Adventure Sports Journal // Keeper 2024 // Issue #132

A PCT JOURNEY / CLEANER CAMPING / EARN YOUR BEER / INDUSTRY NEWS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 ISSUE #132

EPIC MAKE THIS YEAR

ESSENTIAL RACES & EVENTS FOR 2024

Josh Daiek’s Mountain State COMMUNITY SNOW SCIENCE

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KEEPER ISSUE 2024 #132

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IN THIS ISSUE

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ON THE COVER: SkiMo racer and Tahoe Mountain Sports owner Dave Polivy earns his turns in the Luggi Foeger Uphill/ Downhill Race.

Photo by Jen Schmidt Photography, Courtesy of Diamond Peak Ski Resort

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departments

features

9 Editor’s Note The hurt cycle // 10 Ear to the

13 Cleaner Camping Five tips to Leave No Trace // 18 Mountain

Ground Industry news & notes // 12 Earn Your

State A ski film project from Josh Daiek that documents skiing

Beer Digital detox in Anza-Borrego Desert State

in Nevada // 24 Jerry Ashburn Adventure pioneer to Riverside

Park // 14 Social and Environmental Change

Host // 26 A PCT Journey Wandering through Washington // 28

Makers Community Snow Observation // 31 Race Badwater 135 Where ultrarunners challenge the heat of Death Calendar Essential races and events

Valley to the heights of Mount Whitney

PHOTO CREDITS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: IAN PARKER (28); COURTESY OF EARTHTREK EXPEDITIONS (24); MATT JOHANSON (26); JOSH DAIEK & HAZEN WOOLSON (18).

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com 7 www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com 7

asj contributors

MTB Skills Coaching

How will you make this next year epic?

PUBLISHING + EDITORIAL PUBLISHER

Cathy Claesson COMMUNITY OWNED! cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com

leoniesherman At the risk of sounding ridiculous, I hope to make 2024 epic by slowing down so I can savor the present moment and let love guide me.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING Scan here!

ride with us. ride better.

SNOW TUBING & SLEDDING

Racing professionally since 2001.

Professionally coaching since 2009.

Gold standard of certifications: USA Cycling, BICP level 3, BetterRide, NICA, NASM, WFR.

asingletrackmind.com (209) 662-5392

COPY EDITORS Michele Lamelin & Jennifer Stein CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Leonie Sherman, Matt Johanson, Anthea Raymond, Kurt Gensheimer, Krista Houghton, James Murren CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Krista Houghton, Brooke Maushund, Katreen Wikstrom Jones, Liz Carey, Ian Parker, Chris Kostman, James Kaiser, OARS, Josh Daiek, Hazen Woolson

mattjohanson

I’ve got big plans for cross country skiing, backpacking, climbing and cycling, which I plan to enjoy with friends and family.

anthearaymond Going to add another corgi to the fam and take them camping.

COVER DESIGN Lauren Worth INDUSTRY NEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA Ella Suring & Liam Nir news@adventuresportsjournal.com

(209) 753-2834 BVADVENTURES.COM

EVENTS MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION Krista Houghton & Lee Houghton events@adventuresportsjournal.com

kurtgensheimer

By not using the word epic to describe all the adventures I go on.

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cathy Claesson I 831.234.0351 cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com Krista Houghton I 831.332.7188 krista@adventuresportsjournal.com

kristahoughton

By taking every opportunity to get out and adventure! Whether it’s a ride, hike or surf locally.

Or an overland route into the great unknown.

Living life to the fullest, while minimizing risk and environmental impacts.

DESTINATION MARKETING MANAGER Pamela Coffey I 619.887.9937 pamela@adventuresportsjournal.com LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Our office resides in Aulinta (‘place of the Red Abalone’) in the larger region called Popeloutchom (‘paradise’) by the Amah Mutsun Tribe.

jamesmurren

Family commitments might get in the way, but if things fall into place, a month long international trip (in the planning stages) to big mountains would be pretty “epic.” Otherwise, the Sierra and Rockies will do!

ADVENTURE SPORTS JOURNAL PO BOX 35, Santa Cruz, CA 95063 staff@adventuresportsjournal.com

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Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Adventure Sports Journal or our advertisers. We usually agree with our articles, but sometimes we don’t. We welcome all contributions.

All content © Adventure Sports Journal 2024. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editors.

PROUD MEMBER

ellasuring

liamnir

I have lots of trail running goals coming up, and plan to pursue adventure and travel with a new van I just bought.

I will savor my last precious moments at UCSC, rock climb as much as humanly possible, go on at least one epic adventure a month, and stay stoked 24/7.

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE HURT CYCLE Survival mode is no fun As I write these words California is recovering from a massive winter storm that left almost a million people out of power. Things are a mess. After sustained 60 MPH winds across much of the state for almost 24 hours, winter just got real. Trees are down everywhere and first responders are struggling to respond to floods, crushed houses, car accidents, and all kinds of storm related damage. California is a mess.

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elcome to ASJ issue #132.

Truth be told things are not going well right now.

Getting this issue ready for press has been a struggle.

As I’ve said before, the beating heart of Adventure Sports Journal is my wife and business partner Cathy Claesson.

As an old school print magazine she has a hard deadline that we have to meet or this magazine will not get printed.

Over the years Cathy has stepped up and found her calling as a talented publisher with a variety of skill sets.

I’m proud of her because I know how

hard it is for one person to do what she does.

I’m not gonna lie these past few days have been rough. The storm hit right in the middle of deadline and I was too distracted to be of much help. As a lineman, I work outside to help repair electrical infrastructure when the power goes out during storms.

My phone was ringing off the hook right when this issue was coming together. Usually that is not a problem because Cathy picks up my slack.

Then, a few nights ago Cathy woke up in the middle of the night with severe abdominal pain and we rushed

When life gets hard I don’t always handle it well. I’m not proud to say I sometimes resort to anger and stubbornness.

to the hospital for emergency care. It took a couple of days to find the right doctor, so she was in the hospital for three days.

to support my wife after her surgery pushed me to the brink. I pretty much lost it. I got angry, resentful, and selfish. All I wanted to do was crawl back into bed and quit everything.

During times like this I’m reminded that life is hard and sometimes life is REALLY hard. In addition to all the stress of the last few days I just found out a coworker has cancer in his spine and will need back surgery and radiation. I feel terrible for him.

As you read these words please understand we are hanging by a thread. There is a storm outside and there are storms going on inside all of us.

This added tons of stress because we were now juggling deadline, the storm, and most importantly, Cathy’s health.

Luckily her surgery was successful.

Publishing Adventure Sports Journal has not been easy, but we are not giving up. Thanks for reading our magazine and we hope it inspires you to face life’s challenges with courage and grace.

When life gets hard I don’t always handle it well. I’m not proud to say I sometimes resort to anger and stubbornness.

The good news is that the storm left a deep layer of snow throughout the Sierra and we do need this rain to offset years of drought.

In the midst of all this turmoil I’ve been struggling with my worst case of writer’s block in twenty years. I spent hours writing about something that happened in my childhood and the article just flopped and none of our editors liked it. I had to start over.

Life is hard sometimes but we will get through it. I have a feeling good times are right around the corner. Being in survival mode is no fun but playing outside can heal us. Thanks for reading my words.

Getting up at 3am to write and then working in the rain all day while trying

— Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com

THANK YOU! J S A g n i t r o p p u s For

Adventure Sports Journal depends on the support of our advertisers and people like you.

ASJ is an important voice for the outdoor community in California, and we are in direct competition with corporate media and online platforms.

Please consider helping us continue our work by becoming a member today.

With your support we can continue to inspire adventure, event participation, exploration and environmental stewardship. — Matt Niswonger & Cathy Claesson

BECOME A MEMBER!

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EAR TO THE GROUND News and notes from the outdoor industry CLIMBERS RAISE ALARMS OVER NPS DRAFT MANUAL ON FIXED ANCHORS

WESTERN SOLAR SURGE

The American Alpine Club (AAC) is raising alarms over the National Park Service’s (NPS) draft manual proposing restrictions on fixed anchors in Wilderness Areas. Asserting that fixed anchors are vital to responsible climbing and consistent with the Wilderness Act, the AAC questions the abrupt reinterpretation of regulations without historical precedent. Emphasizing the potential negative impacts on conservation efforts, safety concerns, and impractical implementation, the AAC is urging the NPS to reconsider its approach. The AAC stresses the need for collaborative, locally tailored solutions and calls for a transparent and inclusive process to address the issue effectively. The organization highlights the importance of public input and encourages climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to follow the issue and get involved. Stay up to date, by following the AAC online. aac.adventuresportsjournal.com

The Biden-Harris Administration is making substantial strides in advancing solar energy development throughout the Western US, unveiling an extensive roadmap to align with President Biden’s ambitious goal of achieving a net-zero electric grid by 2035. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is strategically streamlining the siting and permitting process for solar projects, with an updated Utility-Scale Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. This initiative aims to support national clean energy objectives, enhance climate resilience, and ensure positive conservation outcomes. The BLM’s comprehensive approach spans projects in Arizona, California, and Nevada, collectively representing over 1,700 megawatts of potential solar generation and 1,300 megawatts of potential battery storage. These initiatives underscore the administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable practices, as it aims for a transformative shift towards a 100 percent clean electricity grid by 2035 to combat climate change effectively. solarenergy. adventuresportsjournal.com

SANTA CRUZ SURFER’S CALIFORNIA CLIMBER FILM “A LONG ROAD TO SECURES HER SPOT IN TAO” IS FESTIVAL BOUND 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS Santa Cruz resident Michael Allen’s book, “Tao of Surfing,” inspires the film “A Long Road To Tao,” premiering at the Las Cruces International Film Festival.

