Adventure Sports Journal // June/July 2017 // #97

Endurance Race Training I Roy Tuscany I Event Profiles I Calendar

June/July 2017 Issue #97

s e r u t n e v d a g n i t f a r

women of the wild

the road to devils postpile

bill lee & the merlin surf filmmaker kyle buthman

the lost sierra triple crown

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5

Table of Contents

Photo: Leonie Sherman

Photo: Trevor Clark

Photo: Ta-Hoe Nalu

Photo: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

Photo: Kyle Buthman

departments

11 13 14 34 37 42

Editor’s Note

Human Powered: Uniting the Adventure Tribes

Inbox / Switchback Readers sound off

Ear to the Ground News & notes

Event Profiles

Previews of featured events

features

16 18 20 22

The Road to Devils Postpile Mammoth Lakes backcountry

High Fives’ Roy Tuscany

Freedom for adaptive athletes

Surf Filmmaker Kyle Buthman Capturing life on the waves

Wild Women

Meet Lynne Cox, Juli Furtado & Sachi Cunningham

24 26 30

High-water Rafting

Anticipating an exciting season on California rivers

Return of the Wizard

Bill Lee and Merlin race Transpac

Festival Guide

California’s best fests of ‘17

32

Lost Sierra Triple Crown

Trio of bike races support trails

Cover Hanging out at Big Creek on

the Tuolumne River near Yosemite.

Photo by James Kaiser and courtesy of O.A.R.S.

Calendar

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Gear We Love

Mail a check for $20 to PO Box 35, Santa Cruz, CA 95063 along with subscriber name and address, or order online at adventuresportsjournal.com/subscribe.

Directory of upcoming events

Goodies for your adventures

6 ASJ — June/July 2017

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7

at home in nature

asj contributors what’s the best way to celebrate the summer solstice?

™ ™

PUBLISHING + EDITORIAL

leoniesherman

With 22 hours of daylight at the 66th degree latitude! I’ll be basking beneath the midnight sun as I bike around Iceland.

chrisvanleuven

Meeting up with a small group of friends in the late afternoon and climbing well past dark.

PUBLISHER Cathy Claesson cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com EDITORIAL/MARKETING Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com EDITORIAL Michele Charboneau michele@adventuresportsjournal.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jennifer Stein jen@adventuresportsjournal.com INTERNS Joe Spota, Erika Pistor

paulallen

aloedriscoll

To be outside on this long and special day.

Give thanks to the ocean or mountains with windsurfing or climbing in the day. Be with friends and family and a fire singing into the night.

There’s nothing better than being outside on the longest day of the year.

I’m still recovering from a knee injury so I can’t do anything too crazy, but I’m looking forward to a barbeque and beach bonfire.

martinspierings A swim in the Pacific with friends followed by a beer and a BBQ on a deck somewhere sounds like a perfect way to use up the extra daylight hours.

kurtgensheimer Out enjoying the longest day of the year by riding my mountain bike until almost 9pm.

carimorgan

For me, summer is all about packing up the kiddos and heading to one of our favorite Sierra lakes for the day to swim, paddleboard, kayak and kick back with good friends. So that gets my vote.

domenicaberman

My ideal summer solstice would be surfing some fun little waves at my home break with my dad and getting a beer after! Then grilling something for dinner.

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Leonie Sherman, Chris Van Leuven, Paul Allen, Aloe Driscoll, Martin Spierings, Kurt Gensheimer, Cari Morgan, Domenica Berman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Leonie Sherman, Kyle Buthman, Dave (Nelly) Nelson, Mike Thomas, Scott McClain, Trevor Clark, Perry Gershkow, Jeff Tse, Michael Peck, Wesley Locke, Scott Rokis, George Johnson, Luke Ravitch, Clay Schmitz, James Kaiser/O.A.R.S, Billy Thompson/MRA, Anne Chatillion, Emma Chiang, Krista Brenner/ Sprout Photo, Jessica Christian LAYOUT Cathy Claesson & Michele Charboneau WEBMASTER Brooklyn Taylor brook@adventuresportsjournal.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy Claesson I 831.234.0351 cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com

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EVENTS & DISTRIBUTION Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com EVENTS COORDINATOR Jennifer Stein jen@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 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editors.

