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August 2014

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SDMBA - San Diego Mountain Biking Association

The next Advocacy Committee Meeting is July 30, 2014

Join us for our monthly Advocacy meeting 6:00pm-8:30pm! We have a special guest visiting from IMBA - our SW Regional IMBA Rep Patrick Kell. Not only will we be going over topics like Tunnels, Sweetwater, Mission Trails and our SWEET NEW Bike Skills Park in Valley Center, but we'll be hearing insights from Patrick and updates on social events like Tour de Fat and the new SDMBA Meet Up Group.

Normally our meetings are the first Monday of the month, but we pushed it up to accommodate Patrick and some vacationing leaders. Same location as all Advocacy Committee Meetings - Ferguson Pape Baldwin Architects- 4499 RUFFIN RD. SUITE 300 SAN DIEGO CA 92123, 2nd floor.

We need you to RSVP!!! Let us know if you are attending, and if you will be eating/drinking with us. Please bring $7 for the food and drink.

Join us and make a difference - massive traction is happening in the San Diego Mountain Biking world!!!!

Del Mar Mesa RMP Update, July 2014

While the Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Del Mar Mesa (DMM) continues to move forward, it is far from the speed we were hoping for. Here is an update on the status of the DMM RMP.

Mitigated Negative Declaration for Del Mar Mesa

On March 20 2014, the Development Services Department released a draft of the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). It contained information on the biology, archaeological history, and projected impacts of the City proposed trails plan. Nearly all conditions were considered minimal impact and the draft was opened to comment for 30 days. In that time, the public, state, and several federal agencies supplied comments. All of these comments need to be addressed and commented on by the city prior to the plan moving forward. In the beginning of July the City responded to inquiries on the status of those comments with the following statement:

We anticipate having a final MND for distribution sometime at the end of July or early August. No firm date yet, but the document will need to be final for 14-days prior to the first public hearing which we hope can be sometime in the early Fall.

Since that time, it has come to SDMBA’s attention that there were some inaccuracies in the actual report that may delay it further.

Camino Del Sur Extension South

A potential impact to the trails plan is at the eastern terminus of Tunnel One at the proposed southern extension of Camino Del Sur. The road is slated to be an earth fill high above the canyon and has a real potential for cutting off access. Multiple groups are opposed to the fill option and are working with the land developer to ensure there is sufficient wildlife access, unimpeded stream flow, and of course viable trail access.

East/West Connector

An additional restricted component is the east/west connector that is needed to complete the trails plan. California Department of Fish and Wildlife is still opposed to allowing access though their land due to perceived negative impacts to the vernal pools found within the property. Again, multiple groups are attempting to persuade the CDFW to allow access, but this has proved difficult so far.

Drought Conditions Create Impact Hazards

The drought has created a new problem within the trails system. While SDMBA does not condone the use of these trails until the official opening, people using the trails have reported the canopy is lower than it used to be. This is not because of new growth. It is likely that lack of water has caused the trees to droop, bringing old branches into the line of sight. It is imperative that these are not cut to ensure we have the support of the biologists who are aligned with responsible trail use.

The Bottom Line

Finally, the question on everyone’s mind is when is it going to officially open? Right now Chris Zirkle, Deputy Director of Open Spaces within San Diego, believes it is still 6 – 12 months out at this point. Please respect all closures and observe all signs. We are working to help expedite it as much as possible. When more information becomes available, it will be included in future reports.

Environmental Alert and Trail Advisory

San Diego is experiencing severe drought conditions and this affects our trails.

Vegetation is fragile and vulnerable during this kind of drought. Please tread lightly!

Tree branches may hang lower due to lack of water and not because of overgrowth.

Do not take it upon yourself to trim low hanging branches. If you find a trail impassable due to low or downed branches please report it to the land manager.

It is imperative that low branches in distress are NOT cut to ensure that we continue to have the support of biologists and land managers who are aligned with responsible trail use.

SDMBA Awarded REI Grant

San Diego Mountain Biking Association REI Awards

Ben Gross

Thu July 17, 2014 07:50pm

The San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA) recently received a $10,000 grant to fund three local projects. These locations are Noble Canyon in the Cleveland National Forest, the Cuyamaca State Park and Crestridge Ecological Reserve in El Cajon.

The SDMBA received this money through the Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). An invitation only award represents a shared mission by the organizations of SDMBA and REI to one, maintain the existing trails, and establishing new sustainable paths for the benefit of equestrians, hikers, bikers, and others who want to see the natural beauty of San Diego.