Rooted in Taoist philosophy, the narrative explores surfing as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability. Allen, a surf photographer, collaborated with Director Alex Carig and Director of Photography Sherwin Lau, capturing stunning visuals along the Santa Cruz coast. The film reflects a personal journey through struggles, loss, and the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s. Beyond his artistic pursuits, Allen contributes to the community through ocean safety programs. With a fine art surf photography business, he offers clients healing Shibui art and personal water photography services. shibui.adventuresportsjournal.com

Natalia Grossman, the California-born climbing sensation, secures her spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hailing from Santa Cruz, she began her climbing journey at Pacific Edge Climbing gym, sharing roots with legendary climber Chris Sharma. She later joined the Zero Gravity team at Berkeley Ironworks. When the team came to an end, the Grossman family moved to Boulder, Colorado, where she joined Robyn ErbesfieldRaboutou’s Team ABC. Now, after clinching gold in the 2023 Pan American Games, Grossman, with her Californian and Santa Cruz roots, is set to represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics, marking a remarkable journey from her coastal hometown to the global climbing stage. grossman.adventuresportsjournal.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BIGHORN SHEEP SURVEY The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep (SCBS), invites volunteers for the Annual Bighorn Sheep Survey in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

Scheduled for March 3, 2024, the ground survey requires participants to hike one to five miles in challenging terrain, documenting sheep sightings using provided survey forms. Interested individuals, aged 16 and above, can sign up via the Bighorn Sheep Survey Form. For inquiries, email bighornsheepsurvey@wildlife.ca.gov or call (858) 239-9505. bighornsheep. adventuresportsjournal.com

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SIX ENTRANCE FEE-FREE DAYS AT NATIONAL PARKS IN 2024 The National Park Service has six entrance fee-free days for 2024, inviting all to enjoy the magic of national parks. While Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15 has passed, upcoming dates include the first day of National Park Week on April 20, Juneteenth on June 19, Great American Outdoors Act Day on August 4, National Public Lands Day on September 28, and Veterans Day on November 11. These special days offer opportunities to explore the beauty and history of our country. The regular cost to enter parks ranges from $10 to $35; revenue supports visitor services and park enhancements. Annual passes and discounts are available for various groups. Other federal land management agencies also offer feefree days in 2024. freedaysnps-2024. adventuresportsjournal.com

OPENING OF YOSEMITE HIKES MAY BE DELAYED The Sierras are forecasted to experience another winter with above-average snowfall. As a result, the opening of popular hikes like Half Dome may face delays due to the heavier snowpack. It’s anticipated that the installation of the Half Dome cables, usually done in late May, may need to be extended through June to accommodate the conditions. hd-2024.adventuresportsjournal.com

WATERSHED RESILIENCE: A COLLABORATIVE PLAN FOR PRESERVATION OF THE AMERICAN RIVER El Dorado Water Agency (EDWA) proudly announces the completion of the Programmatic Watershed Plan (PWP), a collaborative effort led by the diverse Upper American River Watershed Group (UARWG). EDWA’s General Manager Rebecca Guo highlights the comprehensive strategy addressing region-specific challenges, advocating for sustainable, climateresilient practices.

This milestone follows over a year and a half of collaborative work, recognizing the watershed’s pivotal role in supporting various sectors. With a focus on combating threats posed by droughts, floods, and fires, the plan aims to safeguard the watershed’s vital contributions to the region’s economy and ecosystem. Additionally, EDWA is developing an ecosystem evaluation report to quantify the upper American River watershed’s goods and services, guiding future investments. Stay updated on EDWA’s initiatives for watershed preservation and management. edwa.adventuresportsjournal.com.

CALIFORNIA ENDURO SERIES WELCOMES INAUGURAL DODGE RIDGE ENDURO TO ITS 2024 SEASON The inaugural Dodge Ridge Enduro joins the California Enduro Series’ lineup for 2024. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort promises an exhilarating race course plus on-site tent and RV camping available for race weekend.

In addition to mountain biking, Dodge Ridge boasts plenty of other summer activities including chair lift rides, hiking, disc golf, live music and BBQs. Pinecrest Lake, a cherished destination for generations, is just three miles away, offering a summer paradise with swimming, boating, and more.

The 2024 California Enduro Series is presented by Specialized and offers six exciting events for the upcoming season. ces-dodgeridge. adventuresportsjournal.com

ALPINE ADRENALINE: TACKLE THE CALIFORNIA ALPS IN THE DEATH RIDE CHALLENGE Gear up for the ultimate cycling challenge at the Death Ride Tour of the California Alps! Traverse Alpine County’s stunning vistas on car-free roads, taking on the challenge of six grueling Alpine passes. The full 103-mile course boasts over 14,000 feet of elevation gain, but riders can opt for shorter routes, with e-bikes welcome. Starting and ending at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, California, cyclists will conquer iconic mountain passes before celebrating at the finish line festival. Join cycling enthusiasts, test your endurance, and support the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and local nonprofits. dr-alpinecounty. adventuresportsjournal.com

SKIMO THRILLS AND MOUNTAIN CHILLS AT DIAMOND PEAK Dive into adventure at the 5th Annual Luggi Foeger Uphill / Downhill Festival and Skimo Race on March 23-24, 2024, hosted at Diamond Peak Ski Resort in the stunning Lake Tahoe Basin. In SkiMo racing, competitors ascend using their preferred human powered methods and descend by skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. A recreational course caters to non-competitive participants.

The event features on-snow gear demos, a DJ, awards ceremony, and a winter-wildlife snowshoe hike. Register early to secure your spot for a thrill and fun packed mountain adventure. skimo-dp.adventuresportsjournal.com

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EARN YOUR BEER

Digital Detox EST. 1993

A n za -B or rego Des e rt Sta te Pa rk

By James Murren

PACIFIC EDGE CLIMBING GYM CLIMBING, YOGA, FITNESS

THE EARNING At the end of every fall semester, going on many years now, I go on a solo desert digital detox weekend. Forty-eight hours of no connection with devices is my way to tune in and tune out. The agreement, though, is that I carry my SPOT device so in the case of an emergency, I can switch it on.

I’ve never had to do that on desert digital detox weekend. Also, a note sits on the countertop providing the details of my whereabouts. It is there for my bride if she would need to find me. I don’t deviate from the note.

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nza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, with over 500 miles of dirt roads. Its sand, dirt, and sometimes rock desert roads are perfect for bikepacking on fat tires.

Getting away from the crowds is easy; simply go further. Out there, in the folds and slots of canyons, live Peninsular bighorn sheep. I sit for hours scanning the mountain lioncolored jumbles of rocks the sizes of Volkswagen Beetles and bungalow houses looking for them. I’ve yet to see any as they rest or navigate their homeland. Binoculars and a book by my side are a source of entertainment.

In the late afternoon, as it’s turning into evening, ridgelines seem to slowly emerge in 3-D, like the stereogram art that was popular in the 1980s. Staring then at the posters of colored dots and wavy lines, slowly and surely, the images popped off the paper and floated in front of the poster. I know of no other way to describe the Borrego light and shadows on those desert ridgelines at dusk out there

by Sheep Canyon. Is it magic? Go and see for yourself, and I’ll bet you’ll believe me when I say that we need not try to imagine a better place than here. No better time than now. It, the unimaginable-trying-to-be-imagined, already exists.

It’s a cold winter’s desert. Wrapped in fleece and tucked into my down bag, I lay with my head outside the tent door. Up there, satellites cross the constellations. The Milky Way’s creamy softness hangs like a soft pillow of heavenly peace. I think of wonder and love, thankful in the mindfulness that I’m experiencing. Grateful not in knowing of this wonder and love, but

rather, I am grateful in having felt it and feeling it in the here/now.

How often do we go on adventures and leave loved ones behind? They are our rocks. I am thankful for mine.

Before long, sleep settles into my being, and my eyelids begin to close.

I don’t fight it, at all. Rested bones and spirit happen. Later, I awake and snuggle deeper into my bag. And then later, the pale light of morning arrives and gives way to the brighter sunshine of morning. I revel in the heat of the sun’s rays. I sit like a lizard, sipping on a cup of coffee, content to the world.

THE BEER It’s a digital detox, not a beer one! For outings on the trail, carrying extra weight is a bit counterintuitive.

Nevertheless, sitting back and sipping on a can of imperial stout or a barleywine as the sun fades away and the night sky softly sparkles with emerging starlight, is an okay way for me to enjoy the light show.

Societe’s The Butcher is a doozy of an imperial stout, with all the hallmarks of a roasted/campfire winter warmer, so to speak. societebrewing.com On the barleywine end of things, one I’ve taken out on the trail over the years is Sierra Nevada’s Bigfoot Barleywine-Style Ale. It’s a classic, though it’s not a true barleywine. Who cares?! As the desert air chills and a coyote song sings out, the sweet molasses bread rises and mashes into the bitter pine resin, a smashing success of deliciousness on the tongue. sierranevada.com

LEAVE NO TRACE

FIVE TIPS FOR CLEANER ADVENTURE CAMPING

By Krista Houghton

The popularity of dispersed camping has surged, enticing adventurers to leave the beaten path. Picture the disappointment of arriving at your chosen adventure spot after hours of planning and travel, only to find it strewn with litter. Unfortunately, this disheartening scenario has happened to me more than once.

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ispersed camping is defined as camping on public lands outside of designated campgrounds, with no infrastructure or facilities. Offering solitude and freedom from reservations, this form of adventure camping is a great option but requires more planning. Upon your arrival and departure, there should be no signs of previous campers — no trash, no toilet paper, not even micro-trash.

For those considering adventure camping, please carry a deeper commitment to our natural spaces.

Our planet isn’t just a backdrop for our adventures; it’s our only home. To help pay it forward here are five adventure camping guidelines to consider:

Guideline #1: Water Too often water comes in singleserving plastic bottles, a detrimental choice for our environment. It’s disheartening to witness fellow campers sipping from these wasteful containers. Instead, opt for refillable water bottles and carry a refillable water jug to minimize our plastic footprint.

Guideline #2: Propane Fueling our cooking adventures is essential, but the environmental impact of small, non-refillable fuel canisters is often overlooked.

While they may be convenient for backpacking, a refillable propane tank is an eco-friendly choice when

overlanding or car camping. These tanks are cost-effective and reduce landfill waste.

Guideline #3: Fire The allure of a campfire is undeniable, providing warmth, ambiance, and a connection to our primal instincts.

However, constructing a fire pit or using a pre-existing fire ring can leave a lasting scar on the land. Opting for a small, portable fire pit minimizes environmental impact, allowing for a controlled and easily extinguished fire.

By packing up all remnants, including bean cans, we leave no trace of our fireside experience.