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9

Editor’s Note Human Powered Uniting the Adventure Tribes

ASJ

has a very unique readership. For nearly sixteen

years we have sought to appeal to the type of person who participates in a variety of human powered adventure sports in California and Nevada.

Among our readers are those who surf, mountain bike, climb and backpack.

Over the years our readership has grown quite a bit, and we like to think we are the go-to resource for the multi-sport outdoor enthusiast who enjoys a little bit of everything.

Maybe it was inevitable, but as our readership has grown, a conflict between readers began brewing. This simmering conflict finally boiled over when we published an article called The Battle for Bikes in Wilderness Continues by longtime ASJ contributor Kurt Gensheimer in our last issue.

As a result of this article, a group of ASJ readers gave us an ultimatum: stop publishing articles that promote mountain bike access to Wilderness or we will start a nationwide campaign to put you out of business by pressuring your advertisers to stop supporting you.

We first learned of this when some of our advertisers informed us they had already received emails from this group.

In order to comply with the ultimatum ASJ must take two actions: first we must permanently remove the article from our website. Second we must commit to never advocating for mountain bike access to designated Wilderness areas in our pages again.

more than just a climbing gym

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We follow in the footsteps of John Muir. Like Muir, we believe that time spent communing with nature is restorative, and adventure itself is transformational. Whether you are a backpacker or a mountain biker or a surfer or all of the above, we want to be a source of inspiration and unity, not division.

We have not responded officially to the ultimatum yet, but think it is in the best interest of everyone to comply with their demands. When I informed Kurt that we will most likely be removing his article from our website, he was disappointed but he said he understood.

Dealing with this situation has been humbling and educational. Given that we have worked hard over the years to build a diverse and inclusive forum for outdoor enthusiasts how do we keep our readership intact in the face of strident philosophical differences?

For us, agreeing to the ultimatum is just the first step. More importantly, we want our readers to know that we acknowledge and respect different perspectives. If you are the type of person who feels that designated Wilderness should be defended and protected without compromise, then we respect you. On the other hand, if you believe that mountain bikers have been unfairly excluded from areas that embrace the rest of the human powered adventure sports community, then we respect you too.

It’s important to keep in mind that there is a lot more that unites us than divides us. We follow in the footsteps of John Muir. Like Muir, we believe that time spent communing with nature is restorative, and adventure itself is transformational. Whether you are a backpacker or a mountain biker or a surfer or all of the above, we want to be a source of inspiration and unity, not division. For this reason you won’t be seeing any articles promoting bike access to designated Wilderness. Not because we are choosing sides, but because we choose to hold our community together.

Welcome to issue #97. We are excited about summer and look forward to hearing from you. Did we make the right choice to heal this rift in our readership?

What would you have done? Drop me a line: matt@adventuresportsjournal.com.

—Matt Niswonger

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TOUGHS IT OUT WHILE TAKING IT IN. all out blaze 2

O U T- O F-T H E - B O X C O M F O R T F O R L I G H T H I K E S

INBOX

Fanmail, Feedback, Ideas & Opinions In response to Editor’s Note #96: The Adventure Paradigm ROYAL INSPIRATION Yo Matt: Just read your Editor’s Note on “How Royal Robbins Changed America.”

Great work – it’s informational, evocative, and philosophically inspiring.

I started climbing in the Valley in 1968, and managed to cross paths with several of that era’s greats. Meeting Royal was like meeting a god ... his handshake was crushing. But deep beyond that anyone could see in him this driving passion which some would call obsession.

My climbing buddy Jack, a cheapskate beyond compare, taught me how to prowl the base of climbs looking downward first, in the hopes that he would score some dropped or forgotten gear. It was a habit that proved successful for me. One day, over beer, he pulled out of his pack a recent find: an early wired nut with “JB” stamped into it. He took that to mean, of course, Jim Bridwell. Not to be outdone, I opened my pack and fished out my magic talisman, a piece I had found at the base of El Cap. I never used it, never have used it, but it imbues a magic stoke in me every time I look at my climbing rack. It’s a small wired nut, with the shallow letters “RR” stamped lightly into it.

