Adventure Sports Journal // June/July 2015 // Issue #85

San Luis Obispo I Adam Replogle Surf Photos I FarmLink I Event Profiles

June/July 2015 Issue #85

Float the Valley

Yosemite opens the blissful Merced

rough & rowdy mtb The Dirty Sanchez

PaddleBoard Racing The Catalina Classic then & now

River SUP Tips

Angels on the PCT

selfless support for hikers

TAHOE SHORE TRAIL

an imaginary odyssey

Swimming the Monterey Bay

Session Beers ... Hello Summer!

inreachdelorme.com

THERE’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOING SOLO AND GOING IT ALONE. The world’s first satellite communicator with built-in navigation.

Send and receive text messages Trigger an interactive SOS Navigate and create waypoints Plan, track, and share your journey 100% global satellite coverage from Iridium Contract-free and annual plan options

*Offer valid for $50 off inReach SE or $75 off inReach Explorer models. Satellite subscription plan is required to use inReach. Offer valid when purchased and activated between May 31 – July 15, 2015. Valid for US and EU customers only. Visit inreachdelorme.com/summer for full offer details.

Photo by: Keith Ladzinski

Table of Contents

departments

7 8 10 14 16 18 24 24

editor’s note

A summer of possibilities

ear to the Ground

News & notes from the outdoor industry

Photo: Dave Steindorf

Photo courtesy of the Jay Race

ePiC California FarmLink

athLete ProfiLe Ultra swimmer

Patti Bauerfiend

Photo: Robert Lowe

Liquid imaGery

Nelly’s surf photos of Adam Replogle

CaLifornia BreWinG

Three session beers

destination

Downieville Classic

features

33 35

12 20

Gear We Love

Goodies for your active life

event ProfiLes & CaLendar Upcoming summer events

anGeLs on the PCt

Unexpected support on the trail

fLoat the vaLLey

Yosemite opens river access to paddlers in the park

22 20 22

BeLoW the tahoe rim traiL An imaginary guide along the lake the dirty sanChez Lauren Gregg takes on this rowdy Enduro PaddLeBoard raCinG Catalina

Classic then and now

Cover Photo Paddlers enjoying a view of El Capitan while floating down the Merced in Yosemite National Park.

Photo by Dave Steindorf

San Luis Obispo

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE – Subscribe to Adventure Sports Journal

teChnique CLiniC

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.

River SUP

THOUGHTFULLY BUILT WATER SHOES AND SANDALS SINCE 1991 4 ASJ — June/July 2015

asj contributors How will you challenge yourself if the water this Summer?

PUBLISHING + EDITORIAL

leoniesherman

I’m bringing my stand up paddle board to Northwestern Yosemite, where I’ll be stationed as a back country ranger out of Cherry Lake and will paddle in between patrols!

PUBLISHER Cathy Claesson cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com EDITORIAL/MARKETING Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com

havenlivingston By trying new things like surfing river waves on a TL board, taking new routes through old rapids and snorkeling for river booty on low water days.

It’s all about getting wet.

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Pete Gauvin CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Michele Lamelin michele@adventuresportsjournal.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Leonie Sherman, Kristin Conard, Haven Livingston, Tim Hauserman, Lauren Gregg, Derrick Peterman, Ryan Pingree, Dave “Nelly” Nelson, Matt Johanson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Matt Johanson, Dave “Nelly” Nelson, Tim Hauserman, Phil Boyer, Dave Steindorf, Haven Livingston, Robert Lowe, Bryan Harrold, Johnny Kessel, Ray Pingree

timhauserman

laurengregg I spend the majority of my time playing in the dirt and the mud – water is definitely foreign to me. Anytime I get out in the water I am out of my element. I’d like to get out and practice surfing a bit more this summer.

COVER DESIGN Brooklyn Taylor brook@adventuresportsjournal.com DESIGN ASSISTANT Lindsey Johnson ADVERTISING

come aboard the

65' Team O�Neill caTamaraN!

EVENTS & DISTRIBUTION Steve Shaw steve@adventuresportsjournal.com

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

CATAMARAN SAILING ALL SUMMER

20.00 1-HR SAILS • $30.00 1.5-HR SAILS • $40.00 SPECIAL EVENTS

ryanpingree I will challenge myself in the water by having my children out in our ocean playground more often.

Perhaps they too will embrace ocean sports as they grow!

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

kristinconard

All content © Adventure Sports Journal 2015. 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

I just moved closer to Lake Tahoe and hope to swim in it as many days as possible. Perhaps not this year, but I want to kayak around Lake Tahoe soon.

I’m planning to invest in an inflatable SUP for cross-training and playing, and I want see how often I can use it this summer.

mattjohanson I’d like to kayak some new Sierra Nevada lakes, and there will probably be some stream crossings on hikes.

$

Day and Sunset Sails • Wednesday Night Regatta • Wine & Beer Tastings Live Music Cruises • Wildlife Tours • Seasonal Firework Sails

Smooth Sailing for the Whole Family!

YELP RATING

831-818-3645 www.ONeillYachtCharters.com @oneillyachtcharters PRIVATE CHARTERS ALSO AVAILABLE 6 ASJ — June/July 2015 ASJ_4.656x6.125_05.15.indd 1

5/27/15 12:13 PM

PROUD MEMBER

davenelson I plan on surfing more this summer, and making sure I’m out there when the big South Swells hit!

EDITOR’S NOTE

A summer of possibilities

How will you create an amazing season of adventure?

A

game changer

few years ago I participated in a weekend seminar called the Landmark Forum. Standing in front of a room of about one hundred total strangers I was describing what my life would look like if I achieved my potential.

Speaking into a microphone, I was tasked with sharing a mission statement for my life. Except that I was kind of faking it, and it showed. As I looked into the audience people seemed fidgety, and I could tell my words were not inspiring anyone.

After a minute or so of failing to inspire even myself on the subject of my own life, the group leader walked over and held his hand up. I don’t remember his exact words, but the gist was that I was painful to listen to. If I couldn’t even inspire myself, how did I expect to inspire others? I was politely invited to sit back down and consider that I was completely dead inside. Ouch.

Feeling a bit embarrassed but liking that I was being challenged, I walked back to my chair and sat down. This was going to be a lot of work. Watching others struggle to articulate an inspiring mission statement for their lives left me feeling a little better. At least I wasn’t the only one who felt dead inside.

My initial purpose for participating in the Landmark Forum was that I was at a career crossroads and I wasn’t sure about which direction to take. Feeling disempowered about reinventing myself at age 40, I was completely “stuck” between a desire to be successful and a lack of understanding about how to get there. All I knew was I needed to make a career change and this transition was challenging me on every level.

There were many thoughts going on inside my head, and over the course of the weekend I became clear that I had been stuck for quite some time, over a year, and this inability to move forward in my career was having a spillover effect on my family and my marriage.

So I was in trouble, but what could I do?

As the weekend progressed I began to move away from a feeling of hopelessness and I stopped beating myself up about the past and engaged in the formal process of creating possibilities for myself. This process of looking into the future and creating personal possibilities is very specific to

If you were to stand confidently in the realm of creating possibilities, what future would you create for yourself this summer?

8 ASJ—Aug/Sept 2011

Matt Niswonger in Yosemite with El Capitan in the background.

Landmark, and this process more than any other succeeded in breaking my internal logjam.

Almost three years later I look back on that weekend as the start of big changes in my career and life, and all for the better. These days I am working with a group of scientists using satellites to help farmers reduce water waste in large agricultural operations. I am totally inspired by this work. It’s hard to even relate to how I felt three years ago, because now I am absolutely thrilled with my career and see a bright future ahead.

There have been a few diversions along the journey since that weekend in San Francisco, but I am crystal clear on the fact that I started on a path towards my current vocation alongside one hundred strangers when I formally created the possibility of having a job that I love. That day I created a future for my self that is happening right now in real time as I write these words.

Now that I have seen first hand the powerful results that are available to me through the formal creation of possibilities, I have brought this approach to every aspect of my life.

Which brings me to the point I am making with this Editor’s Note: If you were to stand powerfully in the realm of creating possibilities, what future would you invent for yourself this summer? Long mountain bike rides with friends? Surfing five days a week? Going on a climbing trip to Yosemite to face your fears on a challenging big wall?

Kayaking a gnarly section of whitewater?

Something else?

MEDIUM HIKER CREW LIGHT HIKER CREW LIGHT HIKER QUARTER

AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES Sock Size By Toe Seam Color

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE X-LARGE XX-LARGE

Men’s Shoe

6-8

Women’s Shoe

5-7

12-14

Welcome to ASJ #85, our annual water issue. Feel free to use these pages to put yourself into a creative mindset and invent possibilities for your summer.

Inspired? Then we have done our job.

Create a possibility for yourself and your life and make it happen this summer.

Then send me an email and tell me about it: matt@adventuresportsjournal.com.

Thanks for reading!

— Matt Niswonger

527 E. Willson St. Niota, TN 37826 Toll Free 877-807-SOCK www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

7

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

grant program, Keen Effect. This program awards financial support to organizations dedicated to inspiring people to get outside. Spring 2015 grantees include First Descents, Muddy Sneakers, GirlVentures, Open Meadows, Green Thumbs, Growing Kids, and Sustainable Coastlines. Applications are open year round; Fall 2015 winners will be announced on National Public Lands Day, September 26. Learn more about the Keen Effect grant program at keenfootwear.com.

Photo: Tomas Ovalle, The Associated Press file

Dean Potter dies in BASE jumping accident in Yosemite Legendary climber Dean Potter and his friend Graham Hunt died May 16 in a wingsuit jump accident at Yosemite National Park. The free-spirited 43year old Potter was well known for his daring expression of what he referred to as “outdoor arts” which include solo climbing, wingsuit flying and slacklining. After being let go by sponsor Clif Bar last fall, Potter questioned the “homogenization” of the outdoor industry. “Outdoor Arts are beyond sport and for many of us it’s our spirituality.

The wilderness is infinite in what it offers.

Shouldn’t we question when the leaders

ASJ—Aug/Sept 8 ASJ — June/July2011 2015

of our community try to manipulate our culture into a monocrop?” Yosemite has banned BASE jumping since 1980, but that has not deterred those passionate about the activity. Potter professed to BASE jump not to flaunt the law but to express his freedom as a human being.

“We are the last of the Wild,” he said. “If we keep excluding the next most-wildcreature, sooner or later there will be nothing left.”

Keen announces grant winners Keen has announced the six nonprofit organizations receiving $10,000 each from the company’s semi-annual

Photo: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

Sierra Buttes and Ibis Cycles give back to Downieville trails Ibis Cycles once again proves its commitment to the mountain biking community by generously supporting Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship fundraising efforts to give Downieville’s world-class trails some much needed love. Learn more about the Five Bucks A Foot campaign (also supported by FOX and Shimano) and enter for your chance to win the Ibis bike of your choice (valued at over $10,000) at sierratrails.org.

Photo: Santa Barbara Adventure Co.

Santa Barbara outdoor industry affected by oil spill Outdoor adventure companies, hotels and other businesses are working hard to spread the word that the recent oil spill – which leaked over 20,000 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific, impacting nearly ten miles of coastline just north of Santa Barbara – is no reason to cancel vacation plans to the area.

Tourism industry staff have been fielding questions about the spill and assuring visitors that although a devastating occurance, it is not something that has impacted the entire Santa Barbara area.

Santa Barbara Adventure Co. leads kayaking trips throughout the area and assures visitors that there are plenty of beautiful beaches that are open and unaffected by the spill.

American Rivers shines spotlight on river pollution The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a list of rivers at a

crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and the Columbia River are the top two most threatened waterways.

California’s Smith River is listed in seventh place due to nickel mining proposals that threaten clean water, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

American Rivers also organizes National River Clean Up Day, an annual effort to remove litter and debris from America’s rivers and streams. Last year, an outstanding affiliation of organizations and communities worked with American Rivers to clean up their local waterways.

California’s largest tract of tidal salt marsh outside San Francisco Bay was one such area that received attention.

Working with staff from the Elkhorn Slough Foundation and Elkhorn Slough Reserve together with Keurig Green Mountain volunteers, 800 pounds of plastic agricultural waste and irrigation taping were removed from the slopes of this home to extraordinatry biological diversity.

For the complete list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, and information on National River Clean Up Day, visit AmericanRivers.org.

at home in nature

Big Sur International Marathon announces lottery registration for 2016 With unprecedented demand for entries, the Big Sur International Marathon will feature a new lotterydriven registration plan for its April 24, 2016 event. The annual race, set along California’s scenic Highway 1, is limited to 4,500 total marathon entrants including all special divisions and categories.

Registration for these lotteries runs from July 15th through July 28th. Considered one of the world’s top destination and scenic races, the Big Sur Marathon also offers shorter distances along the “ragged edge of the Western World.”Learn more and register at www.bsim.org.

™ ™

F

rom seaside getaways to mountain retreats, the Pacific Yurt goes where you want to be.

Call today for a brochure:

1.800.944.0240 www.yurts.com

Photo: O.A.R.S.

Chaco / O.A.R.S. team up

Dream trail opens to worldwide acclaim The final segment of the eagerly awaited and immensely popular 3.5 mile flow trail at Soquel Demonstration State Forest (SDSF) has been completed and the trail opened to the public in its entirety on Friday April 16, 2015.

The 3.5 mile feature-laden trail was a project of Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBoSC) and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) SDSF. The final volunteer trail work day was sponsored by Specialized Bicycles and took place on Tuesday April 14, during the week between the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival and the Sea Otter Classic in nearby Monterey. Specialized pro riders from around the world – including Christoph Sauser, Todd Wells, Matt Hunter, Hannah Barnes, Anneke Beerten, and Lea Davison – pitched in alongside Specialized employees and other flow trail volunteers. A Grand Opening celebration featuring refreshments, live music and a volunteer raffle took place on Saturday May 9, 2015. In the opening ceremony, SDSF Forest Manager Angela Bernheisel thanked the project’s volunteers and sponsors, noting “This trail adds more diversity and opportunity for recreation at SDSF.” Learn more about the SDSF Flow Trail at mbosc.org.

Cottage Grove, Oregon

No One Knows Yurts Like Pacific Yurts

TM

© PatitucciPhoto

Photo: Bruce Dorman

Leading outdoor footwear company Chaco has been signed on as the official footwear sponsor for river and sea outfitter O.A.R.S. Guides worldwide will be clad in Chacos, and provide input for product development and testing.