Guideline #4: Pooping A “poop kit” (PK) is a necessity, containing a trowel, toilet paper, wipes, sanitizing gel, and resealable bags (preferably eco-friendly compostable ones). Choose an appropriate spot at least 200 feet from camp, trails, and water sources. Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep (or 4-6 inches deep in arid conditions). Stir organic matter into the poop to help it break down more efficiently; keep your trowel clean by using a stick or rock. Pack out toilet paper in the resealable bag. To truly leave no trace, consider packing out your poo in a WAG bag (Waste Alleviating Gel bag).

Guideline #5: Power Power is essential for our devices.

Opt for rechargeable batteries and systems to cut disposable battery waste. Upgrade to electric coolers with built-in freezers, powered by portable stations or lithium batteries with solar panels, for extended power without ice. This ensures a continuous power supply and saves food from spoiling.

Leaving no trace involves departing as if we were never there, but our goal is to go beyond that — leaving the planet better for future campers. Adopting these five clean camp resolutions signifies our commitment to ensuring a fantastic adventure for ourselves and preserving a pristine environment for generations to come.

For more tips on clean camping visit Leave No Trace at lnt.org.

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

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Community Snow Observation

How backcountry snow enthusiasts can help transform snow science

By Leonie Sherman

Last summer I spent three days chasing lizards and counting nocturnal insects at my first ever BioBlitz in Basin and Range National Monument. BioBlitzes are a prime example of community science: projects that bring science out of laboratories and into our daily lives, involving regular folks in what has often been an elite pursuit.

T

hough the term BioBlitz was only coined in 1996, naturalists have been doing community science for decades. Five years ago, a civil engineer named David Hill partnered with NASA and started Community Snow Observations (CSO) to bring science to the slopes, and let the expertise of backcountry powder hounds inform advanced snow modeling. The data collected by snow lovers is proving critical for water resource management in California, as we adjust to the new normal of drought and deluge.

“Every single person in California is affected by water resource changes and decisions,” explains CSO Ambassador Alexandra Michell. “CSO allows community members to contribute to the overall understanding of the current state of the snowpack, which has direct effects on downstream communities, both in the headwaters and hundreds of miles away. The more people who participate, the greater our understanding of the snowpack, and the greater the sense of stewardship people have for water resources.”

In America, many people feel science is something that happens in laboratories and the results barely affect their lives. The perception that science is of the elite, by the elite and for the elite can be traced to 14 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

the presidential race of 1824, when populist Andrew Jackson publicly mocked John Quincy Adams’ pleas for government funding of academic science. The rise of anti-science conspiracy theories is part of the legacy of Jackson’s vicious rhetoric.

President Abraham Lincoln’s words from the Gettysburg Address — of the people, by the people, for the people — have a scientific legacy as well. In 1900 naturalist Frank Chapman spearheaded America’s first community science project. Horrified by the tradition of grisly Christmas Day bird hunts, where hunters vied to kill the most birds, Chapman proposed a Christmas Day Bird Count where participants were to observe, count and record as many birds as possible on a single winter day.

Over a century later Christmas Day bird hunts have disappeared but more than 81,000 people participate in Christmas Bird Counts every year. The data they collect is one of only two large pools of information about birds’ health and distribution over time. Hill hopes to create a similar pool of data about snowpack by collecting data from backyards to the backcountry through CSO. “Community Snow Observations started in 2017 as a NASA research project, to involve the public in

This page, top to bottom: Avalanche course students head into the mountains above Mammoth Lakes where they’ll learn how to submit observations to the CSO project while recreating in the backcountry (Brooke Maushund); David Hill gets up close with surface hoar crystals in Alaska (Katreen Wikstrom Jones); Sierra Nevada Red Fox wildlife technicians collect snowpack observations near Bridgeport (Brooke Maushund).

“We figured let’s ask people to measure how deep the snow is.

They can go out in their backyard, or on skis or snowshoes, stick an avalanche probe, a ski pole, or a yard stick in the snow, and tell us how deep it is.”

— David Hill, Community Snow Observation

This page: Christian Black conducts a compression test near the base of the Incredible Hulk near Bridgeport, CA on a recreational overnight ski trip. Snow observations that are essential components of decision-making process for the recreationalist in the backcountry are easy to submit as useful data points to the CSO project (Brooke Maushund). gathering information about snow,” explains Hill, who teaches Civil Engineering and has an appointment with the Water Resources Graduate Program at Oregon State University in Corvallis. “Rather than just have scientists working in offices, we are trying to build relationships with people who work and recreate in snow.”

Hill and his original team realized quickly that simplicity was the key to success. “We figured let’s ask people to measure how deep the snow is,” remembers Hill. “They can go out in their backyard, or on skis or snowshoes, stick an avalanche probe, a ski pole, or a yard stick in the snow, and tell us how deep it is.”

CSO takes that information and uses it to check computer modeling of snow depth, moisture content and location. “When we run our models with information from the public there’s a strong improvement in our results,” Hill says with a satisfied sigh. “It’s a great win-win, we run better snowpack models and the public gets better information about what’s going on in their snowy backyards.”

Understanding snow distribution and depth is critical for water resources planning, and CSO helps reduce the uncertainty inherent in drought prone

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Credit: Kim Carroll

16 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

GLIDE INTO GREATNESS This page, top to bottom: CSO Ambassador Alexandra Michell walking along a partially melted-out Lake Mary Road on June 2, 2023, carrying a federal snow density sampler. This road usually opens in May; in 2023, it did not open until July 14th (Liz Carey); Michell and colleagues in a 2.7-m snow pit on May 17, 2023. The mean bulk snow density was 514 kg/m3, meaning the snowpack was just over 50% water (Liz Carey).

TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER VOTED BEST CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA IN NORTH LAKE TAHOE + TRUCKEE 7 YEARS IN A ROW First XC area in the region to install a dedicated snow-making system

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Professional ski school offering lessons, programs, clinics and top-of-the-line rentals

VISIT TAHOEDONNER.COM/XC FOR MORE INFO California. Snow essentially stores precipitation, which reduces flooding and can keep stream temperatures cool. “Snow is like a fantastic natural reservoir,” explains Hill. “It functions like a low-impact highly-distributed dam.”

“With climate change we are facing added challenges to forecasting water because the weather is so unpredictable,” explains Brooke Maushund, an avid backcountry skier, weather station technician, hydrologist and CSO’s first California ambassador.

“More data means more accurate forecasting.

Those observations are especially critical in California, because it is one of the first states to see the impact so severely.

All the measurements CSO collects are public and open-source, available to avalanche forecast centers, federal agencies and snow lovers alike. People who provide the data can look at a theoretical model, without community input, and an actual model that includes community data and see the difference in real time.

Participants improve their own understanding of a place through their involvement with CSO. “Folks tell us they learn so much about snow through participation,” explains Hill. “They might visit the same site throughout the season, and learn how quickly and how much the snow changes, or on a long distance trip they’ll be amazed at how much the

snow changes with elevation and from southerly to northerly aspect.”

And all you need to join is a measuring stick and a phone. “We designed this to be super easy to do,” explains Hill.

“When you use our app it records the longitude, latitude date and time. We have come to rely on the experience and expertise of those folks and the information they send.”

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Most of CSO’s measurements come from the western US, but the program has gone global, with data flowing in from New Zealand, Europe and even Antarctica. The Tahoe Basin and the Eastern Sierra from Sonora Pass to Bishop return abundant data every year.

“What we are really interested in doing is improving our understanding of the distribution and evolution of snowpack,” says Hill. “But we are also trying to improve the public’s understanding of their snow and water resources by connecting people to the water they use and where it comes from.”

As with all community science projects, recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges. So if snow is part of your winter activities, consider getting involved with CSO, through one of their websites communitysnowobs. org or mountainsnow.org.

“Each individual observation might seem like a drop in the bucket,” admits Maushund. “But every drop matters, and it adds up to a pretty big bucket.”

a Makes ft! i great g

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

17

Boom and Bust

A new film project from Josh Daiek documents the highs and lows of skiing in Nevada Story by Kurt Gensheimer • Photos by Josh Daiek and Hazen Woolson

Adventure begins where certainty ends. And in Nevada’s Great Basin, there’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to skiable terrain. Despite Nevada’s status as the second most mountainous state in the country behind Alaska, not many folks venture deep into the heart of the Great Basin to ski. Of course there are the Ruby Mountains just south of Elko and the beloved Lamoille Canyon — not far from Ruby Mountain Heli-Experience, one of the longest running helicopter skiing operations in North America — but there’s so much more to skiing in Nevada than just the Ruby Mountains.

T

o document this fact, South Lake Tahoe-based professional skier and Salomon athlete Josh Daiek thought up a new ski film project, doing something different, truly adventurous and filled with uncertainty, as he describes in Episode 26 of Mind the Track, a podcast for mountain athletes.

“I’m always trying to think of how you stay relevant,” said Daiek. “How do you do something different?

Everything’s been done. You’re not going to come up with a new idea. Pretty much the only thing you can do is tell a unique story.”

Daiek often traveled to Colorado and Utah for big mountain competitions, driving Highway 50 and Interstate 80 across Nevada, seeing the endless potential but never stopping because of his busy

18 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

travel schedule. So Daiek and his filming partner Hazen Woolson packed up the camper, loaded the snowmobile trailer and pointed their sights east into the Great Basin. But what they were expecting and what they experienced were two completely different things.

If you’re not already familiar with Josh Daiek’s skiing exploits, his style can be summarized as King of the Straight Line. Daiek’s Instagram feed is chock full of absolutely terrifying POV footage of him fearlessly pointing straight down couloir after couloir, usually peppered with shark-toothed rocks and mandatory airs at speeds above Mach Chicken (aka faster than you’d ever dare to ski). Couloirs that most advanced skiers would be hop-turning and tip-toeing down, Daiek swallows whole in a matter of seconds. Daiek also broke the internet in 2019 in the Salomon film The 7 Stages of Blank, when he sent possibly one of the biggest road gap backflips ever filmed, soaring

over Highway 50 just below Echo Summit near his home in Meyers.

Daiek is the everyman’s hero, a low-key personality hailing from Rochester Hills, Michigan, who after visiting his cousin in South Lake Tahoe nearly 20 years ago, moved there shortly after. Honing his snow sliding chops in the double black diamond terrain of Kirkwood, Daiek learned from local pro Craig Garbiel, who got Daiek into big mountain competitions.

Woolson has been making ski films since he was in high school on the east coast, starting a small film brand called Janky Films when he lived in Utah.

