Adventure Sports Journal // Spring 2025 // Issue #136

Bike Odyssey to TAHOE BAJA

Hetch

Hetchy KAYAKING

GIVEAWAY!

PUBLISHING + EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER

Cathy Claesson cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com

COPY EDITORS

Michele Lamelin & Jennifer Stein

What is your favorite wildflower and why?

leoniesherman

My favorite flower is the polemonium or sky pilot, a fragrant low-growing purple cluster of joy. They only grow above 10,000 feet so if you see one you know you’re having a good time!

kurtgensheimer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daphne Hougard, Andrew Dunning, Carson Lindsay, Joe Braun, The Verge, Chris Burkard, Tyke Jones, James ‘Q’ Martin, James Murren, Samuel Crossley, Matt Johanson

COVER DESIGN

Megan Jordan

INDUSTRY NEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA news@adventuresportsjournal.com

EVENTS MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION

Krista Houghton & Lee Houghton events@adventuresportsjournal.com

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

When you find lupine and mule’s ear together in the mountains, it’s magical. Lupine because of the bold colors from purple to red, and mule’s ear for their furry green leaves and bright yellow flowers.

anthearaymond

Coreopsis californica (California tickseed), tall stalks topped by yellow flowers, spring up every year along the LA River path. They’re my sign of spring, and offset the nearby concrete ever so nicely.

mattjohanson

Cathy Claesson I 831.234.0351 cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com

DESTINATION MARKETING MANAGER

Pamela Coffey I 619.887.9937 pamela@adventuresportsjournal.com

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our office resides in Aulinta (‘place of the Red Abalone’) in the larger region called Popeloutchom (‘paradise’) by the Amah Mutsun Tribe.

ADVENTURE SPORTS JOURNAL PO BOX 35, Santa Cruz, CA 95063 staff@adventuresportsjournal.com

Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Adventure Sports Journal or our advertisers. We usually agree with our articles, but sometimes we don’t. We welcome all contributions.

All content © Adventure Sports Journal 2025. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editors.

PROUD MEMBER

California poppies invoke fond memories of getting outdoors during the spring in my home state.

jamesmurren

That’s a tough question! For the desert, I’d choose ocotillo when it’s in bloom—such a fun and whimsical plant. For the mountains, I’d go with mountain laurel.

Wild iris douglasiana are my favorite as they are native to coastal California (which I am also) and I would pick them for my mom on Mother’s Day when I was little.

I’m partial to the Sierra Tiger Lily. The bright orange adds some pop to the purples and yellows of other flowers.

8 Editor’s Note The Forgotten Self // 10 Ear to the Ground Industry news & notes // 12 Earn Your Beer Tucson trails // 28 Social and Environmental Change Makers Restore Hetch Hetchy // 33 Event Profiles Gravel races // 34 Event Calendar 2025 events // 42 Gear We Love Goodies for your active lifestyle 14 28 24 22

CREDITS,

FROM

At 54, cancer survivor Alenka Vrecek rode 2,524 miles from Tahoe to Baja, proving resilience knows no limits.

Daphne Hougard.

14 California Wildflowers A seven-month journey through color and wonders // 18 She Rides Alenka Vrecek’s bike journey from Tahoe through Baja // 22 Desert Dream Joshua Tree by bike // 24 The Middle Fork of the Kings A rite of passage for expert paddlers // 32 The Aging Athlete Growing older, staying strong

Photo:

PHOTO

CLOCKWISE

TOP: CARSON LINDSAY (24); LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK (14); MATT JOHANSON (22); JAMES ‘Q’ MARTIN (28).

THE FORGOTTEN SELF

Springtime and a rebirth of power

California is home to over a thousand protected public lands — vast spaces where we can lose ourselves and, paradoxically, find ourselves. These landscapes, ranging from jagged peaks to quiet redwood groves, from wild rivers to sun-scorched deserts, are not just places for recreation. They are places of transformation.

At Adventure Sports Journal, our mission has always been to inspire human-powered adventure in these wild places. For nearly 25 years, we’ve been hiking, climbing, paddling, riding, and running through California’s most beautiful and challenging terrain. And in doing so, we’ve discovered something profound: the outdoors is not just a playground, but a mirror. A proving ground. A place where we meet the parts of ourselves that the modern world too often buries.

This issue is dedicated to what we call the forgotten self — the part of us that predates the screen, the schedule, the paycheck. It’s the part that moves instinctively, breathes deeply, and feels at home in the rhythm of wind

and water. It’s the self that knows hardship as a teacher and adventure as a path to clarity.

In nature we reconnect with the great silence in a way that puts everything in its proper perspective. Nature is our forgotten self.

Zen Buddhism speaks of a truth beyond words — a way of knowing that is felt rather than spoken. Some find it in seated meditation. We find it in motion: carrying a pack up a mountain ridge, paddling downstream, gripping rock high above the valley floor. Adventure strips away the unnecessary and leaves us with something essential: the forgotten self.

To be sure, these are uncertain times. As America slips toward autocracy

public lands are in danger. How do we protect them?

Before we ask “how” we must first understand “why.” Nature is the reason we MUST protect public lands. Nature is the forgotten self. Protecting nature is protecting ourselves.

Almost 2,000 years ago the Shaolin monastery was established in China to combine Buddhist style seated meditation with a fighting discipline we now call Kung Fu. More than a system of self-defense, Kung Fu was a form of moving meditation.

In ancient China, the Shaolin monks became the Jedi Knights of their time. There were a force for good when martial arts were needed to protect the weak and oppressed.

Today we must become the Shaolin monks of our time. That means adventure must become a practice of moving meditation. As long as we stay connected to our forgotten selves, the right actions will flow like a river in springtime.

If the forces of autocracy come to plunder our public lands, they will be met with resistance from modern Shaolin monks the world has never seen. Rooted in nonviolent direct action, these monks will summon the power of nature herself to protect our sacred lands. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but if it does we will be ready. In these pages, you’ll meet others who are on the same journey — pushing limits, embracing discomfort, and finding themselves in California’s public lands. I hope their stories inspire you to step outside, seek adventure, and reconnect with the great mystery. Here’s to a season of challenge, discovery, and the untamed beauty of the wild.

Thanks, and be safe. We hope you enjoy this issue and protect public lands!

—MattNiswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com

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EAR TO THE GROUND News and notes from the outdoor industry

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER OFFSHORE DRILLING PROPOSAL

In February 2025, the Surfrider Foundation, alongside organizations such as the Sierra Club and Greenpeace, filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order aimed at revoking protections for certain offshore areas, potentially opening them to oil and gas leasing. The coalition argues that the president lacks the authority to reverse such protections established by previous administrations, citing a federal court ruling from Trump’s first term that confirmed this limitation. The legal action underscores concerns about the risks offshore drilling poses to marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and communities reliant on healthy ocean environments. The plaintiffs aim to uphold existing protections and prevent the expansion of offshore drilling into previously safeguarded regions.

VISITING NATIONAL PARKS THIS SUMMER

Visitors to national parks should be prepared for reduced services, maintenance delays, and fewer rangerled programs due to recent National Park Service (NPS) staffing cuts. Some campgrounds and visitor centers may have limited hours, and emergency response times could be slower. With fewer resources, it’s more important than ever for visitors to be good stewards of these cherished places. Pack out trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife. Show kindness to park staff who are working hard despite challenges. Before your trip, check park websites for updates on closures and conditions.

TARIFFS COULD HURT OUTDOOR INDUSTRY

In February, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole issued a statement addressing recent trade policy changes. He warned that new tariffs on outdoor products could drive up costs for both businesses and consumers, potentially slowing job growth, stifling innovation, and forcing some companies to close. The tariffs pose a significant threat to an industry that fuels $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports five million jobs. Ebersole stressed that outdoor recreation is vital to the US economy and affirmed OIA’s commitment to working with policymakers to advocate for a balanced trade agenda.

ESSELEN TRIBE AND STATE PARKS SIGN HISTORIC AGREEMENT

California State Parks and the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the stewardship of 18 state parks within the tribe’s ancestral lands. Announced at Asilomar State Beach, the agreement promotes co-management efforts, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into park conservation. The MOU also expands partnerships on interpretation, land acknowledgment, and emergency response planning. This marks the 14th

FLAG PROTEST IN YOSEMITE IGNITES NATIONWIDE MOVEMENT

On February 22, 2025, a group of Yosemite National Park staffers protested the Trump administration’s recent firing of approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees by hanging an inverted American flag from El Capitan. This act, symbolizing distress, coincided with the park’s annual “firefall” event, drawing significant public attention. The terminations affected various roles, including custodians, educators, and maintenance workers, raising concerns about the future maintenance and preservation of national parks. The protest at Yosemite sparked nationwide demonstrations across 433 national park sites, with supporters advocating for the protection of public lands and the reinstatement of the displaced employees.

WOLF MONITORING IN CALIFORNIA EXPANDS

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has successfully

Plumas, and Sierra counties, marking a record number of satellite-collared wolves in the state. The operation, conducted in January, focused on wolves from the Whaleback, Harvey, and Beyem Seyo packs. The collars will help scientists track population movements, study habitat use, and mitigate conflicts with livestock. CDFW now recognizes seven wolf packs in California, though numbers fluctuate as packs merge. Researchers continue monitoring the species, including tracking disease concerns and studying habitat use. More details are available on CDFW’s gray wolf web page.

LIMITED WILDFLOWER BLOOM EXPECTED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

California State Parks announced that this year’s wildflower bloom will be limited due to below-average winter rainfall. Parks such as Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, AnzaBorrego Desert SP, Chino Hills SP, Red Rock Canyon SP, Ocotillo Wells SVRA, and Picacho SRA have received significantly less rain compared to years with spectacular blooms like 2017 and 2019. Wildflower growth depends on multiple weather factors,

including rainfall timing, sunlight, and seasonal temperatures.

CHINOOK SALMON RETURN TO NORTH YUBA IN PILOT PROJECT

For the first time in nearly a century, spring-run Chinook salmon are swimming in the North Yuba River thanks to an innovative pilot project led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and partners. In October 2024, fertilized salmon eggs were injected into riverbed gravel along a 12-mile stretch near Downieville. Now, young salmon have hatched and are migrating downstream. This effort aims to study the feasibility of reintroducing salmon to their historic habitat, potentially doubling available spawning grounds in the Yuba River watershed. DNA tagging is being used to track the salmons’ progress. The project is a key step in California’s broader salmon recovery efforts.