If you know who RR really is, don’t tell me. I love to think I carry the magic of Royal Robbins with me!

Bergheil, —Spike Wong, Soquel, CA IT’S THE JOURNEY I enjoyed your Editor’s Note on Royal Robbins and the pursuit of self improvement through adventuring.

As a kitesurfer and motorcyclist, I can definitely relate to seeing an activity, saying to myself: “I’m going to do that,” and finally looking back down the long road of accomplishments and setbacks. It was 2001 when I saw someone kiting at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. It was 2009 when I followed through on a promise to myself and rode OB for the first time (crashing my used, beater kite and destroying it in a wave – and barely caring because I had finally DONE IT).

Pursuing happiness in the journey is also integral to my personal experience because genetic, early-onset demetia gives me about a 50/50 shot of experiencing life after my forties. So

Who Am I?

the idea of stocking a bank account just doesn’t make much sense. I’d rather face fears and personal growth now, building “little trophies in my soul” as motocross stunter Brad O’neil says. I hope adventure-filled lives will change this money-focused, environmentally-disjunct paradigm we’re living in - hoping in fact that my life might make it possible for someone to consider living their longer life a little differently, not getting lost in the paper chase.

Anyhow, I’m looking forward to reading more of your magazine. I picked it up at Zeitgeist where it gets placed next to our publication “CityBike.”

—Sam Devine, San Francisco

projected atmosphere of intimidation, fear, negativity, his utter disregard for the environment, and non-cooperation with allies.

And so – should you not want to read about politics with your adventure sports – might I humbly suggest you consider supporting a candidate whose policies don’t have such a negative impact on the adventure sports community, the environment, and the world at large.

That or just skip over the editorial page and get on with your “escape.”

In response to Gregory Lane Hunter’s Letter to the Editor in Issue #96

NO WILD E-BIKES PLEASE A concern I have with regard to opening access to bikes in wilderness areas is the increasing use of electric motor assist, which is clearly against the ideals of wilderness.

—Andy Benkert, Ben Lomond, CA

NO ESCAPE A response to last month’s letter to the editor by Gregory Lane Hunter: You mentioned that you engage in adventure sports to “escape” from politics. And that you’d rather not read about that here. Believe you me, I’d like to do the same. However, the sad truth is, there is no escape from the negative impacts of the current administration – even in the realms of adventure sports.

From the air we breathe, to the parks we visit, to the nationality of the people we co-adventure with, to our safety while adventuring abroad – all of these things have been negatively impacted by Trump’s recent policies.

An example: I am a world cyclist. I have traveled 40,000 miles through 40 countries. One of my best adventure cyclist friends happens to be from Iran.

We have cycled together and worked with youngsters on both shores to promote the idea of peace and understanding between countries. We did this by uniting under the platform of adventure cycle-touring.

If Trump has his way, my friend will be banned from coming here – the two of us unable adventure together in the US. Had that not been immoral, illegal, and or ridiculous enough, might I suggest you consider the feedback from my fellow adventurers around the globe.

Fellow climbers, cyclists, trekkers and surfers from places as far away as England, Switzerland, France, Germany, Denmark, Morocco, and Nepal – all of whom are communicating to me how repulsed they are by Trump’s policies, his

Answer this correctly for a chance to win an ENO hammock!

• I am a bike trials legend • I was elected to the mountain bike hall of fame in 1999 • I started a non profit to help bring bikes to rural Africa.

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Enter to win at adventuresportsjournal.com/WhoAmI

—Rick Gunn, S. Lake Tahoe, CA In response to “The Battle for Bikes in Wildnerness Continues” in Issue #96

In response to “420 for the Run” in Issue #96

All out blaze 2

THUMBS UP FOR 420 Awesome article! We had the pleasure of meeting Duevall at The 420 Games LA event this year and he’s a great guy.

We’re excited to be joining the 420 Cross Country team, and look forward seeing him again as we complete the entire 420 Games 2017 tour and more!