Woolson was connected with Blank Collective and Daiek in 2019, and since then the two have been close friends, working together on numerous films including the jaw-dropping backflip segment over Highway 50.

Opposite page, top to bottom: After a record-breaking winter in Nevada, the mountain ranges along Highway 50, like the Desatoya Range pictured here, had more than enough snow for big days on skis and sleds. This page, clockwise from top left: Josh Daiek drops into yet another steep, rocky couloir at speeds approaching Mach Chicken deep in the Nevada backcountry; Hazen Woolson carries his gear while filming Mountain State 2.0 inside Great Basin National Park; Josh Daiek and Trevor Semmens making the long trek and score fresh winter pow in Great Basin National Park; After two previous dry winters, in 2023 Josh Daiek realized the dream of a big winter in the Great Basin of Nevada, and he’s all smiles; Josh Daiek and Hazen Woolson with their sleds at the Outside Inn in Jarbidge, Nevada, the most remote zip code in the lower 48 states.

PART I - MOUNTAIN STATE The first act of Daiek and Woolson’s Nevada experience was documented in the short film Mountain State. The winter of 2021 and 2022 in Nevada not only had very shallow snowpack, but also very unstable snow, making for difficult and dangerous skiing. The team got skunked numerous times, and after retreating from Arc Dome Wilderness in dangerous avalanche conditions, they resorted to skiing Sand Mountain, a massive sand dune 30 miles east of Fallon on Highway 50 that at least made an entertaining and novel segment in the film.

Another disadvantage of a shallow snowpack was long approaches on patches of snow, overheating

their snowmobiles and grinding down the machine’s ski carbides just to reach skiable terrain. Once they reached skiable terrain, the variable conditions created dangerous situations, including one incident with Daiek’s Salomon skiing partner, Trevor Semmens, breaking his leg on a hard landing far from anywhere, which ended up in an all-day snowmobile extraction.

The most harrowing incident documented in Mountain State was one of Daiek’s closest brushes with peril, skiing a 50+ degree couloir that looked more like a snow-covered, 1,500 vertical foot elevator shaft than it did a skiable line at Hole in the Mountain in the East Humboldt range.

“Looking back, that was very, very poor judgement,”

said Daiek. “When I made this film I wanted to blow peoples’ minds. And if you want to blow peoples’ minds, you gotta ski rowdy and be aggressive.”

Snow conditions were less than ideal, with a variable ice crust layer, but because Daiek had been accustomed to variable snow all season, he felt confident. But as soon as he dropped in and made his first turn, his ski punched through the ice crust, sending him into a front flip. Daiek recalled on the Mind the Track podcast what went through his mind in the moment.

“If you allow yourself to tumble one more time, you’re going to tumble the entire face and you’re going to die,” said Daiek. “I have to get back to my feet, straight run and regain control.” www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

19

TIME TO SOAR UNEXPLORED NEVER BORED

Explore the wild side of the Silver State, from alpine peaks and sandy dunes to starry skies and Sagebrush Saloons. Heliski off untouched mountain slopes. Climb soaring cliffs for a new (and breathtaking) point of view. Grab a car, your gear, and your favorite adventure buddy for endless excitement on 60-million acres of public lands. Go on, get a little out there into the heart of Nevada.

Scan to Plan Your Trip 20 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

“I’m always trying to think of how you stay relevant. How do you do something different?

Everything’s been done. You’re not going to come up with a new idea. Pretty much the only thing you can do is tell a unique story.”

— Josh Daiek

PART II - MOUNTAIN STATE 2.0

This page: Daiek and Woolson struggled to find good snow the first couple winters in Nevada, resorting to skiing Sand Mountain outside Fallon, which at least made some entertaining footage.

And that’s exactly what Daiek did, committing to the front flip, whipping his shoulders and getting himself into position to regain control, harnessing every skill he’s ever learned. As a testament to his skill, Daiek handled the situation so well that in the film it almost looks like he meant to front flip.

The near disaster put a serious scare into Daiek and made him reevaluate his risk-taking for the film.

In another segment, Daiek and Woolson geared up their snowmobiles and sledded more than 50 miles from Wild Horse Reservoir to the town of Jarbidge, known as the most remote

zip code in the lower 48 states, only 15 miles south of the Idaho border.

It was a real adventure for the boys, especially considering how remote the region is and the fact neither of them had ever been to Jarbidge before. But potential Jarbidge visitors take note: it’s Jar-bidge. Not Jar-bridge.

After the challenges of filming Mountain State, the decision to return for a third winter in Nevada generated a lot of raised eyebrows and confused looks in Daiek’s circle of friends.

“I had people ask me, ‘it seems like you guys are really struggling out there, why don’t you find something else to do?’” said Daiek in the opening scene of Mountain State 2.0. “It goes back to what I said in the first film, ‘I

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

21

THANK YOU MEMBERS!

MARCH 24, 25 & 26 — The California Roots Art & Music Festival is a 3 day, multi-layered, uniquely curated event that partners interactive art and music to create an immersive experience that celebrates life, love and incredible music.

We love being a free resource for our community and we also rely on the support of our advertisers and readers.

Do you enjoy reading Adventure Sports Journal?

Please consider becoming an ASJ member today. Our membership includes a free subscription and entries to ongoing giveaways. For this issue a member will win two THREE day passes to the California Roots Festival.

Scan the QR code and learn more at adventuresportsjournal.com/membership.

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22 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

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This page: Backcountry skiing in Nevada delivers real adventure and real remoteness, but it requires real preparation and real knowledge of snowpack to be safe.

know there’s good skiing out there, and I’m stubborn enough to stick it out.’”

Perseverance pays off, and the third time in Nevada was the charm for Daiek and Woolson. Whereas the winters of 2021 and 2022 were dangerously shallow and unstable, the winter of 2023 was one of the deepest in recorded history in the Great Basin.

But what made last winter extra special was how far south the deep snowpack extended, opening up zones to skiing south of Highway 50 that are normally not covered in enough snow.

The boys hit ideal conditions skiing the Toiyabe Range from the small town of Kingston and Kingston Canyon, and filming a funny segment hanging out with locals in the ghost town of Belmont, shooting off Civil War era cannons, drinking whiskey and running around with a ball and chain clamped to their legs. Daiek also scored redemption in Mountain State 2.0, going back to the East Humboldt Range with his other Salomon partner Stan Rey, skiing the elevator shaft couloir that almost cost Daiek his life, scoring good conditions.

After the two-part Mountain State project, Daiek and Woolson now have their sights set on other little known

— Josh Daiek

corners of the West to document. But in the afterglow of both films, Daiek sees himself going back to Nevada for the rest of his days.

“Whether it’s one trip a year, or a trip every couple years, I love it,” said Daiek. “Nevada is second to none in my eyes. It’s a very unique experience and I think that’s what attracts me to Nevada. Not only the skiing, but the whole adventure that goes along with it. It’s wild.”

For Daiek and Woolson, their persistence not only paid off in getting all-time ski conditions last winter, but their film footage also won them “Best Backcountry Segment” at the 2023 IF3 International Freeski Film Festival.

Watch Mountain State and Mountain State 2.0 on YouTube and get inspired for a Nevada adventure. But keep in mind, Nevada is rugged, raw and remote. Be prepared, have a plan and know the snowpack before you go.

Help is a long way off.

elynevada.net #GETTHEMOSTOUTTHERE

For their second film, Mountain State 2.0, Daiek and Woolson targeted some new zones including the Toquima Range and Great Basin National Park.

Both Daiek and Woolson were blown away by skiing Great Basin National Park with clear weather and good snow, not an easy feat to pull off in winter. In addition to skiing some big lines in the park, Daiek, Semmens and Woolson overnight camped and sessioned some aggressive lines, culminating in an exhilarating final few minutes of the film, showcasing Daiek’s classic straight-line style.

“Nevada is second to none in my eyes. It’s a very unique experience and I think that’s what attracts me to Nevada.

Not only the skiing, but the whole adventure that goes along with it. It’s wild.”

Both Mountain State films are available on Salomon TV’s YouTube channel, and you can stay tuned to Josh Daiek’s adventures by following him on Instagram @joshdaiek. www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

23

Adventure Pioneer to Riverside Host Jerry Ashburn’s enduring legacy with EarthTrek Expeditions

By Anthea Raymond

ONLY FOR THE RICH? If you’ve ever passed through Coloma – especially in a boat – you may have noticed the canvas tents on platforms along the river just below the Highway 49 bridge.

B

ut when adventure travel pioneer Jerry Ashburn first arrived over forty years ago, things were different. Commercial rafting and lodging on the South Fork of the American River were still very much taking shape.

Ashburn had been bringing groups from Southern California to the Sierra for a while. He grew up in Orange County, California, and by 1966 worked at Disneyland. But he was always getting away, usually into nature.

“One of the reasons I loved to travel was to get out of Los Angeles and Orange County,” he says.

And he loved going with others. In 1970, he started the Disneyland Alpine Club, taking work colleagues backpacking. Other programs followed including multi-day rafting trips through Desolation Canyon, Cataract Canyon, and Grand Canyon.

Around 1977, Ashburn and a travel agent friend figured there might be a business model in all of this. “Adventure travel was getting more popular,” he recalls. “My friend came up with this name ‘EarthTrek Expeditions,’ and we slowly started getting bookings.”

In 1980, Ashburn began making reservations for his first commercial rafting trips on the South Fork of the American. Before long, business was booming. “We rented a campsite in Ponderosa Park,” he says, and partnered with a local rafting company.

In 1982 EarthTrek set up permanent camp at River Bend Resort. Ashburn decided it might make sense to guide the rafting trips too. By 1984, he was running rafting trips regularly with the help of Jim Leabeater. “[Ashburn and Leabeater] prioritized teamwork,” says Janeen Stewart, a former EarthTrek guide and 24 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

manager. “They worked well together, and through example, inspired us to follow suit.”

After ten years at River Bend, the partners started looking to buy their own facility. In 1992, the right opportunity knocked. “A fella I know owned Gold Rush and he came to me saying he wants to sell his business and his land,” Ashburn says. In 1993, they officially moved.

For Ashburn and EarthTrek, it was also a chance to upgrade accommodations. “I was always into building a better camp than most people get when they go rafting,” he says. So to the EarthTrek camp came cabin tents — elevated canvas structures with beds or bunkbeds. Those remain EarthTrek’s signature look even as others along the river have added similar “glamping” style structures.

