebration of their commitment to a healthy lifestyle and for yet others it is a place for family and friends to get together for fellowship.

Racers who attend this year’s 34th event can book a hotel or vacation rental in nearby Paso Robles or stay onsite at the race campgrounds in a tent or RV. Due to

Come join Silicon Valley racing, road, recreation, cruiser, vintage, fixed gear, lowrider, mountain biking, recumbent, cargo biking, BMX, bike polo playing, bike partying and cool urban lifestyle cyclists and their families for a day of celebrating bicycling and its history at this 2nd annual event.

Enjoy a day of family fun, great food trucks, craft beer, a kids’ space, thrilling BMX stunt rider shows, music, amazing exhibitors, free bicycle valet parking, local artists, artisans and craft persons and a spectacular bicycle show.

The kids’ area features games, prizes, face painting, helmet giveaways and room nearby for parents to take a breather while they enjoy food truck fare and craft beer.

Enjoy talks about the Valley’s rich bicycling history, and check out the Cargo Bike Village, Artists Colony, bike repair clinics, roller racing and more.

Admission is $5.00, $5.00 per show bike, and children ages two and under are admitted free. siliconvalleybikesfestival.org

Surfer’s Path (contributed)

SURFER’S PATH MARATHON, CAPITOLA HALF MARATHON AND RELAY May 22, Santa Cruz & Capitola

With its breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and over a dozen famous surf spots along the coastline, the Surfer’s Path Marathon, Capitola Half Marathon and Relay is considered one of the most scenic courses in the world.

“The Surfer’s Path is a celebration of beach life. We offer a laid back atmosphere, where runners enjoy the ocean air, stunning views, and sand between their toes,” says Race Director Tom Bradley. Now in its fifth year, the Surfer’s Path has established its Santa Cruz surf theme reputation that showcases the beauty of Santa Cruz County. “The Surfer’s Path courses travel past some of the world’s most famous surf breaks, including the San Lorenzo River Mouth, Pleasure Point, and Steamers Lane.

The miles melt away as runners enjoy majestic views of the Monterey Bay,” Bradley adds.

Runners will start at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, do a loop through picturesque Capitola Village and return to Santa Cruz to a beach finish. Marathoners continue along spectacular West Cliff Drive to the bluffs of Wilder and back. All runners receive event shirts featuring surfboard graphics and surfboard finisher medals. surferspathmarathon.com PHOTOS This page, clockwise from top: Lost & Found Gravel Grinder; Surfer’s Path Marathon; Wildflower Triathlons (Kaori Photo). Next page, clockwise from top: The Jay Race; Sierra Cup MTB Series (KC Mares); California Enduro Series’ Fontana Enduro (Called To Creation); SuperPro Racing’s Mendo 100; Groveland Gears and Grooves.

www.adventuresportsjournal.com 33

Participants gather annually to remember Jay and paddle their hearts out in his honor. All proceeds benefit the Jay Moriarity Foundation to raise funds for Junior Lifeguard programs to purchase equipment and provide scholarships in Jay’s name as well as other ocean related beneficiaries.

The 2016 event celebrates its 15th year on the majestic Monterey Bay and features a challenging 12-mile long course, 2-mile short course, Waterman Challenge, kids’ obstacle course race, a family-friendly atmosphere, pre-registration party, and raffle featuring surfboards, paddleboards, wetsuits and more. jayrace.com

LOST & FOUND GRAVEL GRINDER June 4, Lake Davis

The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is thrilled to again host the Lost & Found Gravel Grinder which features a course boasting the perfect blend of pavement, dirt, gravel, and historic railroad grade.

Racers must choose their weapon wisely. Road, cross, gravel, and mountain bikes will all have their own advantages and weaknesses b ­ ut all are guaranteed to produce the same amount of smiles per mile.

The route comes in three flavors to suit every taste: 100 miles with 7,000' elevation gain, 60 miles with 4,000' elevation gain, and 30 miles with 2,000' elevation gain.

Routes leave from the beautiful campground at Lake Davis, located just outside of Portola, California.

Winding out from the lake and up into the surrounding mountains, the course includes some of the most beautiful terrain in the Lost Sierra. Brutal climbs, long descents, and gorgeous mountain valleys are what riding in this area is all about. Feel free to gas it hard and race, or ride to enjoy the scenery and themed aid stations.

Make a weekend out of it and camp near the race start to swap war stories and enjoy the uniquely awesome atmosphere of a Sierra Buttes event.

The Lost & Found is the first event of the Lost Sierra Triple Crown – ­a points race new this year that packages it along with the Downieville Classic and the Grinduro to crown a true King and Queen of The Lost Sierra. lostandfoundbikeride.com

GROVELAND GEARS AND GROOVES MINI-TRIATHLON June 11, Groveland

The Groveland Gears and Grooves Triathlon, presented by the Groveland Area Partnership, is scheduled to take place in and around the town of Groveland, near Yosemite National Park.

The course is a three sport event where you start where you want to start and end where you want to end. Think of it as a “Choose your own adventure” event!

Stage One is a swim on Pine Mountain Lake.

Participants start at the Lake Lodge, swim a mile, and end at the Marina.