SBTS AWARDED $30,885 GRANT FOR TRAIL WORK

The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) has been awarded a $30,885

grant from the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative to support trail maintenance in the Plumas National Forest. The funds will help improve Middle Fork and Mount Hough OHV trails, covering the cost of trail equipment, signage, dozer rental, and crew labor. Key purchases include a QTAC Portable Fire Suppression Unit for trail safety and a powered wheelbarrow to aid restoration efforts. SBTS will also use funds for fire recovery work on the Cleghorn Bar OHV trail, damaged in the 2020 North Complex Fire. This grant marks SBTS’s second Yamaha award, reinforcing its mission to sustain and improve motorized trail access.

THE WILDFLOWER TRIATHLON RETURNS

The much-loved Wildflower Triathlon returns to Lake San Antonio on May 2-4. Known as the “Woodstock of Triathlons,” this legendary event features long course, Olympic, sprint, and gravel sprint triathlons, alongside trail runs, fun runs, and open-water swims. The event also offers familyfriendly activities, live music, and camping under the stars. With a legacy dating back to 1983, Wildflower continues to blend endurance sports,

community, and nature in a unique festival atmosphere. Led by race director Colleen Bousman, daughter of founder Terry Davis, the event carries forward a tradition of excellence and community spirit.

GRASSHOPPER ADVENTURE SERIES HOSTS INAUGURAL NCNCA DISTRICT GRAVEL CHAMPIONSHIPS

On April 27, the legendary Grasshopper Adventure Series will make history as it hosts the first-ever NCNCA (Northern California Nevada Cycling Association) District Gravel Championships. As one of Northern California’s most respected mixed-terrain race series, Grasshopper has long been a proving ground for elite and amateur riders alike. Now, with the Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic, racers will compete for the prestigious NCNCA district title on rugged, scenic terrain. This marks an exciting milestone for gravel racing’s growing prominence in the competitive cycling world.

Scan the QR code and keep up with the latest news and information from our industry partners.

YEAR ROUND PLAYGROUND

FAMILY RESORT

CROWDS + NO LINES

Tucson Trails & Craft Ales

Exploring Tucson’s mountain bike trails and local breweries

THE EARNING

Cactus thorns, rough desert scrub, and yes, snakes are all part of riding in the desert. The terrain is rocky, sandy, and the sun relentless. So, why go?

The Sonoran Desert near Tucson is strikingly beautiful. After a few hours on the trail, the landscape, sounds, and even the scent of sage and chaparral seep into you. The contrast between earthy tones and a clear blue sky creates a sense of contentment that has you planning your return before you’ve finished your ride.

From the Sarasota trailhead in Tucson

By James Murren

Mountain Park, I hit the Sarasota Trail for classic cross-country riding toward Yetman. The backside of the mountain turned into a fast, fun romp to Little Cat — which demanded both power and finesse — and served as a warm-up for the challenge ahead on Explorer Trail.

Explorer Trail was a true test. Rock gardens were scattered along the way, some of which I didn’t clean. A few spots even had me off my bike. Most of the trail is able to be ridden, but to not dab the whole thing would be quite a feat.

I then moved on to Ledge Surfer Trail in adjacent Robles Pass Trail Park. The

downhill to the tunnel under the hard road was a blast, flying through like an Ewok. On the other side, I worked my way up onto Sunset Pass Trail. Pedaling through more classic cross-country terrain, I circled back under the hard road and passed through Explorer a second time. Finally, I took the Sarasota turnoff back to the start, loving the quick, flickable sections before the final shoot down into the parking lot.

THE BEER

Borderlands Brewing Company is a must-stop, thanks in large part to head brewer Ayla Kapahi — Arizona’s first female head brewer who champions

women in brewing and builds a community that crosses borders. When I stopped in for a beer, I sampled their Blonde Ale brewed with corn, but not just any corn. They use 60day maize from the nearby Tohono O’odham Nation. And if you’re at the downtown location, grab some food from the food truck — yum!

borderlandsbrewing.com

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company in downtown Tucson exudes positivity the moment you walk in. A haven for bike enthusiasts (they even let you bring your bike inside), it’s the perfect spot to relax with a couple of IPAs, which I was in the mood for and they tasted great. The friendly, welcoming vibe makes it clear everyone is welcome at this neighborhood brew pub. Grab some cans to go for your campsite or lodging rental. pueblovidabrewing.com

T-SHIRTS

Wildflowers in California

A

seven-month journey through color and wonder

By Leonie Sherman

Even after 30 years in California, the weather still throws me. Back in New England the first flush of green means spring; here it signals the start of winter. In New England we endure five months of monotone beige and white, a month of mud and then the rhododendrons bloom for 10 days before heat and humidity send us scurrying for shade or air conditioning. In California it feels like the technicolor exuberance of spring wildflowers lasts for seven months.

It starts as soon as the longest night ends. Somewhere, a tender shoot unfurls, reaches for the sun, and soon there’s a carpet of yellow, orange or purple flowers carpeting the ocean cliff. Or the arroyo, grasslands, alpine meadow, or parking median. Thanks to California’s mind-bending diversity of altitude, aspect and ecosystem, spring blooms start in late January and can continue into September.

Of course there are no guarantees in nature. Super blooms may happen two years in a row, or not for a decade. Scant rainfall may leave a desert barren all spring; massive snowfall can bring color to an alpine meadow after the kids have gone back to school. Their ephemeral nature is part of what makes wildflowers so precious. Numerous online resources can help in your sleuthing for any given year or area.

Here are five places that make me think of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay’s words in her poem Afternoon

on the Hill — “I will be the gladdest thing / Under the sun! / I will touch a hundred flowers / And not pick one.”

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

We’re barely into the new year when the blooms begin to emerge in Channel Islands National Park. Located just 20 miles offshore of Santa Barbara, these five islands comprise one of the least visited national parks in the country, mostly because they’re so hard to get to: you need a private boat or a ferry ticket with Island Packers. They’ve never been part of the mainland, leading to loads of endemic species and the nickname “California’s Galápagos Islands”.

The islands explode with color and variety in late January and the show continues for about two months. Tiny Anacapa Island, closest to the mainland, hosts vivid yellow and red paintbrush found nowhere else in the world, along with unique giant coreopsis. San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz

Islands have endemic red buckwheat, pink-red blooms on tall stalks. Though plant nerds rejoice at identifying the unique island species, everybody can enjoy walking through fields of head-high purple lupines, or gazing at purple-tinged meadows. Splashes of yellow look like spilled paint from a distance. With so many unique ecological niches on each island, there’s a wealth of wildflower wonder awaiting.

ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK

Ranging from sea level to over six thousand feet above it, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park includes valley floors, desert springs, lonesome canyons, dry lake beds and austere badlands. California’s largest state park is located in eastern San Diego County, about 100 miles from the southern border with Mexico. The bloom usually begins in mid-February and continues into mid-May.

This page, from top to bottom: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park bursts with color when winter rains are bountiful (Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce); Santa Cruz Island’s vibrant blooms are a ferry ride away from Ventura (Visit Ventura); Opposite page, left and right: Carrizo Plain National Monument, California’s largest native grassland, blooms with wildflowers in spring (BLM).

With such a wide range of habitats, visitors can enjoy a wide range of flowers as well. Brilliant yellow desert dandelions and brittle brush, along with royal purple heliotrope blanket the canyons. In the badlands, pink, magenta, purple and white verbena add color to sandy hills, and pale creamy dune evening primrose adds a sweet scent to afternoons and evenings. Purple lupines and desert bluebells carpet the valley floor, while beavertail cactus, cholla and ocotillo bloom in the driest parts of the park.

Watching wildflowers transform the sepia-toned desert into a technicolor riot can restore your faith in the divine. As part of the Colorado desert, AnzaBorrego experiences milder winter temperatures than the neighboring Mojave desert, making for more pleasant viewing conditions. Public hot springs and a decent chance of watching the resident bighorn sheep herd make the campground a lovely base camp for flower forays.

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

When John Muir walked across the

Central Valley in the late 1800s, he described “... a lake of pure sunshine, forty or fifty miles wide, five hundred miles long, one rich furred garden of yellow Compositae.” Colonization and the ensuing water diversion schemes have replaced the wild tule marshes with orchards, fields and towns, but there are still a few places to revisit Muir’s lake of sunshine.

Carrizo Plain National Monument is the largest native grassland remaining in California, and though a small mountain range separates it from the Central Valley proper, it shares a very similar ecosystem. Soda Lake is one of

the dominant features of the Carrizo Plain, but the vast open grasslands rimmed by mountains provide the perfect backdrop for the annual spectacular wildflower show. Not every year is a super bloom, but every year does provide an awe-inspiring display. Goldfields and baby blue eyes are usually the first to emerge here, clustered around Soda Lake, sometime in late March or April. They’re followed by hillside and yellow daisies, lupine and California poppies, blanketing the grasslands in impressionistic swaths of yellow, purple and orange.

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LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

In northeastern California you can see all four different kinds of volcanoes the world has to offer: shield, composite, cinder cone and plug dome volcanoes, of which 10,457-foot Lassen Peak is one. The combination of northern latitude — the park is about 150 miles south of the Oregon border — and high elevation means Lassen Peak has some of the latest opportunities to witness wildflower wonder in California.

In the mixed conifer zone of Warner Valley, at 5,600 feet, wildflowers start to appear in late May; on Lassen Peak in the alpine and subalpine zone they can last through September. A purple tinge from irises, violets and lupine spreads through the lowlands early in the season. Rock spirea, paintbrush and penstemon are among the hardy wildflowers that grace the higher slopes with color when wildflowers have faded from the rest of the state.

YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Of course, the best place to enjoy wildflowers is where you live. Though California offers a wealth of roadtrip worthy wildflower wonder, from the alpine slopes of plug dome volcanoes to the sparse deserts of its southernmost reaches, there are very likely wildflowers blooming within a 10-minute walk of your home.

Take some time to get to know the flora of your home turf, and deepen your appreciation for the multicolored majesty that springs forth from the ground every year. Learning about where you live helps you love it, and when we begin to feel a profound connection with land we want to protect it.

Take yourself on a daily spring walk around your own neighborhood and check out what’s blooming. Notice the miracle of flowering life in your own backyard. We don’t need to travel far to experience awe and gratitude, we just need to pay attention and open our hearts to the wonder all around us.

Top to bottom: Shasta lily and Mt. Diller (Lassen Volcanic National Park); Mule’s ear blooms beneath Mt. Diller (Lassen Volcanic National Park).