“When trends ran through the rafting industry, Jerry stuck to his own principles,” says Stewart. “He has never lost sight that a quality operation and experience for the guests is at the core of EarthTrek.

This affected everything from the pricing of his trips to the treatment of his employees.”

In 2000, EarthTrek expanded their footprint and bought the remainder of the property it owns today.

That allowed the company to build more tents with bunkbeds and host more children — mostly fourth graders — who visit Coloma to study the Gold Rush in the off-season. For many, EarthTrek is their first camping experience ever.

Parents often stay with their kids, and the camp has hosted celebrities and their children, such as Vanessa Paradis and Jennifer Garner (who even helped out in the kitchen). The camp has also hosted music

This page, top to bottom: EarthTrek added these popular camp tents in 2010 (Jerry Ashburn); Ashburn, with his wife Susan and daughter Laura, lead EarthTrek’s committed team of hospitality experts (Jerry Ashburn); Ashburn began EarthTrek by bringing visitors to the Sierra in comfortable buses and vans (Jerry Ashburn) Opposite page, clockwise from top left: In-house meals prepared and served by the Ashburns are still an important part of the visitor experience at EarthTrek (Dylan Silver); Bunk tent cabins like these help EarthTrek handle the many schoolchildren and families who visit every year (Jerry Ashburn); A view of EarthTrek’s signature river front tent cabins, an inspiration to glampers worldwide (Jerry Ashburn); Today, rafting at EarthTrek is handled by industry leader OARS (James Kaiser).

“When trends ran through the rafting industry, Jerry stuck to his own principles. He has never lost sight that a quality operation and experience for the guests is at the core of EarthTrek. ” — Janeen Stewart

former EarthTrek guide and manager festivals, bike rides, and wellness events. Corporate trips and a wedding venue also did solid business for a while, though the school trips are most important now.

EarthTrek sold its rafting permits about ten years ago to OARS. Around that time it also built more river tents at the river’s edge. Coming full circle, EarthTrek again partners with OARS to offer multi-day rafting,

camping and meals. Ashburn and his staff still cook for most of their guests.

Recently, Ashburn finally has found some time for fall traveling. Now 76, he’d like to get up to Alaska with his wife Susan. He’s pleased to see his daughter Laura taking on more responsibility for booking and management. And he’s proud to be a survivor in an industry where consolidation is the new norm. “It

took nearly ten years to make the business start to grow into what it is today. I am proud that I had the patience to stick with it.”

To learn more, and to experience the legacy of Jerry Ashburn — a pioneer in adventure travel and river glamping — visit EarthTrekExpeditions.com.

Not a cell phone in sight. Just people living in the moment...

Get back to living at

oars.com

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

25

Wandering Through Washington A Pacific Crest Trail Journey: Part 5

By Matt Johanson

By the time Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) northbound thru-hikers reach the state of Washington, they’ve hiked more than 2,100 miles and become seasoned veterans of the vagabond life. That involves hiking an average of 20 miles per day through deserts and over mountains.

S

tomachs growl and waistlines tighten amid constant hunger.

Thunderstorms break up tripledigit heat waves. Swimming in cold ponds and lakes washes off the dirt, partly. Hitchhike to town when you finally reach a road. Gorge yourself, shower, wash your clothes, and pack more food. Then do it all again.

I learned to love that life, and during my last push through Washington, I realized I’d learned something more.

When I crossed the Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River, the Evergreen State was nearly unknown to me. But I knew I was in for a workout: the trail climbs 111,000 feet (nearly four times the height of Mount Everest) over its northernmost 500 miles.

For a while, a green tunnel of dense trees obscured my surroundings but sometimes the trail offered a view of Cascades peaks like Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens. I hiked hungry and gobbled down countless huckleberries.

Trail angels, bless them, camped out in Gifford Pinchot National Forest just 26 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

to feed the hikers; I devoured their grilled cheese sandwiches, chips and pancakes. Then I stuffed myself again, with burritos and burgers, in the town of Trout Lake, where a family kindly hosted me. Sawtooth, Old Snowy and Hogback mountains provided fun summit detours in Indian Heaven and Goat Rocks wilderness areas.

Cascades scenery took my breath away but people highlighted my hike through Washington even more. As I approached White Pass, my old friend Tamara and her ten-year-old daughter Sienna met me at Shoe Lake, brought me dinner and camped with me. My brother Dan flew in to join me for 70 rugged miles in Alpine Lakes Wilderness. On short breaks from hiking, I enjoyed rare visits with my Washington relatives Laurel, Howard, Martha, Rebecca, Joanne, Megan, Alan and Ruben.

Hiking beside Mount Rainier struck a more somber note. My friend Catherine and I climbed it together 20 years earlier but then we lost touch. I had recently learned that she had died of amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis (ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in her 50s.

Time flew and days blurred as I trekked through Okanogan-Wenatchee, Snoqualmie and Mount Baker National Forests. I had only completed a handful of 20-mile days before. Now I can’t count them all. During this segment, I covered exactly 26.2 miles one day, a full marathon.

Smoke in the distance worried everyone, and eventually our fears proved founded. In North Cascades National Park, hikers can catch a bus to the town of Stehekin and indulge at its famed bakery, the Stehekin Pastry Company. Bad news awaited us there: fire had closed the trail’s last miles to the border. This broke many hearts but not mine. I was already planning my return trip when Tamara and Sienna, my Washington VIPs, picked me up at Rainy Pass.

Hiking the PCT, first in bits and pieces over years and then in months-long binges, taught me a great deal about backpacking. I discovered the beauty

This page, top to bottom: A trail leads to impressive Cascades scenery; Tamara and Sienna Milandin supported the author throughout Washington; Matt and Dan Johanson celebrate reaching the trail’s northern terminus. Opposite page, clockwise from left: Sheep Lake reflects a cloudy sky in Mount Rainier National Park; Hikers carefully navigate a river crossing in Glacier Peak Wilderness; Guru, a trail angel, cooked pancakes for hikers who visited his van.

But interacting with friends, old and new, provided fonder memories than scenery, however grand. I got better at packing light, finding water and managing my diet, though a greater takeaway was to better appreciate the people in my life.

of Washington’s forests, rivers and mountains, and much more in California and Oregon, on the 2,650-mile trek.

But interacting with friends, old and new, provided fonder memories than scenery, however grand. I got better at packing light, finding water and managing my diet, though a greater takeaway was to better appreciate the people in my life.

Another might be to take better care of myself because I had an eye-opening encounter on a break in town. I was dirty, unkempt and wearing my filthy hiking clothes while I organized my gear

in a minimart parking lot. So pitiful did I appear that a young woman driving by stopped her car to offer me a few dollars! I thanked her for her kindness and explained that I didn’t need it; I’m not sure if she believed me. I’ve never been so touched and embarrassed at the same time.

When I returned to hike the last 66 miles to Canada, Tamara and Sienna drove me back to the trail, hiked a few miles and camped a night with me again. I bade them a fond farewell in the morning and continued north by myself.

I wasn’t alone, though. Over the years, I hiked sections with my Dad, Uncle Ted, my wife Karen, cousins Peter, Maggie, Andy, Zach, Anna, Linnae and AnaLisse, Gracie Girl the Wolf Dog, Yosemite Sam the Samurai Dog, and good friends John, Bob and Raffi. All of them and more journeyed those last miles in my heart. I was even less alone and happier when Dan joined me at the Canadian border to celebrate the end of a 26-year adventure.

While I’m glad to be back with Karen and my other family and friends, I miss the PCT life. So when Karen and I next visited the Sierra Nevada, we stopped

to walk along the trail where it passes Highway 4 at Ebbetts Pass. That’s the first place I met trail angels about ten years before, and not far from Sonora Pass, where I first met the PCT. We hoped to see hikers and even brought trail magic for them. No one passed by right away so I made a roadside beer cache for the next ones who did. It’s a down payment on the happiness which the PCT taught me to pay forward.

This is the final trip report of Matt “Detour” Johanson’s journey on the PCT. You can read past installments on our website.

www.westernmountaineering.com

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

27

The Epic Journey of Badwater 135

Where ultrarunners challenge the heat of Death Valley to the heights of Mount Whitney

By Leonie Sherman

ONLY FOR THE RICH?

The lowest place in the US is less than 90 miles as the crow flies from the highest peak in the lower 48. Every year, a gaggle of hard-core ultra runners follow the pavement from the sizzling salt flats of Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, 282 feet below sea level, to the lofty granite and dripping forests of Whitney Portal in Inyo National Forest at 8,374 feet, 135 miles away. On foot. In July. The Badwater 135 is the world’s toughest foot race.

S

ure, there are races that cover more distance, climb more elevation or provide more technical challenge. But nothing compares to the Badwater 135. You can fry an egg on the pavement in Death Valley in July, and the whole course is on pavement. The elevation profile is bonkers. There are no aid stations.

“Of course, running 100 miles is never easy, but doing it on a flat course with cool weather is obviously way easier than 135 miles in July on pavement in the hottest place on Earth,” says Badwater World Series Race Director Chris Kostman.

Since Chris Kostman took over management of the race in 2000, it’s blossomed into more than a testing ground for the world’s most elite ultra runners. It’s a brand. It’s a family. It’s about chasing the horizon.

It’s about embracing challenge. It’s a way of life. And under Kostman’s leadership, it’s expanded to include three annual races: the 51-mile Badwater Cape Fear, the 81-mile Badwater Salton Sea and the OG Badwater 135.

Even though Kostman has branched out to directing races in other places and even other countries, the 28 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

Badwater 135 holds a special place in his heart. “I love what a dramatic place Death Valley is. I love big vast desert spaces, they humble people, help people realize how small they are and how big the planet is,” explains Kostman. “I love that the race goes from all that to finish in a forest, with a waterfall and granite spires. I love that the race goes from hot and dry to wet and cold. I love the communities we pass through, they’ve all really embraced our event.”

The National Park Service’s embrace of the event involves strict safety protocols. “We have one ambulance, a medical team of eight to ten doctors, nurses and EMTs, a total race staff of 50 people,” explains Kostman. “Each runner has a vehicle and a support crew with them; they need assistance every two miles on average.”