Stage Two is a cycling ride from the Marina, east on State Route 120, through the countryside, and up to the Rim of the World overlook. Riders will finish this stage at the Pine Mountain Lake Stables.

Stage Three is a run from the Pine Mountain Stables, through the airport and outlying areas, ending at Mary Leveroni Park.

Whether you individually run, swim, or ride or you go for it all by doing it all, the cost for this event is $50.00 per person or $130.00 per team of three, and participants under the age of 18 are $25.00.

Volunteers are needed and much appreciated.

Participants and spectators are encouraged to check out the Sierra EcoSUMMIT at the nearby Mountain Sage Cafe (more information at sierraecosummit.org). grovelandgearsandgrooves.com 34 ASJ — April/May 2016

THE JAY RACE June 18, Capitola

One of the most iconic paddleboard races in the world, the Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race is held in honor of one of big wave surfing’s favorite sons – the late Jay Moriarity. Jay was known as much for his fearless big wave surfing as he was for his positive and always friendly attitude. To stay in shape for the winter big wave season, Jay became an avid paddleboarder and could regularly be seen logging countless miles on his paddleboard on the beautiful waters of the Monterey Bay.

EPPIE’S GREAT RACE July 16, Sacramento

Presented by Eppie’s Wellness Foundation, “The World’s Oldest Triathlon” raises funds for the Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) programs that support people of all ages with special needs and developmental disabilities.

The event is a summertime tradition for elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and families. The race features a 5.82-mile run, a 12.5-mile bike and a 6.10-mile paddle along the scenic American River Parkway. eppiesgreatrace.org

SUPERPRO RACING EVENTS

CALIFORNIA ENDURO SERIES

Panoche Desert Hills (CGG #4) – April 2 NorCal Spring Classic – April 23 Shevock’s Sierra Surprise (CGG #5) – June 11 Mendocino 100 – July 9 Mendocino MTB Madness (M5) – August 18-21

Fontana Enduro – April 1 Battle Born Enduro – May 14 Toro Enduro – May 28 VP EnduroFest – June 25-26 Ashland Mountain Challenge – July 16 Northstar Enduro – August 27-28 Kamikaze Bike Games Enduro – September 15-18

SuperPro Racing presents an eclectic array of races and non-competitive recreational events that appeal to a broad spectrum of cyclists. Founder and organizer Murphy Mack is well renowned for his creative, fun events whether on gravel, asphalt, dirt, or a mix of all.

With its last two California Gravel Gauntlet Series events on the horizon (Panoche Desert Hills on April 2 and the series finale Shevock’s Sierra Surprise on June 11), and its NorCal CycloCross wrapped up for the year, SuperPro looks ahead to its remaining events.

Its homage to the Spring Classics of Europe – the NorCal Spring Classic set for April 23 – features rough roads, long miles, big climbs and screaming descents Registration includes top-notch support, post-ride buffet, craft beer and more.

The uber-popular Mendocino 100 mountain bike endurance race takes place July 9 on a great mix of singletrack and forest road on a course that’s one non-repeating loop. Race either 100 miles or 100 kilometres (62 miles). Camping available nearby, plus hot showers, great food and local craft beer.

Wrapping up the warm weather season is Mendocino MTB Madness from August 18-21, an epic retreat featuring three fully supported days of amazing singletrack riding in and around the 50,000 acre Jackson State Forest. The family-friendly event includes rustic accommodations with fire places and hot showers, farm to table hot meals three times a day, bottomless kegs of local craft beer and wine, nightly fun and games, daily yoga sessions, mechanical support, skills clinics, and kids’ activities. superproracing.com

The California Enduro Series (CES) is primed to present another great year of Enduro racing. CES is a for riders, by riders non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting world-class Enduro events that everyone from amateur to pro can enjoy, at a geographically diverse range of venues. The series is renowned for fostering an exceptional sense of community, and encourages its participants to be involved in its planning.

Several new initiatives are slated for the 2016 season including the all-new Golden Tour (pro series triple crown within CES, CES RiderID, added support for race teams, and the adoption of Enduro World Series (EWS) rules and race books templates. californiaenduroseries.com

SIERRA CUP MTB RACING SERIES Pine Nut Cracker – May 21 Ridin’ High at the Ranch – May 28 Sagebrush Scramble – June 26 Kirkwood Mountain Classic – July 24 Great Tahoe Flume Race – September 11 The 2016 Sierra Cup Series will serve as the USA Cycling Regional Championship Series for Northern California and Nevada. All events before July will be qualifiers for MTB Nationals at Mammoth. The Kirkwood Mountain Classic and Great Tahoe Flume race will be qualifiers for 2017 Nationals.

SierracupMTB.com

Experience the One and Only in true “Woodstock Weekend� fashion celebrating and racing with friends wildflower.tricalifornia.com APRIL 29 - MAY 1

Take the opportunity to swim across the Bay, then run across the Golden Gate Bridge. Two San Francisco icons in one day alcatrazchallenge.tricalifornia.com MAY 29

Fall in love with the spectacular course on the famed Monterey Peninsula pacificgrove.tricalifornia.com JUNE 11-12

This is the ultimate experience in triathlon. Tri everything San Francisco has to offer. You can have bragging rights.

alcatraztri.tricalifornia.com AUGUST 21

Race with a legend on a course tucked in San Luis Obispo.

