SAVE THE CHURRO!!!! Important Del Cerro Information

[Flat Broke]

While there is already another very insightful thread about the political on goings that are happening at Del Cerro, this thread is specifically about what we need to do at this Wednesday's (November 7th) PUMP meeting in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Basically, if you've ever ridden Del Cerro or seen pictures and had it on your "to do" list, you need to attend this meeting. The incarnation of the trail network plan that will be submitted for public review will be voted on come Wednesday. This is your chance to address the committee directly and give your input on the map in real time.

While there are many issues that you are welcome to comment on, sound input on the proposed trail network and usages is the main focus of the meeting. There are members of the committee that have a hard time believing that responsible mountain bikers are the majority of our community. Along those lines, simple statements to the committee affirming any of the statements below would be extremely valuable in demonstrating that we aren’t a bunch of eco-terrorists; and in fact welcome a structured trail system that serves the needs of conservation while still allowing fair and equal access to mountain bikers.

• I have volunteered time to trail work in other locations and would be happy to do the same in the Canyons preserve (Del Cerro).

• I ride in a responsible manner obeying designated trail uses, and take the time to instruct fellow cyclists using my local trails to do the same.

• I have been cycling for X number of years and have never had a confrontation with a hiker or equestrian trail user.

In addition to these issues, the idea of a dedicated “technical riding” area has been mentioned. This area to the coastal side of PV drive has been suggested.

While it is not huge in terms of acreage, it has a nice incline and is essentially a blank canvas. The idea here is to channel energies that are currently being applied to the detriment of the reserve into a more constructive outcome for both the habitat and the related users. Having a designated area for “technical riding” not only provides a much needed means of channeling a specific subset of our user group towards positive actions; but could help to reduce the overall impact of “technical riding” in other areas of the preserve. Taking the time to affirm some of the following points/beliefs to the committee, could not only assist in establishing a formal “technical riding” area, but also expanding the scope of trails available in the rest of the preserve by alleviating concerns that “technical riding” will continue to cause problems within the existing trail network.

• I strongly feel that giving riders a dedicated space to pursue the more technical aspect of our pastime will provide a dramatic reduction, if not completely eliminate the unauthorized trail work that has been a problem at the Canyons preserve (Del Cerro)

• I would be willing to donate time towards developing trails in a dedicated “technical riding” area.

• Having a dedicated “technical riding” area would provide an excellent outlet for many of the younger members of our community.

That’s pretty much it. If you noticed, I’ve omitted the term “Freeride” from the statements above. The reason being is that Freeride is synonymous to trail cutting and habitat destruction in the eyes of some of the committee members. The more we can do to circumvent pre-existing prejudices and demonstrate that we as a community tend to follow rules and support/assist the efforts of land management agencies, the easier it will be to convince the committee that our community is worthy of trust and self management.

As for decorum and general information, here are a couple observations:
I’m sure we’re going to see a large turnout from some anti-bike type folks. The best thing we can do to repel their slanderous statements is to speak only to fact or personal observations. As an example, if you want to state that hikers cause equal or greater erosion and widening of trails; do so with support from some scientific evidence or a published study. Keeping a cool head and staying on topic will help our community in the long run.

Please plan to arrive by 6:30 as it’s going to be crowded. Doing so also allows you time to fill out your speaker slip, secure a seat, and meet with other concerned mountain bikers to discuss areas of concern that should be addressed at the meeting.

Refrain from verbal outbursts of either support or disgust in response to both committee member statements, and those from the public. If you have something to say, you’ll have a chance at the podium.

As per the RPV list server: Date, time, location and agenda information is as follows:

PUBLIC USE MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE AGENDA WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007 AT 7:00 PM RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM 30940 HAWTHORNE BLVD.