Ultra running is usually a solitary experience, but Badwater 135 is more like a team sport. “It’s like a homecoming every year,” explains nine-time finisher Joshua Holmes. “There’s this incredible group of people you see once a year and you get to know them really well, you get to know their support crews really well. We are out there competing against each

other, but encouraging each other, too.“ “Even first and second place runners will help others, their support crews help each other,” says Kostman.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen at any sporting event, everyone wants everyone else to finish and have their best race ever.”

“This is an amazing event, it’s incredible what the competitors accomplish,” says Death Valley National Park (DVNP) Public Affairs Officer Abby Wines. “But it’s only possible because they have all these side rails in place for safety. A guy died a few years ago attempting the course without a support crew. We really discourage copy cats. Don’t try to do this on your own.”

The course climbs a total of 14,600 feet and 5,000 of that comes in the last thirteen miles. So after running 122 miles, participants have to complete the world’s hardest half marathon.

There’s no escaping the heat in Furnace Creek in July. Temperatures at 8pm regularly exceed 100 degrees and have been as high as 117. And, of course, it’s even hotter during the day.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen at any sporting event, everyone wants everyone else to finish and have their best race ever.”

— Chris Kostman, Race Director Main image, opposite page: Matthew Collins of Philadelphia passing the DVNP boundary at mile 85 in 2019 (Ian Parker). This page, top row, left to right: 2022 finisher Malu Paredes of Venezuela gets cooling support from her team (Ian Parker); 2023 overall champion Ashley Paulson and her support crew at the Whitney Portal finish line (Chris Kostman).

There are no rest stops on the Badwater 135. “If we set up aid stations every three to five miles like other races, our volunteers would die of heat exposure!”

Kostman explains with a laugh. The time cutoff was originally 60 hours but as runners got faster, the limit was dropped to 48 hours in 2011. Moving through the vastness of the Mojave Desert under your own power,

when the next landmark you can see is 20 miles away, crushes egos.

And the obstacles are unpredictable. “We’ve had a forest fire at the finish line, a swarm of locusts, dust storms and a flood that closed part of the route during the race,” says Kostman. “Nobody enters this race thinking it will be easy, they generally know that

anything can happen.”

Most long races have a lottery system for entry, but Badwater 135 is invitation only, and limited to 100 runners. So every January, the world’s most elite athletes vie for a chance to test their endurance on the course. In order to even apply, a runner must have completed a minimum of four 100-mile races, and have at least three years of ultra running experience.

And only nerdy athletes need apply. “Our race has five pages of rules because of the extreme conditions and government oversight,” says Kostman, “Badwater

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29

This page, top to bottom: Joshua Holmes and crew member at mile 121 of the race (Ian Parker); Race staffer Jamie Altoonian encourages the competitors, including her mother, during the 2022 race (Chris Kostman).

135 is for runners and support crews who love to sweat the little details.

We are looking for folks who are going to do their homework and show up understanding all the details and nuances of the event.”

“We are interested in more than what races they’ve run, we want to know what kind of athlete they are,” explains Kostman. “We ask them what they hope to achieve by participating in this event. We ask them why they are on this planet! We want people who will embrace the Badwater philosophy, who want to be part of the Badwater family.”

“When I first heard about the Badwater 135, I could not fathom that kind of exertion in that extreme heat,” says Holmes. “I started doing 100-mile races, I even did a 314-mile race in eight days, but when I applied to Badwater I kept getting rejected. They said I didn’t have enough of a resume. The last time I got rejected I had done twelve 100mile races. I thought that was plenty!”

Despite the stringent requirements, Kostman also wants to welcome a diverse field of competitors. Last year 40 women and 66 rookies from 26 different countries competed, setting records in each category.

“When I first heard about Badwater, I thought aliens from another planet must come down to do it, it seemed like an impossible thing. ” — Joshua Holmes, Athlete 30 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

The Badwater 135 boasts an 82% finishing rate, where in other ultras, which have a lottery system for entry, less than half the field may complete the race.

“Some races glorify their DNF — did not finish — rate, but I think that’s ridiculous,” explains Kostman. “We are looking for people who are capable of finishing. My goal is to host a fantastic event, but my bigger goal is to host an even more fantastic event next year. We do that by having a safe event that runs smoothly without incident. The best thing we can do is invite people who are likely to finish, and do it fairly and safely, without creating problems or drama. It’s sort of intentionally but not obnoxiously elitist.”

“When I first heard about Badwater, I thought aliens from another planet must come down to do it, it seemed like an impossible thing. I never thought I’d be at that level but it was something to aim for,” says Holmes. “Now that I’ve done it for a while it’s like a family. It’s the outliers of the outliers in the ultra community. At Badwater 135, you feel like you’re finally in a place where you’re among peers.”

Learn more about Badwater 135 and other events produced by Chris Kostman at Badwater.com

EN

TS

BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, SURF, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEATCLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, CLIMB, PADDLE, BIKE, RUN, SWIM, RUN, REPEAT, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SURF, PADDLE, REPEAT RUN, SKI, PADDLE, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM

20 24

EV

THE 2024 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to each event.

Confirm dates and details with event producers.

BIKING FEBRUARY 10 — Tour de Palm Springs / Coachella Valley / TourDePalmSprings.com 10 — The BMC Rock Cobbler / Bakersfield / RockCobbler.com 16-18 — Mob N Mojave / Boulder City, NV / BootlegCanyonRacing.com 17 — Cantua Creek Road Race / Coalinga / VeloPromo.com 17 — Camino Real Double Century / Lake Forest / PlanetUltra.com 18 — Pine Flat Road Race / Piedra / VeloPromo.com

MARCH 2 — Solvang Century Reboot / Solvang / PlanetUltra.com 2 — Snelling Road Race / Snelling / VeloPromo.com 3 — Original Merced Criterium / Merced / VeloPromo.com 9 — Shasta Gravel Hugger / Montague / GravelHugger.com

27 — Mt. Laguna Classic / Pine Valley / PlanetUltra.com

30 — Marinduro / Fairfax / Marinduro.com

27 — Lake Sonoma / Lake Sonoma / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com

APRIL 6 — Mulholland Challenge & Double Century / Agoura Hills / PlanetUltra.com 13 — Bike Around the Buttes / Sutter / BikeAroundTheButtes.com

10 — MTB Showdown / Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

13 — Cinderella Classic & Challenge / Livermore / ValleySpokesmen.org/ CinderellaClassic

17 — Ride & Walk 4 Art / Valley Springs / RideandWalk4Art.com

13 — Levi’s GranFondo / Windsor / BikeMonkey.net

23 — Solvang Double Century / Buellton / 200 mi & 200 km / PlanetUltra.com

13 — Ridge to Bridge / Marin / RidgeTrail.org/events

24 — Death Valley Century / Death Valley NP / PlanetUltra.com

24 — MTB Championship (Throwdown) / Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

24 — Huffmaster / Maxwell / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com

24 — Santa Cruz Classic Criterium / Santa Cruz / VeloPromo.com

25 — MTB Madness / Folsom Lake SRA / XC MTB race / TotalBodyFitness.com

25-31 — Solvang Spring Tour / Solvang / PlanetUltra.com

25 — Copper Valley Circuit Race / Copperopolis / VeloPromo.com

30 — Fish Rock / Boonville / BikeMonkey.net

30 — Sagebrush Safari / Campo / QuicknDirtyMTB.com 30 — Copperopolis Road Race / Milton / VeloPromo.com

28 — Belgian Waffle Ride California / San Marcos / BelgianWaffleRide.bike 28 — Chico Velo Wildflower Century / Chico / WildflowerCentury.org

MAY 2 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #2 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com 4 — Central Coast Double Century / Paso Robles / CentralCoastDouble. com 4 — Delta Century / Lodi / StocktonBikeClub.org/deltacentury

13 — Tierra Bella Bicycle Tour / Southern Santa Clara County / TierraBella.org

4 — Wine Country Century / Santa Rosa / winecountrycentury.com

20 — The Boob Ride / Orange County and San Diego / TheBoobRide.org

5 — Grizzly Peak Century / Moraga / Grizz.org/century

21 — The GranFondo San Diego / San Diego / sdgranfondo.com

9 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #3 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

21 — Primavera Century / Fremont / Ffbc.org/Primavera

11 — Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic / Ukiah / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com

25 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #1 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

18 — Ales and Trails / Marin / Access4Bikes.com

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

31

2024 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events.

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS.

BIKING JUNE 18 — I Care Classic Bike Tour / San Jose / ICareClassic.org 18 — Georgetown Enduro / Georgetown / CaliforniaEnduroSeries. com 18 — Stetina’s Paydirt / Carson City, NV / StetinasPaydirt.com 19 — Strawberry Fields Forever Ride / Watsonville / StrawberryFields.org 23 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #4 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com 25 — Wards Ferry Road Race / Sonora / VeloPromo.com

8 — Groveland Grind / Groveland / GrovelandTrailHeads.org

22 — Lake Tahoe MTB Race / Tahoe / AdventureSportsWeekTahoe.com

1 — Ojai Valley Century / Ojai / OjaiValleyCentury.org

8 — LaGrange Classic / Weaverville / TrinityTrailAlliance.com

22 — Ruby Roubaix: Gravel Fondo / Lamoille, NV / RubyRoubaix.com

1 — Wente / Willits / RaceWente.com

8 —Tour ofTwo Forests Double Century / Santa Clarita / PlanetUltra.com

22 — Giro Bello / Sebastopol / GiroBello.com

8 — Giro di San Diego / Escondido / GiroDiSanDiego.com

29 — Mt Shasta Enduro / McCloud / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

13 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #7 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

29 — Alta Alpina Challenge / Markleeville / AltaAlpina.org

1-2 — Bike MS: LA Coastal Challenge / Santa Monica / BikeMS.org

15 — Lost and Found Gravel Festival / Portola / SierraTrails.org/events

29 — Truckee Tahoe Gravel / Truckee / TruckeeGravel.com

2 — America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride / Lake Tahoe / Cure.LLS.org

15 — Terrible Two / Sebastopol / srcc.com

30 — Leesville Road Race / Williams / VeloPromo.com

JUNE

1 — Eastern Sierra Double Century / Bishop / PlanetUltra.com 1 — Gold Country Cycling Challenge Road & Gravel Ride / Nevada City / RotaryGoldCountryChallenge.com

2 — Regalado Road Race / Oakdale / VeloPromo.com

25 — Heartbreak Hundred / Los Padres National Forest / PlanetUltra.com

2 — The Sequoia / Los Altos Hills / WesternWheelersBicycleClub. wildapricot.org/Sequoia

25-26 — The Art of Survival Century / Malin, OR / SurvivalCentury.com

2-8 — AIDS LifeCycle / Santa Monica / AIDSLifeCycle.org

30 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #5 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

6 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #6 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com 8 — Fears, Tears, & Beers / Ely, NV / ElyNevada.net/fears-tears-and-beers

32 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

15-22 — Sierra to the Sea Bicycle Tour / Tahoe to SF / SierraToTheSea.org 20 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #8 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com 20-23 — Mountain Bike Oregon / Oakridge, OR / MTBOregon.com 22 — Rock the Ride - Benefit Ride & Walk for Gun Violence Prevention / Napa Valley / RockTheRideusa.com 22 — Climb to Kaiser & Tollhouse Century / Clovis / FresnoCycling. com/Climb-to-Kaiser

JULY 6 — Watsonville Criterium / Watsonville / VeloPromo.com 11-14 — Downieville Classic / Downieville / DownievilleClassic.com 13 — Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps / Markleeville / DeathRide.com 27 — Dodge Ridge Enduro / Pinecrest / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

2024 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events.