A Race for Everyone

scotttinleys.tricalifornia.com OCTOBER 1-2

tri ca li f o r n i a . c om Photo Credits: Brittany Anzel App, Kaori Photo

Produced By:

2016 Essential Race Calendar Visit us online for a full listing of upcoming California events.

Go to AdventureSportsJournal.com and click on the EVENTS button.

Adventure Racing APRIL 10 — Down & Dirty National Mud & Obstacle Series, Castaic Lake State Rec. Area, DownAndDirtyMudRun.com

26 — Urban Dare, San Francisco. UrbanDare.com OCTOBER 23 — Down & Dirty National Mud & Obstacle Series, Folsom Lake, DownAndDirtyMudRun.com

25 — Urban Dare, San Diego.

UrbanDare.com

Biking

MAY

APRIL

23 — Urban Dare, Sacramento UrbanDare.com

2— ­ Gravel Gauntlet Panoch, SuperProRacing.com

JUNE

9 — San Diego Tour de Cure, Tour.Diabetes.org

11 — Urban Dare, San Jose.

UrbanDare.com 18 — Gold Rush Challenge, Sonora, GoldRushAR.com SEPTEMBER 17-18 — Gold Rush 30 hour Challenge, GoldRushAR.com

10 — Napa Valley Dirt Classic.

22-mile circuit, hilly, double track and single track…fun course. web2.edu/Pioneers/NVDC/ 14-17 — 26th Annual Subaru Sea Otter Classic, Monterey.

10,000 athletes and 50,000 fans. SeaOtterClassic.com

16 — Bike Around the Buttes, BikeAroundTheButtes.com 16 — 41st Sierra Century, Amador & El Dorado.

SierraCentury.org 23 — Superpro Spring Classic, Gilroy. rough roads, long miles, big climbs and screaming descents.

SuperProRacing.com 24 — Chico Wildflower Century, Chico. Four rides to choose from. ChicoVelo.org 23 —Nevada City Dirt Classic #1 Nevada City, CA Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, SierraCupMTB.com 30 — 18th Annual Ridge-toBridge, Marin County. Hike or ride through beautiful south Marin, RidgeTrail.org 30 — Tierra Bella Bicycle Tour, Santa Clara. tierrabella. org

30 — Motherlode Century, Lotus. 3 routes; 28, 64 & 100 mile. MotherLodeCentury.com MAY 1 ­— Napa Tour De Cure Yountville, Tour.Diabetes.org 1 — Grizzly Peak Century, Moraga. Hilly; 75,109 and 102M. GrizzlyPeakCyclists.org 1 — Ship to Shore, Long Beach. A ride, not a race, for all levels; Tour.Diabetes.org 1 — 38th Delta Century, Lodi.

StocktonBikeClub.org 7 — Wine Country Century, Santa Rosa. 200km, 100m, 100km & 35m. srcc.com 7 — Tour of the Unknown Coast, Ferndale. California’s toughest century. tuccycle.org 7— I Care Classic Bike Tour.

Alameda Five routes, call 408782-6287, go to icareclassic.org

13-15 ­—­Free Beckwourth 8hr MTB Race Beckworth NorthlanderEvents.com 14 — Battle Born Enduro at Peavine Mountain.

Reno/Tahoe area.

CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com 15 — Strawberry Fields Forever, Santa Cruz County.

3 routes; 30, 65 & 100 mile.

StrawberryFields.org 21 ­— Santa Cruz Old Cabin Classic Wilder Rancy, OLdCabinClassic.com 21 —Pine Nut Cracker Gardnerville, NV Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, SierraCupMTB.com 21 — Heartbreak Double Century, Palmdale. Spectacular course, PlanetUltra.com 27-30 — 51st Annual Great Western Bike Rally, Paso Robles GreatWestern BicycleRally.com

28—Ridin’ High at the Ranch Susanville, CA. Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, SierraCupMTB.com JUNE 3-5 — The Coolest 8 and 24 Hour Race. Beckwourth, CA. NorthlanderEvents.com 3-5 — Boggs 8-Hour MTB Race, Willits. 8-9 mile course with lots of FAST single-track.

BikeMonkey.net 4 ­— Lost & Found Lake Davis, SierraTrails.org 4 — Eastern Sierra Double Century. Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake & more.

This is road bike heaven!

PlanetUltra.com 5 — The Wildest Ride in the West, Auburn. Three routes to choose from. WildestRide.com 11 - Incarnation 100, Santa Rosa, a benefit for homeless services. Three different routes.

Incarnation100.org

JULY 12–17, 2016 ENDURO

SHORT TRACK

102 MILE GRAN FONDO

KING/QUEEN OF THE ROAD

DOWNHILL

DUAL SLALOM

70 MILE MEDIO

CROSS COUNTRY

EXPO

42 MILE PICCOLO

OVER 75 MILES OF ROUTE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC

36 — April/May2013 2016 30 ASJ ASJ—April/May

ENDURO DUAL SLALOM KAMIKAZE LEGENDS OF THE KAMIKAZE

EXPO CROSS COUNTRY PRO GRT DOWNHILL KIDS RACES AND MORE

bike • paddle • run • swim • triathlon

Chico Velo Cycling Club and

present:

12 — Silicon Valley Tour de Cure Palo Alto, Tour.Diabetes.org

9 — Tour of the California Alps - Death Ride, Markeleeville. Five pass ride, 129 miles and 15,000 feet of lung busting climbing. Or just ride one, two, three or four passes. DeathRide.com

ships, XC Adventure Race and Downieville Downhill. DownievilleClassic.com

13— Annadel XC, Santa Rosa.

