Hot Spots for Bird Nerds - Travel and Birding Go Hand in Hand

Today, I am happy to share a blog guest post from Joe Laing, the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. — Karen Kefauver

Hot Spots for Bird Nerds
By Joe Laing, El Monte RV

We've all seen them -- maybe there's even one in your family. These types of travelers always have binoculars around their neck and a notebook and field guide in their pocket, eyes peeled on the forest canopy for a flash of color or a tell-tale song.

For an initiation into 'bird nerding' at its very best, take a wintertime trip through southern New Mexico. At roadside restaurants along desolate Interstate 25, you'll overhear travelers and locals carrying on about the spectacle of thousands of geese and sandhill cranes.
The hidden spots where migrating birds gather in the fall and spring, flocking in numbers that make their human visitors feel insignificant, are destinations that many RVers and weekend warriors hit the road in pursuit of finding.

Here are some of the best spots for seeing huge numbers of birds in the U.S.:

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico


This is bird country! Translating to 'woods of the Apache,' Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a sprawling, unexpected wetland oasis in the middle of New Mexico, making it a logical stop on migration routes. Literally tens of thousands of sandhill cranes descend here in late fall and remain through the winter, along with equal numbers of Arctic geese.
There's no way to explain the sound or spectacle of 20,000 or more geese in one place, stretching for what looks like miles, or the awe that 100 sandhill cranes circling down and landing in unison can inspire.

Give yourself a full day or two here, making sure to arrive before sunrise and staying for sunset, when birds return from miles around to roost for the night. Campers can set up shop at the nearby Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park, where you're bound to encounter fellow recently christened bird nerds to revel about your day's adventures.

Cape May, New Jersey


At the Garden State's southern tip, Cape May stretches out into the ocean like a wild, windswept expanse, belying the urban jungle that lies just up the coast. Protected as a National Wildlife Refuge, the beach and maritime forest is ground zero for migrant and nesting songbirds, including warblers, flycatchers, orioles, and vireos. Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, and several species of ducks also winter here, before the spring brings huge numbers of shorebirds. It's a premier year-round birding destination on the East Coast, with plenty of local campgrounds and RV parks to stay for a weekend or longer.

Mono Lake, California


Considered to be the oldest lake in North America, Mono Lake's water is highly alkaline and far saltier than the ocean, but it still harbors billions of tiny brine shrimp. These serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet for tens of thousands of Eared Grebes and Wilson's Phalaropes that stop through on their migration route. If you're able to get on the water, the lake's volcanic islands also serve as primary rookeries for California gulls, attracting as many as 60,000 during the summer months to breed. It's a stunning but cacophonous spectacle.

Flamingo, Florida


Literally at the end of the road through the Everglades, Flamingo is aptly named, although no breeding flamingo populations still exist in the state. There are, however, plenty of tall pink birds (the real ones, not the plastic yard variety) called Roseate Spoonbills. Look out for massive wading flocks of these gorgeous, curious birds, along with huge numbers of wood storks, egrets, herons, and ibis. It's a great place to pitch a tent or park your RV and stay put for awhile -- after all, why turn around immediately when you hit the end of the road? The birds are staying put.
Have birds ever swept you off your feet? Where are your favorite places to see huge flocks of birds?

About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals your nationwide source for RV rentals. El Monte RV also sells used motorhomes through eight different locations across the United States. For more information on purchasing a used motorhome see http://www.elmontervsales.com/.

Favorite Mountain Biking Area, Fort Ord, Designated National Monument

The former Fort Ord in Monterey, California, has been designated as a national monument. The 14,000-acre surprise came on April 20, 2012 with a resounding "yes" from the White House. 

The announcement came just three days after area officials made their latest rounds in Washington, D.C. to tout the former military base and open space in Monterey County as worthy of the designation. 

The president’s statement (see below) about the former base highlights exactly what area officials see as its value, calling it “a world-class destination for hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy the area’s history and scenic landscapes.”

So proud of Henrietta Stern, my friend and former 24-hour mountain bike race team member, pictured here shaking hands with President Obama in March 2012.

Six locals, led by Henrietta Stern and Gordon Smith, were offered a few moments to make their pitch to the chief executive at a Department of Interior conference in Washington D.C. on Friday. Stern said the locals were offered a five-minute meet-and-greet, including the requisite handshakes and photos, with Obama and a few moments to put in a word on their project's behalf during the White House Conference on Conservation, dubbed "Growing America's Outdoor Heritage and Economy.

The new status and improvements to the land that are in store will undoubtedly be a boost to the region’s tourism and recreation economies. Tourists already flock to this area to sample the many recreational opportunities — and when doing so leave a few of their dollars behind. Fort Ord presents myriad opportunities!

Excerpted from: http://www.fortordsoldiersnationalmonument.org.