Chaco’s Manager Josh Weichhand explains, “Chaco was born on the water, so supporting river enthusiasts is what we do best, which is why our partnership with O.A.R.S. makes perfect sense.” Look for this partnership to provide engaging guide stories, videos and interviews, plus contests and giveaways as well. Visit chacos.com and oars.com for more info.

Photo: Northstar California Resort

Bike & Hike at Northstar Northstar’s Bike & Hike Park is now open Fridays through Sundays (although closed June 12 – 14) and then seven days a week from June 26 through August 16. With a wide array of mountain biking trails for all riding abilities, plus an extensive network of hiking paths, Northstar has something for everyone. Afternoon, all-day and unlimited summer season passes are available. Season passes allow additional access to other Vail Resorts including Kirkwood, Keystone, Canyons, and Vail.

Visit northstarcalifornia.com for more information.

ACT TRAIL PRO SERIES Perfect load transfer and superior breathability come together in the new ACT Trail Pro back system

www.deuter.com

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

9

EPiC: Environmental Partnership Campaign

California FarmLink Promoting sustainable agriculture by supporting the next generation of farmers

By Ariana Reguzzoni

I

t’s an alarming yet well-known statistic in the world of agriculture that the average age of the American small farmer is 58. As our farmers retire, will there be younger farmers coming in to replace them? In many cases, offspring and heirs have moved from the farm and are not interested in returning. The next generation of beginning and aspiring farmers, many of them first-timers, face big obstacles to getting started and succeeding as farmers. The top two are lack of access to land and lack of access to capital.

Without support from organizations like FarmLink, the next generation of small farms will cease to exist. As a result, the trend toward commercial agribusiness and away from family-owned and locally connected farming will only accelerate.

California FarmLink was founded in 1999 with the goal of keeping alive America’s small farm traditions. From the beginning, the non-profit connected retiring farmers to younger or beginning farmers and helped them establish land leases, succession plans, and mentorships to pass on their land and farming businesses.

Back then, FarmLink’s staff consisted of one part-time person working out of a small office in Sacramento.

Fifteen years later, California FarmLink has grown to 13 staff members in three regions across the state and has helped more than 3,000 farmers find, lease, and buy land and over 1,500 farmers start and grow their farm businesses. FarmLink has also created a unique statewide microfinancing program for beginning, limitedresource, immigrant and underserved farmers.

Land Access Program

Capital Access Program

Three program coordinators covering three different California regions (Central Coast, North Coast and Central Valley) spend their days working with farmers who are looking for varying sizes and types of property to farm — from less than one acre to 100 acres.

The organization has created an online land linking system to connect farmers with available land, enabling landowners to list properties, and landseekers to search the listings and contact landowners. Program coordinators visit retiring farmers and landowners to expand the land listings, assure that the properties are suitable for agriculture, and help prepare landowners for working with beginning farmers. They also coach beginning farmers on ways to seek and secure land tenure so they stay on and successfully farm the land they find.

When there is a fit between farmer and landowner, program coordinators are available to help negotiate and develop a lease that covers the issues and needs of both parties.

FarmLink also helps connect retiring farmers to resources to create viable succession plans, and runs a variety of workshops on all of these subjects to help educate the larger community. These events have shown that families are more likely to succeed in transitioning the farm to the next generation if FarmLink works consistently with that family, underlining the original mission of keeping more land in agriculture through generations.

All of this work has resulted in the nation’s most robust land access and linking program, with 25 to 30 new land tenure agreements, such as farm leases, purchases, or business successions, being completed each year.

Fifty years ago, community and rural banks understood and served small-scale and diversified farming. These lenders have all but disappeared — replaced by a network of large banks and Farm Credit lenders that seldom make agricultural loans under $250,000. Smaller loans (in some cases as small as $5,000) are needed by beginning, organic, and sustainable farmers for production, equipment, and infrastructure to start and build their enterprises. These growers, who are frequently first-time farmers, have few options for financing their businesses, yet their success is the foundation of local food systems.

Recognizing this gap in availability of small loans, FarmLink created its own revolving loan fund in 2010 and has successfully raised $2.7 million in loan capital, leveraging USDA Rural Development funds to obtain investments from banks, foundations and individuals.

In 2013, FarmLink received certification under the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and became the first CDFI to exclusively serve farmers.

FarmLink’s loan officers work with partner organizations such as the Agricultural and Land Based Training Association (ALBA) in Salinas to help beginning, low-income, and immigrant farmers to obtain funding to start and grow their own businesses. These growers face numerous obstacles that include limited credit history, language or cultural barriers, little traditional collateral, a need for small loans, and non-traditional business models. FarmLink, unlike other lending institutions, has the ability to work with them to overcome these obstacles and address their needs.

FarmLink loans enable growers to purchase production needs such as seed and plants, equipment, and farm supplies, and employ needed workers for production and marketing of a wide variety of crops, including vegetables, berries, herbs, eggs, poultry, and enterprises such as cheesemaking.

Another way FarmLink goes above and beyond the capabilities of larger lending

Without support from organizations like FarmLink, the next generation of small farms will cease to exist.

As a result, the trend toward commercial agribusiness and away from family-owned and locally connected farming will only accelerate.

ASJ—April/May 10 ASJ — June/July2013 2015

organizations is to PHOTOS provide one-on-one Main Image: Fiesta technical assistance Farm in Watsonville to help farmers worked with FarmLink manage business to help business. financing and build Middle: FarmLink clients Chris Hay (of long-term viability Say Hay Farms) with in the mainstream landowners Pat Meade economy. and Jon Robbins of Farmers learn Yolo County. Circle: about operating, FarmLink client Delfina infrastructure, and Corcoles on her farm in land loans, how to the Salinas Valley. prepare for taxes, develop cash-flow projections, build, maintain and repair credit, and develop relationships with a variety of farm lenders. This assistance and support helps ensure that the farmers are able to effectively use the funds they borrow to advance their financial independence.

Since the inception of the loan program, FarmLink has closed 100 flexibly structured and affordable loans averaging $27,000 in size, for a total loan volume of almost $3 million. In 2014 alone, they made 42 loans totaling $1.2 million.

FarmLink is preparing for continued growth, and is launching a land loan program in 2015 to help organic and sustainable farmers purchase property to gain land security and invest in long term improvements to soil and infrastructure.

Throughout its development, FarmLink has sought economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in its support for beginning and retiring farmers and landowners and with continued support from government and the community, they plan to continue to fill this unique role for years to come.

For more information visit FarmLink at californiafarmlink.org

Summer at Costanoa The adventure starts here!

Angels on the PCT “Trail magic” makes spectacular section of the PCT possible

By Matt Johanson

T

hough hundreds of hikers per year attempt the 2,600mile Pacific Crest Trail, my cousin Zach Padlo and I hit the wall around mile 26. We weren’t rookies but the first days are always tough when starting at high elevation, like 9,624-foot Sonora Pass.

For two days, we labored in thin air under heavy packs, clearing the trail’s highest pass between Yosemite and Canada while attempting an ambitious pace of 15 miles per day. As much as we enjoyed the wildflowers and rocky scenery, the last miles leading to Ebbetts Pass beat up both our bodies and morale.

Then we passed a cardboard sign inviting us to “trail magic.” After a short detour, we met a PCT veteran and three companions who welcomed us into their camp and offered us cold drinks and free dinner. How could we say no? As soon as we sat down, they gave us plates of fresh fruit, and within minutes, hot cheeseburgers. My dog Sam even got meaty treats and a dish of water. A wonderful hour later, we continued hiking with muscles and spirits refreshed.

We had met our first “trail angels,” the Heaven-sent friends of PCT backpackers who greet hikers with food and drinks. “I’ve hiked the entire trail three times, and I want to give something back,” explained our new friend called “Lizard.” Everyone has a trail name up here; his companions included Burger Meister and Forever Fifty. They weren’t the last angels who blessed us on our journey.

The Pacific Crest Trail runs along the west coast of California, Oregon and Washington, from Mexico to Canada. The hardy few hikers who complete it each year take around five months. Zach, Sam and I trekked a fiveday segment from Sonora Pass on Highway 108 to Echo Summit near Lake Tahoe.

After Ebbetts Pass, our next segment began with a pleasant night beneath the stars at Sherrold Lake; Zach and I enjoyed it, at least. But Sam, unused to sleeping outdoors, growled at many unseen critters in the night.

The next day, we enjoyed the lakes, streams, meadows and peaks of the Mokelumne Wilderness, feeling stronger as our packs got lighter.

Meeting our fellow backpackers was also enjoyable.

Many were thru hikers who began their journeys in the Southern California desert months before. Along the way they acquired impossible strength, trim waistlines and distinctive trail names like Danger, Polar Bear and Yard Sale. Hailing from dozens of states and countries, they share a friendly outlook, and they don’t look down on those who hike for days rather than months.

On our map, the hike to Carson Pass appeared milder than our earlier segment, but outdoors types know well how looks can deceive. Sun, rain, steep switchbacks and tricky route-finding combined to make it longer and harder than expected. Two beat backpackers and one pooped puppy staggered to Carson Pass on our fourth day.

Trail angels came to our aid again, refreshing us with fruit, chips and ice-cold sodas. Their selfless support proved that the PCT has become not just a trail, but a community. Hikers get to experience the west coast of the United States, and trail angels get the rewarding satisfaction of helping them. “They’re so grateful,” said one. “It’s like seeing kids’ eyes get big when they see Halloween candy.” Though I’ve hiked many years in the Sierra Nevada and elsewhere, I’ve never seen anything like it.

Trail angels came to our aid again, refreshing us with fruit, chips and ice-cold sodas. Their selfless support proved that the PCT has become not just a trail, but a community.

ASJ—Aug/Sept 12 ASJ — June/July2011 2015

We recovered enough to hike three more miles that evening, camping in the lush, wildflower-filled Meiss Meadow. We slept beside the historic cabin built by the Meiss family in the 1870s. Though the building is closed in summer, it stands as a reminder of life in a simpler time when mail arrived only rarely but the Truckee River provided fish regularly.

After about 65 miles, I felt we had adjusted to the rigors of the trail and the wilderness. That goes for my fourlegged friend too. A pack of coyotes howled late in the night but Sam didn’t make a sound, simply raising his head and ears before returning to sleep, snuggled beside me.

A final push through El Dorado National Forest took us to Echo Summit. One shouldn’t expect help from trail angels, who won’t always be found, but I was glad to get it a final time from friendly folks who gave us juice and homemade cookies. My nephew Benjamin Story also qualified as a trail angel by driving more than 350 miles to get us on short notice.

The hike still changed us for the better. There’s something unique and special about trekking through pristine wilderness that’s seldom visited while also experiencing unbridled kindness from the world’s nicest strangers.

Most of the PCT remains for us to do, but I suspect the day will come when we also visit the trailheads not to hike but to give back.

Matt Johanson authored “Yosemite Adventures,” a new guide to 50 hikes, climbs and winter treks. His writing can be found at mattjohanson.com.

Your pix could be in our next ad… #

#LOWABOOTS #

100% HANDCRAFTED IN EUROPE

THE SUMMIT OF MT. KILIMANJARO. THE TAJ MAHAL. BONNAROO MUSIC FESTIVAL. CHAMONIX. THE MASAI MARA OF KENYA. THE PEAKS OF ALASKA. SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA. AFGHANISTAN. ICELAND’S TUNDRA & GLACIERS.

THE WASATCH MOUNTAINS. THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK. THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL. TRAIL. FROM IRISH SEA TO NORTH SEA, UK. ZION NATIONAL PARK. THE ADIRONDACKS. THE AMAZON JUNGLE. GREAT WALL OF CHINA…

WHERE WILL YOU GO IN YOUR RENEGADES? Since 1997, millions of adventurers have worn LOWA Renegades to explore our big beautiful world. Many of these folks became Renegade fans along the way and shared their photos and stories with us.

We’ve made a few tweaks over the years to the Renegade, but its acclaimed out-of-the-box comfort, über-high quality nubuck leather, premium components like GORE-TEX® durably waterproof and breathable linings and VIBRAM® outsoles, injected PU (polyurethane) MONOWRAP® midsole with full-length stabilizer — not to mention 100% European handcrafted construction — have endured, making the Renegade the world’s best loved hiking boot. ter The Renegade family of boots has styles for men and women in both mid- and low-cut heights, comes in over Cen o ® m e 50 color-ways, has GORE-TEX product and leather-lined options, and is available in medium, wide and narrow ur D t. at o Summi widths and extended sizes. Visit www.lowaboots.com to find the right Renegade for you.

E E r R r or F nne nte As f on Do emoce LOWA boots and shoes can be found at these specialty outdoor retailers: W f LO dge /d air o aan Lo ts.com p a p o y S Tr Clair Taplowabo U Renegade GTX® Mid N lub’s ww.

O E Available for men & women. Men‘s asphalt/green shown here.

HIK Sierra C ore at w A e m E h TAK at t Find out ® ® ® ® GORE-TEX , GTX , GORE , and GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY and design are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. VIBRAM®, the Octagon Logo, and the Yellow Octagon Logo and the color Canary Yellow are registered trademarks of Vibram S.p.A. ©2015 LOWA Boots, LLC.

LOWA AdventureSportsJournal_June2015_Final.indd 1

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

13

5/15/15 2:27 PM

Athlete Profile

Patti Bauerfiend A 13 hour, 28 mile swim across the Monterey Bay

By Leonie Sherman

T

housands of tourists flock to the Monterey Bay to sail, surf, and explore. Patti Bauerfiend comes to swim.

“I think some people stand at the bottom of a cliff and wonder if it can be climbed,” Patti told me. “The first time I stood on the shore in Santa Cruz and looked across at the Monterey peninsula, I just wondered if I could swim to the other side.”

She tried three times before proving she could. At 4 AM on August 18, 2014, she slipped into the waves and left the glittering lights of Santa Cruz behind. Thirteen hours later her feet touched sand in Monterey and she became the second person to cross the Bay ”English Channel style,” swimming with only a bathing suit and goggles.

It’s 25 miles across the Monterey Bay, but Patti actually swam 28 due to winds carrying her slightly off course.

“Time-wise, this was the longest swim of my life,” Patti explains. “Distance-wise the swim around Manhattan Island was slightly farther.”

Patti began swimming competitively at the age of five through a YMCA swim team in her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. In college she began competing in triathlons, which sparked her interest in open water.

“Open water swimming is a lot like mountain climbing,” Patti explains. “We get to know water the way climbers get to know different kinds of rock. The physical challenge is so dynamic; you can never repeat the same swim. It’s a creative process and you have to adapt and work with what you’ve got.”