MARKS THE SPOT

It’s the kind of adventure thrill-seekers crave. From Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor, set course for the wild beauty of Channel Islands National Park aboard The Sunfish with Channel Islands Expeditions. Kayak through towering sea caves, dive into vibrant marine life or witness whales breaching in the open Pacific. Set sail, explore and claim your next epic moment—because in Oxnard, OX marks the spot for adventure.

She Rides

Alenka Vrecek finds home on her bike between two homes 2,500 miles apart

By Kurt Gensheimer

When you think of a “door-to-door” mountain bike ride, it usually involves a big single-day ride or maybe a three-day bikepacking adventure. But for Alenka Vrecek, door-to-door meant leaving her home in Tahoe City, California, and riding 2,524 miles to her other door in La Ventana near the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Scaling 158,263 vertical feet — equivalent to climbing Mount Everest nearly five-and-a-half times — Vrecek spent 57 days alone, with nothing but time to think.

Even more impressive is that Vrecek, a recent cancer survivor, accomplished this huge bike adventure at age 54, despite personal physical and emotional setbacks and the declining health of her second husband, Jim. Recognizing that her window for a feat like this might be closing, she packed her bags on “The Beast” — her Ibis Mojo mountain bike — and pointed two wheels south. Anyone who has spent any time on a bike or out in the wild alone will

identify with Vrecek’s grit. Growing up reading iconic adventure writers like Reinhold Messner fueled her passion for the outdoors. Her story grabs hold of you from the opening miles riding through the heart of the Sierra Nevada and doesn’t let go until she reaches her palapa in La Ventana.

The ride from her first home in Tahoe City to her second home in Baja was symbolic, connecting two points in her life. Along the way, she searched for what “home” truly means to her.

“I don’t feel at home anywhere,” said Vrecek on Episode 23 of the Mind the

Track podcast. “But at the same time it’s also very freeing because it’s not the physical home, it’s what the home means to you.”

One example is the story of Alejandro, an acquaintance she met along the way. After seeing her on the road alone, Alejandro welcomed Vrecek to stay at his Baja ranch, and that stay left a lasting impression about what home really means.

“Alejandro was aware that he was content living and working on his ranch,” said Vrecek. “When you go to less developed places, there are a

lot of people who want to leave and experience the world. I’m drawn to people who are aware they’re happy where they are.”

Originally from Slovenia, Vrecek grew up ski mountaineering, traversing the Slovenian Alps solo at age 17. She arrived in the United States in 1984, spending a short time in New York City before moving west. An advertisement for Lake Tahoe in a European ski magazine sold her on the area.

“There was a lake with a windsurfer, a cowboy on a horse, and girls skiing in bikinis,” said Vrecek. “I was sold.”

Opposite page: Alenka Vrecek fueling up on the side of the trail during her 57-day solo journey by bike from Tahoe to Baja. This page, left to right: Vrecek skiing the Eastern Sierra with her good friend Glen Poulsen; What do you do after a 2,500-mile ride to Baja? Wingfoil, of course!; There’s a lot to pack on your bike when you’re riding from Tahoe to Baja (Daphne Hougard).

Vrecek landed in Lake Tahoe with $800 in her pocket, living on $2 per day while working at River Ranch and chasing her love for skiing, climbing, and windsurfing. Local ski legends like Scot Schmidt, Tommy Day, and Mike Slattery introduced her to the art of hitting jumps on skis — something she’d never done before.

With the full support of her husband

and kids, Vrecek set off for two months of self-discovery. She chatted with “The Beast” — her bike — and her water bottles, but mostly she talked to herself. Although some may think riding solo sounds lonely, there are several advantages.

“One of the biggest advantages is not having to make decisions with anybody else,” said Vrecek. “You don’t

have to compromise. There’s nothing wrong with compromise as long as you don’t compromise who you are.”

As much as she enjoyed riding through the Sierra Nevada, Vrecek felt like the ride didn’t really begin until she crossed into Tecate, Mexico and hit the Baja Divide cycling route, a rugged 1,700-mile off-road trail running the length of the Baja California peninsula.

“You shouldn’t wait for something traumatic to happen for that wake-up call. Time does not go backward and you can’t unwind the clock.”

—

Alenka Vrecek

This page, top to bottom: “The Beast” – an Ibis Mojo 3 – was Vrecek’s trusty machine with no mechanical issues the entire trip; There was a fair bit of “Mountain B-hiking” on Vrecek’s 2,500-mile journey (Daphne Hougard).

In Mexico, people were often stunned to see Vrecek riding by herself.

“When you ride alone, people look at you differently and are more protective of you and are more helpful,” she said. Would she ride solo again? Absolutely. She relishes the simplicity of eating, sleeping, and riding, plus the luxury of a hot shower when she occasionally stayed at motels. She camped about 70 percent of the time.

Of course, there were a few “oh shit” moments: crashing over the bars, rolling over a rattlesnake, and running low on water in 103-degree heat with 50 miles to go. One night Vrecek slept with a knife in her hand because she was in proximity to a city and didn’t feel safe where she was camped. Even though she had pepper spray packed with her, sometimes she was just so tired she forgot to bring the spray into her tent, leaving it on “The Beast.”

Despite these moments, Vrecek wasn’t afraid to camp alone.

“I trust animals sometimes more than people,” said Vrecek. “Unless you corner a bear or step on a snake, it’s only going to defend itself. With people, 99 percent of the fear is in our own minds.”

Ultimately, the bike became a healing force, reigniting the confidence and fire she thought she’d lost while helping her break through the mental barriers that often hold us back. It also gave her the strength to cope with her husband’s illness.

Her advice for anyone considering an adventure like this?

“You shouldn’t wait for something traumatic to happen for that wake-up call. Time does not go backward and you can’t unwind the clock.”

After completing her 2,524-mile journey, Vrecek realized her story was only half told. She decided to write her first book, She Rides –Chasing Dreams Across California and Mexico. Despite English not being her first language, she captured her voice by journaling and blogging throughout the trip. When COVID hit, she took advantage of virtual writing workshops and eventually found a publisher.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive — readers call it a rollercoaster of elevation gains and raw emotion, drawn in by Vrecek’s vulnerability and determination.

“The book isn’t about my ride,” says Vrecek, “it’s about what we all go through in life and how we deal with things, how we pick up the pieces and move on when we are faced with challenges.”

She Rides is available wherever books are sold online. If you’re in the Lake Tahoe region, you can pick up a copy at The Backcountry or Word After Word in Truckee, Alpenglow in Tahoe City, or Cuppa Tahoe in South Lake.

Desert Dream

Serene beauty and solitude beyond summer

By Matt Johanson

Daylight turned to dusk and then darkness while I pedaled my bike beside the busy road. Cars and trucks sped by me on the 65-mph route, every one of them making me cringe, as Highway 62’s narrow shoulder got narrower. My heart raced as I gripped my handlebars fearfully.

Iexpected a different experience when I decided to bicycle through and around Joshua Tree National Park. On my rock climbing trips to SoCal’s desert gem, the park’s scenery and namesake Joshua trees expressed a vibe of wonder and contentment. Thankfully, the three-mile crux of our tour could not have been more different than the other 172 miles we rode.

My friend Bob Leung and I planned a loop tour in winter to avoid the desert’s fearsome summer heat. That strategy paid off as we climbed in cool temperatures from the town of Yucca Valley into the park’s western side.

Greeting us in the Mojave Desert were countless Joshua trees as far as the eye could see. These beautiful and unique specimens grow only in the southwestern states. Folklore says that Mormon settlers named them for the biblical figure of Joshua, thinking its branches resembled his outstretched arms as he led his people to the promised land.

Pinyon pines, junipers, and scrub oaks covered the landscape. So did a lifetime supply of giant boulders; we stopped to climb a few of them. Mount Minerva Hoyt caught our eye amid the Little San Bernardino Mountains. The 5,405-foot summit’s name honors the “apostle of

the cacti” who campaigned tirelessly for the desert’s preservation in the 1930s. Minerva Hamilton Hoyt was a conservationist who promoted the establishment of Joshua Tree National Park, as well as Anza-Borrego and Death Valley National Parks.

This terrain had attracted me before but never like this. Traveling by bicycle allowed us to cover more ground than we could have on foot, and appreciate the setting better than we would in a speeding car.

“Amazing,” Bob remarked of our first day. “I liked the fact that it was cool and not the hot desert that it would be in the summer. The Joshua trees are beautiful and so unique. The landscape is stark but there’s a beauty to that starkness.”

A 40-mile ride took us to Twentynine Palms where we spent a night. We planned to cover 70 miles through the Hexie Mountains and Cottonwood Range on our next day.

After climbing 2,000 feet from town back to the high desert, we turned from Park Boulevard onto southbound Pinto Basin Road. In the park’s eastern side, we entered the Colorado Desert, distinguished by palo verde trees, creosote bushes, and ocotillo plants. Cholla Cactus Garden provided a short and rewarding loop hike through its namesake cacti.

Cottonwood Visitor Center offered our first water source since we started that morning. To our surprise, there we met park Superintendent David Smith, who endorsed our choice to bike instead of drive. “Great idea,” he said. “Time it right, and it can be an amazing experience.”

A long downhill coast took us out of the park, across Interstate 10 and into Mecca Hills Wilderness. Box Canyon delighted us with picturesque geologic formations. If this area was part of a national park, I suspect visitors would flock to see it. Instead, it qualifies as a secret gem. One could easily spend days exploring its rocky trails and terrain while enjoying free dispersed camping.

But hunger drove us to push for Mecca where we rewarded ourselves with a large Mexican dinner. The small farming town had no lodging so we slept beneath the stars in a bushy field.

“I can now tell people I’ve been to the promised land,” Bob said.

Another 40 miles, windy but uneventful, brought us to Palm Springs. The end of our tour approached.

But to finish our loop, we had to ride from Palm Springs to Morongo Valley. We could use side roads for most of this but only Highway 62 offered passage for a three-mile segment. I was aware of this concern but vastly

This page, from top to bottom: Box Canyon, though outside the park, provided a highlight of the tour; Cycling provides a unique experience in Joshua Tree National Park; Author Matt Johanson liked biking near Joshua trees and boulders. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: View but don’t touch the prickly “teddy bear” cholla cacti; Cyclist Bob Leung enjoyed a stop at Cholla Cactus Garden; Leung meets Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith; Johanson and Leung enjoyed a stop at Cholla Cactus Garden.

underestimated its risk.

Later I learned more about Highway 62’s peril. The Desert Sun newspaper called it a “death trap” and reported that it averages a fatality every month, which is three times the rate of an average

California road. And we subjected ourselves to even more danger by biking a steep, windy and unlit section at night. Our bike lights and reflective clothing provided cold comfort.