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS. AUGUST

31 — Tour de Fuzz / Santa Rosa / TourDeFuzz.org

3 — Tour de Big Bear / Big Bear Lake / BigBearCycling.com

31 — Athlone Time Trial / Merced County / VeloPromo.com

3 — Warnerville Time Trial / Knights Ferry / VeloPromo.com

SEPTEMBER

12 — The 3F Century (Flat Fast Fun Bike Ride) / Colusa / 3FCentury.com

21 — Coyote Classic XC Series #1 / Boulder City, NV / BootlegCanyonRacing.com 21-28 — California Coast Classic / SF to LA / Events.Arthritis.org 22 — Eroica California / Cambria / Eroica.cc

4 — Patterson Pass Road Race / Tracy / VeloPromo.com

2 — Giro di San Francisco / San Francisco / VeloPromo.com

9-11 — Grinduro / Shasta / Grinduro.com 10 — Dunnigan Hills Road Race / Dunnigan / VeloPromo.com

7 — Mammoth Gran Fondo / Mammoth Lakes / MammothGranFondo.com

11 — Suisun Harbor Criterium / Suisun City / VeloPromo.com

7 — Race the Rails / Ely, NV / ElyNevada.net/Race-The-Rails

28 — The Great Trail Race / Truckee, Tahoe City / GreatTrailRace.com

17 — San Ardo Road Race / San Ardo / VeloPromo.com

7 — Lassen Gravel Adventure / Susanville / BizzRunningCompany.com

28 — Sacramento Century / Sacramento / SacramentoCentury.com

17 — Cool Breeze Century / Ventura / CoolBreezeCentury.com

13-15 — Mendo Hopper / Mendocino / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com/

17–18 — Northstar Enduro / Truckee / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

13-15 — Silver State 508 / Reno, NV / the508.net

29 — Tour de Cure: Northern California / Rohnert Park / Tour.

Diabetes.org

18 — University Road Race / Santa Cruz / VeloPromo.com

15 — Oakland Grand Prix / Oakland / VeloPromo.com

25 — Winters Road Race / Winters / VeloPromo.com

21 — Tour of the Unknown Coast / Ferndale / TUCcycle.org

31 — China Peak Enduro / Lakeshore / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

21 — Henleyville Road Race / Corning / VeloPromo.com

24 — Mare Island PedalFest / Vallejo / MareIslandPedalFest.com 28 — Ashland Mountain Challenge / Ashland, OR / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

OCTOBER 5 — Heart of Gold Gravel / Nevada City / BikeMonkey.net 12 — Asti Tour de Vine / Asti / AstiTourDeVine.com

19 — Ride Santa Barbara 100 / Santa Barbara / RideSB100.com 19 — Tour de Lincoln / Lincoln / TourDeLincoln.org 19 — Coyote Classic XC Series #2 / Boulder City, NV / BootlegCanyonRacing.com 24-26 — Bovine Classic Gravel Ride / Atascadero & Paso Robles / TheBovineClassic.com 26 — Filthy 50+ / San Diego / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

NOVEMBER 1-3 — World Time Trial Championships (WTTC) / Borrego Springs / 24hrworlds.com 2 — Chain Smoker / Las Vegas, NV / QuicknDirtyMTB.com 9 — Tour de Foothills / Upland / TourDeFoothills.com 30 — Coyote Classic XC Series #3 / Boulder City, NV / BootlegCanyonRacing.com

REGISTER NOW

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

33

2024 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

2023 Race & Event Calendar

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events.

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS.

BIKING

3 — Jed Smith Ultra Classic / Sacramento / BuffaloChips.com/ JedSmith

9 — Chanoko 50K, 31K, 5 mile Trail Runs / Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

23 — The Mighty Dog Trail Runs / Granite Beach, Folsom SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

10 — Escape from Folsom 10 Miler & 5K / Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

10 — Zoom Angel Island 5mi, 10mi, 15mi, Kids Run / Tiburon / CoastalTrailRuns.com

23 — Seize the Moment Run for Epilepsy / Crocker Park, Sacramento / STMrun.com

1 — E-Dirty Cross / Lakeside / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

24 — Lost Trail 5K & Half Marathon / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

16 — Turkey Vulture Stretch 5K / Ely, NV / ElyNevada.net

30 — Bootlegger 50K, 25K, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k / Boulder City, NV / DesertDash.com

14 — Blue Diamond Enduro / Blue Diamond, NV / BootlegCanyonRacing.com

24 — Montara Mountain Trail Run 10K, Half, 20mi, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Pacifica / CoastalTrailRuns.com

DECEMBER 1 — Dirty 30 / Lakeside / QuickNDirtyMTB.com

RUNNING FEBRUARY 3 — Death Valley Marathon, Half, 10K Road Race / Death Valley NP / Envirosports.com 3 — Golden Gate Trail Run 8K, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Sausalito / CoastalTrailRuns.com

16 — Zoom SF by Sports Basement 5K, 10K, Half, Kids Runs / San Francisco / CoastalTrailRuns.com

25 — Almond Blossom Run / Ripon / OnYourMarkEvents.com

16-17 — Shamrock’n Half, 5K, 10K, Leprechaun Dash / Sacramento / ShamrocknHalf.com

25 — Surfer’s Path 10K/5K / Santa Cruz & Capitola / RunSurfersPath.com

17 — St. Patrick’s Day 5K / Downtown Santa Rosa / SRcity.org

MARCH

23 — Badwater Cape Fear / Bald Head Island, NC / exquisite natural setting / Badwater.com

2 — Way Too Cool 50K / Cool / wtc50k.com 3 — CCHP Chinatown YMCA Lunar New Year 5K/10K Run/Walk / San Francisco / OnYourMarkEvents.com

23 — Napa Valley Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K / Calistoga / Envirosports.com

30 — Montana de Oro Trail Run 50K, 36K, Half, 12K / Los Osos / PacificCoastTrailRuns.com 30 — Redwood (Spring) Trail Run 5mi, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Oakland / CoastalTrailRuns.com

APRIL 6 — American River 50 Mile (+25 Mile & 10 Mile) Endurance Run / Sacramento to Auburn / ar50mile.com 6 — Golden Gate Headlands Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K / Sausalito / Envirosports.com

AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BIKE RIDE TWO WHEELS. ONE BIG IMPACT. Cycle around Lake Tahoe to support blood cancer patients today—which helps The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society push for cures tomorrow.

LAKE TAHOE, CA and NV

JUNE 2, 2024 Ride options: 72 or 100 miles 34 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

LLS.org/AMBBR

Secure your entry

2024 2024RACE RACE&&EVENT EVENTCALENDAR CALENDAR 2023 Race & Event Calendar

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events.

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS. 13 — Ridge to Bridge / Marin / RidgeTrail.org/events

27-28 — Badwater Salton Sea / Borrego Springs / Badwater.com

13 — Romancing the Island Half Marathon & 10K / Angel Island State Park / Envirosports.com

28 — Big Sur International Marathon / Big Sur / BigSurMarathon.org

13 — SPASM Lake Chabot Trail Run 8K, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Castro Valley / CoastalTrailRuns.com 14 — Surfer’s Path Half Marathon / Santa Cruz & Capitola / RunSurfersPath.com 20 — G-Bar Ranch Ultra & Trail Half Marathon / Mariposa / PacificCoastTrailRuns.com 21 — Horseshoe Lake Trail Run 5K, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / La Honda / CoastalTrailRuns.com 27 — Mt. Tam Wild Boar Half Marathon & 10K / Mt. Tamalpais State Park / Envirosports.com 27 — American River Parkway Half / Carmichael / ParkwayHalf.com

MAY 4 — Miwok 100K / Stinson Beach / Miwok100K.com 5 — Fair Oaks Sun (Chicken) Run / Fair Oaks / FairOaksSunRun.com 11 — Grizzly Peak Trail Run 10K, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Berkeley / CoastalTrailRuns.com 11 — She.Is.Beautiful 5K & 10K / Santa Cruz / RunSheIsBeautiful.com 11 — Paiute Meadows Trail Run / Susanville / BizzRunningCompany.com 11 — Mermaid Run Mare Island / Vallejo / MermaidSeries.com 11 — Stinson Beach/Muir Woods Marathon, Half Marathon & 7 Mile / Stinson Beach / Envirosports.com

11 — Quicksilver Endurance Runs 100K & 50K / San Jose / QuicksilverRunning.com

8 — Gold Country Half Marathon/10K/5K / El Dorado Hills / GoldCountryRun.com

11 — Dirty Secret Trail Run / Cool / DirtySecretTrailRun.com

8 — Tail Wagger 5K / Lake Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

18 — Bishop High Sierra Ultras / Bishop / BishopUltras.com

15 — Olympic Valley Half & 8 Miler / Olympic Valley / OlympicValleyHalf.com

25 — Armed Forces Half Marathon / Concord / ArmedForcesHalf.com

15 — Rock Tahoe Half Marathon / Lake Tahoe, NV / RockTahoeHalfMarathon.com

31-June 1 — Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure / Reno-Tahoe / RenoTahoeOdyssey.com

15 —SF Half Day 12, 6, 3 hour + teams / San Francisco / CoastalTrailRuns.com

JUNE

15 — Ward Mountain Trail Run / Ely, NV / ElyOutdoorEnthusiasts.org

1-2 — Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, Half, 5K / San Diego / RunRocknRoll.com

22 — Rock the Ride - Benefit Ride & Walk for Gun Violence Prevention / Napa Valley / RockTheRideusa.com

2 — Women’s Fitness Festival / Sacramento / WomensFitnessFestival.com

23 — Burton Creek Trail Runs / Tahoe City / 6K, 12K, Half Marathon / TahoeTrailRunning.com

8 — Cinderella Trail Run 8K, Half, 30K, Marathon 50K, Kids Run / Oakland / CoastalTrailRuns.com

29-30 — Western States 100 / Olympic Valley / wser.org

may 18, 2019

may 18, 2019 may 18, 2019

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www.facebook.com/GrovelandTrail www.facebook.com/GrovelandTra www.facebook.com/GrovelandTrailHeads www.grovelandtrailheads.org Facebook.com/GrovelandTrailHeads www.grovelandtrailheads.org www.facebook.com/GrovelandTrailHeads www.facebook.com/GrovelandTrailHeads www.facebook.com/GrovelandTrailHeads www.facebook.com/GrovelandTrailHeads

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

35

2024 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

2023 Race & Event Calendar

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events.