When she moved to California she traded in running shoes and road bikes for a swimsuit and goggles. “There are so many great places to swim out here,” Patti gushes. “The San Francisco Bay has great landmarks so navigation is easy, but the tides are super challenging.

The Monterey Bay is protected so it’s all about the wildlife. Lake Tahoe is fresh water so it’s less buoyant and you have to swim at night to avoid the afternoon winds, so it feels like swimming through stars.”

Among the buffet of open water challenges in California, swimming across the Monterey Bay stood out, partly because only one other person had ever done it. Only a few months after Patti completed her swim another woman successfully crossed as well.

“Swimming the Monterey Bay is sort of the ultimate exercise in problem-solving,” Patti admits with a sigh.

“You need a boat, you need a crew of reliable people, you need to gather data from NOAA about tides and winds, you need to figure out how to ingest enough calories without touching the boat... in some ways it’s really a logistical challenge.”

But no single person can tackle that challenge alone. “It takes a village for one person to swim across the bay,” Patti explained. “I was humbled and honored by how many people were willing to support me. One guy swam with me for five hours. He got stung by jellyfish so many times he was practically immobilized by the toxins.”

Not surprising, since jellyfish terminated Patti’s first two attempts to swim across the Bay. “Pacific Nettles are so ethereal and otherworldly beautiful PHOTOS: in the aquarium,” Patti Main image: Patti swimming says with a shudder. “But the bay. Top right: Smiling swimming through them after a good swim (Kate is like running through a Webber). Left: 2014 Monterey swarm of bees... in your Bay Sunrise. Corner: 2013 Monterey Bay swells. Below: underwear.”

Kayak support crew feeding After repeated Patti during her swim. exposures, Patti has developed a severe allergic reaction to jellyfish. “My throat

“Open water swimming is a lot like mountain climbing. We get to know water the way climbers get to know different kinds of rock. The physical challenge is so dynamic; you can never repeat the same swim. It’s a creative process, you have to adapt and work with what you’ve got.” swells up and I can go into anaphylactic shock,” Patti explains. “My crew needs to carry an epipen.”

Just another problem to be solved. “Some people suggested I swim with nets in front of me to sweep jellyfish out of the way,” Patti said. “But I don’t want to harm them, I’m in their environment.”

Fortunately for Patti, a scientist in Israel designed a jellyfish repellent that prevents the creatures from releasing their toxins. “He sent me the stuff for free and I’ve never even met the guy,” Patti explained. “I mix it up with lanolin and Desitin to make a sticky stinky white paste and cover myself head to toe in the stuff...” She pauses. “Yeah open water swimming in the Monterey Bay is a really sexy sport.”

Swimming for thirteen hours across the Bay is also an incredibly repetitive sport. “A lot of the challenge is mental, it’s definitely a form of meditation,” Patti says. “You have to keep your mind occupied and guard vigilantly against negative thoughts. I make lists of things to think about while I’m swimming.”

So as she is hauling herself through frigid water past jellyfish and sharks, she lists things she’s grateful for, birthday gifts she has received and alphabetical synonyms for the male member. To combat hypothermia she visualizes warm things, like a log on a fire. And she thinks about the children.

Her swim didn’t just raise the bar in open water swimming, it raised four thousand dollars for Afghan refugees. “I tutor these kids one or two nights a week,” Patti told me. “Really I did the swim for them. The money I raise allows these kids to build new lives here.”

And when things got hard on her swim, the kids are there to hep her out. “In my darkest moments, when I am struggling the most, I remember that no amount of jellyfish or cold or wind can compare to the suffering these kids have been through. Thinking about them is ultimately what fuels me and allows me to push through the pain and hardship.”

To learn more about Patti and her work with Trust in Education (TIE) visit her at ikeepswimming.com

14 ASJ ASJ—June/July — June/July2012 2015

WHAT’S MISSING FROM THIS PICTURE? (besides the top of the mountain.)

ANSWER: YOU If you can’t make it to Mount St Helens, try one of our great Bay Area maps.

Golden Gate-Mount Tam (Map 1187S) details more than 400 miles of closer-tohome trails. It’s waterproof, tear resistant, ultralight, and solar powered.

Or pick up Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument (Map 332S), new for 2015. It was mapped by Green Trails boots on the ground crews in 2014.

Our maps are available at select bookstores and all the best outdoor stores.

Nelly’s Pics

Liquid Imagery

Adam Replogle Hometown: Santa Cruz

Stance: Regular

Specialty: Carving

Sponsors: Nowadays I really don’t have sponsors. More like supporters such as Billabong, Billabong Surfshop, Aloha Grille, Channel Islands, Surftech and Future Fins. These companies support me and I support them. I don’t just like the products, I like the people who work there as well. They are like extended family. Bud, Sammy, Numa, Dustin, Tom – thanks!

Favorite waves: My favorite wave is one where there is no one out. I surf a lot with Noi, Homer, Marcel and Ryan. We surf alone all the time in really fun surf. I like overhead hollow waves where there are a lot of sharks and old men.

Goals: I still have goals with my surfing. I’m still looking for that perfect board. Still trying to ride a wave to the best of my ability. I have goals in my business life as well.

To be successful. Goals with my family are to create good memories. I guess the goal in life is to find a balance with family, work and surfing... balance brings happiness.

What do you like to do when you aren’t surfing? I enjoy working at Billabong Surfshop. I really do. Getting people on the best board possible for their skill level and seeing their stoke after we nail it, gives me great satisfaction. Also, I like doing yard work; pulling weeds and mowing the lawn; it’s like therapy and doesn’t cost that much.

Thoughts on the lineup: We were all kooks at one time in the surf. We didn’t wake up ripping. We all could do a better job of helping the entry level surfer. Maybe you give someone a pointer or some good advice to help them out. We could give a few more waves to other fellow surfers and spread the stoke. Just a thought!

Women on waves: I predict that in the future Santa Cruz will have more women surfers per capita than any other surf town in California.

To see more of Nelly’s photography, visit adventuresportsjournal.com/nelly 16 16 ASJ ASJ—June/July — June/July2012 2015

34 ASJ—April/May 2013

CALIFORNIA BREWING

Session Beers Three session beers worth earning and the stories behind them

By Derrick Peterman

J

ust what is a “session beer” anyway?

Terms like Saison, Hefeweizen, IPA and now session beer entering our beer vocabulary can be confusing to those just looking for something good to drink. Session beer makes things even worse because the term is rather vague and subjective.

Session beer loosely describes beers low in alcohol and easy to drink yet flavorful such that they can be effortlessly enjoyed in a casual setting. Beer writer Lew Bryson, considered an authority on session beers, has tried to capture their essence, describing them as: containing 4.5% alcohol by volume or less; flavorful

enough to be interesting; balanced enough for multiple pints; conducive to conversation; and reasonably priced.

While beer geeks continue to passionately debate these gray areas, plenty of session beers are enjoyed around the campfire, on the beach or along the trails by people who don’t bother with stuff like that.

I’m a big fan of session beers myself and spoke with the brewmasters responsible for three of my favorites.

One of the best things about different beers is that there’s usually a story behind each one of them, and session beers are no different.

Strike Brewing’s Blonde Ale

For Strike Brewing brewmaster Drew Ehrlich, Strike Brewing Blonde Ale started as homebrew for his light beer drinking friends. “I had a bunch of friends into the light lager craze, and I wanted to brew something that wasn’t going to scare them away,” explains Ehrlich of those home brewing days years before he cofounded Strike Brewing. “So I used pretty simple malt and added a little hops at the end to give them something extra they weren’t getting from what they usually drank. It’s one of my originals.”

PHOTOS What makes Strike Above: Strike Brewing. Right: Blonde work Anderson is the simplicity Valley Brewing Company’s of the clear malt windmills. coupled with its light earthy bitterness. Ehrlich accomplishes these earthy flavors with Cascade hops added midway through the boil. “It’s pretty standard brewing practice that adding hops at the beginning of the boil adds bitterness, adding them midway through the boil adds flavor and towards the end of the boil adds aroma,” explains Ehrlich. “So midway and towards the end of the boil

Doing great work in California?

We want to help you reach your highest potential!

The EPiC program is ASJ’s way to spotlight the exemplary work of some of California’s non-profits that are dedicated to promoting stewardship and access for the adventure sports community throughout California.

EPiC

Adventure Sports Journal’s ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP CAMPAIGN — June/July2013 2015 18 ASJ ASJ—April/May

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.

We encourage outdoor non-profit organizations based in California to contact us for the chance to be featured in our publication and receive FREE display and web advertising space.

For more information, email asjstaff@adventuresportsjournal.com.

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

adventuresportsjournal.com • facebook.com/ASJmag

Photo: Conrad Fries Photography

Session beer loosely describes beers low in alcohol and easy to drink yet flavorful such that they can be effortlessly enjoyed in a casual setting.

I add Cascade hops to give it a bitterness you might not have with a super light beer.”

While session beers have become popular only recently, Strike Brewing was into session beers from the very beginning when the brewery opened way back in 2010. In addition to a session Blonde Ale, they brew session Brown and Wit beers all year ‘round. “We really enjoy session beers – they’re great for drinking a few with your friends without getting wasted and we love session beers for that,” says Ehrlich. “They’re great for people who are active or working out, who want a beer at the end. Session beers provide lots of flavor without all the alcohol. Session beers are good social beers. That’s why we strive to have a lot of good session beer available at any given time.”

Anderson Valley Brewing’s The Kimmie, The Yink, and the Holy Gose

A light sour and salty beer based on the nearly extinct German Gose style is one of the more unlikely brewing success stories of the past year. While sour and salty hardly sounds like a winning combination, those flavors coupled with a low 4.2% abv come together to create a unique and highly refreshing brew that’s become a big hit with California’s craft beer drinkers.

According to Anderson Valley Brewmaster Fal Allen, the beer was created largely by chance in the collaborative way he develops recipes.

“At the time, we were experimenting with a sour mash and someone suggested we try brewing a Gose. Only a couple breweries in Germany were brewing this style at the time. So we tried that and we all really liked it.” Of course, with most beers, there’s a process in tweaking the recipe to get the final brew. “It took us about four or five months and four or five test batches to finally get it down,” recalls Allen. “It wasn’t too difficult figuring out the grain bill and hops for the beer. The bigger challenge was determining how sour or salty to make it, and what level of ‘funkiness’ it should have.”

With the success of Gose, Allen started experimenting by adding spices and fruit to it in order to give it an extra dimension.

He had high hopes for a Tamarind Gose, but it turned out to be a disaster.

“Tamarind is also sour, and sour on sour is just too much.” He tried fruits like tangerine and grapefruit. Then he found the tanginess of blood orange created better flavors and aromas. “And besides, it gives the beer a cool name!” said Allen.

Anderson Valley released Blood Orange Gose last year.

Both the regular Gose and Blood Orange Gose are part of Anderson Valley’s Highway 128 Series of session beers. Gose and Blood Orange Gose are the only beers in the series available for retail sale, but stop by the brewery tap room in Boonville and you’ll likely find a couple of Fal Allen’s other session beer creations on tap.

21st Amendment Brewery’s Down to Earth

One beer that helped start the wave of popularity for session beers was 21st Amendment’s “Bitter American,” a hoppy brew with only 4.4% abv, released in 2011. “We first brewed Bitter American at our small San Francisco brewpub in 2006 and then canned and distributed it in Spring 2011,” explains 21st Amendment Brewmaster Shaun O’Sullivan. 21st Amendment packages their beers in cans with striking cartoon artwork based on moments of American history. In coming up with the Bitter American artwork, O’Sullivan recalls, “We were thinking ‘Who is the bitterest American?’ and after lots of discussion and beers we decided it was Ham the space chimp who was the first American in space back in 1961. Here was a chimpanzee plucked from the wilds of Africa and trained to push buttons, strapped to a rocket and hurled into space.”

After a few years, O’Sullivan decided to update the Bitter American recipe which eventually became Down to Earth. “Craft beer drinkers’ tastes have evolved and so have mine and I saw Down to Earth as an opportunity to mix it up and look into newer hop varieties. I added a lot more late kettle additions with Cascade and Mosaic hops giving the beer a more chewy citrus flavor and then dry hopped it with Centennial and Mosaic hops adding pine, citrus, mango and tropical aromas.”

With a change in the recipe, it only seemed to make sense to update the story of Ham. “Once we went down that path we thought it would be fun to play with the package design and continue the story of Ham. We brought Ham back home from space to a sunny beach, relaxed and stretched out in his hammock made from his space capsule’s parachute.”

In addition to giving the story of Ham a happy ending, you’ll find Down to Earth a lively yet easy drinking brew.

Derrick Peterman is a runner who happens to love beer. You can read more about his recent runs and favorite beer on his blog at beer-runner.blogspot.com

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

19

Paddle Yosemite

Paddling

Forget the trails, float through the Valley

by Haven Livingston

R

ecently a select group of Yosemite visitors soaked in views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and every other stately Yosemite Valley landmark. This sightseeing tour happened without setting foot on a trail or driving a car, and no, they weren’t looking at Google Earth either. They were floating down the Merced River in kayaks and rafts. I was honored to be among them, and now that the rules have changed, you can do it too.

Back in September 2013, I reported for ASJ on the potential for Yosemite National Park to open access to paddling on Park rivers for the first time in over 40 years as part of the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers Wild and Scenic Management Plans. The paddling population was anxiously hopeful for the final outcome. Allowing paddling would be a tiny, yet important component of the grander plan to preserve the outstanding and remarkable values of this Wild and Scenic River. With a total of fifteen years and 21 million dollars invested into it, the Merced River Management Plan is complete and the final outcome for paddling is an open river! Well, at least when there is enough water to float.

“We want to embrace paddling, we want it to work, and we want it to be successful and that’s what this whole day is really about,” said Yosemite National Park Chief of Staff, Mike Gauthier on the morning of the inaugural paddle. Gauthier is an outspoken advocate for paddling in the Park and joined us in an inflatable kayak all the way down to Pohono Bridge take-out.

The welcoming committee at the river’s edge consisted of Yosemite Superintendent Don Neubacher and Chief Ranger Kevin Killian, while our group spanned the range of paddling history from Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne first descensionist Richard Montgomery to long standing ARTA nonprofit manager Steve Welch, lifetime river advocate Bob Center and American Whitewater’s Dave Steindorf, with all sorts of river enthusiasts and advocates in between. Neubacher wasn’t exactly jumping up and down in excitement like some of us were, but he was supportive nonetheless, going to the extent of signing a special use permit for us the morning of our float since the final compendium (the actual rules and regulations for the Park) had yet to be completed.

