March 2016 Advocacy Minutes
San Diego Mountain Biking Association
Advocacy Committee Meeting 3/7/16
Location: FPBA 2 nd Floor, Soledad Room
4499 Ruffin Rd. San Diego, CA 92123
Meeting started at 6:13 p.m.
1. Welcome & Intro. (Kevin Loomis): Vision is to make SD a yearround
MTB destination.
2. MCAS/MTRP Update. (Kevin Loomis): Background–MLK Weekend was weekend of mass
bike confiscations by the Marine for riders trespassing on the east boudary of MCAS Miramar;
bikes still have not been returned. Fine approx. $500 per bike. Federal misdemeanor. SDMBA
met with base commander. 340+ people at Feb. meeting. Majority of bikers will go in front of
magistrate on 4/1/16. Some riders represented by attorneys Richard Duquette and Josh
Bonicci. Kevin did some recon searching for signage in the areas tickets issued; signage totally
inadequate on 3 Barrels and Iron Tread. Some parts (water treatment area) did have good
signage; riders cited in those areas will have a harder time fighting their citations, according to
Kevin. Formal declaration recently filed by attorney Richard Duquette with federal court
requesting the release of the bikes.
2a. MTRP Master Plan: Kevin on Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC). We should have an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) soon. Requires 2 years total.
2b. Deerfield Bike Park: volunteers waiting rehabilitating it, currently dangerous and not
usable. City of SD/Chris Zirkle ok with it but want to be absolved of liability. SD risk attorney is
hesitant.
2c. Bikes/Tickets (updated above in Item #2)
2d. (updated above in Item #2)
2e. Stowe Trail (Ben Stone): Meeting in Washington, DC between Duncan Hunter and Marines.
Clark Canyon is one canyon east of Sycamore Canyon. Trying to get military to grant a third
party easement through Sycamore or go back to original deal. Home Fed, Padre Dams which
owns some of the land, is cooperating to make things link. Fluid situation. Kevin is going out to
East Elliot on Thursday to inspect boundaries; will be photographing signs and pinning sign
locations areas on GPS. We are offering a few concessions for what they give us. Money for
signage and decommissioning of other trails, for example. Teyote (trail) will be sustained.
2f. Jumps 805 (Area behind Miramar Nursery off Nobel and the 805; Adjacent to Miramar
National Cemetery along train tracks.) Vernal pools have developed from grading. Riders have
been ejected due to a few disrespectful riders interrupting internment services. Railroad may
have an easement through there but it would be nice to eventually connect Marion Bear Canyon
to PQ. Don’t go East of 805, north of Governor and south of Nobel. New signage. Kevin
Loomis/Robert Hubbard 805
(USMC Cemetery) warning….USMC MPs at MCAS Miramar
looking to stop builders/trespassers here. Funeral services interrupted, civilians cannot go on
the base with permission. Don’t go under 805 between Governor and Nobel at railroad tracks
OR under 805/52 interchange. This warning needs to potentially go on Facebook. Alert already
posted on website.
3. Ted Williams (Kevin): All jumps flattened. This was covered extensively at 2/1 advocacy
meeting. See minutes.
4. Wilderness Stance STC and IMBA (Kevin): IMBA taking a 11
approach, don’t want to blow
relationships they’ve built with environmental groups; legislative intent of 1964 didn’t mention
“no bikes” but update in 80s mentioned “non mechanized” ; Sustainable Trails Coalition (STC)
has different opinion: seeking change on the national level for multiuse
trails. Cleveland
National Forest, wilderness designation, etc. San Diego River Park Foundation is purchasing
land for multiuse
access and this way can prevent gov from designating it as “wilderness area.”
California Riding and Hiking Trail is all “wilderness” designated. We may want IMBA to change
their official position to throw support behind STC instead of being proponents of wilderness
designation. We will write a “position piece” on ebikes.
They will be disallowed by many areas
except as allowed by ADA.
5. SDMBA Priority List (Ben & Susie): Ranking importance of projects in various stages of
progress so have a ranked list of priorities.Things that are currently humming along are not
necessarily included on this list. This will be available on SDMBA Google Share so members
can have input and see what is planned or dreamed about.