—Antonio DeRose, Boulder, CO

EXCLUSIVELY AT MER R ELL .COM AND THESE PAR TICIPATING R ETAILER S

We love to hear from our readers!

Chime in by emailing us at staff@ adventuresportsjournal.com.

Hike ✦ Climb ✦ Run ✦ Camp

Big Water Glossary

By Mountain & River Adventures, Kernville Here is a list of big water terms to look out for on the river this year: Hydraulic (Hole) – A hydraulic (more commonly referred to as a hole) on the river occurs when water pouring over a rock creates an upstream current back into the hole. Large hydraulics should be avoided.

Green Water – The green water describes the fastest moving current through a rapid or hydraulic. Riding the green water is the fastest and generally easiest route through a rapid.

High-side – A command that you may hear frantically being called from your guide in the back of the boat. A high-side occurs when the boat is in the beginning stages of a flip. It is the last ditch effort to jump to the side of the boat that is out of the water.

Wave Train – A wave train is a section of green water that creates standing waves.

On a big water year, these wave trains can be massive. Just check out Horseshoe Rapid on the Lower Kern!

Raft Guide (River Jester) – The raft guide is an entertainer on the river. He/she will fill your head with bad jokes and questionable stories as he/she skillfully navigates the features of the river.

For more visit mtnriver.com.

BI S HO P, CA

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13

EAR to the GROUND

News & Notes

Heavenly Mountain Resort Debuts Silver Rush Zip Line

Paddleboard USA Championships Partner with The Jay Race The Paddleboard side of USA Surfing recently announced that the USA Paddleboard Championship will be held in conjunction with The 16th Annual Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race (The Jay Race) for the first time. The event takes place in Santa Cruz, California on June 17, 2017.

USA Surfing CEO, Greg Cruse says, “The Jay Race is one of the very few marquee events for paddleboarders, the type no one wants to miss. By teaming up with the wonderful group at The Jay Moriarity Foundation, we can let the paddlers attend a race they honor while giving

them a shot at making our national team.

It’s a win-win.” He adds, “We are excited to make this happen.”

Jay Moriarity Foundation President, Kim Moriarity Wildey adds, “I want to thank all of those who made this partnership happen. It is an absolute honor for us to have The Jay Race involved with the national paddle team. I know Jay would be honored and his smile is beaming down on all of us. Truly amazing.”

Registration for The Jay Race is open now. Paddlers of all ages and abilities are welcome. All proceeds will go to the Jay Moriarity Foundation.

Read the full press release at adventuresportsjournal.com/ paddleboardchampionships.

New this season at Epic Discovery, the 4,159-foot Silver Rush Zip Line flies guests from tree to tree at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Overlooking the high desert of the Carson Valley, Silver Rush is comprised of five segmented zip lines; the final of which flies guests over the waters of East Peak Lake. Guests enjoy a scenic ATV ride back to the top of the Gondola. The three-hour long, intimate experience is Heavenly Mountain Resort’s signature activity debuting at Epic Discovery this summer.

“We are excited to be in our second season of operation with Epic Discovery,” said Pete Sonntag, Tahoe region senior vice president and chief operating officer for Heavenly Mountain Resort. “The Silver Rush Zip Line is going to make an incredible addition to our summer activities and we are looking forward to another great summer season.” Learn more at adventuresportsjournal.com/ heavenlyzipline.

The Outbound Collective and Eventus Outdoors Launch CamelBak Pursuit Series The Outbound Collective and Eventus Outdoors will kick off the CamelBak Pursuit Series, two immersive events for outdoor enthusiasts, urban professionals and adventurous families and friends.

The series kicks off at Snowbasin Mountain Resort near Salt Lake City, Utah August 11-13, followed by the September 8-10 Sanborn County Park event near San Francisco.

Participants in the three-day events will “play hard, have fun, and learn all of the outdoor activities and skills they’ve always dreamt about.” They will experience educational and experiential offerings from experts and enthusiasts across the outdoors space, including Learn to SUP, Intro to Backpacking, Mountain Bike Skills and Campfire Cooking. Learn more at adventuresportsjournal.com/ camelbakpursuitseries.