“To open up the river was an effort, but a worthwhile effort as long as we can protect the values that the Park and Merced River Plan were established for. I think we are furthering the advocacy of protecting the Park with you all being here,” Killian said.

“There’s a lot to learn today and it represents that the Park is committed to figuring out a way to keep the river open to providing boater access and making it as hassle free as possible.”

The established put-in for the Valley float starts from Clarks Bridge near the stables.

Take out locations will be determined after the Park Service observes what paddlers’ habits are. The Service is also being a bit laissez faire about permitting. A self-

For over six miles the vistas are stunning and uninterrupted by stop signs and pedestrians.

20 ASJ ASJ—April/May 20 — June/July2013 2015

registration may be installed at the put in, but for now, the park is relying on the self-policing of paddlers to make sure we keep things tidy, quiet and in reasonable sized groups. Issues will be addressed if they arise.

Steindorf lauds the Yosemite staff for keeping an open mind and encouraging discussions throughout the entire planning process. “They made it easy to sit down and talk about possibilities,” said Steindorf. Talking about the issue may seem like a given, but discussing paddling in Yellowstone National Park has been made into a taboo topic by the superintendent there. This may change with proposed legislation by Wyoming Representative Cynthia Lummis that would require the park to at least study and reconsider their management of noncommercial paddling. Yosemite’s staff was silent on this topic, but it’s clear they feel eyes watching them in their process to see what effect it may have on the push for paddling in the other “Y” park.

Out on the water, it was impossible not to fall into a Yosemite Valley trance. At the low water level, the river was a perfect conveyor belt on which to kick back, stare up in amazement and forget about the rest of the world. For over six miles the vistas are stunning and uninterrupted by stop signs and pedestrians. Pocket beaches dot the shores and enticed at least a couple of paddlers in our group to take a nap on the fine granite sand.

The bridge at El Cap meadow provides an easy exit to the Class I reach. Those of us who continued on past the meadow were treated to unfettered views of Leaning

Photos: Main Image: Tower and Bridal Paddlers enjoying Veil Falls and amazing views from a handful of the water (Phil Boyer). fun Class II-III Above: Phil Boyer stoked boulder hopping to see El Cap from the rapids, which river (Haven Livingston). at higher water Bottom Left: Paddlers on become Class the Merced (Phil Boyer).

III-IV. Missing Top: A view of Half Dome our take out just (Dave Steindorf). Bottom: Paddlers with Sentinel downstream of Rock in the background Pohono Bridge (Dave Steindorf). would mean almost certain death or at least a horrendous beat down.

Of course there are a few gnarly paddlers out there who will love hop scotching through this Class V-V+ section that follows as the river drops dramatically out of the park between car sized boulders and log jams.

For first time visitors, a trip down the river could be considered the perfect one day introduction to Yosemite – away from the crowds, soaking in all the sights, and drifting into the peacefulness of the old time Valley. For grizzled paddlers, it’s worth trading the whitewater for the most scenic one day paddle you may ever do. In fact, it’s a good thing there aren’t any rapids, they would be too distracting from the scenery!

Something else Class V boaters can look forward to soon: the opening of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne! Come prepared for a Class V take out: from Pate Valley a 3,700 ft elevation gain over 1.3 miles leads to another 3 miles hike to the road. Find the most up to date info at AmericanWhitewater.org under “Rivers.”

Technique Clinic CALIFORNIA’S TOP 25 ADVENTURE CHECKLIST:

Raft the Tuolumne River

Located just outside Yosemite National Park The Wild & Scenic Tuolumne River thunders down from the High Sierra of Yosemite National Park and offers 18 miles of nearly continuous Class IV champagne whitewater.

Taking it to the River Tips for new whitewater SUP thrills

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

By Haven Livingston

I

f flatwater stand up paddling isn’t providing the thrill it once did, take it to the river and test your finesse with downriver SUP. Before jumping in over your head, know that river SUP is a potentially serious undertaking because the water can be relentless and overwhelming. This creates hazards that an untrained river runner may not expect or understand, so starting out with professional instruction should be number one on your list if you want to try your hand at river SUP. Once you’ve taken a swiftwater safety course and had a professional introduction to moving water, continue to get comfortable with how your board reacts to moving current. Rocking of the board should be absorbed by bending at your knees and being “Elvis in the pelvis” while keeping the upper body upright and stable. This keeps your weight balanced over the center of your feet.

Bending too much at the waist before you’ve mastered compound paddle strokes will bring your weight forward onto the balls of your feet and send you headfirst off the bow of your board.

This leads to rule number one in

swiftwater: don’t put your feet down in moving water. Foot entrapment is a leading cause of river accidents. If falling off is inevitable, aim for a butt first landing. There are no known butt entrapments on record.

Start on Class I moving water before going into Class II rapids and focus on catching eddies. These will be your best friend in the river to slow you down, giving you a chance to see what’s downstream. Try out different stances – parallel feet or staggered feet front to back – as you practice paddling over riffles. As you move into Class II whitewater remember that you can always drop to your knees to maintain stability while navigating through the peaks and troughs of wave trains.

Eventually you can work your way up to a balanced standing position as your core grows stronger and you get a hang of the rhythm of the river.

As when trying any new thing, be ready to eat a little slice of humble pie. River SUP isn’t the most graceful of sports, but your smile at the end will tell you it’s worth it.

Why choose O.A.R.S.?

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.

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

Advanced inflatable kayaks The AdvancedFrame® Kayak delivers the portability and high performance you’re looking for at a very reasonable price. Go anywhere in the world with no roof rack required! Simply inflate and hit the water in minutes.

AdvancedFrame® Length: 10’5” Width: 32” Max.Wt.: 300 lbs

The evolution of inflatable kayaks™

See our complete line of products and find a dealer near you.

AdvancedElements.com www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

21

Below The Tahoe Rim Trail:

New Adventure

With water levels at an all-time low, it’s easy to imagine the 72-mile hike along Lake Tahoe’s shores

By Tim Hauserrman

T

he Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop around Lake Tahoe. It traverses the side of lofty mountains, and meanders along ridgelines high above Lake Tahoe. It passes by sparkling mountain lakes and saunters through deep forests of red fir and western white pine. It’s well worth the two weeks it takes to hike it. But wouldn’t it be cool to hike a 72-mile version instead?

Our recent drought has left Lake Tahoe well below its natural rim. The Truckee River, instead of being a bustle of watery energy, is now a shadow of its former self.

While walking along Tahoe’s increasingly expansive shoreline this winter a crazy idea came to mind. What would it be like to actually walk along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe? Instead of glorious glimpses of the lake from a distance, you would be walking right next to it.

You could hear the waves, and whenever your heart desired it, take a good stare into her crystal clear waters.

Instead of 26,000 feet of climbing and an equal amount of bone jarring descent over 165 miles, you would have a civilized 72 miles of gorgeous, mostly level walking.

Wait, wait, don’t start stuffing your backpack yet. While everything below the natural rim is considered public land, just above the high water mark there are tons of monster homes owned by folks who might be less then thrilled with you camping on their lawn or going pee pee in their bushes. There are also perhaps some steep cliffs that might require you to get wet. And then, there are lots of bouldery and rocky sections. But it’s fun to imagine ... and perhaps try out a few sections.

Let’s imagine the route. We begin in Tahoe City at the Truckee River Dam, and then go clockwise, just like the guidebook to the Tahoe Rim Trail. We start out with easy walking along the paved pathway just above the lake’s shore to the campground on the eastern edge of town. Now it’s time to start trekking along the wide rocky beach. In about a mile, you reach a steep bank, with homes sitting high above. The beach widens as you walk past Star Harbor, public restrooms and the Coast Guard Station. Next skirt across the little peninsula that is known as Lake Forest Island when the water is high.

Now you have a lovely stroll below fascinating eroded

22 ASJ ASJ—June/July — June/July2012 2015

sandstone cliffs to the Skylandia public beach and pier, with restrooms and picnic tables just up the bluff.

The sandiness continues into the Dollar Point subdivision, but as you approach the point itself, the terrain becomes bouldery, and drops off quickly from the shore. Either a quick swim, or some clamoring through manzanita might be in order. Roll along the shore passing the Chinquapin condos and beautiful homes to reach Waterman’s Landing, a small cafe just above pebbly Carnelian Bay beach. You’ve walked 5 miles. More rocky terrain brings you around Flick Point, and on to Tahoe Vista ... where an especially long, wide and lovely beach takes you all the way through Kings Beach. A few homeowners have created rock walls well out onto the beach, but they are easy to negotiate.

You pass a string of public facilities before hitting the boulders again near the Nevada border. A quick word of advice: in California, it is legal to walk in the area between the low and high water mark. In Nevada, you are only allowed to walk below the low water mark. In other words, you’re gonna get wet if you want to avoid trespassing.

Just at the Nevada state line is the spectacularly beautiful Buck’s Beach with its to-die-for combination of boulders and sand. You’ve reached what is normally a sublime place to wind your kayak amongst the boulders and patches of green water just off shore, but trying to walk this stuff requires the skill to play in the rocks, and some of those rocks might be slimy. Wear river shoes.

You pass some spectacularly large homes, at the base of the steep slope that makes up Crystal Bay, before reaching the northern terminus of the lake at the row of lakeside condos that make up the beginning of Incline Village. Now you pass perhaps the most expensive string of fancy homes on the lake. Here you will see huge beaches that will provide a lovely stroll. A word of warning: Some of these beaches sport pools, picnic tables and other public looking facilities, but they are not for you, unless you own property in Incline. Hungry or thirsty? Stop in at the Long Eagle Grille right on the beach for eats and drinks. At the end of Incline, you start

While Sou th Lake Ta hoe is a busy place , it’s mostl y level and sandy alon g the shore , so enjoy your romp . It’s all on e big beach ... u ntil you ge t to Tahoe Keys. A ha rbor. Not s ure what you do the re. Swim? heading south on the east side PHOTOS of the lake, and find a mix Top: Hurricane Bay on West of lovely little beaches, Shore. Left bottom: Commons and gigantic boulder Beach, Tahoe City. Right bottom: fields. Next you reach Tahoe Vista. Right page top: East shore beaches. Right page perhaps the nicest beach bottom: Near Emerald Bay. of all, the sublime Sand Harbor.

The fun continues south of Sand Harbor. More bits of sandy wonderfulness, more gigantic boulders, until you reach George Whittell’s famous Thunderbird Lodge.

Most of the east shore of Lake Tahoe was once owned

by Whittell, and his estate is a fascinating combination of eccentricity and beauty. Just a bit further south is Chimney Beach. Soon, doffing your clothes becomes an option as you’ve reached a clothing optional area … just remember to put them back on when you come back to the civilized world. Now Highway 28 highway lies far to the east, so except for the hikers who have hiked down from the road, and the myriad boats coming over to swim in the warm coves, you will have the place to yourself. Go by not so secret Secret Harbor, then see Whittell’s summer cabin of stone at Skunk Harbor. Next stop, Glenbrook, a lovely cove and one of Tahoe’s oldest communities. While loaded with logging history, it’s very private. Walk quietly.

With the highway now returned to the lake’s edge, you wind by the homes of Logan Shoals, and are obliged to sneak up to the road to go through Cave Rock. More homes await at Skyland before you reach the busy beehive of Zephyr Cove. It has a sandy beach and is the home of the MS Dixie paddlewheel. A bit more hopping and skipping brings you to the mile long Nevada Beach, one of the lake’s best, with lakeside campsites. Skirt past the lakeside Edgewood Golf Course and you are back in California and the busy burg of South Lake Tahoe.

While South Lake Tahoe is a busy place, it’s mostly level and sandy along the shore, so enjoy your romp. It’s all one big beach ... until you get to Tahoe Keys. A harbor.

Not sure what you do there. Swim? Take a long walk around it? But once you do, a string of beaches await: Pope, Camp Richardson, the Valhalla Center and Baldwin Beach. It’s all quite nice, with just a bit of rockiness before reaching the southern tip of Emerald Bay. While walking along the shore of the bay is probably possible, why not jump on the lovely Rubicon Trail which sits just above the shore. It takes you to Vikingsholm, before

Become a Tahoe Keeper and learn how to self-inspect for aquatic invasive species.

CLEAN

DRAIN

DRY

TAHOE KEEPERS

you head along the north side of the bay, passing right through the boat campground, a relaxing place to camp.

Three more trail miles brings you past eagle and osprey nests to the incredible Bliss State Park beach and campground.

Take a break on this blissful beach, or keep walking, because the sand of the Gold Coast is just as spectacular. The awesomely wide and spectacular beach passes ancient homes on multi-acre parcels, before eventually narrowing and becomes more rocky as you pass by the tightly bunched homes of Rubicon Bay. Another bend brings you to Meeks Bay, where two campgrounds and a store await.

You are now just 10 miles from your starting point and a complete circumnavigation, with your first stop being Sugar Pine Point State Park. Walk past the Ehrman Mansion with its sweeping lawn and ancient boathouses, then along the park’s shoreline before heading back along private land again in Tahoma. Stop for a drink at the Chamberlands Bar on the pier above a public beach, then get a beautiful gander of the wide McKinney Bay with Eagle Rock and Blackwood Canyon in the distance. You will have to do a bit of inland jaunting to get past the marinas at Obexers and Homewood, but then enjoy a long sandy romp along a string of Homewood lakefront homes. A narrow strip between lake and road brings you to Fleur Du Lac, where the movie, Godfather II was filmed. And poor Fredo met his demise and his body was dumped into the lake here. Not really though: the movie—and the Tahoe Shore Trail—is fictional.

Hop over Blackwood Creek, and pass by a small campground just across the highway from the beach, before reaching the public beaches of Hurricane Bay, where the inland bike trail might be your best bet. At the end of the Bay you pass by more sumptuous lakefront estates, and the mouth of Ward Creek, before heading towards Sunnyside Lodge. Grab some fried zucchini on the deck, or just finish off the home stretch. A few more rocky miles bring you past Tahoe Tavern to the beginning of the Truckee River, and the end of your journey.

Tim Hauserman wrote the official guidebook to the Tahoe Rim Trail, now in its third edition.

TahoeKeepers.org • 888-824-6267

Lake Tahoe Water Trail Open Year-Round

© Corey Rich / Aurora Photos

Find your paddle adventure at www.LakeTahoeWaterTrail.org Launch & Landing Sites • Paddle Routes • Paddle Shops • Shoreline Businesses • Campgrounds & Lodging Order the Waterproof Map & Guide with GPS Waypoints, Points of Interest & Underwater and Land Topography

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

23

DESTINATION

San Luis Obispo Challenge and indulge yourself in this sweet seaside town

By Kristin Conard

O

n the 101 just about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the old mission town of San Luis Obispo (also known as just San Luis or the even simpler SLO) has mountains, wine country, a year-round farmer’s market, and easy access to stunning beaches.