SDMBA sees this county as home to a rich network of bike trails and parks that provide recreational usage and education for people off all ages. Formed 20 years ago by a small group, it has raised to 800 members that have “real passion” for land and trails, according to Board Member, Robert Craddick.

REI is a $2 billion national retail co-op with more than five million members. Not only does REI provide cutting edge outdoor projects, but also provides classes, trips, and integrated customer needs.

The connection between these two organizations could be described simply as “natural.” Their visions are overlapping and the award came to be because of this connection. The SDMBA had done several events with REI and were invited to apply for the grant, in which they had to outline three specific projects and how they were to allocate the funds.

The international mountain biking site lists the Noble Canyon trail as an “epic ride.” This recently finished project and all resources allocated to it are for maintenance through San Diego’s droughts. The Cuyamaca project is expecting several improvements such as trail building due to high volume of visitors the area receives.

Crestridge in the El Cajon area is a unique project. The area is an ecological reserve used mainly by bird watchers and hikers. It is used more of a “learning laboratory” than actual trail with the Earth Discovery Institute. The SDMBA aims to work with the institute to carve a three-mile trail by connecting some existing paths. They are currently working with land managers to move the project forward.

SDMBA organizes strictly on a volunteer basis. It brings tools and rejuvenates trails based on strict standards. It is hoping to continue to partner with the county to ensure San Diego’s trails and parks receive the care and attention to promote learning and exploration of nature for all residents to enjoy for years to come.

To learn more please visit www.sdmba.com.

- See more at: http://www.eccalifornian.com/article/san-diego-mountain-biking-association-rei-awards#sthash.P1nSi7ge.dpuf

Noble Canyon Trail News

SDMBA, in partnership with the Cleveland National Forest, has recently completed a reroute on the upper portion of the Noble Canyon Trail. The reroute, which is approximately 1/3 of a mile long, eliminates two unnecessary and dangerous road crossings while reducing erosion by laying the trail out in a more sustainable location than the previously fall-line section of trail. SDMBA volunteers have put in numerous days since February building this new section of trail, which was officially completed and opened to the public June 14. Due to the current drought and lack of soil moisture the new trail’s tread is currently loose, dry, and dusty is some sections – this will improve over time as the trail gets ridden in and we start to receive rains. In the coming weeks SDMBA will assist the Forest Service in closing down and rehabbing the old and deteriorated trail section that has been rerouted. Thanks for all the hard work by those that volunteered to get this project accomplished!

Will Brennan
Wilderness/Trails Manager
Descanso Ranger District
Cleveland National Forest

Also of note- Out of the volunteers that helped in this project, one winner will be chosen to receive a new bike frame from Niner Bikes.

Camping and Riding Weekend

Saturday June 21^st – Sunday June 22^nd.

Campsite check-in is 2pm, Ride starts at 3:30pm.
Location: Kumeyaay Campground Mission Trails Regional Park, sites 26-29.

Come out and play this weekend with SDMBA. There are lots of things to celebrate!

SDMBA turns 20 years old this year!
Summer if finally here!
The campground at MTRP has re-opened.

SDMBA has reserved a number of sites at Kumeyaay Campground for camping Saturday night. There will be rides leaving from the campsite at 3:30pm. There will be rides for all levels. After the rides, we will meet back at camp for dinner and more fun. SDMBA will provide the main dish and SPORTea. You can bring a side dish or desert to share.

Everyone is welcome! You do not have to be a SDMBA member to participate.

And if you can’t stay overnight for camping, please join us for the ride, dinner, pint pedal or movie if you can.

After the ride and dinner, we have more fun planned! Zumwalt's will bring a movie to show. And for the adults, there will be an after dinner pedal over to a local brewery for some pints before we settle in for the night.

RSVP on the SDMBA Facebook Events Page , or send an email to EVENTS at SDMBA dot COM to confirm your spot. Spaces are limited.

Be sure to include:

Will you spend the night?

How many are in your party?

Have questions? Email EVENTS at SDMBA dot COM

Join Us for the 7th IMBA World Summit!

Join your fellow mountain bike enthusiasts for great networking, riding and learning opportunities, Aug. 20-24, in Steamboat Springs, CO, at the IMBA World Summit. In addition to inspiring speakers and sessions, the week features plenty of time to ride a big fleet of demo bikes—including night riding on Emerald Mountain. Other options include an enduro race, a trail building workshop and IMBA Instructor Certification Program training. Colorado is the perfect place to make a vacation of it. We hope to see you there!

https://www.imba.com/world-summit

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