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Pacific Coast Trail Runs Announces New Series

Outdoor Advocates Sound Off in Washington D.C.

Along with 15 already scheduled events, Pacific Coast Trail Runs (PCTR) is introducing the only four-race trail running series in Northern California with a portion of each runner entry fee from the series being donated directly to the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council.

The first event on August 12, 2017 is the inaugural “The Ridge” featuring 62, 35, and 16 kilometer, point-to-point trail races along sections of the Bay Area Ridge Trail from Lagunitas to Marin County to Crissy Field in San Francisco.

The other three events in this iconic new series will include sections of the Bay Area Ridge Trail on September 23 in Mt. Madonna, November 4 in Saratoga, and November 18 in Woodside. Learn more at pctrailruns.com.

In April, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) brought more than 120 outdoor executives to Capitol Hill to lobby for outdoor recreation and trade policy in their biggest Capitol Summit yet.

In early May, it was Access Fund’s and American Alpine Club’s turn to keep the outdoor advocacy momentum alive during their Climb The Hill event.

Professional climbers including Alex Honnold, Sasha DiGulian, Tommy Caldwell, and Caroline Gleich joined board members, business owners, and media for a day of lobbying on issues like the economic impact of climbing and the Antiquities Act. Concluding the event, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) spoke about the importance of the outdoor recreation economy during a standing-room only congressional briefing.

Learn more about OIA and its outdoor advocacy efforts at outdoorindustry. org. Learn more about Access Fund at accessfund.org and American Alpine Club at americanalpineclub.org.

Mike Thomas

Santa Cruz Old Cabin Classic Winners Donate Prize Money to Benefit Trails Scott Chapin (Santa Cruz Bicycles Factory Racing) – Santa Cruz Old Cabin Classic pro singlespeed first placer – won hearts all around by donating his podium purse to event organizer Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to trail advoacy in Santa Cruz County.

Chapin’s generosity prompted podiummates – 2nd placer Cesar Chavez (Ibis/ Buycell) and 3rd placer Brent Wood (Ibis Buycell) – to donate their winnings as well.

Learn more about the Santa Cruz Old Cabin Classic, a cross-country mountain bike race at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, in this recap: adventuresportsjournal.com/old-cabinclassic-raises-funds-for-trails.

Called To Creation

TrailWorks Partners with California Enduro Series to Offer Support for Racers

WIN

The California Enduro Series (CES) has teamed up with pro rider Brian Astell to offer skills coaching and course previews before each race on this season’s schedule. Astell will lead group pre-rides of each course and help racers out with line selection and riding technique, and will also advise on training, nutrition and fitness.

Learn more about the series and this supporitive opportunity for its racers at californiaenduroseries.com.

ACTION ALERT: NATIONAL MONUMENTS UNDER THREAT The places in which we hike, fish, camp, climb, bike and enjoy the outdoors are threatened. Under President Trump’s recent Executive Order, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is currently reviewing the 27 national monuments over 100,000 acres that have been designated or expanded since 1996 under the Antiquities Act. In other words, these San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (Luke Ravitch) 27 national monuments, including several in California, are under threat.

As a part of this review, the Department of Interior is seeking public comment on whether national monuments in the order should be reviewed because they were designated or expanded without adequate outreach and stakeholder input.

Take 60 seconds to send a message via the Outdoor Industry Association(OIA) to the Department of the Interior and tell them why national monuments are important to you: bit.ly/2r721x5. Although the deadline for comments on Bears Ears National Monument was May 26, you have until July 10 to chime in on the other 26 monuments. Learn more at npca.org.

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15

The Road to Devils Postpile Discover the adventures near this basalt wonder in Mammoth Lakes

By Leonie Sherman

T

he seasonally gated road. Where frustrated motorists see a barrier, intrepid cyclists see an invitation. Those thin metal bars keep out cars and create the perfect avenue for two-wheeled adventure.