6. Events Snapshot (Susie): This Saturday Kid’s River Day Event at Walker Preserve in
Santee, volunteers needed. SDMBA/Performance Bike Shop Ride in Bonita on Sunday, tacos.
Trail work on Saturday: Cobbles Appendix, Cuyamaca and Cowles Mt. March 16: Bikes v. Cars
movie at Patagonia. Veloswap. Midweek trail work opportunities opening up for BM and/or
Santa Luz Trails. Contact Matt Bartelt.
Service project with REI at Cuyamaca on April 2.
7. Valley Center Bike Park/Crow’s Nest: (Minette): Minette serves on Valley Center Trail
Association, organization opposed to development in favor of preserving open space. First
entity to approve a bike park. They have some autonomy independent from County of SD. MOU
for Crow’s Nest was approved in Feb. so it’s back to work on bike park, maybe three more
weekends of work before it could be opened to public. Final MOU must be signed by all parties
involved before we get to work again.
8. Pacific Highlands Ranch. New park to be built by Pardee Homes off the 56 near Carmel
Valley Road will include a small pump track, meeting on 3/17 at 2 p.m. at 2144 Pan American
Road West, Balboa Park. Would be great if residents of Carmel Valley, PHR could attend.
Project envision and promoted by Chris Powell.
9. San Diego River Park Foundation (Rob Hubbard): Anderson Truck Trail. SDRPF owns
quite a bit of ATT now. Jeep trail below ATT. Rob Hutsel at SDRPF is helpful and proMTB.
Needs help. There is a Flumes Trail (switchbacks) near “El Monte” Park; apparently switchbacks
are very steep and unrideable. Rob is seeking feedback. Wants our input to see what he should
acquire and what he should swap out for other land. Temescal Creek is another area, between
Ramona and Julian, this could link to Trans County Trail. Rob Hubbard seeking members to
recon trails and provide input.
10. Tecolote Trails Plan (Robert Hubbard) : Trails plan for tricanyons
area. There is also a plan
for an underpass under Balboa. Tecolote will connect with Marion Bear Park. Probably 69
months til linkage. November is target open date.
11. McGinty(
Jason Showalter) in Jamul, no legal access, female landowner is opposed to
granting an easement. CDFW (off limits to bikes) property adjacent to USFW land, which allows
bikes. There will be a reroute.
Will have another update by next meeting.
12. Stowe Trail (Ben): already covered in Item #2e.
13. Tijuana River Valley (Jose Galaz) : County Park, off Dairy Mart Road near the Outlet
Centers just off the 5, currently multiuse
fire roads. Heavy equestrian use. A little swampy and
sandy. California State Park. Going to be a bell program funded by SDMBA in partnership with
the County of SD so riders can borrow bells and replace so bikers don’t startle horses, etc.
There will also be a horse desensitization program with Bonita Bikers and the Tijuana River
Valley Equestrian Association in this area soon.
14. Chollas Peak Bike Skills Park: (Jeff Tazolla): Contacted Myrtle Cole. Lots of families use
area and would be a great site for a bike park. Lower income area. Eric Bowlby from San Diego
Canyonlands also likes idea. 13acre
bike park approved for dump. Environmentalist backing,
etc.
15. Black Mountain Update (Matt Bartelt): Work continues most weekends. 1 mile open. More
due to open soon but respect signage in the meantime. Other projects are in the planning and
funding stages.
Ed Christensen, the ranger needs some midweek
help over on Lusardi.
Make sure to patronize new sponsor Second Chance Beer Co. Donating all the beer for the
Patagonia Event.
16. Del Mar Mesa (Matt Bartelt): Tunnels are “done deal.” Darkwood connector still viable. NW
Connector is Barcheski property. Bakersfield is area with jumps on private land, currently not
being enforced but access could end at any time. McGonigal Canyon connector is still viable. All
kinds of commercial development planned for area south of of Camino del Sur/Route 56.
Pardee is coming to us to ask to build the trails through these new developments. This work on
“Appendix”/Cobbles Extension was started on 2/27 with IMBA Trail Care Crew. Build day on
Saturday 3/12 8 AM.