When the narrow shoulder disappeared completely, I lifted my bike over the barrier to proceed on a dirt road which I spotted. But soon it ended and I had little choice but to return to the highway and hug the edge as tightly as I could as motorists shot by me. Bob liked the situation no better, declaring it “an experience in hell” and denouncing “the worst of all possible conditions.”

We reached Morongo Valley and the end of our tour safely but cycling that part of Highway 62 was a dangerous and foolish mistake. “It’s legal but I would not recommend it,” a CHP officer agreed. Biking an almost-complete loop and hitching or hiring a ride for those

Traveling by bicycle allowed us to cover more ground than we could have on foot, and appreciate the setting better than we would in a speeding car.

three remaining miles would have been a far better choice. Fortunately, we emerged uninjured and hopefully wiser.

Otherwise, the four-day tour was a desert dream and inspired future visits. I suspect most cyclists would best like riding mountain bikes on lightlyused dirt roads in the park’s western side which contains the most Joshua trees. This rider strongly encourages others to avoid the summer heat and carry plenty of water, which is mostly unavailable within the park.

“Other people would enjoy it,” Bob agreed. “You’re going to have some hits and misses. That’s part of adventure and exploring.”

THE MIDDLE FORK OF THE KINGS

California’s East-West Rite of Passage

By Anthea Raymond

For over 40 years, the Middle Fork of the Kings River has stood as the ultimate rite of passage for expert paddlers in California’s Sierra Nevada. Remote and accessible only after a full-day hike to the launch, this 47-mile section of river is famed for its impassable drops and steep gradients that keep what lies ahead a mystery. With snow blocking access much of the year, the window of opportunity is small — and California boaters often choose it as the season finale when most other rivers have run dry.

Long before modern adventurers set out on these challenging rapids, the Kings River region was home to indigenous communities — including the Mono (Monache) and Yokut tribes — who revered the river’s bounty and spirit. Their deep connection to the land, passed down through generations, laid the foundation for the area’s storied past. Early European explorers, captivated by its majestic beauty and inherent challenge, further cemented the river’s legendary status — its very name a nod to its commanding presence in the Sierra.

For those who dare to embrace these challenges, the reward is extraordinary: the east–west hike over Bishop Pass ascends to nearly 12,000 feet, revealing untouched alpine vistas that often remain snow-capped. Winding switchbacks lead down to the river launch, where paddlers encounter nearly continuous whitewater and unforgettable camping. Waterfalls are abundant, both in the river and inside the canyons along the way. Tehipite Dome — the largest dome in the Sierra at 7,708 feet — towers over part of the route, which cuts through the glacial landscape of the Tehipite Valley. Paddlers even get moments to relax while floating through meadows speckled with seasonal wildflowers, as the physical and mental challenges gradually melt away.

HERITAGE AND HIGH ADVENTURE

Expert kayaker and outdoor adventurer Carson Lindsay has run the Middle Kings three times, twice in 2019. He describes the experience as pure magic: “You’re next to the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails — but in a kayak.”

“Boating is a part of it, but not the whole thing. We were willing to carry the boats all the way if necessary.”

— Royal Robbins

In 1982, legendary climbers Royal Robbins and Doug Tompkins formed the first crew to complete the run. Known for their pioneering ascents on Yosemite’s granite walls, they brought their trailblazing spirit to the river by achieving first descents in Latin America and the Sierra. This was also the era when sturdier plastic began replacing fiberglass, making multiple carries and ropeassisted maneuvers around dangerous drops much more feasible.

In David Smart’s biography, Royal Robbins: The American Climber, Robbins says “Boating is a part of it, but not the whole thing. We were willing to carry the boats all the way if necessary.”

Their groundbreaking efforts helped pave the way for modern expedition paddling in the Sierra and continue to inspire today’s adventurers.

EXPEDITION KAYAKING

Today, newer boat designs and advanced paddling techniques have helped reduce the number of required portages — though paddlers may still

Opposite page, top to bottom: A 20-foot drop into the Devil’s Washbowl culminates the steep “waterfall gorge” of the upper Middle Fork run, and just below this section is a mandatory portage (Andrew Dunning); Historic aerial photo of Middle Fork Kings River Canyon from Simpson Meadow looking downstream (NPS) This page, top to bottom: Dane Jackson carries his kayak over a snowy Bishop Pass in September 2019 (Carson Lindsay); Switchbacks and single track on the way to Bishop Pass summit (Andrew Dunning).

encounter dozens of them. Andrew Dunning, who completed the run in five days in September 2023, captures the full spirit of adventure in his short film, Symphony of the Kings: “The goal becomes making it down no matter what. It is expedition paddling at its finest.”

The adventure demands readiness for surprises. While hiking in, Dunning’s crew faced winds up to 70 knots. They planned to carry their 9-foot-long boats loaded with gear strapped like backpacks — a challenging feat even in the best conditions. High winds turned the boats into makeshift sails, flipping paddlers onto their backs like turtles. To cope, the crew opted for team-carrying, which turned what should have been a six-hour hike into a grueling 15-hour trek. In fact, some crews plan for a two-day hike because of such conditions.

There were also surprises on the water. Whitewater champion Sage Donnelly was standing on shore, assisting a fellow paddler, when her boat suddenly floated out of sight.

The team spent a long night worrying

they might have to evacuate. Fortunately, the boat was found wedged in an eddy the next morning, its lone crack patched on the fly with a plastic welder.

Changing weather added to the challenge. Rain boosted river flows higher than expected, and Dunning recalls, “By the time we reached the most difficult section of the river, the flows had come up considerably and the whitewater got pretty scary.” Lindsay’s crew experienced something similar on their 2019 trip that included whitewater legend Dane Jackson.

It was early September, and snow still lingered at high altitudes in what had been a bountiful year. The crew launched at a level they deemed challenging but manageable. But warm weather abruptly pushed flows to nearly double what most consider safe. Despite the surge, the trio navigated the run safely, conquering the notorious “Bottom 9” rapids in just three and a half hours. The powerful water forced them to bypass more rapids on the steeper upper

This page: Evan Moore takes the Money Drop in August 2019 (Carson Lindsay) Opposite page, clockwise from top: Kayakers start their hike near South Lake, before ascending to Bishop Pass (Andrew Dunning); A warm campfire just before the night’s rains (Andrew Dunning); Tehipite Dome’s summit is at about the elevation of the Middle Fork put in, underscoring the steepness of the route. It drops an average of 160 feet per mile (Andrew Dunning).

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section. Unfortunately, their rapid pace left little time for side hikes or extra laps on the waterfalls and slides that define this iconic run.

Even after experiencing higher flows than expected, Lindsay believes that the hike can be the toughest part for expert paddlers — especially the grueling 4,000-foot descent to the river. A 90-pound packed boat places tremendous strain on the knees, perhaps explaining why packrafters have begun exploring the area.

The sometimes swiftwater safety instructor adds, “It’s really important to assess and know your abilities. People see videos of rapids and think they can run it. It’s a different mindset when you are far from help.”

TEAMWORK IN THE WILD

Bringing along one or two paddlers familiar with the run can be invaluable. Lindsay, Jackson, and Ben Coleman, completed the hike and paddle in three days, aided by Coleman and Lindsay’s knowledge of the rapids and

For over 40 years, the Middle Fork has been the ultimate rite of passage – remote, mysterious, and lled with challenges that only expert paddlers dare to face.

hazards from another trip just before. Dunning’s crew — being all new to the run — needed extra time.

“We’d often just have one person scout ahead and depend on them to pick the safest route ahead,” Dunning explains. “That’s when you really need to be in touch with how your team is feeling — whether someone should run a rapid or portage. Communication is key, as is staying aware of everyone’s energy and stress levels.”

Some forget that the Middle Fork’s final challenge happens after the paddling is over. It can take eight hours to drive back to where the adventure started to pick up any vehicles left there. Some crews get around this by having a designated driver or ”shuttle bunny” who moves the vehicles to the finish.

Despite all the hardships, the lure and legend of the Middle Kings endures, tempting expert paddlers to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey — perhaps even more than once.

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Hetch Hetchy

A forgotten wilderness and a fight for its future

By Leonie Sherman

Next time you’re snarled in traffic at the entrance to Yosemite National Park, or pulling out your hair trying to figure out the reservation system just to drive through the place, consider that only 15 miles north lies Yosemite’s seldomvisited sister valley. Soaring granite walls, cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, a roaring river, miles of trails to ramble. John Muir called Hetch Hetchy Valley “one of nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.”

In 1923, that rare and precious mountain temple was flooded by the O’Shaughnessy Dam, to provide drinking water for San Francisco. Building a reservoir inside a national park required an act of Congress; the controversial Raker Act passed in 1913 after a nationwide political battle over the purpose of public land. Ever since the dam was first proposed in 1901, it’s been a symbol of the conflict between preserving public resources and extracting them. And

ever since 2000, the non-profit Restore Hetch Hetchy has worked to preserve what’s left of the natural beauty of the valley and bring more visitors to this forgotten flooded gem, with the ultimate goal of returning the valley to its natural state and removing the dam.

Restore Hetch Hetchy grew out of a Sierra Club Restoration Task Force.

When members wanted to devote more energy to the project, they decided to form their own group. A ballot measure and a lawsuit failed,

so the group turned their attention to enticing visitors to the inundated valley. “We continue to advocate politically,” explains Executive Director Spreck Rosekrans. “But we are also trying to improve the profile of Hetch Hetchy, encouraging more folks to go there, and encouraging the park service to welcome them.”

Only 50,000 people visit Hetch Hetchy every year, compared to five million eager tourists who flock to Yosemite Valley. That means Hetch Hetchy

This page, top to bottom: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir sandwiched between Hetch Hetchy Dome on the left and Kolana Rock on the right (Joe Braun); Restore Hetch Hetchy Executive Director Spreck Rosekrans (The Verge).

Valley has 99% fewer advocates than Yosemite Valley.

Natives lived in the valley for over 6,000 years before Europeans arrived. There were no permanent villages, because the valley often flooded in the spring, but during the summer Miwok from the west and Paiute from the east lived there to escape the summer heat of the Central Valley and Great Basin. They hunted, fished, and gathered material for winter food, trade, art and ceremonial objects. Their descendants still gather plants in the valley for baskets and medicine.

Natives used low intensity fire to prevent forest from encroaching on

“We would never want Hetch Hetchy to be developed the way Yosemite is,” continues Rosekrans. “But we do want it to be accessible so more people can enjoy the wildlife and the canyon.”