Every year there’s a magical moment when the road to Devils Postpile is closed to traffic but free of snow. That’s the time to grab a trusty chromoly companion and saddle up for a day or three of Mammoth back-country adventure. Devils Postpile was formed about 100,000 years ago by the slow cooling of a lava flow, leaving behind symmetrical columns of basalt up to 60 feet high. After plans to blast the dark cliff into the San Joaquin to make a hydroelectric dam were defeated, President Taft declared the area a National Monument in 1911.

A hundred years ago traffic wasn’t a major concern, but over the decades the popularity of the monument became its undoing. Thousands of people wanted to visit every day, but with only 200 parking places along the road, people began parking off roadways, damaging plants and creating your basic traffic jam in the wilderness.

In 1980, a regional effort introduced the first mandatory public transportation system; since then most visitors need to take a shuttle to access Devils Postpile. As a result, there are fewer accidents, less pollution, and the whole valley is more peaceful. Denali and Zion have imitated this system, and any frequently visited park can benefit from banning private cars and instituting a compulsory shuttle system. But it does make for a

wilderness experience shared with dozens of others. For those who want to explore Devils Postpile in less company, timing is everything.

From the town of Mammoth Lakes, a gentle mile-long climb brings you to Minaret Summit; the remnants of the range that preceded the Sierra form jagged gothic spires that loom out of a forested hill. Banner Peak and Mount

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N E T H G I L UP Ritter dominate the skyline. Pause to take in the panorama and then enjoy a screaming 12-mile, 1,500-foot descent to the Postpile. After about five miles, the road makes a 180 degree hairpin turn at Agnew Meadows, the trailhead for Thousand Island and Garnet Lakes.

For a cold-tolerant adventurer, the potential of seeing these iconic high Sierra lakes buried in snow is hard to resist.

The River Trail holds a steady contour between 8,000-8,500 feet for about six miles before climbing 700 feet in a steep mile to the shores of Garnet Lake. From there, two and a half miles and another few hundred feet of climbing bring you to Thousand Island Lake. Both are likely to be frozen when you arrive. Following the trail will likely involve miles of tedious post holing. The shoulder season, when there’s not enough snow for skiing and too much to backpack comfortably, may last into July this year.

Why not save the high country for high season and keep on the joy ride another seven miles all the way to Devils Postpile?

The ride is a worthy objective in and of itself. Locals love this sweet spot in the year and will ride down just to test their aerobic fitness on the climb out.

But before you make that climb back out, why not stroll into the monument and gawk at the cliffs of symmetrical columnar basalt? At 7,300 feet, even in this record year of moisture the walk should be snowfree. Climb to the top of the cliffs and marvel at the hexagonal patterns polished smooth by glacial action. Or stand at the bottom and admire the wave-like curves in solid rock.

Thundering Rainbow Falls, 101 feet tall, is about an hour hike from the entrance station. It spills over a sharp cliff; mist creates rainbows near the impact zone.

Viewing platforms provide different angles of the tallest falls on Middle Fork of the San Joaquin. Massive volumes of water constantly spilling down a cliff never fail to mesmerize. Bike ride, hike, waterfalls ... how could the day get better?

Hot springs, of course. Twelve miles from Rainbow Falls lie the fabled pools of Iva Bell. The trail drops 1,200 feet in the first nine miles, through pumice flats, along gleaming granite slabs, with stunning views, numerous creek crossings and fields of brilliant paintbrush and lupine. A sturdy bridge crosses roaring Fish Creek.

Three and a half miles of muddy trail, bush whacking, and hand to limb combat deposit a hiker at another junction after

I ES RO SE R P T C A T A I R CO N F O R M A N CE R E P HIGH R R A NSFE LO A D T

PHOTOS Opposite page, clockwise from top: Devils Postpile’s waves in columnar basalt; 101-foot Rainbow Falls; The author taking a break after an epic descent. This page, top to bottom: The road to Devils Postpile, Minaret Summit; A blissful backcountry bath.

gaining 700 feet. Head north for the briefest of moments and then follow a well worn trail to a highly impacted horse camp. Deposit your gear, grab a water bottle, put on your camp shoes and head up the hill.

Four pools are scattered above a steep meadow. At 7,100 feet, mid-summer is the time to fully enjoy Iva Bell Hot Springs. By the high season, in August and September, the mountains are calling and daytime temperatures in the forested zone are too warm for an inviting soak.