Henrietta Stern is also a talented mountain biker and loyal friend!

Posted on April 24, 2012 

From the San Jose Mercury News

Obama to designate Fort Ord as a new national monument

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Meghan

According to the San Jose Mercury News, Fort Ord will become America’s newest national monument on Friday!

President Barack Obama is scheduled to establish the new designation on Friday, April 20, making the sweeping former military base only the second national monument he has created since becoming president in 2009.

“Fort Ord’s dramatic landscape lives in the memories of thousands of veterans as their first taste of Army life, as a final stop before deploying to war, or as a home base during their military career,” Obama said in a statement late Thursday.

“This national monument will not only protect one of the crown jewels of California’s coast, but will honor the heroism and dedication of men and women who served our nation and fought in the major conflicts of the 20th century,” Obama said.


MORE INFO:
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_20438035/obama-designate-fort-ord-new-national-monument

Join me at Sea Otter Classic's Women Outreach - Sunday, April 22 in Monterey

Women's Outreach Expanded this Year at Sea Otter Classic to Get More Women Riding Bicycles! 

Here's the FULL four-day list of Women's Outreach Events

JOIN ME on SUNDAY at Sea Otter! 

I'm volunteering to emcee the event that has amazing cycling women AND wine and chocolate!

Men are invited, too!

Karen Kefauver, left, and Lorri Lee Lown, right (foreground) pictured at Sea Otter Classic 2011 at Women's Outreach Industry Panel. Karen, a cycling and sports writer, moderated the panel of industry experts (seated) and Lorri Lee Lown organized and launched the Women's Outreach Program at Sea Otter Classic and has expanded the 2012 Women's Outreach Program. 

I'm volunteering to emcee the event that has amazing cycling women AND wine and chocolate!

 I'll be moderating the “Fierce, Fabulous, and Over Forty” panel discussion featuring:

 • Rebecca Rusch 3x Leadville Trail 100 Women's Champion, 3x 24 Hr Solo Mountain Biking World Champion

 • Susan Otcenas Founder and President of TeamEstrogen.com

 • Beverly Chaney Elite level cyclist, avid backpacker, flyfishing, rock climbing, travel, mom

 • RaeLynn Milley Contributing Editor at Road Bike Action Magazine, USA Cycling Level 2Coach at  WomenCyclist.com 

COME ON DOWN! 

Panel Talk, Sunday, April 22

1-2 p.m. at Sea Otter Meeting Hall

FOLLOWED BY

2-3 p.m.

Wine + Chocolate Reception 

sponsored by 

Clif Family Winery and 

Driscoll's Berries

Free Admission to 396 U.S. parks during National Parks Week April 21-29, 2012

Courtesy of Google Images - Yosemite National Park 

All 396 U.S. national parks offer FREE ADMISSION during National Parks Week, April  21 - 29, 2012!

Plus, many of the parks are planning special programs.

Lodging discounts and other offers good at several national parks are listed at nationalparksonline.org.

Support your parks! More info here:
nationalparksonline.org.

Courtesy of Google Images; Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour lands Feb. 24-25 in Santa Cruz, California

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will exhilarate you with thrilling, moving and inspiring stories told on film. I have gone every year for nearly 20 years here in my town of Santa Cruz, California. (See the list of films in Santa Cruz, below). There are screenings in the U.S., Canada and dozens of other locations. Here's the Banff worldwide tour schedule. Journey to exotic locations, paddle the wildest waters, and climb the highest peaks. It's a wonderful way to be taken away to the most captivating places on earth!

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour stops in Santa Cruz Feb. 24-25.
Photo credit: Tom Malecha

The 2011/2012 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, presented by National Geographic, The North Face & Parks Canada, brings films from the 36th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival to about 390 communities around the world. From an exploration of remote landscapes and mountain cultures to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films in this year’s world tour are sure to captivate and amaze the explorer within you.

What: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
When: February 24 & 25, 2012 @ 7 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz
Sponsor: UCSC Recreation
Tickets: $13 Students & $16 general
Local Coordinator: Kathy O'Hara Ferraro, Recreation Supervisor UCSC
Details: Tickets available in person at:
 •UCSC Recreation (831) 459-2806
• Pacific Edge (831) 454-9254
• Bicycle Trip (831) 427-2580
And online at santacruztickets.com
Proceeds benefit the UCSC Wilderness Orientation Scholarship Fund

Local Sponsors: Bay Tree Bookstore, Bicycle Trip, Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, Kayak Connection, Seahorse Swim School, Ryan Brandt M.D. & Family, New Leaf, the Buttery, Ocean Honda, Allterra Environmental, Santa Cruz Weekly, Adventure Sports Journal

Friday, Feburary 24 @ 7pm

Reel Rock: Origins – Obe & Ashima 
A superbly gifted young climber from New York City heads outdoors to the bouldering mecca of Hueco Tanks with her inspiring coach in Origins – Obe & Ashima. 