Race singletrack; BikeMonkey.net

25 — EnduroFest at China Peak MTN Resort. Lakeshore.

CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

12-17th — USA Cycling National Championships, Mammoth, top riders from all over the country will come to compete for national titiles in cross-country, short track crosscountry, downhill, dual slalom and the new addition of Enduro.

MammothMountain.com

25 — Climb to Kaiser, Clovis.

Rated as one of the 10 toughest rides. ClimbToKaiser.com

22-24 — ­ Downieville Moutnain Epic Downieville, SierraTrails.org

25 — Alta Alpina Challenge “Riding the Wild Sierra.” 4 routes. AltaAlpina.org/challenge

24 — Kirkwood Mountain Classic Kirkwood, CA. Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, SierraCupMTB.com

18 — CF Cycle for Life, Half Moon Bay cycle.cff.org 18 — Lake Tahoe MTN Bike Race, Tahoe City MountainBikeLakeTahoe.com 18 — Sierra to the Sea Bicycle Tour Sierra to SF, Learn more at SierraToTheSea.org

JULY 9 — Mendocino 100 Mountain bike endurance race, 100 miles or 100 kilometres (62 miles).

SuperProRacing.com

AUGUST 4 - 7th — Downievlle Race and Festival, Downieville.

All-mountain World Champion-

6 — 54th Marin Century & Mt Tam Double, San Rafael.

MarinCyclists.com

2O16 Cycling Events Chico Wildflower Century

35th Anniversary!

SAturdAy ANd SuNdAy, April 23 ANd 24 Chico, CA at Silver dollar Fairgrounds • NEW! WILDFEST Ride Pre-Party with rider check-in on Saturday: food

trucks, beer garden, live music and expo • Choose from hilly Wildcat 125 or 100, traditional Wildflower 100 or 65, Flatflower 60, 30 or 12, and Childflower 12 • Limited to 4,500 riders

unknown Coast Weekend

20 — Beckwourth 100 MTB Enurance Race Beckwourth, NorthlanderEvents.com

SAturdAy ANd SuNdAy, SEptEmbEr 17 ANd 18 Ferndale, CA at Humboldt County Fairgrounds

18-21—Mendocino MTB Madness (M5) Three fully supported days of amazing singletrack riding, family-friendly , includes rustic accommodations with fire places and meals.

SuperProRacing.com

• Ride the Unknown Coast century in two days. We carry your gear!

• Ride through the Eel River Valley, enjoy Avenue of the Giants redwoods, experience Cape Mendocino coast and The Wall • Limited to 100 riders. Tent or cabin options!

27-28 — Northstar Enduro at Northstar California Resort, Truckee. Round #6 of the California Enduro Series.

CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

Challenge Fondo SAturdAy, SEptEmbEr 10 durham, CA at durham Community park • Enabling access for ALL including able-bodied cyclists, visually and physically impared cyclists. Welcoming handcycles and recumbents.

• Try handcycling! Adaptive cycles provided by Ability First Sports • Ride with Blind Mountain Bike Racer Bobby McMullen • 100, 65, 50 and 30 mile timed routes; 20 and 5 mile fun rides • Awards for all categories!

• Limited to 500 riders

more info and registration at www.chicovelo.org Chico Velo Cycling Club • P.O. Box 2285, Chico, CA 95927 tel. (530) 343-8356 • fax (530) 342-4646 • velo@chicovelo.org

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37

2016 Essential Race Calendar Visit us online for a full listing of upcoming California events.

Go to AdventureSportsJournal.com and click on the EVENTS button.

Biking, cont.

SEPTEMBER 10 — Mammoth Gran Fondo, Mammoth, 42 mile, 70 mile, and 102 mile races through the beautiful Mono County.

FallCentury.org 10 — Challenge Fox Accessible for Cyclists of all Abilities!ChicoVelo.org

11 — Great Tahoe Flume Race Lake Tahoe, NV. Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, SierraCupMTB.com 17— 13th Annual Tahoe Sierra Century, Squaw Valley TahoeSierraCentury.com 17-18 — Unknown Coast Weekend, Ferndale The ride starts and finishes along the quiet coastal towns of Ferndale and consists of two extremely hilly, but scenic days – 65 miles on Saturday and 35 miles on Sunday.

ChicoVelo.org

38 ASJ — April/May 2016

15-18 — Road to Mendocino Starting in the high-desert plateau and ending on the coastal California craggs, this is a 4-day, 365-mile odyssey from Reno to Mendocino. SuperProRacing.com

15 — Solvang Autumn Double Century, Solvang.PlanetUltra.com

15-18 — Kamikaze Bike Games, Mammoth Downhill, dual slalom, crosscountry, klunker race, kids races and much much more.