17. Tijuana River Valley: (Jose). See Item #13
18. Arch Ride Update (Skii Essenfeld is Arch Ride Chairperson) : April 30, Volunteers needed
for 3 Aid stations, Start and Finish. Ride concludes at the Green Flash Brewery for post ride fun.
Volunteers still needed to flag (day before) and “deflag”
course and pick up trash. (day after).
19. Palm Canyon Update (Kevin Loomis): Jim Foote, National Monuments Manager, Comment
Period/Environmental Review date back to June. BLM land swap is going on with tribe. Tribe
wants some portions of PCE. Historically and somewhat understandably, tribe has been quite
restrictive with access once it’s under their control.
20. National Wildlife Refuge (Jason Showalter):
21. Rock House/Sweetwater (Jose/Jason): Mount San Miguel, Biologists and cultural
specialists review needed. Mountain bikers created rock house, become a wide scar, trail will be
rerouted and rehabilitatted and switchbacks created.
Addon
Items:
22. Otay Valley Regional Park (Jose Galaz): Joint venture of County of SD, City of SD, City of
Chula Vista. Blank slate going to be developed into multiuse
trails. Jose is trying to change
current tendencies to do 8’ wide roads and push for single track. All that exists is a fire road
along the valley just now.
23. Facebook Scammers: (Julie Adams); new friend requests in order to spam fake bike gear.
Wanted to warn members of this trend.
24. Carlsbad Adventure Park Survey Link (Paul Wyndt ) asking what features residents might
like. Will publicize link.
In Attendance (all are SDMBA unless otherwise noted): (24 Attendees)
Bob Ponting
Susie Murphy
Robert Hubbard
Kevin Loomis
Julie Warner
Mike Jennings
Jeff Tanzola
Ben Stone
Matt Bartelt
Mark Webb
Todd A. Young, Team Ninja
Dawn Cavey, Team Ninja
Dom Dias
Kyle Gunderman
David Hekel
M. Tanzoll
Jose Galaz
Kirk Bennett
Walt Devine
M.K. Lowry
Philip Erdelsky
Julie Adams
Minette Ozaki
Doug Johnson
Advocacy Committee Meeting 3/7/16
Location: FPBA 2 nd Floor, Soledad Room
4499 Ruffin Rd. San Diego, CA 92123
Meeting started at 6:13 p.m.
1. Welcome & Intro. (Kevin Loomis): Vision is to make SD a yearround
MTB destination.
2. MCAS/MTRP Update. (Kevin Loomis): Background–MLK Weekend was weekend of mass
bike confiscations by the Marine for riders trespassing on the east boudary of MCAS Miramar;
bikes still have not been returned. Fine approx. $500 per bike. Federal misdemeanor. SDMBA
met with base commander. 340+ people at Feb. meeting. Majority of bikers will go in front of
magistrate on 4/1/16. Some riders represented by attorneys Richard Duquette and Josh
Bonicci. Kevin did some recon searching for signage in the areas tickets issued; signage totally
inadequate on 3 Barrels and Iron Tread. Some parts (water treatment area) did have good
signage; riders cited in those areas will have a harder time fighting their citations, according to
Kevin. Formal declaration recently filed by attorney Richard Duquette with federal court
requesting the release of the bikes.
2a. MTRP Master Plan: Kevin on Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC). We should have an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) soon. Requires 2 years total.
2b. Deerfield Bike Park: volunteers waiting rehabilitating it, currently dangerous and not
usable. City of SD/Chris Zirkle ok with it but want to be absolved of liability. SD risk attorney is
hesitant.
2c. Bikes/Tickets (updated above in Item #2)
2d. (updated above in Item #2)
2e. Stowe Trail (Ben Stone): Meeting in Washington, DC between Duncan Hunter and Marines.
Clark Canyon is one canyon east of Sycamore Canyon. Trying to get military to grant a third
party easement through Sycamore or go back to original deal. Home Fed, Padre Dams which
owns some of the land, is cooperating to make things link. Fluid situation. Kevin is going out to
East Elliot on Thursday to inspect boundaries; will be photographing signs and pinning sign
locations areas on GPS. We are offering a few concessions for what they give us. Money for
signage and decommissioning of other trails, for example. Teyote (trail) will be sustained.