Ski Bums Never Die 
An unusual and inspiring band of senior skiers in the Kootenay region of British Columbia shows us that Ski Bums Never Die. 

Kadoma 
Kadoma takes us on a suspenseful, haunting and ultimately tragic paddling expedition deep into the heart of Africa’s wildest rivers. 

All.I.Can: The Short Cut 
Stunning time-lapse sequences, creative visuals and imaginative skiing are highlights of All.I.Can. This excerpt from the award-winning feature film looks at both the backcountry and the back alley. 

Blue Obsession 
Beautiful and ever-changing icefalls of Alaskan glaciers provide a stunning setting for some unusual ice climbing adventures in Blue Obsession. 

On the Trail of Genghis Khan: The Last Frontier 
Australian Tim Cope travels by horse overland 10,000 km from Mongolia to Hungary.The Last Frontier captures the culmination of his stunning three-year journey, the crossing of the Carpathian Mountains. 

Total time – 132 minutes

Saturday, February 25 @ 7 pm

The Freedom Chair 
The Freedom Chair follows charismatic Paralympic skier Josh Dueck’s transition from the world of competitive sit-skiing to the thrills of the backcountry. 

On Assignment: Jimmy Chin 
On Assignment: Jimmy Chin is a brief portrait of an athlete who excels at his two passions – climbing and photography. 

The Trail Collector 
People collect all kinds of things: stamps, coins, art. This is The Trail Collector’scollection. 

SPOIL 
In SPOIL, photographers head to British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest to capture images of the mythical spirit bear. They aim to showcase the area’s natural beauty, and halt its industrial development. 

Cold 
Cold takes us to the top of Gasherbrum II in the midst of a deep, dark winter. Isolated, full of doubt and extremely exposed, these alpinists achieve the first winter ascent on one of the world’s most challenging peaks. 

Seasons: Fall 
Seasons: Fall takes paddler Kate Wagner into deep canyons with steep, spring-fed creeks for a soulful autumn river session. 

Chasing Water 
In Chasing Water, a photographer travels the length of the Colorado River, from his family’s ranch to the sea. Along the way, he realizes his personal story is actually a tale of the lifeblood of the American West. 

Towers of the Ennedi 
The Towers of the Ennedi are in a hot, sand-scoured and unfriendly corner of Africa. A veteran climber and two young stars explore its untouched landscapes. 

C.A.R.C.A 
C.A.R.C.A. follows one man's quest to revolutionize the world of animal avalanche rescue. 

Sea Otter Classic 2011 - 3 photos of cycling studs off their bikes!

• Ben Jacques-Maynes, road pro – Team Bissell
• Cam McCaul, freeride pro - Trek Bicycles
• Lorri Lee Lown – Sea Otter Ladies Activities Coordinator
• Katie Compton, XC pro – Giant/Rabobank 
• Jeff Frost, Sea Otter Classic – Director of Athlete Services
• Eric Carter, athlete ambassador and former World Champion, GT Bicycles
• Matt Thompson, Momentum Trail Concepts – DH course upgrade contractor
• Jasen Thorpe, press conference moderator, Thorpe Media (Not pictured)

Ben Jacques-Maynes of Team Bissell had just crossed the finish line of his criterium road race, Thursday, April 14, right before attending this press conference to answer our questions.

Cam McCaul, left, is world famous for his bicycle stunts and lives in my town, Santa Cruz. I told his girlfriend, right,  it would make me nervous to see him flying into the air, but she said she's gotten used to it!

Speaking of Cam McCaul here's a story about him in the Santa Cruz Sentinel newspaper:

Sea Otter Classic: Aptos pro rider McCaul places second in new, speed and style driven race

By JULIE JAG - jjag@santacruzsetinel.com

Posted: 04/17/2011 01:30:04 AM PDT

Willie Weir A Frugal Cyclist's Guide to the Universe

Author, public radio commentator, and columnist for "Adventure Cyclist" magazine, Willie Weir has cycled more than 60,000 miles throughout the world. I'm excited to hear what he has to say in Saratoga, California, tonight at the REI store, where he has filled the venue and there's now a waitlist. Here's his travel schedule for March in April in California and Washington.

Some may call him cheap, frugal, a tightwad, or an initiator of kindness, but everyone agrees he knows how to get the most bang for his buck when it comes to traveling the globe, be it protesting an over-priced fish dinner, knocking on doors for free lodging, or giving the world's cheapest engagement ring. Tonight, Willie will bring to life tales from his latest book, "Travels with Willie" - hilarious tales that will leave you wanting to quit your day job and hit the road. Thanks to Willie's generous donation of a portion of his book proceeds from these events, two Bay Area nonprofit organizations will benefit - East Bay Bicycle Coalition and Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.