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS.

RUNNING JULY 4 — Run to the Beach Lake Tahoe 5K & 10K / Tahoe Vista / TahoeTrailRunning.com 4 — Santa Cruz Firecracker 10K, 5K, Kids 1K / Santa Cruz / FireCracker.

ASJmag.com

25 — Good Dog - Dirty Dog 5K/10K / Folsom SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

21 — Lederhosen 5K / Tahoe City / TahoeTrailRunning.com

3 — Truckee Half Marathon & 5K / Truckee / BigBlueAdventure.com

25 — Capitola 10K / 6K / Capitola / RunSurfersPath.com

10 — Angel Island Half Marathon & 10K / Angel Island State Park / Envirosports.com

SEPTEMBER

22 — Mermaid Run San Francisco / Golden Gate Bridge / 5K, 10K, Sirena 10 Mile, Virtual / MermaidSeries.com

AUGUST

10 — Headlands 50M Endurance Run plus Marathon / Sausalito / PacificCoastTrailRuns.com

6 — Zoom Firecracker 5K, 10K, Half, Kids Run / Fremont / CoastalTrailRuns.com

10 — Redwood (Summer) Trail Run 5mi, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Oakland / CoastalTrailRuns.com

13 — Salt Point Trail Run 50K, 26K, 15K, 9K / Jenner / PacificCoastTrailRuns.com

10 — Rodeo Beach Trail Run 50K, 30K, 20K, 8K / Sausalito / PacificCoastTrailRuns.com

21 — Big Chief 50K / Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

11 — Marlette 50K & 10 Miler / Spooner Lake, Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

22-24 — Badwater 135 / Furnace Creek & Lone Pine / Badwater.com 28 — San Francisco Marathon / SF / TheSFMarathon.com 28 — Blood, Sweat & Beers / Auburn / BloodSweatBeers.com

13 — San Lorenzo River Trail Run 10K, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Santa Cruz / CoastalTrailRuns.com 17 — Run with the Horses / Marathon, Half, 10K / Green River, Wyoming / RunWithTheHorsesMarathon.com

7 — Emerald Bay Trail Run / Lake Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com 7 — The Groves Trail Run 50K, Half / Loma Mar / PacificCoastTrailRuns.com 8 — Diablo Trail Run 4mi, 10mi, Half, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Clayton / CoastalTrailRuns.com 15 — Buffalo Stampede / Sacramento / BuffaloStampedeRun.com 15 — XTERRA Lake Tahoe 5K and 10K / Incline Village, NV / TahoeTrailRunning.com 21 — Gold Rush Growler 10 Mile & 5K Trail Runs / Granite Beach / TotalBodyFitness.com 21 — Gold Rush Growler 10 Mile & 5K Trail Runs / Granite Beach / TotalBodyFitness.com

28 — Arnold Rim Trail Endurance Runs 37mi, 22mi, Half, 10K / Arnold / Envirosports.com 28 — The Great Trail Race / Truckee, Tahoe City / GreatTrailRace.com 28 — Big Sur Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Mile / Big Sur / Envirosports.com

OCTOBER 5 — Wild Wild West Marathon + 10mi, 50K, 50mi / Lone Pine / LonePineChamber.org 5-6 — Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose / San Jose / RunRocknRoll.com/san-jose 5-6 — Urban Cow Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk / Sacramento / UrbanCowHalf.com

Run with the Horses Marathon/Half/10K August 17, 2024 Green River, Wyoming

runwiththehorsesmarathon.com

36 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

2023 Race & Event Calendar

2024 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events.

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS.

12 — Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run / San Francisco / CoastalTrailRuns.com

14 — Hark the Herald Half Marathon & 10K / Angel Island State Park / Envirosports.com

12-13 — Bizz Johnson Marathon Events / Susanville / BizzRunningCompany.com

SKIING

26 — Napa Fall Wine Country Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K / Calistoga / Envirosports.com

FEBRUARY

NOVEMBER 2-3 — Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run / Folsom / Rio100mile.com 10 — Monterey Bay Half Marathon / Monterey Bay / MontereyBayHalfMarathon.org

DECEMBER 7 — Death Valley Trail Marathon and Half Marathon / Death Valley NP / Envirosports.com 8 — California International Marathon / Folsom / RunCIM.org

25 — Alpenglow 10K & 20K Race / Tahoe XC / TahoeXC.org

MARCH 3 — The Great Ski Race / Tahoe City / TheGreatSkiRace.com 9-10 — 50th Annual Bjornloppet / Bear Valley / BVadventures.com 23-24 — Luggi Foeger Uphill/ Downhill Festival & SkiMo Race / Diamond Peak / DiamondPeak.com/ events 24 — Sierra Skogsloppet XC Fun Ski Race / Truckee / TahoeDonner.com

APRIL

AUGUST

7 — Mammoth Marathon / Tamarack Lodge, Mammoth Lakes / FarWestNordic.org

18 — Tahoe Sharkfest Swim / Incline Village, NV / SharkFestSwim.com

27 — Caldera Burn / Mammoth Lakes / MammothMountain.com/caldera-burn

SWIMMING 16 — Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim / San Francisco / 1.5mi from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park / SharkFestSwim.com 29 — Tahoe City Swim / Tahoe City / TahoeSwimming.com 30 — Golden Gate Sharkfest Swim / San Francisco / SharkFestSwim.com

28 — Alpine Fresh Water Swim / Truckee Donner Lake / TahoeSwimming.com

SEPTEMBER 7 — Alcatraz Invitational / San Francisco / SERC.com

JUNE

JULY

25 — Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim / Tahoe / TahoeSwimming.com

22 — Alcatraz Swim with the Centurions / San Francisco / WaterWorldSwim.com

OCTOBER 20 — San Diego Sharkfest Swim / San Diego Harbor / SharkFestSwim.com

TRIATHLON FEBRUARY 10 — Double Duathlon & Happy Kids Duathlon #2 / Folsom Lake / TotalBodyFitness.com

MARCH 23RD - 24TH 2024

Compete in Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful SkiMo Race.

Divisions for all ages and experience levels!

Diamond Peak Ski Resort • Incline Village, NV www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

37

2024 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

2023 Race & Event Calendar

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events.

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS.

TRIATHLON FEBRUARY 24 — Happy Kids Duathlon #3 / Folsom Lake / TotalBodyFitness.com

MARCH 9 — Pasadena Triathlon, Duathlon, & Angel 5K / PasadenaTriathlon.com 9 — Happy Kids Duathlon #4 / Folsom Lake / TotalBodyFitness.com 23 — Happy Kids Duathlon #5 / Folsom Lake / TotalBodyFitness.com

APRIL

MAY 11 — Folsom Lake International Triathlon / Folsom Lake / TotalBodyFitness.com

JUNE 8 — TRI for REAL Triathlon #1 / Rancho Seco Park, Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com 9 — TRI for FUN Triathlon #1 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com 29 — Tahoe Off-Road Triathlon / Tahoe City / AdventureSportsWeekTahoe.com

13 — TRI for REAL Triathlon #2 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

28 — Orange County Triathlon & Duathlon / Lake Mission Viejo / OCTriSeries.com

14 — TRI for FUN Triathlon #2 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com 20 — Great American Triathlon / Sacramento / GreatAmericanTriathlon.com

OCTOBER

AUGUST

5 — Mermaid Duathlon & Triathlon / Capitola / MermaidSeries.com

10 — TRI for REAL Triathlon #3 / Rancho Seco Park, Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

MISC

11 — TRI for FUN Triathlon #3 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

FEBRUARY

11 — Tri Santa Cruz / Santa Cruz / RunSignup.com 24 — Granite Bay Triathlon / Folsom Lake / TotalBodyFitness.com 24-25 — Lake Tahoe Triathlon / Lake Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

JULY

6 — IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside / Ironman.com

22 — Santa Cruz Triathlon / Santa Cruz / SantaCruzTriathlon.org

27-28 — Donner Lake Triathlon / Truckee / DonnerLakeTri.com

SEPTEMBER 8 — Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz / Santa Cruz / Ironman.com 15 — Pacific Coast Triathlon & Duathlon / Crystal Cove State Park / OCTriSeries.com 15 — XTERRA Lake Tahoe / Village Green, NV / BigBlueAdventure.com

15 — Alpenglow Sports Live Winter Speaker Series #4 Jess Kimura The Uninvited / Olympic Valley / AlpenglowSports.com

MARCH 7 — Alpenglow Sports Live Winter Speaker Series #5 Dave Nettle - “Ski Touring the Tyrol” / Olympic Valley / AlpenglowSports.com

Do you have an event you want listed in the calendar?

Email us at events@ adventuresportsjournal.com

2024 RACE SCHEDULE maY 18

presented by

Georgetown Enduro

june 29

Mt Shasta Enduro

July 27

Dodge Ridge Enduro

August 17-18

Northstar Enduro

August 31

China Peak Enduro

SEPTEMBER 28

Ashland Mountain Challenge

ASJ is proud to be a founding sponsor of the California Enduro Series 38 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

39

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40 ASJ — Keeper Issue 2024

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