2f. Jumps 805 (Area behind Miramar Nursery off Nobel and the 805; Adjacent to Miramar
National Cemetery along train tracks.) Vernal pools have developed from grading. Riders have
been ejected due to a few disrespectful riders interrupting internment services. Railroad may
have an easement through there but it would be nice to eventually connect Marion Bear Canyon
to PQ. Don’t go East of 805, north of Governor and south of Nobel. New signage. Kevin
Loomis/Robert Hubbard 805
(USMC Cemetery) warning….USMC MPs at MCAS Miramar
looking to stop builders/trespassers here. Funeral services interrupted, civilians cannot go on
the base with permission. Don’t go under 805 between Governor and Nobel at railroad tracks
OR under 805/52 interchange. This warning needs to potentially go on Facebook. Alert already
posted on website.
3. Ted Williams (Kevin): All jumps flattened. This was covered extensively at 2/1 advocacy
meeting. See minutes.
4. Wilderness Stance STC and IMBA (Kevin): IMBA taking a 11
approach, don’t want to blow
relationships they’ve built with environmental groups; legislative intent of 1964 didn’t mention
“no bikes” but update in 80s mentioned “non mechanized” ; Sustainable Trails Coalition (STC)
has different opinion: seeking change on the national level for multiuse
trails. Cleveland
National Forest, wilderness designation, etc. San Diego River Park Foundation is purchasing
land for multiuse
access and this way can prevent gov from designating it as “wilderness area.”
California Riding and Hiking Trail is all “wilderness” designated. We may want IMBA to change
their official position to throw support behind STC instead of being proponents of wilderness
designation. We will write a “position piece” on ebikes.
They will be disallowed by many areas
except as allowed by ADA.
5. SDMBA Priority List (Ben & Susie): Ranking importance of projects in various stages of
progress so have a ranked list of priorities.Things that are currently humming along are not
necessarily included on this list. This will be available on SDMBA Google Share so members
can have input and see what is planned or dreamed about.
6. Events Snapshot (Susie): This Saturday Kid’s River Day Event at Walker Preserve in
Santee, volunteers needed. SDMBA/Performance Bike Shop Ride in Bonita on Sunday, tacos.
Trail work on Saturday: Cobbles Appendix, Cuyamaca and Cowles Mt. March 16: Bikes v. Cars
movie at Patagonia. Veloswap. Midweek trail work opportunities opening up for BM and/or
Santa Luz Trails. Contact Matt Bartelt.
Service project with REI at Cuyamaca on April 2.
7. Valley Center Bike Park/Crow’s Nest: (Minette): Minette serves on Valley Center Trail
Association, organization opposed to development in favor of preserving open space. First
entity to approve a bike park. They have some autonomy independent from County of SD. MOU
for Crow’s Nest was approved in Feb. so it’s back to work on bike park, maybe three more
weekends of work before it could be opened to public. Final MOU must be signed by all parties
involved before we get to work again.
8. Pacific Highlands Ranch. New park to be built by Pardee Homes off the 56 near Carmel
Valley Road will include a small pump track, meeting on 3/17 at 2 p.m. at 2144 Pan American
Road West, Balboa Park. Would be great if residents of Carmel Valley, PHR could attend.
Project envision and promoted by Chris Powell.
9. San Diego River Park Foundation (Rob Hubbard): Anderson Truck Trail. SDRPF owns
quite a bit of ATT now. Jeep trail below ATT. Rob Hutsel at SDRPF is helpful and proMTB.
Needs help. There is a Flumes Trail (switchbacks) near “El Monte” Park; apparently switchbacks
are very steep and unrideable. Rob is seeking feedback. Wants our input to see what he should
acquire and what he should swap out for other land. Temescal Creek is another area, between
Ramona and Julian, this could link to Trans County Trail. Rob Hubbard seeking members to
recon trails and provide input.
10. Tecolote Trails Plan (Robert Hubbard) : Trails plan for tricanyons
area. There is also a plan
for an underpass under Balboa. Tecolote will connect with Marion Bear Park. Probably 69
months til linkage. November is target open date.