— Spreck Rosekrans

This page, top: Hetch Hetchy Valley in 1908 (United States Geological Survey). Second row, left to right: Climbers cross the bridge at Wapama Falls enroute to Hetch Hetchy Dome (Chris Burkard); John Muir, known as “the Father of National Parks” lost the battle to prevent Hetch Hetchy from being dammed and flooded (NPS); The Tuolumne River pours over the spillway at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir during spring snowmelt (Tyke Jones / Unsplash).

the 1,200 acre alpine meadow nestled between sheer granite walls over 3,000 feet tall. The valley, eight miles long and between 1/8 and 1/2 mile wide, is now buried beneath 360,000 acre feet of water with an average depth of 300 feet. Indigenous people considered the enchanted glacially carved valley sacred. Europeans considered it a water source for a growing city over 150 miles away.

And the glittering alpine lake created by the O’Shaughnessy Dam is off limits to recreation. “There are 38 reservoirs in California larger than 200,000 acre feet, and virtually all of them provide drinking water to somebody,” explains

This page: The National Park Service has improved the bridges crossing Wapama Falls after several visitors were swept off to their deaths at high water (NPS).

Rosekrans. “Thirty-seven of them allow boating and fishing. Hetch Hetchy is the only one that doesn’t. It’s in a national park, which is partly for public recreation, but it’s still the only large reservoir in California with no recreation on it.”

It’s also the only reservoir ever built

within an already existing national park. “The National Park Service (NPS) was established less than three years after the Raker Act passed, and they prioritized preserving parks for public use, not for the benefit of any one city,” explains Rosekrans. “Since that time, attempts to put a dam in a national park

— Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, for example — have failed.”

“But when Congress passed the Raker Act in 1913, they assumed there would be boating on the reservoir,” continues Rosekrans. “NPS has lost any interest in allowing that. We speculate that it’s a management problem; they would need

more rangers to regulate the safety of additional visitors and possibly build additional infrastructure.“

Right now, the only activities permitted at Hetch Hetchy are hiking, climbing and backpacking. A 26.5-mile loop starts and ends at the dam, passing gorgeous alpine lakes and waterfalls, some of which cascade more than 1,000 vertical feet before reaching the valley floor. The hike reaches a maximum altitude of just over 7,000 feet, making it accessible in early season when a lot of Yosemite backpacking is still buried under snow.

“You’re only allowed to camp at the reservoir if you’re leaving for or returning from a backpacking trip,” says Rosekrans. “And those sites are nowhere near as nice as the rest of the ones in Yosemite.”

“We would never want Hetch Hetchy to be developed the way Yosemite is,” continues Rosekrans. “But we do want it to be accessible so more people can enjoy the wildlife and the canyon.”

Because anything we love can be saved, but in order to love something we need to know it. “Yosemite is sort of a gateway drug; people learn about and start to care about the environment there,” explains Rosekrans. “If we can restore this lost landscape, that will inspire a whole new generation of conservationists not only to care about parks, but also to have the courage to tackle bigger environmental issues wherever they are in the world.”

Exploring the Vertical Wonders of Hetch Hetchy

Where a tourist sees a flooded valley, a climber sees adventure. While most of Hetch Hetchy’s granite walls will remain inaccessible until wilderness boating is allowed on the reservoir — imagine the deepwater soloing! — a dedicated crew is exploring the potential for rock climbing in the area.

“There’s some bouldering, but mostly in the upper areas before you descend down,” explains climber and Restore Hetch Hetchy board member Mecia Serafino, who was part of Restore Hetch Hetchy’s 10-minute documentary Finding Hetch Hetchy: The Hidden Yosemite. “Once you go down, there are some established routes on different formations. Some friends and I have been putting up new multi-pitch routes at the base of this one formation. There’s just so much potential for sport climbing, trad climbing bouldering….”

Unlike Yosemite, they’re usually alone when they climb at Hetch Hetchy. “There’s not a lot of infrastructure, I mean there’s barely even bathrooms,” says Serafino with a laugh. “And there’s not a lot of info. You have to know who to ask and where to look, a lot of it is word of mouth.”

This page, clockwise from top: Climber and Restore Hetch Hetchy board member Lucho Rivera rests for a moment high over Hetch Hetchy (Samuel Crossley); Mecia Serafino, climber and Restore Hetch Hetchy board member (Contributed); Timmy O’Neill and Lucho Rivera ponder the next day’s ascent as they prepare for a relaxing night’s sleep above Hetch Hetchy (James ‘Q’ Martin).

She started exploring the area with her partner Lucho Rivera. “We would go out there with a ton of extra ropes and gear, hauling like 5000 feet of static line to the top of some formation,” she explains. “But I like how hard it is, it feels so remote, so wild, so serene. When you’re on the wall and you look around, you just think, ‘who wouldn’t want this?’”

Despite her love of the adventure and climbing, she’s cautious about how to move forward with development of new climbing routes in Hetch Hetchy. “I want people to enjoy this place, but I don’t want it to turn into another Yosemite,” admits Serafino. “I have trouble admitting that humans aren’t the best when we enjoy these places, because not everyone treats them as sacred. I just hope that when people visit they will want to give back and not just take.”

THE MAGIC OF THE TRAIL

THE MAGIC OF THE TRAIL

REDISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THE TRAIL

Lace up your shoes or saddle up and discover the magic of the new Capital to Tahoe Trail.

Lace up your shoes or saddle up and discover the magic of the new Capital to Tahoe Trail.

Growing Older, Staying Strong Tips

for aging athletes

By Krista Houghton

“Age is just a number. 50 is the new 40. You’re only as old as you feel.” I’ve heard them all, but let me tell you — Father Time waits for no one.

Alittle backstory about me: I have a BS in Exercise Physiology, worked as an Exercise Specialist for Chevron, own KristaFit Training Studio, and have spent over 30 years as a surfer, kiteboarder, mountain biker, and all-around adventure junkie. I am an aging athlete, well past the hallmark of 50, with the scars to prove it. The clock is ticking for all of us. If you want to age with grace and still rip it up, here are some tips to live by as time goes on.

1 Check Your Ego and Be Wise

3 Prioritize Recovery

As you get older, your body takes longer to recover. Incorporate rest days, active recovery (like yoga or walking), and quality sleep into your routine. My husband often compliments my ability to prioritize self-care as we age, which I take as a huge compliment! If you feel a twinge, pull, or pop, use the RICE method immediately: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Old injuries tend to resurface with age, so active recovery and rest days should be a regular part of your routine.

4 Dial in Protein & Hydration

Lace up your shoes or saddle up and discover the magic of the new Capital to Tahoe Trail.

Hike or bike through breathtaking landscapes and create lasting memories.

Hike or bike through breathtaking landscapes and create lasting memories.

Lace up your shoes or saddle up and discover the magic of the new Capital to Tahoe Trail.

This stunning trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the region as Carson City’s first single-track connection to Lake Tahoe.

Hike or bike through breathtaking landscapes and create lasting memories.

Hike or bike through breathtaking landscapes and create lasting memories.

This stunning trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the region as Carson City’s first single-track connection to Lake Tahoe.

This stunning trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the region as Carson City’s first single-track connection to Lake Tahoe.

This stunning trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the region as Carson City’s first single-track connection to Lake Tahoe.

SAVE THE DATE!

PAYDIRT MAY 17, 2025

SAVE THE DATE!

PAYDIRT MAY 17, 2025

SAVE THE DATE!

STETINA’S PAYDIRT MAY 17, 2025

SAVE THE DATE!

STETINA’S PAYDIRT MAY 17, 2025

We all know that one friend who refuses to acknowledge their age and routinely pays for it — either in ER visits, hangovers, or just a bruised ego. Learn to “check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Remember that badass who lives inside you and honor all that you’ve done. But also remember that even badasses get old. Be grateful for what your body has done for you and treat it kindly. Like an old dog that has given you years of loyal service, your body deserves respect.

2 Modify Intensity, Not Commitment

Proper fueling becomes even more crucial for the aging athlete. Prioritize protein for muscle maintenance and energy before and after a workout. Don’t forget hydration, which supports recovery. Gone are the days when I could drink beers on the trail and hike, bike, or ski for hours without water or food. Water is the new adult drink, and hard-boiled eggs are a lifesaver.

5    Strength Train Regularly

You may not be able to train as hard or as often as before, but consistency matters more than intensity. Listen to your body and adjust your workouts accordingly. Maybe don’t tackle black diamond runs all day — stick to mostly blues but throw in a couple of blacks when you’re feeling sharp and fresh. Moderation and consistency over intensity are key. Follow this approach, and when you find yourself facing a double overhead wave or four feet of fresh powder, you’ll be ready.

Muscle loss is common with age, so resistance training helps maintain strength, overall performance, and most importantly, injury prevention. Let’s be real — as you age, it all comes down to not getting hurt. Strength training should become the main course, while your sport becomes the dessert. If I surfed big waves every day, my chance of injury — or aggravating old injuries — would be much higher than if I strength trained three days, surfed two days, and rested two days a week.

Listen to your body, don’t be afraid to age, slow down, and find balance. That’s how you’ll age with grace.

YOUR NEXT TRIP

CALIFORNIA GRAVEL RACES

The growing evolution of off-road cycling events

By Kurt Gensheimer

Gravel bikes and gravel bike events are a bit of a misnomer. While it’s true that gravel can be encountered during a gravel event, more often you’ll find dirt, rocks, sand and a little bit of asphalt. Some say gravel biking is akin to what mountain biking was back in the early 1990s. In the last decade, the popularity of gravel events has skyrocketed. Part of it is due to the fun, adventurous nature of getting off paved roads deeper into the forest, and another part of it is related to safety and peace of mind; distracted driving has made road cycling more dangerous than ever.

Regardless of why people gravitate to gravel, California has some of the greatest gravel riding in the country due to thousands of miles of mountainous dirt roads with very little vehicle traffic. The events below showcase endless opportunities to get off pavement with drop bars and knobby tires, discovering a new zone with the convenience of well-marked courses, aid stations and post ride festivities. As thousands o f cyclists have already discovered, those who do it in the dirt – or gravel – have more fun.