I'll let you know what I think!

Downieville Classic 2010 - My race report, photos & videos from mountain bike festival!

The cuts on my shin and elbow are starting to fade, but the memories of my mountain bike debut at Downieville Classic 2010 are still fresh! The epic mountain bike festival was held Friday, July 9, through Sunday,  July 11, in the historic, Gold Rush town of Downieville, California, about 3 hours northeast of Sacramento.

 Here I am ready to roll out at the very crowded start line

Photo Credit: Hank Coffin

The premiere events at the Downieville Classic are the cross country race, a grueling, 29-mile doozy of a course (on Saturday) that attracted 800 racers, and the downhill race (on Sunday). Plus, there are 200 people who are eligible to do BOTH events (on the same bike!) Those nuts are called "All Mountain" competitors.

One mountain climb on Saturday was enough for me! My race was a point-to-point event, starting in Sierra City and ending in Downieville, including a 4,413' ascent and  5,692' descent. Having never ridden in the hot, steep, rocky terrain of Downieville, I was quite nervous that my first time riding there would be for a RACE! In fact, writing my monthly bike column, Spin City, for the Santa Cruz Sentinel, made me even more anxious! Here's my story that appeared in the paper the day before the race: Spin City: The low-down on Downieville, cycling columnist aims to stay upright on technical mountain bike course - Santa Cruz Sentinel

I SURVIVED! READ MY RACE REPORT (below)
For the quick visual tour, check out the links to my photos, two videos (taken by my friend Hank Coffin) and race results.

I tried to keep a Cool Head while racing 29 tough miles

Photo Credit: Kind Aid Station Volunteer

PHOTOS
Karen's Downieville Classic 2010 photos on Flickr

VIDEO
1. A Taste of the Festival and Talk with Karen @ 2010 Downieville Classic
By Hank Coffin on Vimeo - 2 minutes
http://vimeo.com/13281362

2. A Huge Splash: Downieville 2010 Bike Jump Contest 
By Hank Coffin on Vimeo - 2 minutes
http://vimeo.com/13339201

RACE RESULTS
Race results and event info here!

MY RACE REPORT
My goal for this race in women's sport category, was to treat it like an adventure expedition, rather than a race. I planned to explore new land and enjoy the journey, ideally, building my strength and confidence, and emerging uninjured. With that in mind, I abandoned some traditional race tactics such as riding as light as I could! Most racers pare down their bikes, bodies and clothes to eliminate unncessary weight that might slow them down. Instead, this is what I brought with me on my race:

1. My Dakine hydration backpack filled with two liters of water
2. Camera (not a digital SLR, small Panasonic Lumix)
3. Cell phone (in case I felt chatty)
4. 1 baseball cap (handy for naps in the shade)
5. 1 pair nylon pants (it's all about fashion)
6. Cloth to clean camera lens
7. 1 water bottle filled with Cytomax
8. 2 Gus (energy gel)
9. 1 Clif Bar
10. 1 peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Sadly, there was no room to bring a pump or extra tubes.
Ok, half kidding: I only noticed at the last minute I was missing these essentials.


RACE START:
I looked at the hard-body women, my competition, and tried to restrain myself from comparison of our fitness differences.  Why was their body fat so low? :) Many of the gals weren't even wearing hydration packs on their backs; instead they opted to refuel at the aid stations on the course. The start was a chaotic jumble of 800 cross country racers squeezed in tiny channel. When they called my group, we could barely ride because it was so crowded in the start area. 


LOW POINT
The low point came soon after the 9:30 a.m. start. The start of the cross country race is a notorious 8-mile uphill grind. About 30 minutes into it, in the hot sun, I felt nauseous. Wanting to hold down my nutritious, whole grain cereal breakfast, I got off my bike and walked. For a long time. Slowly, uphill. It was not the last time I walked during the race, but it was the most challenging. I thought I was gonna be sick and took a while to regroup. It was a big mental struggle to stay positive while feeling so sick. By walking, drinking more water and forcing down a Gu, I stayed in the game.

I wasn't alone in suffering on the uphill grind at the start of the cross country race.

Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver, Playing Race Photographer

SCARIEST POINT
When I got to the top of the massive climb, what stretched before me was miles of downhill! The part that many racers love best. But when I saw the size of the rocks on the trail I felt terrified. I was kicking myself that I had not worn protective knee and elbow pads. Before cautiously going down,  I said my new mantra, aloud:  "STAY ON THE BIKE!"

The good news is, I never fell off my bike in a crash. The bad news is, I needed to adjust the mantra to say: "STAY ON THE BIKE AND KEEP IT UPRIGHT." The second scariest moment (following the introduction to the hella sized rocks on the trail) was when I panicked with a racer close behind me, looked back, lost my balance, and fell hard - essentially tipping over on my bike -onto my left side, scraping against the rocky side of the trail. That's where I earned my shin and elbow bloody badges. But my adrenalin surged and no real harm done. So I kept charging!