The few other folks willing to brave snow and a gated road to get to Iva Bell Hot Springs will become fast friends. This is a feasible overnight trip, but why not stay a little longer?

From Iva Bell, the Lost Keys Lakes are an excellent day trip, just four miles and 2,000 feet of climbing away. More dedicated adventurers can head for 10,797-foot Duck Pass, 14 miles away, and hike out through the Mammoth Lakes Basin, emerging at Lake Mary Road, where a shuttle will return you to your car at the ski resort. And the pansy badasses among us – you know who you are – can simply stick around Iva Bell, lolling in the shade, reading, and soaking in the remote back-country hot springs. Choose your own adventure.

The return hike is an easy cruise. Marvel at the changes a few days of melting bring to river levels and flower displays. Admire the creative destruction of a wildfire that ravaged the land recently and the wealth of new life that is returning to the burned area. Rejoice when you find your bike right where you left it. And then contemplate the long slow climb back to your car. You got this.

www.deuter.com

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

17

Roy Tuscany Adaptive athlete and High Fives founder on freedom and hope

By Domenica Berman & photos by Trevor Clark

“H

oly shit, first place!” Roy Tuscany exclaimed at the scoreboard minutes after his third heat of the day. He’d won first in his heat and advanced straight to the finals the next day in the Ventura Paddle Surfing Championships this past October.

The Paddle Surfing Championships include“open” events for all athletes and also “adaptive” competitions for athletes who are disabled in one way or another.

The adaptive athletes use waveskis, which are a mix of a kayak and a surfboard for maximum paddle power and maneuverability.

When I asked Roy how it felt to win his heat he said with a laugh, “It’s really fun to win something again! It’s been a long time.” He went on to explain, “Ever since my injury, competition is something that has gone by the wayside.”

It’s been about ten and a half years since Roy’s injury.

An aspiring pro-skier, he overestimated a jump by 30 feet in Mammoth. His spine was compromised by almost 50%, causing motor and sensation loss from the waist down. Fortunately, a group of friends in Lake Tahoe and a supportive community from his home town of Waterbury, Vermont, stepped in to raise funds for his recovery.

Roy started therapy right away and was able to sustain it for two years. He tried all sorts of therapies including physical therapy, acupuncture and massage. As a result he was able to regain much of his motor capabilities, allowing him to walk and with time, ski again and learn to surf.

Surfing is a whole new type of therapy that is starting to gain footing with adaptive athletes. Talking to many of the adaptive athletes at the contest, they all mentioned similar experiences that surfing and being in the ocean

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PHOTOS Opposite page: Roy’s infectious energy shows as he gets out of the water at Duke’s Ocean Fest.

Above: Roy carves a wave during the Dukes Ocean Fest.

brought about; feelings of freedom and independence. Many of them also mentioned the seemingly contradictory elements of excitement and anticipation but also immense calm to which anyone who surfs can relate.

Jeff Robertson, owner of LeGrand Adventures and a friend of Roy’s since before the accident, talked about Roy’s drive to get back to doing sports and the immense progress he’s seen in his biking and surfing skills. “Roy’s real passion lies with surfing though. He has fully caught the surf bug and you can see it in his eyes,” said Robertson.

Many of these athletes had been professional skiers or aspiring pros but not many of them had surfed before their injuries. Since surfing is something completely new and approachable, it is really a positive challenge in all ways.

“With surfing, able-bodied and adaptive athletes can paddle out to the same break, spend time in the water and catch waves as a group. Which is amazing, because in other sports, the terrain (as in skiing) can be limiting to adaptive athletes, but with surfing we are all equal in the water,” observed Tuscany.

According to a 2004 study by Anderson KD at UC Irvine, at that time there were 200,000 people living with a spinal cord injury in the U.S. alone. It was estimated that more than half of those don’t have access to trained professionals to help them exercise. In another study back in 2001, it was stated that sport participation can “reduce clinical depression, decrease re-hospitalization, improve family and social interaction and prolong life expectancy among SCI patients.”