GRASSHOPPER ADVENTURES

Locations: Ukiah, Maxwell, Lake Sonoma, Duncan Mills // Gravel Events: Low Gap, Huffmaster, Lake Sonoma MTB, Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic, King Ridge

The Grasshopper Adventure Series is the world’s first and longest-running gravel and mixed-terrain adventure series. Known for its grassroots, unconventional bike race events, the series challenges riders with diverse and scenic routes across Northern California. Each event is designed to test endurance and skill while fostering a spirit of adventure and community. grasshopperadventureseries.com

SIERRA BUTTES TRAIL STEWARDSHIP (SBTS)

Locations: Portola and Quincy // Gravel Events: Lost & Found, Grinduro

Not only does SBTS maintain and enhance recreational trails in the Lost Sierra region, they put on some of the most iconic cycling events in Northern California. Perhaps best known for their legendary Downieville Classic, they also put on the Lost and Found Gravel Festival in Portola and this year will once again host Grinduro at the Plumas Sierra Fairgrounds as part of the new Mountains to Meadows Endurofest weekend. Grinduro, the popular Gravel Enduro race, started in Quincy in 2015 and will return to its first home in its 10th year. sierratrails.org

BIKE MONKEY

Locations: Carson City, Truckee, Atascadero // Gravel Events: Stetina’ s Paydirt, Truckee Gravel, Bovine Classic

Bike Monkey has been producing cycling events since 2006, when they organized their first race in Boggs Demonstration State Forest. Over the years, they have expanded their portfolio to include a variety of road, mountain, and gravel events, attracting riders of all levels with scenic routes and vibrant festival atmospheres. Their events blend challenging courses with a welcoming community spirit while supporting local causes. bikemonkey.net

GROVELAND TRAIL HEADS

Location: Groveland // Gravel Event: Groveland Grind

Groveland Trail Heads is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to creating and maintaining exceptional trail experiences near Yosemite. Established in 2013, they partner with the Stanislaus National Forest to build and manage mountain bikespecific trails. They also host the Groveland Grind, a mixed-terrain adventure ride that has been growing in popularity for several years. In addition to the Groveland Grind, they organize smaller community events, fostering a welcoming and inclusive cycling community. grovelandtrailheads.org

TUFF VENTURES

Location: Mammoth // Gravel Event: Mammoth TUFF

Mammoth TUFF is a challenging gravel race in the Eastern Sierra, founded by Dave Sheek and Amanda Nauman in 2019. It celebrates toughness, resilience, and adventure while fostering camaraderie. Riders navigate scenic, rugged backroads around Mammoth Lakes, facing tough climbs and unpredictable weather conditions. The event is known for its welcoming vibe, encouraging cyclists of all levels to explore their version of “TUFF.” The event is now one of two events in the US that are part of the UCI Gravel World Series. tuff.ventures

CHICO VELO

Location: Chico // Gravel Event: Butte Country Gravel Grind

Chico Velo is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting bicycling for transportation, recreation, and health through advocacy, education, and community stewardship. Best known for their iconic Wildflower Century event, they introduced their first gravel race, the Butte County Gravel Grind, last year, expanding their reach to gravel enthusiasts. Their events support local biking initiatives and foster a vibrant cycling community in Northern California. Chico Velo’s dedication to cycling makes Northern California a better place to ride. chicovelo.org

TAHOE XC

Location: Lake Tahoe // Gravel Event: The Great Gravel Ride

The Great Gravel Ride is an annual cycling event organized by Tahoe XC, offering participants a choice between a 15-mile (one lap) or 30-mile (two laps) course. Riders traverse rolling terrain with stunning views of Lake Tahoe, creating a memorable experience for both recreational and seasoned cyclists. The event benefits the Tahoe CrossCountry Ski Education Association, supporting youth programs and trail maintenance. The inaugural ride took place in 2024 and provides a unique opportunity to explore Tahoe’s scenic trails. tahoexc.org

LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST

Location: Susanville // Gravel Event: Lassen Gravel Adventure Ride

The Lassen Gravel Adventure Ride offers scenic and challenging routes through Lassen National Forest. Organized by the Lassen Land & Trails Trust, Susanville Area Bicycle Association, and the Bizz Running Company, the event supports trail projects in northeastern California. Riders experience rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, showcasing the region’s beauty. Combining the expertise of a running company with local cycling communities, it delivers a unique gravel riding experience with a shared purpose of trail stewardship. lassenlandandtrailstrust.org

Lost and Found, SBTS

2025 EVENTS

BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, SURF, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEATCLIMB, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SKI, PADDLE, REPEAT, CLIMB, PADDLE, BIKE, RUN, SWIM, RUN, REPEAT, BIKE, SWIM, RUN, SURF, PADDLE, REPEAT

RUN, SKI, PADDLE, CLIMB, BIKE, SWIM

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to each event. Confirm dates and details with event producers. THE 2025 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

BIKING

MARCH

1 — Snelling Road Race / Snelling / VeloPromo.com

2 — Original Merced Criterium / Merced / VeloPromo.com

8 — Solvang Century Reboot / Solvang / PlanetUltra.com

9 — MTB Showdown / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

15 — Mojave Meltdown #2 XC MTB Race & E-Bike XC / Boulder City, NV / BootlegCanyonRacing.com

17 — Ride & Walk 4 Art / Valley Springs / RideandWalk4Art.com

22 — Lake Sonoma / Lake Sonoma / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com

23 — MTB Championship / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

23 — Santa Cruz Classic Criterium / Santa Cruz / VeloPromo.com

29 — Fish Rock / Boonville / BikeMonkey.net

29 — Solvang Double Century / Buellton / 200 mi / PlanetUltra.com

29-30 — Sagebrush Safari / Lake Morena / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

APRIL

5 — Cinderella Classic, Lite, & Short / Dublin / ValleySpokesmen.org/ CinderellaClassic

5 — Mulholland Challenge / Agoura Hills / Metric Century, 3/4 Century and Century / PlanetUltra.com

6 — GranFondo San Diego / San Diego / SDgranfondo.com

12 — Mojave Meltdown #3 XC MTB Race & E-Bike XC / Boulder City, NV / BootlegCanyonRacing.com

13 — Primavera Century / Fremont / FFBC.org/Primavera

19 — Levi’s GranFondo / Windsor / BikeMonkey.net

19 — Marinduro / Fairfax / Marinduro.com

26 — Mt. Laguna Classic / Pine Valley / PlanetUltra.com

26 — Ridge to Bridge / Marin / RidgeTrail.org/events

24 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #1 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

26-27 — Belgian Waffle Ride California / Del Mar / BelgianWaffleRide.bike

26-27 — Wildflower Ride and Festival / Chico / WildflowerCentury.org

27 — Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic / Ukiah / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com

MAY

1 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #2 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

3 — Bike Around the Buttes / Sutter / BikeAroundTheButtes.com

3 — Delta Century / Lodi / StocktonBikeClub.org/deltacentury

3 — The Boob Ride / Orange County and San Diego / TheBoobRide.org

3 — Tierra Bella Bicycle Tour / Southern Santa Clara County / TierraBella.org

3 — Wine Country Century / Santa Rosa / winecountrycentury.com

4 — Grizzly Peak Century / Moraga / Grizz.org/century

4 — Mammoth Bar Enduro / Auburn / TotalBodyFitness.com

8 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #3 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

10 — King Ridge / Sonoma / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com

15 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #4 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

17 — Georgetown Enduro / Georgetown / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

17 — Stetina’s Paydirt / Carson City, NV / StetinasPaydirt.com

17-18 — Bike MS: LA Coastal Challenge / Santa Monica / BikeMS.org

18 — Strawberry Fields Forever Ride / Watsonville / StrawberryFields.org

24 — Heartbreak Hundred / Los Padres National Forest / PlanetUltra.com

24 — Wards Ferry Road Race / Sonora / VeloPromo.com

24-25 — The Art of Survival Century / Malin, OR / SurvivalCentury.com

29 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #5 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

31 — Eastern Sierra Double Century / Bishop / PlanetUltra.com

31 — Ojai Valley Century / Ojai / OjaiValleyCentury.org

31 — Wente / Willits / RaceWente.com

JUNE

1 — America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride / Lake Tahoe / Cure.LLS.org

1 — The Sequoia / Los Altos Hills / WesternWheelersBicycleClub. wildapricot.org/Sequoia

1-7 — AIDS LifeCycle / Santa Monica / AIDSLifeCycle.org

5 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #6 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

7 — Giro di San Diego / Escondido / GiroDiSanDiego.com

7 — Gold Country Cycling Challenge Road & Gravel Ride / Nevada City / RotaryGoldCountryChallenge.com

7 — Groveland Grind / Groveland / GrovelandTrailHeads.org

7 — LaGrange Classic / Weaverville / TrinityTrailAlliance.com

7 — Regalado Road Race / Oakdale / VeloPromo.com

12 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #7 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

12-15 — Lost and Found Gravel Festival / Portola / SierraTrails.org

14 — Fears, Tears, & Beers / Ely, NV / ElyNevada.net/

19 — Quick n’ Dirty Summer Series, #8 / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

21 — Climb to Kaiser & Tollhouse Century / Clovis / FresnoCycling. com/Climb-to-Kaiser

26-29 — Mountain Bike Oregon / Oakridge, OR / MTBOregon.com

28 — Lake Tahoe MTB Race / Tahoe / AdventureSportsWeekTahoe.com

28 — Rock the Ride - Benefit Ride & Walk for Gun Violence Prevention / Napa Valley / RockTheRideusa.com

28 — Ruby Roubaix: Gravel Fondo / Lamoille, NV / RubyRoubaix.com

28 — Truckee Tahoe Gravel / Truckee / TruckeeGravel.com

JULY

5 — Watsonville Criterium / Watsonville / VeloPromo.com

12 — China Peak Enduro / Lakeshore / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

12 — Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps / Markleeville / DeathRide.com

12 — Giro Bello / Santa Rosa / GiroBello.com

AUGUST

2 — The Great Gravel Ride / Tahoe City / TahoeXC.org

2 — Dodge Ridge Enduro / Pinecrest / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

2 — Tour de Big Bear / Big Bear Lake / BigBearCycling.com

7-10 — Downieville Classic / Downieville / DownievilleClassic.com

9 — Leesville Gap Road Race / Williams / VeloPromo.com

12-14 — Grinduro / Quincy / Grinduro.com

16 — Cool Breeze Century / Ventura / CoolBreezeCentury.com

16 — San Ardo Road Race / San Ardo / VeloPromo.com

17 — University Road Race / Santa Cruz / VeloPromo.com

23 — Northstar Enduro / Truckee / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

24 — Winters Road Race / Winters / VeloPromo.com

30 — Athlone Time Trial / Merced County / VeloPromo.com

30 — Tour de Fuzz / Santa Rosa / TourDeFuzz.org

SEPTEMBER

1 — Giro di San Francisco / San Francisco / VeloPromo.com

6 — Lassen Gravel Adventure / Susanville / BizzRunningCompany.com

6 — Mammoth Gran Fondo / Mammoth Lakes / MammothGranFondo.com

6 — The Lost Coast Hopper / Rockport / GrasshopperAdventureSeries.com

2025 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to

Go to the EVENTS page on our

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for

CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH

BIKING, cont.