It’s also got some amazing year-round weather, and no matter what level you’re at in just about any outdoor adventure, you can find a way to challenge and indulge yourself in and around SLO.

Out on the water Within a 10 to 20 minute drive from downtown SLO, you can be at the water with a mix of protected coves and harbors and wilder, windier stretches of open ocean. Avila Beach, along San Luis Creek, you can get to by driving or by the Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail – from the trailhead at Ontario Road to the Avila Pier, it’s 3 miles along a well-maintained paved trail.

It doesn’t matter how much experience you have on your paddleboard or your kayak, if you head out on a tour or a lesson with Avila Beach Paddlesports (3915 Avila Beach Dr, Avila Beach, 805-704-6902, avilabeachpaddlesports.com), you’re going to learn something about better paddling and the natural history of the area. You may see dolphins and whales along with the usual coastal creatures like sea otters, sea lions, and pelicans.

Run by Vincent and Emily Shay, it’s right on the water, and their passion and excitement for being out on the water is contagious, even if you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone. Vincent has even designed some surf kayaks and paddleboards and is psyched to share his favorite local spots.

For more relaxed and beginner paddling, paddle through Port San Luis Harbor. For checking out caves and rapids, check out Fossil Point, south of Avila Beach. At Shell Beach, between Avila Beach and Pismo Beach, you can paddle along the rugged coast through caves and sea arches with easy launch points from the beach.

Along with the beaches along San Luis Obispo Bay, just north and a 15-minute drive from SLO is Morro Bay dominated by Morro Rock, the 581-foot volcanic plug at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor. Oyster farmers work out in the bay and it’s a stopping point for migrating shore birds and a birthing and resting place for harbor seals.

With Central Coast Outdoors (805-528-1080, centralcoastoutdoors.com), you can take a rent a kayak or take a tour to get some invaluable help navigating the shallow channels and tides (and possible fog). The paddling is mellow and fun since you’re protected from the open ocean by a four-mile long sandspit. The sand dunes were used by the Chumash Native American people thousands of years ago, and they’re a popular destination on warm weekends for day hikers and paddlers.

Pismo Beach pier is a popular local surf spot with a break during high tide – the south side is better than the north and the farther south you go, the fewer people you’ll find. As the windiest beach in the area, Pismo Beach is also a great spot for kitesurfing.

The Nine Sisters Thanks to a series of nine volcanic peaks, called the Nine Sisters, SLO is teeming with trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, and with all the options, you can 24 ASJ ASJ—Aug/Sept — June/July2011 2015

PHOTOS play here for months without repeating the Main image: There are great same route. places to kitesurf along SLO’s coast (Visit SLO). Above: MTB A kitschy pink trails built by Freeride and extravaganza-meetsSustainable Trail Association faux Swiss Alps/fairytale (FASTA). Bottom Left: Avila Beach castle is one of the Pier at sunset (Kristin Conard). only ways to describe the Madonna Inn (100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, 805-543-3000, madonnainn.com). This San Luis institution is on the eastern edge of Cerro San Luis, and a starting landmark for some of the great trails in the area. You can go for a guided horseback ride up the mountain without having to worry about getting lost on the interconnected trails.

You can also get on the mountain to play on foot or on a bike on your own. For those looking for an easy just over 2 mile loop, there’s the Lemon Grove Loop that takes you part way up the mountain, but high enough for some great city views. Keep in mind that this mountain has several crisscrossing trails – the city’s recreation department has an Open Space & Trails App that can help keep you on track.

For mountain bikers, the popular Rock Garden trail encircles the mountain. The singletrack trail is a 5-mile loop with a steady climb up with the reward of the boulder canyon at the top of the winding hill. After the rock garden, you’ll wind back down the mountain on a series of switchbacks.

If you want more distance, head north of town to West Cuesta Ridge. The mix of technical singletrack and dirt roads makes it great for intermediate to advanced

riders, and it’s got aptly named trails like Tough and Dirty Slide and Roller Coaster. The Eucs (also referred to as the Yewks) Freeride area is a playground of jumps, wall rides, and more (gofasta.org). Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers regularly maintains the trails and has updated maps of the best biking areas (cccmb. org).

Another popular hiking and biking destination is the Irish Hills Open Space.

This natural canyon has 8 miles of mostly singletrack trails through grasslands, chaparral, and oak with trailheads at Prefumo Canyon Road and Madonna Road. The doubletrack trails are remnants of old mining roads, and a 1.5 mile connector trails links this area with the Johnson Ranch Open Space.

One of the most popular challenges for hikers here is to take on the tallest of the Nine Sisters – the 1,549-foot Bishop Peak. It’s in Bishop Peak Natural Reserve, which you can get to from trailheads at Patricia Drive and Highland Drive. The hike (no bikes allowed) up to the top isn’t a long one (about 3 miles out and back), but it’s a strenuous series of rocky switchbacks along the southern slope that pays off with photo opportunities and views at the top of SLO from Morro Bay to Cuesta Grade. You can also link up with the more moderate Felsman Loop Trail, which would extend the hike by a couple of miles.

For climbers, Bishop Peak has a mix of trad, top-rope, and sport climbing along with some bouldering, up to V6. Climbers should use the Highland Drive trailhead for the quickest access.

Relax and recharge If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay, there’s a string of chain hotels and motels close to downtown like the Lamplighter Inn and Suites, rooms from $89. For campers, there are dozens of sites from the state beaches to the lakes to the mountains though they fill up fast during the summer.

To recharge after a long day on the trails, you can do so in style at The Granada

PHOTOS Hotel and Bistro (1126 Morro Top image: View from Street, 805-544Bishop Peak (Visit SLO). Left: Kayak 9100, granada adventure tour at hotelandbistro.

Shell Beach (Avila com). The Beach Paddlesports). restaurant has a jpg. Right: Morro rock French classicalong Morro Bay coast meets-California (Visit SLO). Circle: casual feel with Gourmet snacks ( a small dining Granada Hotel and Bistro). room and a large patio, and the menu is seasonal with dishes like deviled eggs with pork belly marmalade and poached sockeye salmon.

Raise a wine glass to your day at Foremost Wine & Company (570 Higuera Street, 805-439-3410, foremostwineco. com). It’s a combination wine shop and restaurant that’s all about delicious healthy food and details – from topographic maps on the menus to the packet of seasonal seeds for you as you leave. Or toast with a handcrafted local beer near Bubblegum Alley at Creekside Brewing Company (1040 Broad Street, 805-542-9804).

Ocean Grill in Avila Beach (268 Front Street, 805-595-4050, oceangrillavila. com) gives you dinner with a sunset show. Open for dinner throughout the week and then for lunch and Happy Hour on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, they have wood-fired pizza and good seafood, including local rockfish tacos and local thresher shark.

And if you want a classic and hearty breakfast in an everybody knows your name kind of spot, there’s Louisa’s Place (964 Higuera Street, 805-541-0227, louisasplace.com). The family-run diner serves breakfast and lunch with servings large enough to last you all day.

more than just a climbing gym

Yoga drop-ins welcome Climbing Weight Room Cardio Deck go online or come by to check out this fantastic gym

831.454.9254

104 Bronson St. #12 Santa Cruz

www.pacificedgeclimbinggym.com www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

25

The Dirty Sanchez

Clockwise from top left: Lauren rounds the corner through one of the many fast, muddy berms on The Dirty Sanchez course (Robert Lowe); hitting an off-camber gap (Robert Lowe); at the Sea Otter Classic (Bryan Harrold).

A tale of hard work, determination and a positive attitude

By Lauren Gregg

I

rolled the front tire of my mountain bike to the lip of the jump. Staring down at the edge where the dirt fell away, my eyes crossed over the deep divide to the landing. It was built up with massive logs that I envisioned my body crashing against if I failed to clear the gap. My heart raced. After retreating down the takeoff, I rode past the jump without hitting it. Continuing down the trail I was met with another jump, this one with a landing formed out of jagged boulders. Scanning down the trail I realized that once a rider cleared the gap, they had only a few seconds to prepare for another, larger jump that sent them flying over a side-by-side track below. I rode alongside these two features as well, apprehensively sizing them up. The trail continued flowing into well-built berms, through tight sections of manzanita groves, and over unpredictable rock gardens. I reached the bottom of the track in a rather stressed out daze as a side-by-side revved its engine and motored through the mud to pick me up and shuttle me back to the top of the course. Where was I? Was I in over my head? After throwing my bike over the back, I hopped inside and was met with a huge smile and a high five from the driver. I had been clenching my teeth, but this smile put me at ease. I was right where I was supposed to be, where my hard work over the past seven years had finally landed me.

I was at The Dirty Sanchez Enduro.

The Dirty Sanchez is an invite only pro Enduro held at an undisclosed location on private property in the hills of Northern California. I heard murmurings and legends about the race last season and was beyond thrilled when an invitation to the TDS arrived in my email inbox earlier this year. And now here I was at the event, somewhat terrified and not totally sure what was going on, but absolutely stoked. This situation mirrors the history of my cycling career. How had I gotten here?

The first time my tires touched dirt, I was riding my dad’s old mountain bike.

The Rockhopper had been sitting in the garage collecting dust for years, I think my father only ever rode it once or twice. I was seventeen years old, disillusioned with suburban Los Angeles life, and looking for a direction. That first mountain bike ride was like discovering freedom for the first time. The adrenaline rush coupled with the access to previously unknown wilderness in my backyard had me instantly hooked. I rode every single day, and vowed to become a professional mountain biker.

Originally that goal seemed pretty unrealistic, coming from a girl who could barely get in and out of her new clipless pedals. But after googling mountain bike races in California, I signed up for the first race that popped up – Sea Otter Classic XC. Nervously I showed up to the start line of my race, not knowing what to expect, but everyone was super supportive and made me feel at ease.

And now here I was at the event, somewhat terrified and not totally sure what was going on, but absolutely stoked. This situation mirrored the history of my cycling career. How had I gotten here?

22 26 ASJ ASJ—April/May — June/July2013 2015

The course was challenging and I struggled to push myself around the lap as fast as I could. My finish was less than impressive, but I took in the festival, all the positive energy, and the pro riders and industry professionals who had succeeded in making this world of bicycles their life. This inspired me to continue chasing my goal.

My next big race was the Downieville Classic – another event I signed up for after googling “mountain bike races”.

I had never heard of Downieville and didn’t know anything about the race, and again traveled solo to the event with no time to preride the course. The night before the event, I overheard some backpackers call it the “Death Race” and realized I had no idea what I had signed up for. I showed up to the start line pretty terrified, and proceeded to walk or crash my way down almost the entire course. I was in way over my head. The rocky trails, to my unskilled eyes, looked completely impossible to ride. Pushing my bike down the hill and climbing over rocks was frustrating. It took me over four hours to finish the race that day.

Finally crossing the finish line tired and beaten up, I looked around at the smiling dirty faces of all the riders. Their jubilant celebration made me smile. They had ridden the course, and one day so would I. I’ve been back to race Downieville every year since!

Lots of hard work, victories, and crashes ensued over the following years. I raced cross country and eventually reached my goal of racing Pro. The main key to my success was not how I trained or secured my victories, but keeping a good attitude and not letting anything discourage me.

The most important thing was keeping my eye on the prize, and the prize was meeting new people, experiencing new amazing trails and places, and creating

a lifestyle that I was stoked to be living through racing my bicycle. No bad race, crash, or technically demoralizing section of trail could take that away from me.

Racing cross country was a great experience for many seasons, but as I progressed it became more about training on the road bike and less about the aspects of mountain biking that I loved, like the adrenaline rush of flying through the woods. I needed a change, and Enduro started gaining popularity at the perfect time for me in my career.

I tried out my first Enduro at the start of last season and never looked back.

Transitioning from racing cross country to gravity came with a whole new set of challenges, and the past year has been full of overcoming fears, gaining strength, and learning aggressive and technical riding skills. And finally … all of my hard work had landed me this invite to The Dirty Sanchez.

The TDS course is extremely technical, and only racers who have demonstrated the ability to handle gnarly features are invited to participate. My first couple of practice runs honestly felt like that first year at Downieville. Overwhelmed, I walked sections and was scared. At the bottom of my second run I took a moment to collect my thoughts. Was this a mistake, was I not supposed to be

They don’t call it The Dirty Sanchez for nothing (Robert Lowe).

Photo: Devon Balet

here? Yes, this course scared me, but I was not going to let it discourage me.

Yes, I only started transitioning from XC to Enduro a little over a year ago, and the features on the TDS course seemed way over my head. But I’d been diligently putting in the hard work and now it was time to cash it out. It was go time.

The side-by-side reached the top of the course yet again, and I made a decision. I voiced my concerns and fears to some more experienced riders, and the supportive atmosphere of the TDS totally took over. Encouragement and motivation to push my limits was in endless supply from the other riders, and after a last deep breath I determinedly hopped on my bike and followed someone down the course. I hit the first gap and landed cleanly on the other side. Total empowerment. I hit the second, third, and continued to follow riders off features and down the stages. My heart rate had been elevated with fear, but now it was elevated with excitement as I cleared things I had never even considered hitting before. This supportive environment had fostered more progression in my riding in one day than in whole weeks and months of training. By the end of the day, I had hit

Clockwise from top: Mark Weir shuttles WTB Cannondale pros in a side-by-side; racers and spectators alike appreciate Ron Sanchez for the crazy good time he tirelessly orchestrates on his property every year; plenty of opportunity for air time. (Robert Lowe)

every feature on the mountain. It was one of the most accomplished feelings I’ve ever had!

The race was two days and 12 stages of muddy mayhem. More than anything, the TDS is an endurance event that really tests racers’ ability to just keep going – survival riding. Not only were we hitting technical runs in crazy conditions, we were hitting them over and over again, stage after stage. All the racers were extremely tired and worn out (but still having the absolute best time). Riding the already difficult sections of trail in this exhausted state was demoralizing at points. For me, the goal is to have fun, enjoy the company of other riders, take in the entire experience, and ride as hard and as fast as I can. Despite the difficult conditions and countless crashes and mechanicals, racers at the TDS were in the best of spirits. Laughing and camaraderie echoed down the mountainside throughout the entire race.