HIGH POINT
Without an odometer on my bike to measure miles, I imagine it was the final 10 miles of the 29-mile course where I experienced a wonderful second wind. By that time, I had seen the ugly impact of the race; clumps of people off their bikes, huddled in the shade, working out leg cramps, other riders off the trail fixing flats; folks walking their bikes... Even after the initial hard climb, there were more climbs, in the woods. I felt good and rode those sections when many others were walking. I felt proud I had paced myself well.

Closer to the end, when the last downhill sections were upon me, something clicked: I was on FIRE! I was flying by a gal who had passed me ages ago (felt good!) At last,  I was racing. Didn't want her to catch me. I was UNSTOPPABLE, Olympic caliber, HIGH, ecstatic. You racers know that glorious feeling. A combo of caffeinated Gu, and taking good care of my hydration needs - drinking lots of water and putting it on my head, too, all helped fuel this grand finale.

RACE FINISH
I felt strong and happy heading towards the finish.
Highlight was coming down the finishing shoot and seeing my friend Hank with his video camera pointed my direction (See his video!). Was great to have a good friend there to welcome me. With his camera rolling, I felt like a celebrity racer. I was happy and proud of my strong finish especially given it was my first time riding such rugged terrain. After the race, I sought out shade from the scorching heat, food and drink.

Woohoo! Race over! Let the eating, napping, celebrating - and showering - begin!

Photo Credit: Kris Suta Pederson

SOCIAL HOUR
As I slowly recovered from the race effort, I got to hear bits about friend's races as I chatted with Kris Suta Pederson, Meredith Obendorfer, Anastasia Flores, Alex Anderson and others. Also was a nice treat to bump into Brian Vernor, filmmaker and cyclist.

CONCLUSION
I was happy that I finished the race a shade under 4 hours; in 3:57:25 in the women "veteran" sport category (ages 35-44).  Though I had vowed not to be attached to the final time, since that was not part of my goal, the competitive athlete in me was proud of breaking four hours. I had looked at the race results for the women's sport category in 2009 and noted that out of the 10 women in that group, half had finished in four hours or more! So that was a good measuring stick for me.


THE ICING ON THE CAKE: For me, the most rewarding aspect of my Downiville race debut was maintaining a positive attitude, stoking my joy of adventure and coping with challenges. I also am pleased that I was taking really good care of myself with food and water along the way. Those are lessons I can always apply to my daily life! See you on the trails soon!

The Yuba River runs right through Downieville, making it a great spot for hot bikers to cool off!

Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver

A Downieville Virgin Tackles the Classic Mountain Bike Race and Festival in Northern California

Confessions of a Downieville Virgin: Interview with Myself

Why are you going?
Now that I am badass after riding the North Dakota Badlands in June, I am ready for anything! Well, not quite. Truth: I've heard about Downieville as a biking destination for nearly 20 years and haven't ridden there yet. In particular, this bike festival, the Downieville Classic, is supposed to be a blast! At last, I will go check it out! Kind of like how I heard about Burning Man for ages and finally made the pilgrimage to Black Rock Desert, Nevada in 2007.

Photo credit: from Downieville Classic website

Karen, what event did you register for? The one where you ride your bike into a lake? 
I finally signed up because my friend Winona wore me down with her repeated invitations to join her at this race. But she went to Japan instead. (Thanks a lot!) No lake jumping for me, instead just hours and hours of rocky, hot climbing and descending: yeehaw! From the website:

"The Downieville Classic cross country race is one of the last remaining point-to-point bicycle races in the United States. The 29 mile course follows a rugged "Gold Rush" era route that departs the mountain town of Sierra City (elevation 4,100'), climbs to the crest of the Sierra Nevada (elevation 7,100'), and then plunges 5,200 vertical feet into downtown Downieville."

Where is Downieville?
A long, solo drive from Santa Cruz! Downieville is on California Highway 49, and is just over a two-hour drive from Sacramento. The drive from Reno or Lake Tahoe's North Shore takes just under two hours.

Where are you staying?
In a small cabin with a guy I hardly know.

Have you been training for this cross country race?
No.

 Karen negotiates dangerous descent through grass in Maah Daah Hey, North Dakota. 

(Mom, I am kidding!)