11. McGinty(
Jason Showalter) in Jamul, no legal access, female landowner is opposed to
granting an easement. CDFW (off limits to bikes) property adjacent to USFW land, which allows
bikes. There will be a reroute.
Will have another update by next meeting.
12. Stowe Trail (Ben): already covered in Item #2e.
13. Tijuana River Valley (Jose Galaz) : County Park, off Dairy Mart Road near the Outlet
Centers just off the 5, currently multiuse
fire roads. Heavy equestrian use. A little swampy and
sandy. California State Park. Going to be a bell program funded by SDMBA in partnership with
the County of SD so riders can borrow bells and replace so bikers don’t startle horses, etc.
There will also be a horse desensitization program with Bonita Bikers and the Tijuana River
Valley Equestrian Association in this area soon.
14. Chollas Peak Bike Skills Park: (Jeff Tazolla): Contacted Myrtle Cole. Lots of families use
area and would be a great site for a bike park. Lower income area. Eric Bowlby from San Diego
Canyonlands also likes idea. 13acre
bike park approved for dump. Environmentalist backing,
etc.
15. Black Mountain Update (Matt Bartelt): Work continues most weekends. 1 mile open. More
due to open soon but respect signage in the meantime. Other projects are in the planning and
funding stages.
Ed Christensen, the ranger needs some midweek
help over on Lusardi.
Make sure to patronize new sponsor Second Chance Beer Co. Donating all the beer for the
Patagonia Event.
16. Del Mar Mesa (Matt Bartelt): Tunnels are “done deal.” Darkwood connector still viable. NW
Connector is Barcheski property. Bakersfield is area with jumps on private land, currently not
being enforced but access could end at any time. McGonigal Canyon connector is still viable. All
kinds of commercial development planned for area south of of Camino del Sur/Route 56.
Pardee is coming to us to ask to build the trails through these new developments. This work on
“Appendix”/Cobbles Extension was started on 2/27 with IMBA Trail Care Crew. Build day on
Saturday 3/12 8 AM.
17. Tijuana River Valley: (Jose). See Item #13
18. Arch Ride Update (Skii Essenfeld is Arch Ride Chairperson) : April 30, Volunteers needed
for 3 Aid stations, Start and Finish. Ride concludes at the Green Flash Brewery for post ride fun.
Volunteers still needed to flag (day before) and “deflag”
course and pick up trash. (day after).
19. Palm Canyon Update (Kevin Loomis): Jim Foote, National Monuments Manager, Comment
Period/Environmental Review date back to June. BLM land swap is going on with tribe. Tribe
wants some portions of PCE. Historically and somewhat understandably, tribe has been quite
restrictive with access once it’s under their control.
20. National Wildlife Refuge (Jason Showalter):
21. Rock House/Sweetwater (Jose/Jason): Mount San Miguel, Biologists and cultural
specialists review needed. Mountain bikers created rock house, become a wide scar, trail will be
rerouted and rehabilitatted and switchbacks created.
Addon
Items:
22. Otay Valley Regional Park (Jose Galaz): Joint venture of County of SD, City of SD, City of
Chula Vista. Blank slate going to be developed into multiuse
trails. Jose is trying to change
current tendencies to do 8’ wide roads and push for single track. All that exists is a fire road
along the valley just now.
23. Facebook Scammers: (Julie Adams); new friend requests in order to spam fake bike gear.
Wanted to warn members of this trend.
24. Carlsbad Adventure Park Survey Link (Paul Wyndt ) asking what features residents might
like. Will publicize link.
In Attendance (all are SDMBA unless otherwise noted): (24 Attendees)
Bob Ponting
Susie Murphy
Robert Hubbard
Kevin Loomis
Julie Warner
Mike Jennings
Jeff Tanzola
Ben Stone
Matt Bartelt
Mark Webb
Todd A. Young, Team Ninja
Dawn Cavey, Team Ninja
Dom Dias
Kyle Gunderman
David Hekel
M. Tanzoll
Jose Galaz
Kirk Bennett
Walt Devine
M.K. Lowry
Philip Erdelsky
Julie Adams
Minette Ozaki
Doug Johnson