And my result? On first inspection of the course, I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to make it through the race alive.

But, I was able to ride my way to a 4th place finish in a stacked field of a dozen pro women. I really couldn’t believe it.

It’s been quite a journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am forever grateful to all the riders who have supported me along the way, and I hope to be able to encourage others to push their limits and enjoy the ride.

Lauren Gregg is a professional mountain biker on a mission to explore new destinations and epic trails. She enjoys traveling, riding and racing bikes, and getting rad across the globe. Follow Lauren’s adventures on Instagram at instagram.com/lauren_gregg_ and Facebook at facebook.com/ laurengregg55.

Marco Osborne flirts with disaster in the notorious Vigilante rock garden, riding out a legendary nearcrash (Robert Lowe).

JULIANA • SANTA CRUZ • SPECIALIZED • IBIS • FELT NIRVE • ELECTRA • SCHWINN • SURLY • SE BIKES 914 41ST AVE., SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062 • 831.475.3883 • familycycling.com

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

27

4. Train Hard and Eat Clean Training and keeping our bodies in top shape is the name of the game. Seek out a coach, or get advice from seasoned athletes about training regimens. Finding a healthy diet that works best for your body while you are training is a trial and error process – all of our bodies are unique and respond differently. Once you find a training regime and diet that suit you, your body will know and you’ll see results. Stick with it.

Follow Your Passion – You Can Race, Too! Pro rider Lauren Gregg shares her recipe for mountain bike racing success 1. Believe in Yourself First and foremost, you have to believe that you will succeed. Learn to silence the doubtful voices in your head and focus on believing 100% that you can do it!

5. Find Role Models and Inspirations Finding riders or athletes to look up to is extremely important. Emulating the habits of your role models will help you work towards achieving the same results.

Also, ride with people way faster than you. Having someone to chase is the best way to get faster, and riders are usually awesome about giving tips and sharing their experiences.

2. Set Goals Goal setting is incredibly important. Goals give you something to work toward, and when you achieve them they give you something to celebrate. Reaching goals makes all the struggles and challenges worth it in the end.

6. Give Yourself a Break Never get down on yourself when you make a mistake or face an obstacle in your progression. Also, take breaks and let your body rest. When you’ve been training hard, never feel guilty when you just need to curl up on the couch and binge-watch Netflix!

3. Learn your Equipment Having a working knowledge of your mountain bike or other adventure gear is a key to success. We can only function our best when our equipment is working well, and knowing how to identify problems and fix them is incredibly useful. It is also important to try out many different setups to be keenly aware of what works best for you.

7. Focus on the Positive Every time you achieve even the most minor goal, celebrate! Let yourself get stoked when you hit that new feature or PR a climb. Dance, smile, and give yourself a pat on the back every single time.

These moments will get you through those times when your body is aching or you are cleaning dirt out of your mouth.

8. Help Others Teaching or motivating others to ride is one of the best ways to teach and motivate yourself. Even if you are a beginner, there is someone out there with still less experience than you. Help someone start on their journey. Seeing their face at the bottom of their first decent is an excellent way to rekindle the stoke in yourself.

9. Push Your Limits Fear is good. It is important to keep yourself safe, but it is equally important to scare yourself. If you never push your limits, you’ll never progress. Find an environment that empowers you, a fellow rider that motivates you, and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

10. Believe in Yourself This is worth saying twice. Believing in yourself is the most important key to your success. Silence the voice that says “You can’t do it.” Yell “Yes I can!” and then go for it with all your heart and soul.

PHOTO Lauren at the Granite Bay Grinder with two of the students she coaches for the Kirby High School Mountain Bike Team in the NorCal League (Dietmar Burkhardt).

That floating feeling of taking off your pack, now available all day long.

Innovative, revolutionary, maybe even a little bit magic.

Introducing Osprey Anti-Gravity : A pack suspension so comfortable, it’s like wearing nothing at all.

TM

ATMOS AG TM / AURA AG TM SERIES PHOTO / DAN HOLZ

28 28 ASJ ASJ—April/May — June/July 2013 2015

Feel it to believe it at a retailer near you. ospreypacks.com/dealerlocator

Gear We Love

2

Goodies for your active lifestyle

4

1

3

5 7 6

1. Kaenon Jetty We challenge you to find anything wrong with Kaenon shades. It’s hard to imagine bathing your eyes in a warmer, softer glow. With the Kaenon Jetty, harsh outdoor glare is transformed into usable light with a variety of lens tints to choose from.

The Jetty is a unisex frame that stays firmly and naturally on your face in all kinds of rugged outdoor conditions. With grey, copper, and brown lenses to choose from, Kaenon Jetty sunglasses are all about optical excellence and rugged performance.

Whether sailing with friends, mountain biking, or jogging down the beach with your dog, Kaenon makes the right specs for all your outdoor adventures.

MSRP $224 • kaenon.com 2. Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal Your trusty flip-flops have a time and a place, but if you need truly high performance summer footwear that’s equally at home on land or water, it may be time to pamper your feet with the Chaco Z/2. With a focus on forefoot control, the Chaco Z/2 features a wraparound toe loop that keeps your feet locked to the footbed. Chacos are wellknown for handling the most demanding situations. And trust us – you can play multiple hard-fought 3 on 3 basketball games in Chacos. Try that in flip-flops!

MSRP $105 • chacos.com 3. Picky Bars: Ah, Fudge Nuts For those who have burned out on energy bars and feel pretty skeptical about most flavors on the market, check out Picky Bars from Bend Oregon. Their latest offering – Ah, Fudge Nuts – is a back to the basics ode to one of life’s truly great taste combinations. This bar is very chocolatey and delicious, but without that food comatose feeling associated with real fudge brownies. That’s because Ah Fudge

Nuts is high in protein, and free of gluten, dairy, and soy. Made with dates, peanuts, agave nectar, crispy brown rice cereal, chocolate chips, and sunflower oil, the real theme here is chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. This fortunate taste combination owes its yumminess to locally sourced Holy Kakow cacao powder, also of Bend, Oregon. Scarf down a Picky Bar right before an early morning run: it’s easy to eat and plenty of fuel to log some miles.

keep a 17” laptop safe and secure while protecting it from your wet and sandy wetsuit and booties. Made from recycled rip-stop polyester, the Jalama has all the features you need and nothing extra including exterior lashpoints for holding a bike lock. So here we see how Patagonia makes products that allow for a work/ life balance: wake up, ride your bike, surf, work, sleep, repeat.

A Beer Worth Earning: Bear Republic Grand Am Pale Ale

MSRP: $119 • patagonia.com

MSRP: $8.99 for 3 • pickybars.com 6. Lowa Bora GTX QC 4. Scarpa Ignite The best trail running shoe is a combination of lightweight minimalism and rugged protection. The Scarpa Ignite strikes a good balance between the two. Lightweight enough to help you feel connected to the trail, Ignites will also protect your feet while logging long miles through rocky, rooty, singletrack terrain. Long trail runs lasting one hour or more are a true test for any running shoe, and that’s exactly why the proper balance between trail connectedness and cushioned support is so important to get right. Running mechanics and physical fitness will play the most important role in how you feel after a long trail run, but finding the right shoe is also crucial for success. Too much cushion and your running will feel uncoordinated; too little and you risk injury. The Scarpa Ignite might just be the perfect middle ground.

MSRP: $125 • scarpa.com 5. Patagonia Jalama Leave it to Patagonia, surely the coolest company in the world, to come up with a pack designed to hold both a laptop and a soggy wetsuit at the same time. Yes the Jalama sports a seam-sealed waterproof barrier in the main compartment that will

A popular women’s-specific light hiking shoe, Lowa’s waterproof, breathable Bora GTX QC is made of split leather and CORDURA® upper with an injected PU midsole and MONOWRAP® frame. What does that mean? It means an excellent multi-function option for days on the trails or hiking through wildflower meadows.

The Lowa Cross sole ensures great grip so you stay surefooted and nimble on all your adventures!

MSRP $190 • lowaboots.com 7. Mountain House Pouch Meals We love these packable, storable, dehydrated meals for a number of reasons. They are not only hearty and delicious but they provide a great deal of energy for those big adventures. And they’re not just for backpacking and camping. These easily-prepared meals are great to keep on hand in case of emergency, and we bet you’ll grab one now and then for a quick mid-week dinner.

The wide selection that includes entrees, breakfasts, veggies, and desserts appeal to the whole family. Gluten-free, vegan, and/ or low sodium diet? Mountain House has you covered!

MSRP $2.69-9.99 • mountainhouse.com

B

ear Republic Brewing in Healdsburg is best known for their iconic Racer 5 IPA. As good as Racer 5 is, it unfortunately overshadows the rest of Bear Republic’s excellent line-up. Case in point is Bear Republic’s Grand Am Pale Ale, a hop forward Pale Ale that could probably pass for an IPA if you didn’t know any better. Grand Am has a lot of the classic piney and grapefruit flavors you’ll find in West Coast beers, but more restrained in balance with the sturdy malt backbone than an IPA. The result is a drinkable and more accessible beer for those who prefer a little less hop wallop.

There’s more to Bear Republic than just brewing great beer. Bear Republic is making big investments to become carbon neutral. They are installing the world’s first bioelectrically enhanced wastewater pretreatment plant. This system will provide 25% of their hot water heating and nearly 50% of their electricity. The system will also allow Bear Republic to reuse up to 25% of the water for cleaning and wash down.

Additionally, Bear Republic has installed a 30 kWatt solar panel array, with plans for an additional 130 kWatts.

— Derrick Peterman

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

29

RACE REPORT

A Tale of Two Paddles It took me 18 years to forget the pain of my first Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race in 1996

By Ryan Pingree

I

wanted to quit. It wouldn’t be the first time and most certainly not the last. By this point in the 1996 Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race, nearly 15 of the starting field of 64 paddlers had already given in to the channel’s merciless conditions. In the end, only 38 paddlers would finish the race. The wind, the waves, the ripping southerly current, and the unseasonably cold water…it was all just miserable. I had been paddling for over five hours and had only covered about 20 of the 32 race miles. I was in a cold-water hell.

Perhaps sensing my resignation, my dad hailed me from my accompanying escort boat. His earlier boisterous encouragement was gone. This time he spoke in a new tone, delivering a simple, firmly-stated message as he made eye contact across the plunging whitecaps. His strong voice cut through the whipping wind: “Ryan!

Listen to me. Pingrees don’t quit, Son. You can do this!”

It was that simple.

So I paddled on. I had no choice. For another 12 gnarly miles. Though it took me nearly 8 hours and 28 minutes to paddle those terrible 32 miles, a ridiculously slow pace, I finished that damned paddle. I couldn’t walk without pain for two weeks. I didn’t touch my stock paddleboard for nearly a year and almost quit the sport.

It took me 18 years to get over the experience and think about doing the race a second time.

So there I was, 18 years later, standing on the same beach on Catalina Island in the pre-dawn light, my stock paddleboard under my arm, my fellow paddlers and friends on either side of me. Was I older? Yes. Was I wiser? I’d like to think so – but maybe not, as I was still paddling a stock board. The conditions? Nearly ideal. A light offshore breeze, an atypical south-to-north current (courtesy of Hurricane Lowell), and small wind waves created conditions about as good as they get. The siren went off and the 2014 Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race began. This year I was not motivated just to finish the Classic; this year I was ready to compete.

In 1996, my escort boat crew consisted of my dad, my brother Connor, and my friend Matt. On the trip over from King Harbor, the conditions were rough, unfortunately heralding what was to come the next day.

The ocean pounded us the whole way across. We were happy just to reach the Isthmus without incident. But upon arrival we found all the moorings full and with no plans for where to sleep. After anchoring his boat a bit off the beach just south of Two Harbors, my dad angled himself into his small boat and fell asleep, leaving the three of us to make our own arrangements. Connor and 30 ASJ ASJ—Aug/Sept — June/July2011 2015

So there I was, 18 years later, standing on the same beach on Catalina Island in the pre-dawn light, my stock paddleboard under my arm, my fellow paddlers and friends on either side of me. Was I older? Yes. Was I wiser? I’d like to think so.

Matt found beer and crashed out on the rocky beach.

They claimed the beers helped smooth out the rocks under their backs. I did not have a beer; the rocks under my back retained their edge. All. Damn. Sleepless. Night.

Long.

In 2014, my dad was living out of state and my brother couldn’t get away to relive the experience. So my escort crew consisted of friends and fellow paddlers.

Captain Allen’s boat was impressive and stout. And he had thankfully reserved a mooring! Carleton, my regular training partner and Johnny, a quiet but effective motivator, joined Allen. Carleton and I took the Catalina Express over the day before the race, while Allen and Johnny (after dealing with some boat trailer challenges) skimmed across the glassy channel to do some pre-race fishing. That night I slept soundly in a pop-up camper up on the hill above the beach with Carleton and two other paddlers. Once again, no pre-race beer, but no rocks to stab at my back either.

32 miles is a long way to paddle. You have to commit to making the time to train appropriately. Leading up to the 1996 race, I worked as a state lifeguard in Santa Barbara County. Given my job, one would think I would have had a lot of time to train. In hindsight, I didn’t take the training very seriously and only accomplished a few long paddles. I usually paddled alone; there weren’t many paddleboarders in California at the time, let alone in the greater Santa Barbara area.

A few years ago, I was welcomed into the “NCP,” or North County Paddlers fraternity. Our club regularly meets at Cardiff State Beach to ply the relatively calm waters of North San Diego County. Our motley crew of paddlers and their shenanigans make the rigorous training fun. No longer was I a cocky 22-year old who figured he could do anything without much training. I was now 40 years old, married, two children, working a full time job, and while certainly still a bit cocky at times, sage enough to understand I needed to train hard to cross the channel fast and strong.

Ship Rock hasn’t changed. Definitely more guano on it now than in 1996, but it still punctuates the channel about two miles offshore of Catalina. The conditions at the rock are a bellwether for the rest of the channel.

In 1996, upon reaching the rock, the channel pounced on me with more than 15 knots of wind and 3 to 4 foot waves slamming me at a right angle. Each wave crashed into my board and sent cold stinging spray across my already -shivering body as I struggled to keep balanced on my slender board. It was a different story in 2014, as I enjoyed catching small waves and bumps from astern, only needing a few strokes on my knees to drop into the waves and surge ahead, smiling, as the miles passed beneath my board. I was having fun.

There usually comes a point in every long-distance race when you question what the hell you’re doing and why you don’t just quit. So much so that you’re ready to deal with being labeled a quitter. It’s almost always a mental issue. In 1996, it happened around mile 20. In 2014, it happened around mile 13. I had picked up my pace over the last mile to try to catch the paddler ahead of me, but I wasn’t able to close the gap.

