PV: The axe is falling.....

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Actually I have a petsitting business I've built up that I'm very proud of. Mostly keeps me busy early mornings and afternoons.

Saturday I might be out to Del Cerro to take my niece on one of her first real rides if you and Andrew are going?
 
So can someone give it to me in layman's terms? I've got two small kids and I don't have time to read every sentence. I do appreciate the effort in the long posts but it's too hard to read it all while Dora is blaring in the background!
 
Current status at Portuguese Bend Reserve (Del Cerro)

Basically, the place is still closed, except fire roads, until the council decides otherwise. You can see a map of council approved trails at mtbpv.org.

There is some indication that the Grapevine trail (Slalom) could be opened to bikes. This may be decided at the next meeting on March 18th, as well as Forrestal and Ocean Trails Reserves. Equestrians will insist bike be eliminated from several trails at Forrestal.

We had a number of excellent speakers at the Feb 23rd meeting but we were completely outnumbered by bike opponents, especially equestrians. If you care about our trails please attend the next one and speak, even if it makes you nervous. You don’t have to be a great orator just a couple of sentences from the heart will do.
 
Did we win or did we lose?

We definitely wound up with half a glass, so everyone will see it differently.

The half empty view sees all of the trails we’ve ridden for decades that are gone. All of the small technical trails, the big drops, and even some mellow cruisers are only fond memories. The variety we love has been whittled down to less than a dozen trails in Portuguese Bend.

The half full view remembers that four years ago mountain biking did not officially exist in RPV. Back then, a management plan was being developed at the Forrestal Nature Reserve that did not even include bikes. The Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Native Plant Society, and equestrians opposed us. The hailstorm of resistance was formidable but we refused to quit.

Thanks to the hard work of a bunch of people, mountain biking is recognized as a legitimate form of recreation on trails in RPV. The mountain biking community has rallied. We have a volunteer force that has earned the respect of the city and many in the community. We may never get everything we want but at least now they listen. We are definitely on the map; we have trails to ride and a chance to have more.

We need to understand that this is not a sprint; it’s a very long and incredibly steep climb. We’ve reached a plateau but it isn’t the finish line. We learned at Forrestal that if we keep working at it, we can get trails back. As long as we keep the pedals turning we will succeed. If YOU lose interest, we’ll fall over. Please dig in and keep it rolling.

Troy
 
We win one in PV

After the bitter disappointment of the Portuguese Bend massacre, bikers in PV really needed a victory. It came late last night at the RPV council meeting.

The usual anti bike groups spoke, claiming bikes destroy habitat and endanger other users, and therefore should not be allowed on trails at the Forrestal Reserve.

Fortunately, we had factual data in the city ordered Forrestal Monitoring Report to support our claims that bikes present no more problems than other users. In fact, the report stated that there has not been a single complaint against bikers.

As a result, the trails plan at Forrestal remains intact with the exception of Cristo Que Viento, which was changed to pedestrian. This trail is expendable because it is incredibly steep and goes into Rolling Hills. I believe it gave the council something to sacrifice to the habitat folks. So be it.

It seemed the anti bike element lost its intensity and the council is finally starting to get it. Surprisingly, some councilmen actually asked detailed questions from bike speakers. One questioned whether CORBA PV could fulfill its promise to help educate bikers. In essence, this is the doorway to get more trails opened to bikes. If we ride responsibly and volunteer for trail work, we have a chance at the next trail review in six months.

After being disappointed (pissed off actually) at the results for Portuguese Bend, I feel rejuvenated. I can’t possibly express enough thanks to the eight resolute bikers who came to the meeting.

You rose from the ashes to fight again. You are the heroes here!
 
so, let me get this straight, the "new" bike plan, with most trails being closed (such as grand canyon, ect) is in effect? or are we allowed to now access all trails EXCEPT cristo que viento? either way, that is a terrific win! thank you for all your help guys!
 
The win that Troy is refering to is with regard to the Forrestal area. Canyons/Portugeuse Bend/Del Cerro remains as it was determined at the Feb 23rd City Council meeting. I haven't been up there since to tell you about signage; but as I understood it, the "moratorium" would be removed once sinage was in place for the new trails.

There is talk of getting "grapvine" or what most would call Slalom to be multiuse, as the City Council members didn't really have a clear understanding of it's northern endpoint, and were concerned about dumping bike traffic up at Rolling Hills where it is illegal to "ride" bikes on their pathways.