Kamikazebikegames.com

22-23 — Bay to Bay, Irvine to San Diego. BikeMS.org

24-25 — Bike MS: Waves To Wine Ride, From SF up Hwy 1 to Sonoma County.

Two days; 40, 75 or 100 miles; WavesToWine.org 25 — Princess Challenge Women’s Bike Ride, Folsom.

A cycling event for women and girls with trail rides from 15 to 64m. CaliforniaGirlsSriescom OCTOBER TBD — Coastal Challenge, Santa Monica. Route options for every level, BikeMS.org

16 — TBF MTB 50-Miler, Granite Bay, Folsom Lake.

TBFRacing.com

30 — SLO Gran Fondo, San Luis Obispo Coastal and Wine Country. SLOGranFondo.com

Miscellaneous JUNE 19 — Wild West, Nevada City, Equathon & Run , Two people, one horse, one tough race.

Beginners welcome. contact info@RideAndTie.org

JULY 2 ­— 46th ANNUAL RIDE & TIE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, Cuyamaca, Equathon & Run , Features meadows, mountains, and oak woodlands. contact info@rideandtie.org

SEPTEMBER

Paddling APRIL 16-17 — Kern River Festival, Kernville. Slalom race, freestyle competitions, wild water events, and the exciting Brush Creek Race over a series of natural, breathtaking waterfalls. www.

KernFestival.com

MAY 7-8 — Reno River Festival, Truckee River, Whitewater Park. Paddling, music, yoga, food, beer and clinics.

RenoRiverFestival.com 14- Ghostryders SC Davenport Downwird Ryders Cup, Davenport, www. davenportpaddlesurf.com 21 ­— Donner Lake , Truckee TahoeCup.org 31 -- Wine Tasting on the Toulumne River http://www. oars.com/our_adventures/ winetrips

JUNE 10-12- California 100, Chico, riversforchange.org

11 - Tahoe CupFall Classic Paddle Race, Tahoe, Go to tahoecup.com for more info.

TBD — Feather River Festival.

Party hard at the Feather River Festival. Hosted by the Chico Paddleheads, the festival weekend features a downriver race on the Class V Tobin run, 18 — 15th Annual Jay Moriarty a slalom event upstream, and Memorial Paddleboard Race, a raucous party Saturday night.

ChicoPaddleHeads.org Capitola One of the premiere paddleboard races on the West OCTOBER Coast. JayRace.com 11 — Thunderbird Paddle Race, Sand Harbor, NV 10AM, 4 Mile, 8 Mile, Kids. info@LakeTahoePaddling.com 530-546-1019

JULY 9 - Jam for the Dam Paddle Race, Tahoe, tahoecup.org AUGUST 14 - 16- ­— Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival, Tahoe, Races, clinics, demos, expo in a great festival like atmosphere on Lake Tahoe. tahoenalu.com

8 — Sierra Showdown Paddling Festival, South Lake 5 mile, 10 mile, kids Aquabike. laketahoepaddling.com 8 — Big Blue Waterman Challenge, South Lake SUP Multisport laketahoepaddling.com

Runing APRIL 2 — American River 50-Mile Endurance Run, Sacramento to Auburn. ar50mile.com

bike • paddle • run • swim • triathlon 3— Trail Less Traveled, Oroville For more info go to UnderTheSunEvents.org 9 — Heartbreak Ridge Run, Camp Pendleton, half marathon, 10K, 5K Kids 1K. mccscp.com/ heartbreak 9 — Mt Tam Wild Boar Half Marathon/10K For more info go to RaceRoster.com 10 — Santa Cruz Half Marathon, 10k & 5k.

FirstWave-Events.com 16 — Ruth Anderson Ultras 50k, 50M, 100k, San Francisco.

Run100s.com/ra.htm 17 — Napa Valley Silverado Half Marathon, 10k & 5k, Calistoga. EnviroSports.com 24 — Big Sur International Marathon, Big Sur to Carmel. bsim.org 29 — SLO Marathon, San Luis Obispo. small town, big race.

SLOMarathon.org

MAY 7 — Miwok 100K, Stinson Beach. Run100s.com/miwok 7 — Wild Wild West Marathon, Lone Pine.

50k, 26.2, 10 & 3 mile; LonePineChamber.org 7 — Armstrong Redwoods, Guerneville. 9k, 17k, 30k & 50k.

PCTrailRuns.com 7 — Mermaid Run East Bay, Fremont. Women’s 5k, 10k, half marathon & Sirena18.

Fremont. MermaidSeries.com 7 — Miracle Miles for Kids 6.2 mile Walk/Run, Morro Bay. Beautiful beach. mm4k.com 14 — Quicksilver 50k & 100Mile Endurance Runs, San Jose. Scenic, hilly trails and fire roads. Quicksilver-Running.com 14 — Muir Wood Marathon, Half Marathon & 7 Mile, Stinson Beach. RaceRoster.com

15 — Bay to Breakers 100th, SF,12k, BayToBreakers.com 15 — Zappos Tilden Tough Ten-Miler, Berkeley. lmjs.org 22 — Surfers Path Marathon, Capitola Half Marathon & Relay, Santa Cruz & Capitola. Runners will enjoy an enchanting blend of nostalgia, natural beauty & invigorating activities along the Monterey Bay coastline.