I felt my enthusiasm wane. Could I really compete?

Physically I was solid but mentally I hit a wall. I found myself trying to rationalize quitting and slithering into Allen’s boat and speeding off and away. Far away. I almost convinced myself that I would be okay with the fact that I couldn’t show my face at NCP anymore; losing their tough-earned respect was totally palatable.

Then my frenetic mind conjured up a more honorable release–a shark attack! Yeah, that’s it. I began to play out a scenario where a great white shark surged out of the deep blue and bit the thin fiberglass and foam along with my leg, providing me with an out. In a strange way, I rationalized that avenue of relief as the more appealing alternative. But I kept paddling, my crew oblivious to my mental struggles. Or so I thought.

Johnny perceived I was off and relayed some soft yet strong words of encouragement that shattered my mental morass.

I picked up my pace, back on track.

The R10 buoy floats approximately one mile offshore of Palos Verdes Point. All paddlers have to go around the buoy after crossing the channel. From there, paddlers face another eight torturous miles to the finish. I guess the race creators figured it wasn’t enough of a challenge to just cross the channel – what’s another 8 miles when you’ve just paddled 24?

Just prior to the 1996 race, my dad purchased a GPS unit. Though he had spent most of his life as a sailor, he wanted a GPS to augment his innate knowledge of the sea. It didn’t help us, though, as it didn’t work properly. Dad didn’t really need the GPS anyway as he interpreted what the ocean was doing and set a course that compensated for the strong north-to-south current so I ended up paddling more of a northerly arc across the channel that brought me right to the R10 buoy. Many others elected for a straight-line course and found themselves many miles below the R10 buoy, facing a dreadful “uphill” paddle to the finish.

In 2014, Allen supplemented his shallow navigating experience with nowdependable GPS technology and his own race experience. Having completed the Classic in 2009, he knew how important it was to find the shortest and fastest route to R10 buoy and the finish. Allen correctly interpreted the conditions and charted a straight line to the R10.

In 1996, the relentless onslaught of waves and wind made it nearly impossible to knee paddle. The few times I tried, the chop would knock me off my board and into the cold sea. Pulling my cold and wet body back up on my board got old fast. Not good. So I abandoned knee paddling and paddled the balance of the race prone, my thighs and chest rubbing, well, really, grinding against my board. The rough foam pad worked like

sandpaper and PHOTOS slowly rubbed off Left Page: Ryan my skin through approaching the finish my trunks and of the 2014 Catalina rash guard. I had Classic Paddleboard Race to put on goggles (Johnny Kessel). Map: Catalina Classic course. and a wetsuit Above Left: Ryan paddling “squid lid” as in glassy mid-channel I couldn’t see conditions during the 2014 through the spray Catalina Classic (Johnny and was getting Kessel). Above Right: cold.

Ryan paddling in rough mid-channel conditions Contrast this to during the 1996 Catalina 2014, when Dad Classic (Ray Pingree). called Carleton to check on my progress. It was a huge stoke for me to hear his voice over the speakerphone while I glided across the calm midchannel waters. He was relieved to hear I was paddling in glassy conditions with a current pushing me towards the finish. I had to splash water on my back and legs to stay cool. I was paddling mostly on my knees, which resulted in fast mile-splits and the passing of several other paddlers.

I was racing, thrilled in the event as opposed to struggling to just make forward progress.

Having a supportive and patient crew is essential to a successful crossing. In 1996, my brother was my nutrition man and handed me bottles of Gatorade and pieces of power bars to keep me fueled, at least until his hangover and seasickness overcame his ability to support me. Thankfully Matt stepped in and kept me fueled the rest of the way.

2014 was as different story. Though I still enjoyed power bars, my water bottles now contained a mix of powdered energy fuel. Carleton not only kept me fueled but he tracked my progress, recording my mile-splits and chronicling my progress against the field.

Unlike 1996, I strategized my race to save some of my energy until I got to the www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

31

There usually comes a point in every long-distance race when you question what the hell you’re doing and why you don’t just quit.

So much so that you’re ready to deal with being labeled a quitter.

R10 buoy. From the buoy to the finish, I would actively race the last 8 miles, giving it all I had left; the prior 24 miles or so were critical, yes, but I had consciously made a plan to keep some energy in the tank for finishing strong, hopefully while others were fading. As part of my strategy, I had sworn I would never look at the “Whaling Wall” mural at the Redondo Beach power plant. As I horrifically discovered in 1996, if you look at it (and it’s hard to not see it as it is so prominent), you become fixated on it and it mocks you, the whales laughing at you as you seemingly can’t paddle past them, even though you are only a few miles from the finish at that point. Paddle hard-paddle hard-paddle hard but then you look again and you’re staring at the same damn whales. In 2014, I didn’t look at that damn wall once!

Instead, I started looking for someone to race.

I spied my training partner Robb slightly outside and ahead of me as I passed the R10 buoy. He wasn’t alone.

He was fending off a hard-charging Carter, the fastest woman paddler in the field. I had a decision to make. I could keep my line and struggle along alone, or I could go get him. I went after him. After a 10-minute sprint, I caught him. He was less than thrilled to see me, knowing that I was there to race to the end. Part of me wanted to finish the last few miles with him, just as we had paddled more than a hundred training miles together that summer, but the competitive side of me took over.

My crew turned on some classic rock and blasted it over the speakers. A pod of dolphins materialized out of

the blue and skipped past me, stoking me on. A fantastic tingling buzz enveloped me and I edged away from Robb and Carter. And then I saw it, the elusive and iconic Manhattan Beach Pier: The Finish Line!

I paddled the last few miles in 1996 dealing with pure exhaustion, pain, a headwind and chop ... and pure mental and physical numbness. I didn’t care. I reached the beach and stumbled through the shore break and up the beach, alone. I bailed on the seminal post-race finishers’ pier photo – I didn’t care, as I was just over all of it, done with the whole damn deal. I couldn’t get back to the boat and home fast enough. It was only later, reflecting on my experience, that I was proud of my accomplishment.

In 2014, I paddled the last few miles with blurry vision, a painful left shoulder, the same damn headwind and chop ... and immeasurable stoke. I crossed the finish in just over 6 hours and 7 minutes, nearly a half hour faster than my goal. And, as it turned out, good enough for 6th place in the stock division and a hallowed ceramic tile trophy. The race director draped a lei around my neck and I just about lost my composure as my family enveloped me on the beach for big wet hugs. I soaked it all up; I didn’t want the feeling to end. I proudly lined up for the finishers’ photo, my smile so big you could probably see it all the way from Catalina Island.

Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race The Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race is an annual traditional “prone” paddleboard race from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach, California. Started in 1955, the Catalina Classic is the oldest and most celebrated endurance prone paddleboard race in the world.

Known as “The Grand-Daddy of All Paddleboard Races,” the historic 32-mile marathon begins at the Catalina Island Isthmus and ends at the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Participants paddle in one of two divisions: 1) The Unlimited Division, where the boards can be of any length but are generally 14 to 18 feet long, or 2) The Prone Division where board can be no longer than 12 feet long and weigh no less than 20 pounds.

Each year the top six finishers in each division are recognized.

For more information, see the race website catalinaclassicpaddleboardrace.org

Having now finished the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race twice, Ryan reckons he is most likely done with the Catalina Classic ... but check back in another 18 years.

Ryan finishing the 2014 Catalina Classic (Johnny Kessel).

Your All Season Resort

Over the river and through the woods...

... to Sorensen’s Resort you’ll go for fishing, hiking, biking or just plain relaxing. Our cozy log cabins are nestled in dense aspen groves in beautiful and serene Hope Valley, just 16 miles from South Lake Tahoe.

ASJ—Aug/Sept 2011 32 ASJ — Junel/July 2015

Sorensen’s Country Cafe is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

www.sorensensresort.com

14255 Highway 88, Hope Valley, CA (530) 694-2203 or (800) 423-9949

Summer SUP Events

SURFTECH JAY RACE June 20, Capitola The 14th Annual Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race is one of the longest running paddleboard races in the country. The event keeps getting better every year! We gather to remember legendary Santa Cruz Waterman, Jay Moriarity and paddle our hearts out in his honor. All proceeds are donated to Santa Cruz County Junior Lifeguard Programs to purchase paddleboards and to provide scholarships in Jay’s name. Participants can look forward to the challenging 12-mile long course, 2-mile short course, Waterman Challenge (swim/SUP/prone), Kids obstacle course race, family-friendly atmosphere, raging after-party and raffle featuring surfboards, paddleboards, wetsuits and more. jayrace.com

TAHOE CUP PADDLE RACING SERIES May 23, Donner Lake • July 11, Jam from the Dam • September 13, Tahoe Fall Classic

The TAHOE CUP Paddle Racing Series offers both the recreational paddler and the race enthusiast an opportunity to participate in SUP, prone paddleboard or OC1 class races on Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe May-September. The 2015 series invites all paddling craft to participate. The mission of the Lake Tahoe Paddleboard Association (LTPA) is to promote, provide, and support environmentally friendly human-powered paddlesport activities in the Tahoe Basin. Since its inception in 2009, the Tahoe Cup, hosted by the LTPA, has been a combined effort of participants, sponsors, and exhibitors who continue to promote and enhance paddlesport activities and events in the Tahoe Basin. The proceeds from the Tahoe Cup benefit local non-motorized aquatic programs in the Truckee-Tahoe area. The Lake Tahoe Paddleboard Association is a 501 (c) (4) not for profit organization. tahoecup.org

TA-HOE NALU August 14-16, King’s Beach “Take the most beautiful lake in the world, gather the best SUP athletes on the planet, mix in a little Aloha, and you have the perfect recipe for an event known as the Ta-Hoe NALU.” Join this year’s festivities at Kings Beach State Park in Kings Beach on Lake Tahoe the weekend of August 14-16. The Ta-hoe NALU is the oldest SUP event in the world and the first paddle festival to take standup paddleboarding inland.

Ta-Hoe NALU started the flat water movement and helped to create the inland market that is thriving today.

The Ta-Hoe Nalu draws over 4,000 spectators and up to 500 competitors from all over the globe. Two days of racing are scheduled for all ages and skill levels, with free demos and clinics for all. Come and enjoy the fun, family and high Sierra aloha at Kings Beach. tahoenalu.com

Visit us on-line at adventuresportsjournal.com for a full listing of Summer SUP events. And turn the page for more event profiles! www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

33

Event Profiles a sneak peek at some of the season’s best upcoming events County Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) that support mentally and physically challenged people.

To date, Eppie’s Great Race has raised more than $1 million for TRS, accounting for over 20% of the program’s budget. Both teams and/or individuals can compete in divisions from Junior to Iron Person, 14 -70 years and older. Participants run 5.82 miles, cycle 12.5 miles, and paddle 6.35 miles, on a racecourse located on and alongside the American River Parkway. Early bird discounts available. eppiesgreatrace.org

DEATH RIDE XXXV: TOUR OF THE CALIFORNIA ALPS July 11, Markleeville

The Alpine County Chamber of Commerce presents the Death Ride XXXV, one of the premier cycling events in the West. Participants will enjoy the magnificent scenery and warm hospitality of Alpine County. Registration takes place and the ride ends at Turtle Rock Park just north of Markleeville, CA. The five pass ride includes 129 miles and 15,000+ feet of lung busting climbing. You also have the option of riding one, two, three or four passes. For your safety, the first four passes will be closed at specific times to vehicular traffic. This year’s ride returns riders to the infamous five pass course that includes Monitor Pass (Highway 89) 8,314 feet, Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4) 8,730 feet, and Carson Pass (Highway 88) 8,580 feet. Five pass finishers will receive a Five-Pass Pin and be eligible to purchase an exclusive Five-Pass Finisher Jersey. deathride.com

USA CYCLING MOUNTAIN BIKE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 13-19 • Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes

knowledgeable guides for the beautiful Flower Walk on easy rolling terrain while on the lookout for wildflowers.

The blooms are usually spectacular this time of year! auburnskiclub.com

PHOTOS Clockwise from top: USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships at Mammoth Mountain; Surf City AIDS Ride; Squaw Mountain Run / Hike; Eppie’s Great Race; Death Ride.

DOWNIEVILLE CLASSIC 20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT July 30-August 2, Downieville

The Downieville Classic is a weekend of racing and partying in the Sierra where riders have to pick one tool for two disciplines: a 29-mile cross country race, and a 15-mile downhill with a 5,000 vertical drop. Downieville is most famous for its races, and riders come to prove themselves hardened and unbreakable. The Downieville Classic Cross Country race is one of the last remaining point-to-point bicycle races in the United States. The 29-mile course follows a rugged “Gold Rush” era route from the mountain town of Sierra City (elevation 4,100’), to the crest of the Sierra Nevada (elevation 7,100’), and down 5,200 vertical feet into downtown Downieville.

It’s considered a tribute to the mountains, the rivers, the big trees, the fresh mountain air and the hard men that carved trails through the river canyons in search of gold and prosperity. The Classic is followed by the Downieville Downhill, which drops 5,000 vertical feet in 15 miles from Packer Saddle to Downieville. It’s the longest and most demanding downhill mountain bike race in the nation. Not a racer? Not to worry. Nearly as famous are the Ron’s House of Big Air River Jump, the log pull competition, and a soundtrack of live music. downievilleclassic.com

Mammoth Mountain and USA Cycling present the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships July 14-19, 2015 in Mammoth Lakes, CA. This event brings together three exciting mountain bike disciplines as the nation’s best gravity, cross-country and Enduro racers converge on one location to settle who’s best in 2015.

MammothMTBNationals.com

SURF CITY AIDS RIDE September 20, Santa Cruz

The Surf City AIDS Ride is your destination bike event!

Santa Cruz is home to some of the most impressive riding in the country. With four ride lengths to choose from, we have something for the casual cruiser, the masochist, and those who stand somewhere in between.

Pick from 12, 30, 65, and 100 mile rides that will bring you ocean views, take you through fragrant strawberry fields, and wind you through meandering, country roads.