Photo Credit: Jereme Rauckman

What do your friends say about Downieville?
 "Oh my! EEEK! Be careful-- it is challenging especially in a racing situation. I am very proud of you-- I'm ready to ride there, but not race unless I am comfortably at the back! Can't wait to hear your report!" — Henrietta Stern  

"We rode most of the cross country course - very difficult course. I suggest bringing extra food, water and clothing as it will probably take a long time to get through the whole thing. Good luck!
— John Caletti, Caletti Cycles
Custom Bicycles Handmade in Santa Cruz, California


* "I am impressed that you're riding Downieville."
— Dwight Follien, survivor of  many broken ribs and concussions from mt. bike riding/racing
* Dwight being "impressed" makes me more nervous than anything. Except maybe for the red-lettered note on the Downieville Classic website:

"Be prepared for adverse trail conditions, including deep and fast moving water crossings and snow drifts. We will be removing all downed trees from the course and installing drainages, however we will not be shoveling snow from the trail. This year will be Classic!"

Wish me luck and feel free to send me advice here!

Bike Theft - The Stolen Bike To Do List and My Condolences

It's been nearly a week since my beloved blue Diamondback cruiser was snatched at night from the side of my house. The frenzy to find it has subsided and I intend to replace it. It was my fourth bicycle stolen during 17 years living in Santa Cruz, California. This latest incident led me to reflect on my stolen bikes, how to prevent future theft and the wonderful nature of fellow cyclists. If you have had your bike stolen, first, let me say, I am so sorry. It can be a heartbreaking experience.

Friends, acquaintances, even strangers rallied around me and my stolen bike tale of woe with an outpouring of generosity, sympathy and offers ranging from becoming my personal body guard to pursuing vigilante-style justice for the thief. One gal offered to host a neighborhood gathering led by a non-violent communications facilitator.  To my fellow cyclists, one and all, thank you!

For those of you wanting to protect your bikes, some tips
In three out of four cases of my stolen bikes (two cruisers and two mountain bikes), I had left them unlocked in daytime for a period of mere minutes or hours; they were snatched by people trespassing onto my deck or yard. No matter the circumstances, with each theft, I felt angry, violated and mad at myself that I had not taken steps to better protect my personal property.

 Don't mess with me! I took this self- portrait with a new, hardcore bike lock to show I mean business in protecting my bicycles after my latest bike theft!

Homeland Security
Also as a result of the crimes, I felt more vulnerable. After the most recent theft of my Diamondback cruiser from outside my house last Thursday night, I had sensor lights installed and am vigilant about leaving two porch lights on to illuminate the whole area at dusk and night time.

Steps to Protect Bike
1. Photograph all bikes, taking note of make, model, brand, serial number and accessories.
2. *** Register each bike with the police. See detailed procedure on how to do this in Santa Cruz.
For your city, I suggest you contact your local police department to find out the steps to take.
3. Lock your bike(s) at all times. Surprisingly, this can become a hassle, but it's necessary - inside and outside - lock them! That includes when they are:
On your bike rack on the car, inside your car, in your storage unit, in your garage, in your shed, on your porch, in your kitchen!


If your bike gets stolen, report it immediately:
1. To the police. Some places, like Santa Cruz, have a handy online police report to fill out. After I submitted the form, I received an email response that included a case number. I reported it even tho I had never registered it with police (my oversight).
I hope you won't need to file a stolen bike report but if you do, here's the website.  http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/index.aspx?page=68
2. Online. Immediately alert your family, friends and bike shops in the area. Ideally, post photos of the bike if you have some.
3. Renter's Insurance/Lock Guarantee. If your bike lock was broken, some companies, like Kyrptonite, have replacement offers. You must register your lock/keys when you purchase the bike lock. Your renter's or homeowner's insurance may cover the theft, as well.

If You Want to Search
Many friends had suffered bike thefts too, and suggested searching for the bike in these places.
I did not pursue this route, in part, because the value of my bike was quite low, and also not sure how a confrontation with a thief or supsected thief, would play out. I would want police backup.
• Craigslist (under bikes for sale)
• Local flea market
• Used bicycle shops - sometimes the frame or parts will surface there

On the bright side - YES, there was one
I was reminded of what a warm, wonderful bike community I belong to.
I welcome your thoughts and resources on how to protect your bicycle!

Bike Licenses in Santa Cruz, California
10.68.110 BICYCLE LICENSE REQUIREMENT It is unlawful for any person to operate a bicycle on any public street or sidewalk, or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, unless such bicycle, as defined in this section, has been licensed under the provisions of this chapter or under licensing provisions of another public agency.

A “bicycle,” defined for licensing requirements under this section, is any device upon which a person may ride, propelled by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, and having either two or three wheels in tandem or tricycle arrangement, and which has wheels at least twenty inches in diameter and a frame of at least fourteen inches; or any motorized bicycle as defined by the State Vehicle Code.