THIS PUMP COMMITTEE MEETING IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE NOVEMBER 10th CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP ON THE VISION PLAN

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. ADOPT DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2007 AND OCTOBER 30, 2007 MINUTES
4. CONTINUED BUSINESS
a. Affirm the Final Draft Trails Network Plan for the Canyons ER and the Three Sisters ER.
To view the Canyons ER Map click here.
To view the Three Sisters ER Trail Use Map click here.
To view the SUN'P proposal for the Canyons ER click here.
To view the Long-Term (CORBA-PV) proposal for the Canyons ER click here.
b. Select a Meeting Date to Receive Public Input on the Final Draft Trails Network Plan
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Introduction to Uses within the Preserve.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
7. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS
8. ADJOURNMENT Next meeting is to be determined
For more information on the PUMP click here.

I'm looking forward to meeting some fellow STR members Wednesday evening.

Chris

[roadkillross]

this area does seem like it could be a very nice play area. although it may only turn into a bigger sized hit area, more like a slopestyle/boneyard. on the plus-side the walk will be shorter.

[genusmtbkr5]

Bummer, I have to work Wed night. I attended the Santiago Oaks meeting, pretty good show of mtnbikers there, but there could always be more. Hope you guys and gals can make time for this meeting.

[J_Sims]

Out of town for work.... Good info though

[jonkranked]

i'm there.

[Flat Broke]

Hopefully we'll be to at least duplicate our attendance at the last meeting. But in light of how many hikers will probably show, it'd be nice to see an even stronger showing at this meeting.

Chris

[Sharky]

I'll be there...I think it'll be a good showing. Wish they'd move it to a larger room.

*My avatar is from Del Cerro.

[Flat Broke]

If any of the folks that are going have friends that aren't on the boards, be sure to drop em a line and see if they can show to support mountain bike access at Del Cerro.

Chris

[Flat Broke]

Just a little bump for an important cause

Chris

[tekknics12]

Cool Cause...but I think the whole park should be left open to Mtn Bikers...

I was just at Del Cerro Today...quick after work bike ride......

I was riding down the left side opposite of the Jump trail...
Some lady lost her dog on one of the cliffs...she actually lost 3 dogs...Me and another biker managed to save 2.....other dog was deep under some trees and almost totally inaccessible.....top of that...lady didn't have a cell phone...2. didn't have any sort of light..(it was about 5:50pm)......I ended up calling the Fire station with my cell phone....had to meet them up at the top and guide them down where the dog was lost......took (5) of us to finally get the dog out.....3 firemen and 2 MTN BIKERS.......that was an adventure....

point is...If 2 of us mtn bikers were not around...that lady would have been helpless or in a pretty bad place............she was already freaking out when we saw her.................sucks when the people who try help out and do some good are banned............not right in my mind......

I'm all for preserving nature/trails/eco system...but I also like to have the option to ride where I like as hikers, walkers, and horse riders....

[tekknics12]

oh...BTW Thanks for the Post and Info!!..

Appreciate that Flatbroke!..

I'll be there!

[Flat Broke]

Tekknics,

That story will be gold tonight. I strongly urge you to take the podium and share your account as evidence that by and large we are a community that has a positive impact on the places we ride and people we meet on the trails.

As an asside, while I'd like to see the whole area open to bikes, you have to remember that the land was purchased/incorporated into the NCCP for the purpose of habitat/species protection above all other things. Understanding that basic premise will help us make logical argumets on behalf of the MTB community.

When we request trail access at Del Cerro, or anywhere else in the preserve, we have to choose our battles. Digging in and fighting for access to a trail through sensitive habitat is fruitless, wastes energy we could be expelling to get access on other trails, and portays us in the light of caring about our recreational pursuits more than the preserve. As you can imagine, that doesn't help to quell the already incessant slander we receive from other user groups.

I look forward to seeing everyone tonight at the meeting. I'll be the fat guy wearing some khakis cargo shorts.

Chris

[superstock]

Originally Posted by Flat Broke

Tekknics,

That story will be gold tonight. I strongly urge you to take the podium and share your account as evidence that by and large we are a community that has a positive impact on the places we ride and people we meet on the trails.

I second that, great story to tell the committee!

[spookydave]

I can't make it tonight. Hold down the fort.