SEPTEMBER

6-13 — California Coast Classic / SF to LA / Events.Arthritis.org

12-14 — Silver State 508 / Reno, NV / the508.net

12-14 — Mountains to Meadows / Quincy / quincymountainstomeadows.com/ 12-14 — Mammoth TUFF / Mammoth / mammoth.tuff

14 — Oakland Grand Prix / Oakland / VeloPromo.com

20 — Gold Rush Growler MTB / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

20 — Henleyville Road Race / Corning / VeloPromo.com

27 — Ashland Mountain Challenge / Ashland, OR / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

27 — The Great Trail Race / Tahoe City / GreatTrailRace.com

28 — Tour de Cure / Palo Alto / Tour. Diabetes.org

OCTOBER

4 — Sacramento Century / Sacramento / SacramentoCentury.com

11 — Granite Head Trails & Ales / Granite Bay / GraniteHead.com

11 — The 3F Century (Flat Fast Fun Bike Ride) / Colusa / 3FCentury.com

18 — Ride Santa Barbara 100 / Santa Barbara / RideSB100.com

18 — Tour de Lincoln / Lincoln / TourDeLincoln.org

18 — Heart of Gold Gravel / Nevada City / heartofgoldgravel.com

25 — Bovine Classic Gravel Ride / Atascadero & Paso Robles / TheBovineClassic.com

25 — Filthy 50+ / Escondido / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

31-Nov 2 — World Time Trial Championships (WTTC) / Borrego Springs / 24hrworlds.com

NOVEMBER

1 — Chain Smoker / Las Vegas, NV / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

8 — Tour de Foothills / Upland / TourDeFoothills.com

15 — Death Valley Century / Death Valley NP / PlanetUltra.com

DECEMBER

6 — Dirty 30 / Lakeside / QuickNDirtyMTB.com 6 — E-Dirty Cross / Lakeside / QuicknDirtyMTB.com

RUNNING

MARCH

8 — Chanoko 31K & 5 mile Trail Runs / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

8 — Marin Ultra Challenge 50M & 50K / Sausalito / InsideTrail.com

9 — Zoom Angel Island Run / Tiburon / CoastalTrailRuns.com

15 — Pi Day Run / Woodward Park, Fresno / SierraCascades.com

2025 RACE SCHEDULE

15 — Turkey Vulture Stretch 5K / Ely, NV / ElyOutdoorEnthusiasts.org

15 — Zoom SF 5K, 10K, Half, Kids’ Runs / San Francisco / CoastalTrailRuns.com

15-16 — Shamrock’n Half, 5K, 10K, Leprechaun Dash / Sacramento / ShamrocknHalf.com

16 — St. Patrick’s Day 5K / Downtown Santa Rosa / SRcity.org

18 — Shinzen Run & Walk / Woodward Park, Fresno / SierraCascades.com

22 — Napa Valley Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K / Calistoga / Envirosports.com

22 — Redwood (Spring) Trail Run / Oakland / CoastalTrailRuns.com

22 — Seize the Moment Run for Epilepsy / Crocker Park, Sacramento / EpilepsyNorcal.org

22 — The Mighty Dog Trail Runs / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

29 — Bootlegger 50K, 25K, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K / Boulder City, NV / DesertDash.com

29 — Montaña de Oro Trail Run / Los Osos / PacificCoastTrailRuns.com

APRIL

5 — American River 50 Mile (+25 Mile & 10 Mile) Endurance Run / Sacramento to Auburn / ar50mile.com

5 — Golden Gate Headlands Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K / Sausalito / Envirosports.com

12 — Romancing the Island Half Marathon & 10K / Angel Island State Park / Envirosports.com

12 — SPASM Lake Chabot Trail Run 8K, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Castro Valley / CoastalTrailRuns.com

20 — Horseshoe Lake Trail Run 5mi, Half, 30K, Marathon, Kids Run / La Honda / CoastalTrailRuns.com

26 — American River Parkway Half / Carmichael / ParkwayHalf.com

26 — Mt. Tam Wild Boar Half Marathon & 10K / Mt. Tamalpais State Park / Envirosports.com

26 — Ridge to Bridge / Marin / RidgeTrail.org/events

26-27 — Badwater Salton Sea / Borrego Springs / Badwater.com

27 — Big Sur International Marathon / Big Sur / BigSurMarathon.org

2025 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

to the EVENTS page

RUNNING, cont.

APRIL

27 — Surfer’s Path Half Marathon / Santa Cruz & Capitola / RunSurfersPath.com

MAY

3 — Miwok 100K / Stinson Beach / Miwok100K.comN

4 — Fair Oaks Chicken Run / Fair Oaks / FairOaksSunRun.com

10 — Dirty Secret Trail Run / Cool / DirtySecretTrailRun.com

10 — Grizzly Peak Trail Run / Berkeley / CoastalTrailRuns.com

10 — Sasquatch Trail Run / Dry Creek Preserve, Woodlake / SierraCascades.com

10 — Paiute Meadows Trail Run / Susanville / BizzRunningCompany.com

10 — Quicksilver Endurance Runs / San Jose / Quicksilver-Running.com

10 — She.Is.Beautiful 5K & 10K / Santa Cruz / RunSheIsBeautiful.com

10 — Stinson Beach/Muir Woods Marathon, Half Marathon & 7 Mile / Stinson Beach / Envirosports.com

17 — Bishop High Sierra Ultras / Bishop / BishopUltras.com

24 — Armed Forces Half Marathon & First Responders Tobin Bolter Memorial 5K / Lafayette / ArmedForcesHalf.com

30-31 — Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure / Reno-Tahoe / RenoTahoeOdyssey.com

31 — Tail Wagger Dog-Friendly 5K, 1 Miler, Festival / Lake Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

31-Jun 1 — Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, Half, 5K / San Diego / RunRocknRoll.com

JUNE

1 — Women’s Fitness Festival / Sacramento / WomensFitnessFestival.com

1 — Cinderella Trail Run / Oakland / CoastalTrailRuns.com

7 — SF Half Day 12, 6, 3 hour + teams / SF / CoastalTrailRuns.com

14 — Olympic Valley Half & 8 Miler / Olympic Valley / OlympicValleyHalf.com

21 — Southside Scramble / Susanville / BizzRunningCompany.com

21 — Ward Mountain Trail Run / Ely, NV / ElyOutdoorEnthusiasts.org

22 — Burton Creek Trail Run / Tahoe City / 6K, 12K, Half Marathon / TahoeTrailRunning.com

22 — Rock Tahoe Half Marathon / Lake Tahoe / RockTahoeHalfMarathon.com

28 — Rock the Ride / Napa Valley / RockTheRideusa.com

28-29 — Western States 100 / Olympic Valley / wser.org

29 — Awesome 80s Run / San Diego / Awesome80sRun.com

JULY

4 — Run to the Beach Lake Tahoe / Tahoe Vista / TahoeTrailRunning.com

4 — Santa Cruz Firecracker 10K, 5K, Kids 1K / Santa Cruz / SantaCruzFirecracker10k.org

7-9 — Badwater 135 / Furnace Creek & Lone Pine / Badwater.com

12 — San Lorenzo River Trail Run / Santa Cruz / CoastalTrailRuns.com

2025 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

20 — Blood, Sweat & Beers / Auburn / BloodSweatBeers.com

27 — San Francisco Marathon / SF / TheSFMarathon.com

AUGUST

2 — Truckee Half Marathon & 5K / Truckee / BigBlueAdventure.com

2 — Strawberry Jam Fun Run / Watsonville / friendsofwatsonvillepcs.org

9 — Marlette 50K & 10 Miler / Spooner Lake, Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

16 — Redwood (Summer) Trail Run / Oakland / CoastalTrailRuns.com

16 — Run with the Horses / Green River, Wyoming / Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K / RunWithTheHorsesMarathon.com

23 — Angel Island Half Marathon & 10K / Angel Island State Park / Envirosports.com

24 — Capitola 10K/6K / Capitola / RunSurfersPath.com

24 — Good Dog - Dirty Dog 5K/10K / Granite Beach, Folsom SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

31 — SPASM Crystal Springs Trail Run / Woodside / CoastalTrailRuns.com

SEPTEMBER

6 — Emerald Bay Trail Run / Lake Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

6 — She.Is.Beautiful 5K & 10K / Santa Barbara / RunSheIsBeautiful.com

7 — Diablo Trail Run / Clayton / CoastalTrailRuns.com

13 — XTERRA Lake Tahoe 5K and 10K / Incline Village / TahoeTrailRunning.com

14 — Buffalo Stampede / Sac / BuffaloStampedeRun.com

20 — Gold Rush Growler 10 Mile & 5K Trail Runs / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

20 — Lederhosen 5K / Tahoe City / TahoeTrailRunning.com

20 — Take it to the Lake / Ely, NV / ElyOutdoorEnthusiasts.org

27 — Big Sur Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Mile / Big Sur / Envirosports.com

27 — The Great Trail Race / Truckee, Tahoe City / GreatTrailRace.com

27-28 — Urban Cow Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk / Sacramento / UrbanCowHalf.com

OCTOBER

4-5 — Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose / San Jose / RunRocknRoll.com

11 — Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run / San Francisco / CoastalTrailRuns.com

11-12 — Bizz Johnson Marathon Events / Susanville / BizzRunningCompany.com

19 — Mermaid Run San Francisco / Golden Gate Bridge / 5K, 10K, Sirena 10 Mile, Virtual / MermaidSeries.com

25 — Napa Fall Wine Country Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K / Calistoga / Envirosports.com

NOVEMBER

1 — Zombie Runner Halloween Runs / San Jose / CoastalTrailRuns.com

1-2 — Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run / Folsom / Rio100mile.com

2025 RACE & EVENT CALENDAR

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events. CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH

Go to the EVENTS page on our website for more information and direct links to events. CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS.

and direct links to events. CONFIRM DATES AND DETAILS WITH EVENT PRODUCERS.