You can obtain a license through the City Finance Department
Call 831-420-5050
I called and learned:
Each bike costs $3 to register. Make sure you come in with the basic info for each bike, including, serial number, frame size, wheel size, company that made it, etc. You'll need to come the office in person and pay cash or check made out to City of Santa Cruz.
Office: 809 Center Street, Room 101
Hours: Monday- Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cyclists - Ready to Pedal 2,389 miles in the U.S.? Here's the New Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route and Maps

When Adventure Cycling's Executive Director Jim Sayer visited Santa Cruz in April, I was again impressed by the fantastic work this organization is doing. Headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Adventure Cycling Association came across my radar when I registered for one of their supported bicycle road tours, Cycle Montana, in 2008. Since then, I have joined their association and tracked exciting developments like the release of the map for this epic Sierra Cascades Route!

Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route maps are now available! This 2,389-mile road-based route runs from Sumas, Washington, to Tecate, California, and brings the Adventure Cycling Route Network to 40,633 miles, the equivalent of riding around the planet more than one-and-a-half times!

This extraordinary new route guides traveling cyclists through terrain as varied as thick evergreen forests, apple orchards, wide and narrow river canyons, grasslands, glaciated high Sierra canyons, volcanic cones, and high desert.

Roughly paralleling the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, the Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route passes around and through many of North America's mountain gems, including the North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Bachelor and Diamond Peak Wilderness, Crater Lake National Park, Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, San Gorgonio Peak and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

The route also intersects many other Adventure Cycling routes, creating fabulous new loop options in combination with the very popular Pacific Coast Route.

And here's the scoop on ACA:
Adventure Cycling is the largest bicycling association in North America with 44,500 members. A nonprofit organization, our mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle for fitness, fun, and self-discovery. We depend on dedicated cyclists to continue programs such as expanding our bicycle route network, keeping our website resources up-to-date, maintaing our education & outreach efforts, and building an official U.S. Bicycle Route System. Members are the heart of our organization. 

Sea Otter Classic Bike Festival: Bad News, Good News & Wise Friends

The 2010 Sea Otter Classic wrapped up its 20th anniversary one week ago today in Laguna Seca Recreation Area in Monterey, California. On Saturday, April 17, I raced the cross country mountain bike event,  a very hilly loop of 20 miles, in the women's sport class. Here's my previous post on other fun stuff at the event.

THE BAD NEWS: I came in 22nd out of 24 in my age group. That's the slowest time ever for me at that race. I struggled during the race with feeling bad about my lack of fitness. I battled, not with other racers, in this case, but with my own effort to stay positive and enjoy the strength of my body and the beauty of the spring days and wildflowers. I realized that this is my top priority - mental training! In the end, it's what really matters to me. And I have great friends whose words of wisdom help keep me focused! See below.

THE GOOD NEWS: Mental training is key, but I want a stronger body, too. So, thanks to my result at Sea Otter, I have also been inspired to build my endurance and strength.  I have enjoyed four daily rides in a row, all with friends - three mountain bike rides, Thursday through Saturday. Then today, to top it off, I got out the road bike and toodled up the scenic Highway 1 to Davenport.

On Apr 19, 2010, at 11:43 AM
Andrew Murray wrote:
"Ya know, you showed a lot of guts and heart out there on Saturday. I know how sick you were earlier and how little training you got in before SOC.  That’s a tough ride to jump into."

 
On Apr 18, 2010, at 5:20 PM
Jim Langley commented:

"It was nice seeing you down there and I'm impressed that you're such an accomplished racer. Don't take any guff from those wannabes. Keep getting out there and having fun. That's what it's all about."

On Apr 18, 2010, at 10:41 PM
Henrietta Stern wrote:
"That sense of personal pride for hanging in there and doing your best when bailing would have been so easy is "winning" just as much as coming in first place-- You rock!"

 • Henrietta Stern, right, captured FIRST PLACE in her cross country mountain bike race! 

• Andrew Murray, far left, battled to the podium finish in 5th place in cross country.

• Jim Langley both raced and stayed busy as a bike industry/media insider.

 

 

Missed Maverick's this weekend? Here's a report from the world's biggest wave contest!

Where in the world are the biggest waves? 

Surfers claim some of the biggest waves ever rolled through Northern California's Pillar Point area on Saturday, February 13, 2010,  the day that an elite group of surfers decided to hold the infamous Maverick's surf contest. This was the first time the contest had been held in two years and a $150,000 prize purse, the biggest ever, was at stake for the world's best surfers who were invited to join the competition.

 I could have jumped in my car and driven from Santa Cruz about an hour north to Pillar Point, a little north of Half Moon Bay. Instead, I asked my well-traveled friend and neighbor, Shannon Armstrong, to describe her experience watching the monster waves that towered 40 to 50 feet tall.

Here's a photo, below,  from the New York Times' Bay Area slide show.

After I told Shannon that I joined 54,000 others viewing Maverick's live online, she said:

"You definitely would have a better view of the surfers riding the waves and the standings by watching the internet stream at home. But there's nothing like the perspective of seeing the enormity of the wave from sea level and seeing how small the surfers are in comparison.
Mavericks was awesome!"