There are seven themed rest stops in all, including the famous Gizdich Pie stop where you can replace muchneeded calories with Ollalieberry pie and Marianne’s ice cream. Finish the ride at the expo, which includes free massages and refreshments (65 & 100 milers get an additional hot meal – tickets available for purchase for other riders). 100% of the event proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz AIDS Project. surfcityaidsride.org

EPPIE’S KIDS DUATHLON October 18, Sacramento

SQUAW MOUNTAIN RUN / HIKE August 1, Squaw Valley

EPPIE’S GREAT RACE July 18, Sacramento

Registration is now open for the 42nd Annual Eppie’s Great Race coming to the Sacramento area on Saturday, July 18, 2015. This event – known as “The World’s Oldest Triathlon” – has been implemented each year as a fundraiser benefiting programs for the Sacramento 34 ASJ — June/July 2015

For the past 34 years, on the first Saturday of August, hundreds of runners and hikers have made the annual pilgrimage to the top of Squaw Valley to enjoy a great workout with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra. Starting at the base of Squaw Valley USA (6,200’) the course climbs the 3.6-mile mountain run to High Camp (8,200’) where awards, raffle, music, light refreshments and beer are provided. Participants can choose to run or take a more leisurely pace and hike, or Nordic walk (hike with poles). For the less energetic – let the cable car do the 2,000 foot elevation gain & join our

The 10th annual Eppie’s Kids Duathlon, presented by Eppie’s Great Race Foundation, is a running and cycling race for children and a great day of wellness fun for the entire family. Taking place at Sacramento’s Discovery Park on the American River Parkway, the new course site allows parents and friends to cheer on the kids.

Participants receive food, goodie bags, shirts, and prizes. Upon completing the race, the whole family can enjoy fun, hands-on cooking and gardening activities, fitness obstacle courses, bounce houses and climbing walls, free health screenings, food and entertainment, among others. Adults and kids alike can earn more about growing and gardening, as well as cooking easy, healthy meals. eppieskidsduathlon.org

And wa’SUP? Flip to page 33 for summer paddle events!

2015 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

7— Silicon Valley Tour de Cure,Tour.Diabetes.org 13 — Canyon Classic Century, Modesto. canyonclassiccentury.org

JUNE 6-7 — 24 Hour Adventure Race Bishop. an epic journey through beautiful and challenging terrain alloutadventureseries.com

13 — CF Cycle for Life, Half Moon Bay cycle.cff.org

JULY 11 — Gold Rush Challenge, Sonora, goldrushar.com 11 — Urban Dare, San Jose. urbandare.com

Biking JUNE 6 - Incarnation 100, Santa Rosa, a benefit for homeless services. Three different routes for avid and recreational cyclists. incarnation100.org

27 — Climb to Kaiser, Clovis.

Rated as one of the 10 toughest rides. ClimbToKaiser.com 27 — Alta Alpina Challenge “Riding the Wild Sierra.” 4 routes. altaalpina.org/challenge JULY

13-14 —Wild Wood Adventure Enduro On the Mendocino coast in Caspar. #2 of the

11 —Mendocino 100 Mountain bike endurance race, 100 miles or 100 kilometres (62 miles). superproracing.com

25-28 —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

11 — 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

California Enduro Series. californiaenduroseries.com

27-28— VP Components EnduroFest at China Peak Mountain Resort. Lakeshore.

Round #3 of the California Enduro Series. For more info go to californiaenduroseries.com

11-12—Ashland Mountain Challenge Lithia Park in Ashland, Round #4

of the California Enduro Series. For more info go to.californiaenduroseries.com

Fat Tire Tuesday

a mountain biking addict reflects on ... well ... everything mountain bikers reflect on: crashes, new possibilities, off days, sheer bliss, camaraderie, rad components, shredding ... and of course – cooling off your brake rotors in a Kernville bog. cuz doesn’t everyone do that? catch up with Sarah Hansing every Tuesday at adventuresportsjournal.com laughter ... guaranteed #FTT w w w.a d v e n tu r e s p o r ts j o u r n a l .c o m

35

Adventure Events Calendar Visit us online for a full listing of upcoming California events.

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

Paddling

Biking, cont.

Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Connection Santa Cruz Harbor. During the spring months, migrating Greys are often close to shore for the protection of their young calves. In the fall and summer seasons, playful humpbacks enter the Bay. Visit KayakConnection.com or call 831.479.1121

12—Kirkwood Mountain Classic Kirkwood, CA. Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, sierracupMTB.com 14-19—USA Cycling National Championships, Mammoth, top riders from all over the country will come to compete for national titiles in cross-country, short track cross-country, downhill, dual slalom and the new addition of Enduro. mammothmountain.com

JUNE 13 - Thunderbird Paddle Race, Incline Village, For more info go to bigblueadventure.com

July 30 - August 2 — Downievlle Race and Festival, Downieville. All-mountain World Championships, XC Adventure Race and Downieville Downhill.

DownievilleClassic.com

21st Ammendment pared with gourmet fare. oars. com/beer-tasting 800-3466277 11 - Full Moon Tour, Come enjoy the beauty of a full moon out on the water.

We will paddle out at dusk and await the rising of the moon over some of Tahoe’s highest and most sectacular peeks. Visit kayaktahoe.com or call (530-544-2011) 11 - Jam for the Dam Paddle Race, Tahoe, tahoecup.com

TBD — American River Festival. Whitewater rodeo, 20 — 14th Annual Jay Moriarty slalom competitions and tons Memorial Paddleboard Race, of family fun along the river.

Capitola One of the premiere AmericanRiverFestival.org paddleboard races on the West Coast. JayRace.com AUGUST

Climbing

JULY

Free Clinics @ Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, Santa Cruz.

PacificEdgeClimbingGym.com, (831) 454-9254

July 9 — Craft Beer on the Toulumne River, Groveland, whitewater thrills by day, then choice brews from

14-16 -- Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival, Tahoe, Races, clinics, demos, expo in a great festival like atmosphere on Lake Tahoe. tahoenalu.com

Run/Walk JUNE 6, 7, 13 & 14 —World Famous Mud Run, Camp Pendleton, half marathon, 10K, 5K Kids 1K. mccscp.com 13— Henry Coe 5k & 10k Run/ Walk, Gilroy Easy fairly flat dirt trail course through the beautiful late spring scenery. coepark.org 20 - The 420 Games Tour, Sacramento, 420games.org 20 —SF Summer Solstice, 6, 12 & 24-Hour, SF Test your limits and to reach your PR for the most distance covered.

PCTrailRuns.com 21 — Run in the Name of Love, Carmel by the Sea, 5K run & 2K walk. bsim.org

21 — See Jane Run AllWomen’s Half Marathon and 5k, Alameda SeeJaneRun.com

JULY 12 — Pacifica Run, San Pedro Valley Park, Pacifica. 10, 21, 30 & 50k. PCTrailRuns.com 12 — Jungle Run, Los Gatos.

FirstWave-Events.com 29-30—Badwater 135.

“World’s Toughest Foot Race” Death Valley to Mt. Whitney.

BadWater.com 26 — San Francisco Marathon. San Francisco for thesfmarathon.com AUGUST 1 — 35th Annual Squaw Mountain Run/Hike. Choose to run or take a more leisurely pace and hike, or Nordic walk (hike with poles). For the less energetic, let the cable car do the 2,000 foot elevation gain & join our knowledgeable guides for a beautiful & easy flower walk. squawmountainrun.com 8 — Sierra Crest 50K Ultra Run The Sierra Crest 30 and 50k is an exciting point-to-point

trail run that takes advantage of some of the Truckee/Donner Summit region’s best single track. sierracrest50K.com 15 - The 420 Games Tour, San Francisco, 420games.org

Run/Swim JUNE 6— Catfish Crawl Open Water Swim, Morgan Hill. 1.2 & 2.4-mile swims. USAproductions.org 21 — Orca Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim, San Francisco. tricalifornia.com

Triathlon/ Duathlon JUNE 7 — Orange County Tri Series, Lake Mission Viejo. OCtriseries.com 6 — Groveland Gears & Grooves, Groveland Triathlon. Mile swim, 5 mile run, and 25 mile ride.

GrovelandGearsandGrooves.com

JAMES P. LENNANE Family Foundation

42nd Annual

®

EPPIE’S GREAT RACE “The World’s Oldest Triathlon® "

BENEFITING

Therapeutic Recreation Services

• Team & Iron Persons Register Today: >> EppiesGreatRace.org << • July 18th: Run (5.82mi), Bike (12.5mi) & Paddle (6.35) on the beautiful, American River Parkway, Rancho Cordova & Sacramento, CA • “Like” us on

&

36 ASJ — June/July 2015

@EppiesGreatRace

EST 1974

bike • paddle • run • swim • triathlon 6 — Mermaid Triathlon & Duathlon, Alameda. Triathlon.

MermaidSeries.com TBD— The Reservoire Triathlon Morgan Hill.

ThresholdRacingInc.com 14 – Sacramento International Triathlon, Discovery Park.

TBFracing.com 28 — Tri-for-REALTriathlon & Aquabike, Rancho Seco Park, Herald. www.TBFRacing.com 28 — California Sprint Tri Pleasanton. USAproductions.org

JULY 11 — June Lake Triathlon.

Beautiful high altitude alpine course. HighSierraTri.org 12 — Ironman 70.3 Vineman Triathlon Sonoma, VineMan.com 12 — Dip and Dash Aquathlon #1, Santa Cruz.

FinishLineProduction.com

18 — Eppie’s Great Race, American River Parkway, Sacramento. 5.82-mile run, 12.5-mile cycle, 6.35-mile paddle.

EppiesGreatRace.org

14-16 -- Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival, Tahoe, Races, clinics, demos, expo in a great festival like atmosphere on Lake Tahoe. tahoenalu.com

20 — Annual Tri for Fun Triathlon, Pleasanton. Run & bike. OnYourMarkEvents.com

1 — Move Happy - All women 5k-10K Fest.

Aptos Village Park and Nisene Forest We created this event JUST FOR YOU, bringing women together from ALL levels, places and paces. Run, Jog, Walk or hike in a magical forest. lovetomoveproductions.com

25 — Donner Lake Triathlon & Kid Triathlon, Truckee.

BigBlueAdventure.com 25 — Barb’s Race, Sonoma County. Women’s only half iron distance. VineMan.com 25 — Full Vineman Ironman, Sonoma. VineMan.com

Looking Ahead AUGUST 1 — 35th Annual Squaw Mountain Run/Hike. Choose to run or take a more leisurely pace and hike, or Nordic walk (hike with poles). For the less energetic, let the cable car do the 2,000 foot elevation gain & join our knowledgeable guides for a beautiful & easy flower walk. squawmountainrun.com

2 GreaT weekends of trail running in tahoe August 1st

35th Annual Hill Climb up Squaw Benefit for GUMTF Cancer Center

squawmountainrun.com

8 — Sierra Crest 50K Ultra Run The Sierra Crest 30 and 50k is an exciting point-to-point trail run that takes advantage of some of the Truckee/Donner Summit region’s best single track. sierracrest50K. com

tahoedonner.com

9 — Full Moon Tour, Come enjoy the beauty of a full moon out on the water. We will paddle out at dusk and await the rising of the moon over some of Tahoe’s highest and most sectacular peeks. Visit kayaktahoe.com

August 8th

From Tahoe Donner to Donner SUMMiT 50 & 30k Point-to-Point Courses Single Track Trails & Dirt roads

or call (530-544-2011)

sierracrest50k.org Fundraisers for aSC Training Center Junior Programs

WORLD-CLASS ENDURO EVENTS EVERYONE FROM AMATEUR TO PRO CAN ENJOY!

CALIFORNIAENDUROSERIES.COM 15K, 10K, 5K & Kids Festival Fort Ord Dunes State Park Monterey, CA

November 7 - 8, 2015 • bigsurhalfmarathon.org Also presenting the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K & By the Bay 3K

proceeds benefit wholekidsfoundation.org

Come for the run!

Stay and play by the bay!

n

ho 20

! t TE ara 15

DA M E nal 15, H T io y

l t VE rna s Ju A e n S nt e

at re p I o o r m rg Su ry n .o g tte ar sim i e B Lo L b

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

37

MARKETPLACE

Adventure Events Calendar Visit us online for a full listing of upcoming California events.

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

Check out our new website!

Wet(Surf Suit& Tri) Repair • Hawaiian CDs & Gifts • • • •

Old Honolulu Tees Surf Accessories Warm Rashguards New and Used Wetsuits (featuring Hyperflex gear) • New and Used Boards • Kids through Adults

LOG ON FOR: ✔ California Events Calendar

BLOWN BLOWN OUTOUT WETSUIT REPAIR WETSUIT REPAIR YOUR ALOHA SHOP YOUR ALOHA SHOP

Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10:30 - 5:00 3055 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz 831.475.4942

✔ Web Exclusive Articles ✔ Videos ✔ and more!

Rentals Service &, Sales

Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking, & Mountain Biking

209-753-2834 • BearValleyXC.com

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 38 ASJ — June/July 2015

www.

adventure sports journal .com

Looking Ahead AUGUST 21-23—Mendocino MTB Madness (M5) Three fully supported days of amazing singletrack riding, family-friendly , includes rustic accommodations with fire places and meals. superproracing.com 21-23—Mendocino MTB Madness (M5) Three fully supported days of amazing singletrack riding, family-friendly , includes rustic accommodations with fire places and meals. superproracing.com 21 - 23 — Wine Tasting on the Toulumne River If wine is the most civilized thing in the world, why not enjoy it in the wilderness on one of O.A.R.S.’ Wine Tasting on the River www.oars.com/ our_adventures/winetrips

23—Great Tahoe Flume Race Lake Tahoe, NV. Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, sierracupMTB.com 23—Great Tahoe Flume Race Lake Tahoe, NV. Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series, sierracupMTB.com 29-30 — Northstar Enduro at Northstar California Resort, Truckee. Round #5 of the California Enduro Series. californiaenduroseries.com 29-30 — Northstar Enduro at Northstar California Resort, Truckee. Round #5 of the California Enduro Series. californiaenduroseries.com SEPTEMBER 1 - 3 — Wine Tasting on the Toulumne River http://www. oars.com/our_adventures/ winetrips

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

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

20 — Monterey Bay 15K, Fort Orde Dunes State Park, Monterey.

15K, 10K 5K & Kids Festival.

FleetFeetMonterey.com

24-27 — Kamikaze Bike Games, Mammoth includes Round #6 of CES Enduro, and also downhill, crosscountry, kids races and much much more. californiaenduroseries.com

View & list events for free at

adventuresports journal.com

Photo: Markus Greber

www.dtswiss.com Challenge yourself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DT Swiss wheels

Where will

take yo u?

Featuring the Tepui XL Ruggedized - Heavy duty 360g rip-stop fabric - Raw aluminum diamond plate base - Fully wrapped internal frame - Anti-condensation mat - and a whole lot of

tough

www.tepuitents.com | Santa Cruz, Ca