Chris
 
PV riders

Mountain Bikers - Please be aware that Los Serenos de Point Vicente conducts walks for children at the Forrestal, Abalone Cove, Ocean Trails, and other reserves in Rancho Palos Verdes. Los Serenos docents have expressed concern for the safety of children on trails with bikes. Although no incidents have been reported, we must make sure everyone can enjoy trails safely. You can find a walk schedule here. If you have questions, please email [email protected].​

Volunteer Trail Crew Training Class - sign up. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy will be hosting a training program beginning on April 5, 2008 for individuals that are interested in conducting volunteer trail maintenance. We need mountain bikers to be part of this leadership training program (more info). Help forge the future of trails in PV.​
 
I just signed up for April 5th, April 19th, May 10th(tentatively), and June 21st. I'd like to be able to attend all of the classes/work days, but a couple of those back to back weekends were too hard to schedule around.

I'm doing this for two reasons, 1st to show that we're not the bunny killing, elderly trampling, child scaring, horse spooking, apathetic about nature bastids the hiker/horsey nutjobs claim we are. But even more importantly I'm doing this for me. This is a great opportunity to learn some good trail maintenance techniques, get some exercise, and work with people who share the same passion as myself. The skills I pick up at these classes, will only make me more helpful for volunteer work in other venues outside of PV. So even if you don't ride regularly in PV, you might take this opportunity to help yourself be more productive when it comes time to help the trails near and dear to you.

Chris
 
You got that right chris. I also think the more educated I am about trail construction/maintenance the more effective will help me be more effective in public speaking/letters to editor, etc concerning trail issues.

I'm also hoping they'll teach me to build some killer jumps and how to cut "sustainable" illegal trails :rolleyes:

drc
 
Awesome Job Troy and the rest of the crew. I wish I could be there to help you guys more. I certainly enjoy those trails at least once a year when I'm visiting from Hawaii.

Much Aloha to you all,
g
 
Trails still closed

Unfortunately, the trails won't reopen until the signs are up. A lot of them are almost unridable anyway because they're overgrown. There's a trail work day Saturday April 19th. We need to show the city we're not going go give up until we get more trails opened. Hopefully that will take care of the signs and clear the trails of brush.

I've been riding other open areas on Sundays. These trails are little used and some are overgrown but, hey, it's single track. Sunday morning ~9:00 AM at Del Cerro parking lot.

Don't forget the city council will review trails in Portuguese Bend in about ~6 months. Hang in there, we're still working to get more trail opened to bikes.
 
I think we should all go up and take pics of the trails while they are overgrown and before the summer heat dries up the vegetation. To clarify, do not go on closed trails, just take picture of them from a legal trail :)

Every meeting I have been to, one of the opposing groups (you know who it is) always has images and even posters of a pics of a heavily used trail. They claim that the damage is irreversible and caused by bikes and suggest that all the trails are this damaged. Wouldn't it be great to be able to show pics of what they looked like now. Heck, if taking 2 month break every year insured that i could ride them the other 10 months... I would be happy.

We all know that it wasn't just the break, it was also due to precipitation and such. But I think the point would get across to city council.
 
I just got back from riding there today and am hanging at my sis' house in Torrance. They have all the metal posts up at the trails they're just missing the signs so looks to be soon. It really is gorgeous out there right now with all the greenery/flowers was a good ride.:)
I'll definitely try to make the trail work day.
 
I can't find any specifics on the trailwork day next Saturday. Can you post time, etc. when you have it? Thanks.
I have a few morning jobs and an hour drive so would be a little late but would still like to join in if possible.

Edit: Thanks for the info below the link hadn't been updated with this when I had looked. THANKS!!
 
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Earth Day Trail Maintenance

This will be a full 6 hour work day. If you can't make it in the morning, come a little later. Someone will be at the gate to direct you to a work site. Sign in as CORBA or something that indicates you are a mountain biker.

Sponsored by REI - Lunch and water will be provided for the first 100 people that sign-up. Some tools and gloves will be provided however it is recommended that you bring your own gloves, water, and sunscreen. Long pants and good shoes recommended.

See ya there!

What: Trail workday. Help with trail maintenance at the Portuguese Bend Reserve (Del Cerro).
When: April 19th 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Where: Del Cerro Park Map
2 Park Place, Rancho Palos Verdes
 
Is it OK to show up if you've never done trail maintenance, or would it be better to take class the class first?
 
No skill required

No experience is required for volunteer work, just a little sweat.
 
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