2 — Temecula Half Marathon, 10K, 5K / Mount Palomar Winery / TemeculaHalf.com

8 — Lake Chabot Trail Run 8K, Half, 30K, Marathon, 50K, Kids Run / Castro Valley / CoastalTrailRuns.com

8 — Mermaid Trail Run / Woodside / 3mi, 6mi, 9mi, Half, Sirena 6 hour, youth, virtual / MermaidSeries.com

8 — Red Rock Canyon 100K/50K / Las Vegas, NV / DesertDash.com

9 — Monterey Bay Half Marathon / Monterey Bay / MontereyBayHalfMarathon.org

27 — Zoom Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, Half, Kids’ Runs / San Jose / CoastalTrailRuns.com

29 — Waffle Run / Clovis / SierraCascades.com

DECEMBER

6 — Death Valley Trail Marathon and Half Marathon / Death Valley NP / Envirosports.com

6 — Zombie Runner Quarry Lakes 5K, 10K, Half, 30K, Marathon, Kids’ Runs / Fremont / CoastalTrailRuns.com

7 — California International Marathon / Folsom / RunCIM.org

13 — Hark the Herald Half Marathon & 10K / Angel Island State Park / Envirosports.com

31-Jan 1 — New Year’s One Day 24, 12, 6 hour, 100mi, + teams / San Jose / CoastalTrailRuns.com

8-9 — 52nd Annual Bjornloppet / Bear Valley / BVadventures.com

22-23 — Luggi Foeger Uphill/ Downhill Festival & SkiMo Race / Diamond Peak Ski Resort / DiamondPeak.com/events

19 — Caldera Burn / Mammoth Lakes / MammothMountain.com/caldera-burn

27 — Alpine Fresh Water Swim / Truckee Donner Lake / TahoeSwimming.com

AUGUST

3 — Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim / San Francisco / 1.5mi from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park / SharkFestSwim.com

17 — Tahoe Sharkfest Swim / Incline Village, NV / SharkFestSwim.com

24 — Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim / Tahoe / TahoeSwimming.com

31 — Alcatraz Open Swim / San Francisco / SERC.com

SEPTEMBER

Tahoe City Swim / Tahoe City / TahoeSwimming.com

1 — Golden Gate Sharkfest Swim / San Francisco / SharkFestSwim.com

21 — San Diego Sharkfest Swim / San Diego Harbor / SharkFestSwim.com

TRIATHLON/ DUATHLON

MARCH

8 — Pasadena Triathlon, Duathlon, & Angel 5K / Rose Bowl / PasadenaTriathlon.com

8 — Happy Kids Duathlon #4 / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

22 — Happy Kids Duathlon #5 / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

23 — Spring Fling Duathalon / Woodward Park, Fresno / SierraCascades.com

APRIL

5 — Ironman 70.3 / Oceanside / Ironman.com

13 — Crow’s Nest Triathlon / Millerton Lake, Fresno / SierraCascades.com

27— Orange County Triathlon & Duathlon / Lake Mission Viejo / OCTriSeries.com

23 — Grapes of Wrath Duathalon / Lake Woollomes, Delano / SierraCascades.com

MAY

2-4 — Wildflower Experience / Lake San Antonio / Full weekend race festival with live entertainment, race clinics, and more / WildflowerExperience.com

10 — Folsom Lake International Triathlon / Folsom Lake / TotalBodyFitness.com

JUNE

1 — Menlo Park Kids Triathlon / Menlo Park / SierraCascades.com

7 — TRI for REAL Triathlon #1 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

8 — Vi Tri / Visalia / SierraCascades.com

8 — TRI for FUN Triathlon #1 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

12 — TRI for REAL Triathlon #2 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

13 — TRI for FUN Triathlon #2 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

22 — Huntington Lake Triathlon / Lake Shore / SierraCascades.com

28 — Tahoe Off-Road Triathlon / Tahoe City / AdventureSportsWeekTahoe.com

JULY

19 — Great American Triathlon / Sacramento / Run, Cycle, Paddle / GreatAmericanTriathlon.com

26-27 — Donner Lake Triathlon / Truckee / DonnerLakeTri.com

AUGUST

9 — TRI for REAL Triathlon #3 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

10 — TRI for FUN Triathlon #3 / Herald / TotalBodyFitness.com

10 — Tri Santa Cruz / Santa Cruz / TriSantaCruz.com

23 — Granite Bay Triathlon / Granite Beach, Folsom Lake SRA / TotalBodyFitness.com

23-24 — Lake Tahoe Triathlon / Lake Tahoe / BigBlueAdventure.com

24 — Millerton Madness / Friant / SierraCascades.com

SEPTEMBER

13 — XTERRA Lake Tahoe / Tahoe City, NV / BigBlueAdventure.com

14 — Shaver Lake Tri / Shaver Lake / SierraCascades.com

21 — Santa Cruz Triathlon / Santa Cruz / SantaCruzTriathlon.org

21 — Pacific Coast Triathlon & Duathlon / Crystal Cove State Park / OCTriSeries.com

OCTOBER

4 — Mermaid Duathlon & Triathlon / Capitola / MermaidSeries.com

12 — Lake Evans Triathlon / Buena Vista / SierraCascades.com

19 — Ironman California / Sacramento / Ironman.com

Make sure to confirm dates and details with event producers.

Do you have an event you want listed in the calendar? Email us at events@ adventuresportsjournal.com

in Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful SkiMo Race. Divisions for all ages and experience levels! Diamond Peak Ski Resort • North Lake Tahoe, NV

Gear We Love

Goodies for your active lifestyle

1

CRAZY CREEK AIRLOUNGER CHAIR

As longtime fans of Crazy Creek chairs, we were eager to try the Crazy Creek AirLounger, a lightweight and versatile inflatable seat that doubles as a sleeping pad. Weighing just 32 ounces, it packs down to a compact three-inch roll, making it easy to carry for any adventure.

Designed for multiple uses, the AirLounger functions as a chair, recliner, or full-length sleep pad. The adjustable cushion layers allow for a customized seat, while the third panel transforms into a built-in pillow for extra comfort. The non-slip base helps keep it in place, whether at camp, the beach, or in the backyard.

Unlike traditional inflatable loungers, inflation is effortless—the two-way valve system allows it to fully inflate in just five breaths, with no need for pumps or awkward airscooping techniques. Constructed from extra-durable ripstop nylon with TPU welded seams, it’s built to withstand repeated use in rugged environments.

For those looking for a lightweight, packable, and versatile seating option, the Crazy Creek AirLounger delivers. It’s a great companion for outdoor relaxation, whether you’re on the trail, at a festival, or lounging by the lake.

MSRP: $139.95 • crazycreek.com

2 MYSTERY RANCH IN AND OUT 18 PACK

The Mystery Ranch In and Out 18 is a lightweight, packable daypack that’s built for adventure. Whether you’re tackling a summit push, exploring a new city, or just need a solid backup pack, this bag delivers impressive durability and comfort in an ultra-compact design.

Weighing in at just 0.8 pounds, the In and Out 18 folds into its own front pocket, making it an easy addition to any travel or backcountry setup. Constructed from recycled ripstop nylon, the In and Out 18 offers a commendable balance between weight and durability. The contoured shoulder straps and sternum strap provide adequate support for light loads, suitable for day hikes or urban exploration.

With 18 liters of capacity, it’s roomy enough for essentials like snacks, a rain shell, and water bottles, thanks to two stretch side pockets and a hydration sleeve. The zippered top access makes it easy to grab gear on the go. If you need more space, the In and Out 25 offers similar features with a larger 25-liter capacity and a roll-top closure, allowing for expansion when needed. Both versions come in a variety of fun color options, so whether you prefer a classic black or a more eye-catching shade, there’s something to match your style.

For those who want a no-frills, functional pack that disappears when not in use, the Mystery Ranch In and Out 18 is a solid choice.

MSRP: $89.00 • mysteryranch.com

3

GORDINI RAMBLE SOCK

The Gordini Ramble Sock is a solid choice for both everyday wear and light outdoor use. Available in Men’s and Women’s versions, it features SoleKNIT® Dual Layer construction, which combines durable exterior yarns with moisturewicking interior yarns to create thermal air pockets that help keep feet warm and dry. Made with a merino wool blend, the Ramble Sock offers a good mix of warmth, breathability, and moisture management. Additional features like instep compression, a secure heel pocket, arch support, terry cushioning in the heel and toe, and a seamless toe closure add to its comfort and durability.

With a range of colors to choose from, the Gordini Ramble Sock is a well-made, practical option for daily wear or light adventure.

MSRP: $23.99 • gordini.com

4 NOMADIX ORIGINAL TOWEL

The Nomadix Original Towel is designed for adventure, travel, and everyday use. Made from 90% postconsumer recycled polyester, each towel repurposes approximately 30 plastic bottles, helping to reduce waste while providing a high-performance, multipurpose solution. Measuring 72.5 inches by 30 inches and weighing about 16 ounces, it offers full coverage without added bulk. Not as soft as your typical towel, but its super absorbent and quick-drying microfiber holds up to four times its weight in water and dries four times faster than traditional cotton terry towels. Its sand-

resistant and pet hair-resistant design makes it ideal for beach days, camping, yoga, and more. Plus, the tightly woven construction ensures durability for repeated use.

With a variety of bold and stylish designs, there’s a Nomadix towel to match every personality and adventure. Sustainable, versatile, and built to last, this towel lives up to the Nomadix tagline: “Own less. Do more.”

MSRP: $39.95 • nomadix.co

5 GSI OUTDOORS DESTINATION KITCHEN SET 24

The GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set 24 is a compact, organized cooking kit designed for four-person camping and outdoor adventures. With 24 essential cooking tools, this set packs everything you need for meal prep and cooking into a durable, easy-to-carry compact case.

The kit includes a folding spatula and spoon, a utility knife with a sheath, a cutting board, a collapsible whisk, spice shakers, squeeze bottles, and cleaning supplies. Built with durable, lightweight materials, the utensils are designed to withstand outdoor use while remaining easy to clean. The spice shakers and squeeze bottles allow you to bring along seasonings and oils without bulky containers, making meal prep even easier.

For campers seeking a complete and portable kitchen this setup offers practicality and convenience, enhancing the outdoor cooking experience.

MSRP: $59.95 • gsioutdoors.com

BLOOMING WITH ADVENTURE

Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County is the perfect combination of adventure and beauty. It’s when hikes lead to flowing waterfalls, bikes to colorful wildflowers and every moment in nature is an experience that lasts for all time.

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Experience spring in the heart of Yosemite National Park. Stay so close, you can hear waterfalls from your room. Be moments away from all of the hiking trails on your list and experience one of the best seasons in Yosemite. With easy access to it all, you’ll have more time to explore, dine and take it all in.

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Tenaya at Yosemite

Yosemite’s waterfalls are a rush!

Spring in Yosemite is waterfall season. Just two miles from Yosemite National Park, you can observe hundreds of spectacular waterfalls on a Tenaya at Yosemite vacation. Discover springtime beauty and unwind at this Sierra Mountain resort. Plan your spring journey.

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