SurfersPathMarathon.com JUNE 4-5th —World Famous Mud Run, Camp Pendleton, half marathon, 10K, 5K Kids 1K. mccscp.com 4 — Truckee Running Festival, Truckee. Kids/5K/10K/ Half Marathon. 530-546-1019 info@TahoeTrailRunning.com 5 — See Jane Run AllWomen’s Half Marathon and 5k, San Francisco SeeJaneRun.com

REGISTER TODAY AT: eppiesgreatrace.org • Held along the American River Parkway in Rancho Cordova/Sacramento, CA. • LOWER Entry Fees in 2016 • NEW Division for 2016: STAND-UP PADDLE • Many Ironperson & Team Divisions for Adults and Juniors • EPIC CHALLENGE Division for those with physical disabilites • FREE Post Race Expo Party with many Exhibitor booths, BBQ, Live Entertainment, Raffle and Awards Ceremony

“THE NO SWIM TRIATHLON”

#1 DONNER LAKE 5-21-16 #2 WATERMAN’S PADDLE JAM 7-9-16 #3 FALL CLASSIC 9-11-16 #1

RACE INFORMATION WWW.TAHOECUP.ORG

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39

2016 Essential Race Calendar Visit us online for a full listing of upcoming California events.

Go to AdventureSportsJournal.com and click on the EVENTS button.

Runing, cont.

11— Henry Coe 5k & 10k Run/ Walk, Gilroy Easy fairly flat dirt trail course through the beautiful late spring scenery. coepark.net 12 — Squaw Valley Half Marathon SquawValleyHalf.com 19 — Burton Creek Trail Runs 6K, 12K, Half Marathon, Kids TahoeTrailRunning.com 19 — Run in the Name of Love, Carmel by the Sea, 5K run & 2K walk. runinthenameoflove.org 19 — Wild West, Nevada City, Equathon & Run , Two people, one horse, one tough race.

Beginners welcome. contact info@rideandtie.org 26 — Run To The Beach Run from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley TahoeTrailRunning.com

JULY 2 ­— 46th Annual Ride & Tie World Championship, Cuyamaca, Equathon & Run , Features meadows, mountains, and oak woodlands. contact info@rideandtie.org 4 — Run to the Beach, Kings Beach TahoeTrailRunning.com

10 — Jungle Run, Los Gatos.

HalfMarathons.net

2,000 foot elevation gain & join our knowledgeable guides for a beautiful & easy flower walk. auburnskiclub.com AUGUST 6 — Salinas Valley Half Marathon, bsim.org 20 — Big Blue Trail Run, Incline Village 5K & 10K Run TahoeTrailRunning.com 21 — Marlette 50K and 10Miler

“RRCA State Championship” 18-20 — Badwater 135.

“World’s Toughest Foot Race” Lake Thoe East Shore, TahoeTrailRunning.com Death Valley to Mt. Whitney.

BadWater.com 27 — The 420 Games Tour, San Francisco, an athletic event 31 — San Francisco to de-stigmatize responsible use Marathon. San Francisco for of cannibis. 420games.org TheSFMarathon.com

SEPTEMBER 30 — 35th Annual Squaw Mountain Run/Hike. Choose 10-11th — Headlands 50, 75 & to run or take a more leisurely 100-Mile Trail Runs, Sausalito. pace and hike, or Nordic walk PCTrailRuns.com (hike with poles). For the less energetic, let the cable car do the

USA Cycling Regional Championship Series for Northern California/Nevada April 23

Nevada City Dirt Classic #1 Grass Valley, CA

May 21

Pine Nut Cracker Gardnerville, NV

May 28

Ridin’ High at the Ranch Susanville, CA

June 26

Sagebrush Scramble Reno, NV

July 24

Kirkwood Mountain Classic Kirkwood, CA

8-9th — Bizz Johnson Marathon, Half, 10k & 5k,

17 — Emerald Bay Trail Run, Lake Tahoe West Shore TahoeTrailRunning.com

18 — Whiskeytown Relays 19.9 mile paved/dirt, for more info go to sweatrc.com 24— Big Sur Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 5-Mile, EnviroSports.com

Susanville. Run through scenic Lassen National Forest.

CoastalTrailRuns.com

15 — Bishop High Sierra UltraMarathons. InsideTrail.com 23 — Folsom Blues Breakout Half Marathon, Folsom.

FolsomBluesHalf.org

24 — Lederhosen 5K & 10K, Squaw 29 — Stinson Beach Marathon, Valley, TahoeTrailRunning.com Half Marathon & 7k, Stinson 25 — Truckee Marathon, Truckee Beach. Halfmarathons.net TahoeTrailRunning.com

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER 2 — Great Trail Race, Tahoe City/ Truckee greattrailracecom

13 — Mermaid Run, SF. For novice or experienced runners.