Here's the rest of Shannon Armstrong's report from that epic afternoon of surfing big waves:

Getting there
We parked about 5 miles from the action and rode our bikes to the view point, whizzing past the cars inching their way toward Pillar Point. Fire engines and ambulances were leaving the scene when we arrived (carting off the 15 people injured earlier by the high tide rogue wave that swept onto the beach). It was packed, but we were still able to weave our bikes through the pedestrians.


Viewing spots
You could view from up top the bluff, but we heard you could only see the surefers waiting for the waves on the backside and then missed all the action once they took off. So we hoofed it over to the announcer stand on the beach where people had been swept away earlier. Thank god we weren't there then!

We arrived around 1:30 p.m. - just in time to see the finalists set out from the beach. About 10 police  were guarding the barricades they'd put up to keep people off the beach below the cliff, even though it was now low tide and no real danger of being swept away.

There was no announcing we could hear and luckily we brought binoculars. It was bright, warm and sunny enough to need sunblock (it was so foggy the entire drive  up that we could barely even see the shore!)

The waves were HUGE
I overheard one pro surfer saying that this was the best Mavs contest ever! These mountains of water kept rolling toward us, stopped by a barrier of craggy rocks that looked like an eagle taking flight. People lined the beach and up the cliff, peering at the surfers bobbing above the wave as it broke in front of us. We always knew when someone caught one because there would be cheers from the viewers on the cliff. It was thrilling to see someone have the guts to fly down the face of the monster wave.

It was interesting to see how locals paddled out to the wave. I'm certain I would have perished in the 45-minute paddle to  the wave, should I ever lose my head and decide it seemed like a good idea to paddle out and give it a go.

Best of all
we were right there as the pros came to shore after the contest to see all their broken boards, exhausted bodies & big smiles when congratulating each other on a great day on the wave. The winner was Chris Bertish, a mid-thirties (one of the younger contestants, I think) humble south african with short sandy curls and a bit of blood on his chin, drawing attention to the fat lip he got when the wave pushed his board into his face on one ride. He was taking pictures with a bunch of people & doing interviews & only after he walked back to talk to his buddies in the roped off area did he realize he'd won. He said "nobody told me!" It was fun seeing his reaction when he found out. It was already posted to the internet...he was the last to know!

The cherry on top 
was riding a spectacular bike path along the ocean bluff back to our car...all 5 miles. Some high clouds were rolling in and the wind was cool, but the sunset colors were beautiful. We stopped on a cliff bench to enjoy it for a bit.

Yes, the New York Times Bay Area edition covered it here:
http://bayarea.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/15/mavericks-surf-contest-2010-a-lesson-in-natures-power

Inspired by the Olympics, I pushed hard in my first mountain bike race of the season

To justify gobbling sweet treats on Valentine's Day, I jumped into my first mountain bike race of the year, competing in the women's sport (intermediate) class race today, Sunday, February 14 at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. It was the opening event of the seven-race CCCX series, nearly all of which will take place at Fort Ord, an hour's drive south from my Santa Cruz home.

Signing up for the race was a bold move, considering I can't even recall the last bike race I did. I haven't been on my mountain bike on weeks because it's been so rainy - the trails have been too wet to ride. But at Fort Ord, there's lots of sand, so no danger of destroying delicate trail eco-systems there.

My race consisted of 4 laps - beginners did 3 and pros did 5. Seemed like I could manage four. Little did I know how brutal those sandy laps would be! I estimate each loop was about 5 miles, but I swear as I huffed and puffed up the numerous climbs that they were 10 miles each.

I considered dropping out after the first lap, seriously thought about it again after the second lap, then decided to stick it out. I thought about the Olympic athletes, in particular the tragic death of the luger on Friday and felt the need to press on, despite my discomfort. My strategy was to make the third lap  a "rest" lap in order to banish lingering fantasies of bailing out. Then, for the 4th lap, I would go for it!

I did indeed ramp up the speed in a grand finale and dug deep to get there. I made it to the finish and got a second place medal in my age division! The medal was nice, but what really mattered was how hard I pushed myself and how I persevered despite wanting to quit more than once.

Race Highlights:

* Felt stronger than expected, given all the rainy weather time off the mt. bike.

* Enjoyed pushing the pace with my friend Henri Stern, of Pacific Grove. She inspires me!

* Teammate Andrew Murray's support - he cheered at every lap when I needed it most. And provided water, and later a bar, when I was near bonking.

* Loved racing my new Specialized full suspension bike for first time.

To sum it up, by the fourth lap, I was too tired to talk during the race - for those of you who know me and my laid-back racing style, that's saying a lot!

The results will be hosted on CCCX's new website:
http://www.cccxcycling.com