MermaidSeries.com

13 — Big Sur Half Marathon, 2— Urban Cow Half Marathon, Monterey Bay bsim.org

Relay & 5k, Sacramento UrbanCowHalfMarathon.com

DECEMBER

8 —Skyline to the Sea Trail 3 — Death Valley Trail Marathon Run, Boulder Creek, Marathon & and Half Marathon, 50k. PCTrailRuns.com Titus Canyon, RaceRoster.com 4 — California International Marathon, Folsom. runcim.org

RIDE TIE &

10 — Hark the Herald Angels 12k & 25k™, Angel Island. active. com 11 — Jingle Bell Rock, Santa Cruz.. 5k walk/run benefit for Toys for Tots. FinishLineProduction.com

Swim MAY 13 — Orca Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim, San Francisco. TriCalifornia.com

JUNE 11 — Sand Harbor Open Water Swim, Sand Harbor. 1/2, 1.2, 2.4 Mile Open Water Swim, 530-5461019. info@TahoeSwimming.com

JULY 24 — Donner Lake Swim, Donner Lake 1/2, 1.2, 2.4 Mile Open Water Swim TahoeSwimming.com

AUGUST 27 — 24th Annual Alcatraz Sharkfest. SharkFestswim.com

TWO PEOPLE AND A HORSE ONE EXCITING RACE ...

A STRATEGIC EQUINE AND TEAMMATE PARTNERSHIP

September 11 Great Tahoe Flume Race Spooner Lake, NV

We support trails! Over $23k raised and counting!

Follow us on facebook‘Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series’

www.SierraCupMTB.com

www.rideandtie.org

QUALITY BICYCLE PRODUCTS SOCK GUY SIERRA TRAIL WORKS WILDERNESS TRAIL BIKES

40 ASJ — April/May 2015

Mentors and horses are available in many areas.

Photos: Corey Rich / Aurora Photos

Distances from 4 - 40 miles // fun & family friendly // walk or run // we share the trails and love nature. Learn more!

bike • paddle • run • swim • triathlon

27 — Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim, Tahoma 1/2, 1.2, 2.4 Mile Open Water Swim TahoeSwimming.com 28 — Catfish Crawl Open Water Swim, Morgan Hill. 1.2 & 2.4-mile swims. USAproductions.org

11— Golden Gate Sharkfest.

San Francisco, Raceroster.com 24 — Golden Gate Bridge Swim, San Francisco. 3k WaterWorldSwim.com

OCTOBER

21 — Orca Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim, San Francisco. TriCalifornia.com

2 — San Diego Sharkfest.

Tidelands Park to Coronado Bridge. Raceroster.com

21 — Lake Tahoe Sharkfest.

1-mile swim on Crystal Bay. Raceroster.com

8 — South Lake Open Water Swim, Tahoma 1/2, 1.2, 2.4 Mile Open Water Swim TahoeSwimming.com

SEPTEMBER 10 — SLO Ultra This race will take you over wild undiscovered territories along the majestic California coastline where it’s rough, it’s rugged, and it’s dirty. www.SLOUltra.com 10 — 12th Annual Alcatraz Swim with the Centurions, San Francisco. 1.25-mile swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park.

WaterWorldSwim.com 10 — Alcatraz Invitational, San Francisco. South-End.org

OCTOBER

Triathlon/ Duathlon APRIL 9— Millerton Lake Triathlon Fresno. SierraCascades.com

MAY April 29 - May 1st— Wildflower Triathlon, Lake San Antonio.

A weekend of fun and sport.

“The Woodstock for Triathlon.”

TriCalifronia.com

7 — Mermaid Triathlon & Duathlon, Alameda. Triathlon.

MermaidSeries.com

SLOMARATHON.COM

8 ­— 15K Pacific Grove Double Pacific Grove, Two stage running event with a halftime in between.

15K, 8K, 1.5 Mile Run Festival. www.pgdouble.com 15— Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon, UVAS Reservoir, Morgan Hill. USAproductions.org

SLOULTRA.COM

15— Auburn Triathlon & Duathlon. World’s Toughest HalfIron, International, Mini & Long Course duathlon in Auburn.

AuburnTriathlon.com

JUNE 5 — Folsom Lake International Triathlon & Aquabike, Folsom Lake. USAproductions.org

SLOGRANFONDO.COM

5 — Orange County Tri Series, Lake Mission Viejo. OCtriseries.com 5 – Sacramento International Triathlon, Discovery Park.

Racesanfrancisco.com

RACESLO.COM #EnduranceTownUSA

10-12th — The Triathlon at Pacific Grove. TriCalifornia.com

SPONSORED BY

GROVELANDGEARSANDGROOVES.COM For more info: griefer831@gmail.com

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41

Adventure Events Calendar

MARKETPLACE

Learn the skills of a pro from a pro!

Triathlon/Duathlon, continued 11 — Groveland Gears & Grooves, Groveland Triathlon. Mile swim, 5 mile run, and 25 mile bike ride.

GrovelandGearsandGrooves.com 12 ­— Squaw Valley Half Marathon, Squaw Valley info@tahoetrailrunning.com / squawvalleyhalf.com 530-546-1019 25 —XTERRATahoeCityadventuresportsweek.com 26 — California Sprint Tri Pleasanton.

USAproductions.org

Discover the best of Santa Cruz with our premier guiding and coaching service. therideguides.com

831.818.6112 We’ll Show You The Way

JULY

9 — June Lake Triathlon. Beautiful high altitude alpine course. HighSierraTri.org

MTB Skills Coaching Certified IMBA ICP 1,2,3 & Betterride Certified. 3000 plus hours of professional coaching.

asingletrackmind.com • (209) 662-5392

Explore the High Country

10 — Ironman 70.3 Vineman Triathlon Sonoma, VineMan.com 14 — Dip and Dash Aquathlon #1, Santa Cruz.

FinishLineProduction.com 16 — Eppie’s Great Race, American River Parkway, Sacramento. 5.82-mile run, 12.5-mile cycle, 6.35-mile paddle. EppiesGreatRace.org 23 — Tri-for-REAL Triathlon #3, Rancho Seco Park, Herald. TBFracing.com 23 - 24 — Donner Lake Triathlon, Kids, Sprint, Half, Olympic & Aquabike. donnerlaketri.com 30—FullVinemanIronman,Sonoma.VineMan.com

Ebbetts Pass Hwy 4

31— Oakland Triathlon Festival, Jack London Square. Oaklandtri.com

AUGUST 6 —Semper Tri & Devil Dog Duathlon, Camp Pendleton, half marathon, 10K, 5K Kids 1K. mccscp.com 14 — Tri Santa Cruz. // t’s our 10th Anniversary and we’re going to have a party! Main Beach Santa Cruz. International Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, Dip and Dash Aquathlon #2, Aquabike & Relays available. FinishLineProduction.com

Activities include: Kayaking, SUPing, Hiking, Mtn & Road Biking, Disc Golf, Hiking, Climbing, Camping, Fishing, etc.

20 — Tri-for-Fun Triathlon & Du-for-fun Duathlon, Rancho Seco Park, Herald. Onyourmarkevents.com

Bear Valley Adventure Company Rentals, Sales, Service and Information

(209) 753-2834 www.bearvalleyxc.com

Consignment boards, suits & accessories BLOWN OUT

3055 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz

WETSUIT REPAIR YOUR ALOHA SHOP

831.475.4942

Ask

About our marketing packages We offer a wide range of promo tools to boost your business’ visibility. We’ll customize a plan that’s just right for your budget and objectives! staff@adventuresportsjournal.com 42 ASJ — April/May 2016

20 — XTERRA Lake Tahoe Incline Village, Olympc/ Sprint/Duathlon, bigblueadventure.com 27 - 28 — Donner Lake Triathlon and Duathlon Sprint, Half, Olympic & Aquabike. donnerlaketri.com

SEPTEMBER 4— Bear Valley Triathlon, Bear Lake.

OnYourMarkEvents.com 11 — Pacific Coast Triathlon, Crystal Cove.

OCtriseries.com 11 - Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz (Big Kahuna Triathlon), Ironman.com 18— Dip and Dash Aquathlon #3, Santa Cruz.

FinishLineProduction.com 25— 34th Annual Santa Cruz Triathlon.

SantaCruzTriathlon.org

Sep. 30-Oct. 2nd — Scott Tinley’s 20th Anniversary Triathlon,, San Luis Obispo.

TriCalifornia.com

OCTOBER 1 — Mermaid Santa Cruz, Capitola. All women triathlon and duathlon. MermaidSeries.com 16 — Annual SuperKid Triathlon, Santa Cruz.

This event gives your children the opportunity to be triathletes! 14 and under. FinishLineProduction.com

NOVEMBER 8 — Surf City Aquathlon, Santa Cruz. NEW THIS YEAR // a swim-run event. FinishlineProduction.com 6 — Morro Bay Triathlon, Moro Bay. Olympic and Sprint distances. Beautiful coastal route with an alternative kayak and stand up paddleboard (SUP) courses, morrobaytri.com

when you aren’t racing here are some other things to consider Stand Up Paddle Boarding Club, Santa Cruz Area. This course focuses on balance, techniques, open ocean paddling & core strength. KayakConnection.com or call 831.479.1121 Spring & Summer — Craft Beer on the Toulumne River, Groveland, whitewater thrills by day, then choice brews from 21st Ammendment pared with gourmet fare. For more information visit OARS online at oars. com/beer-tasting 800-346-6277 April 23-24 — MTB Core Fundamentals Morro Bay master and improve your bike skills. Learn solid foundation skills: cornering, braking, slow speed, balance, body position, wheel lifts, variance of the skills, switch backs, basic drops, vision, and more. ASingleTrackMind.com May 15 — MTB 1 Day Core Fundamentals Tahoe See April 23-24 description.

ASingleTrackMind.com May 21-22 — Marin Women’s Core Fundamentals Tahoe See Feb. 14 description. ASingleTrackMind.com May 27 — Spring Into Summer Yoga Retreat All yoga level abilities. The weekend program is complete with live music, daily yoga classes and meditation, and Lake Tahoe activities, ie hike or water activity, weather depending. Book now at www. granlibakken.com or contact shawnalee@ granlibakken.com for more information.

June 18-19 — Northstar DH / Gravity Clinic. ASingleTrackMind.com June 24-26 — Maui Destination Camp yoga/bike skills ASingleTrackMind.com September 2-5 — Endless Summer Yoga Retreat See May 27 description. Book now at www.granlibakken.com or contact shawnalee@granlibakken.com for more information.

List events on our website at AdventureSports Journal.com

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