Funding is limited though and most people’s insurance will run out after a few months or a year. That is where Tuscany saw a gaping hole in the road to recovery and set to work to patch it.

After recovering somewhat from his injury, Tuscany devoted himself to helping others with similar injuries, an undertaking that has continued to inspire him and those around him.

In January of 2009 he started the High Fives Foundation, inspired by how many high fives he received on his path to recovery. The non-profit is based in Truckee, California with offices in Reno, Nevada and Waitsfield, Vermont.

The High Fives Foundation not only funds recovery for athletes with spinal cord injuries, but also aims to provide preventative information to young athletes. Through a program called B.A.S.I.C.S. (Being Aware Safe In Critical Situations) it aims to “promote smart decision making in the mountains.”

B.A.S.I.C.S. creates a documentary every year focusing on one aspect of mountain safety and streams it for free online while also touring it around the country, showing it in schools and to professionals in the industry.

Tuscany’s sense of humor is consistent with his enthusiasm for his work. He joked about how he is essentially the equivalent of the guy in the hairclub for men commercials from the 90s where the guy would say “not only am I the hair club president but I am also a client.”

“I am the founder and executive director [of High Fives] but at the same time, I’m an athlete just like the athletes who we’ve supported through the organization.”

The High Fives Foundation has supported 125 athletes from 26 states across the US and is continuing to grow.

“Injuries don’t stop and we don’t ever want to stop someone’s recovery so by providing them financial assistance we’re able to have them set goals and get to where they want to be.”

The most satisfying part of founding and running the High Fives Foundation for Tuscany has been just that – helping other athletes. “Providing freedom, hope and support to these athletes is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Domenica Berman is a recent Cal Poly SLO graduate and is taking some time to travel and explore her interests. She moved back to her hometown of Encinitas, California and writes a regular blog for Adventure Sports Journal.com. Her biggest interests other than the ocean, are yoga, traveling and cooking. www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

19

Documenting the Grit and the Grace: Surf Filmmaker Kyle Buthman

By Chris Van Leuven

S

ometimes Kyle and his friends surf fast, accelerating through their turns, catching big air off the lip, gunning through barrels, slashing, carving and spinning out 360 aerials like they’re in a skate park.

Other times they ride the waves peacefully, skimming along the water with subtle movements to keep their boards steady against the glassy water and straight on the line.

To professional filmmaker and sponsored surfer Kyle Buthman, who’s been in the water since his dad got him into it at age five, it’s all about the ocean – if he’s not surfing, then he’s capturing surfing footage for one of his many projects that range from five minutes to up to an hour.

“I’m trying to make people feel as if they’re there, to give someone the feeling of that day, instead of just watching someone surf. This means [capturing footage] in the most scenic way possible, like in the water and from land,” he says.

Filming surfing also takes patience, as it takes time for surfers to get in position and also for good, solid waves to roll in. “Then you’re finally rewarded – but sometimes you aren’t,” he says with a chuckle.

His favorite thing in the world is traveling to remote surf breaks in Indonesia and along the coasts of Africa, and he’s managed to – at least at times – make a living from what he captures during his trips. To Buthman, making surf films is as much of a passion as surfing itself.

“I just want to go on as many trips as I can and surf the best waves out there.”

Buthman, a muscular 29-year-old raised in Santa Cruz, has surfed voraciously ever since childhood. But even in his early days, youth wasn’t to his advantage. Sometimes 20 ASJ — June/July 2017

he had to deal with territorial locals who kept him and his friends out of certain breaks.

They didn’t want some punk scooping their perfect wave.

Had it not been for an accident at age 13, when a surfer rode over Buthman badly slicing him with his fin, his life could have taken a different path. While paddling out and duck diving to dodge under an incoming wave, “as I pushed down with one foot the other one came up and his fin went right through my heel, right at the very bottom,” he says. “A fin is essentially a knife and when you ride over someone with a knife you’re going to get cut pretty bad.”

The nasty gash on his Achilles tendon meant Buthman had to spend four months in a cast and had to stay out of the ocean – time that felt like an eternity at 13 years old.

Eager to get back out with his friends – or at least to get close to the water – he borrowed his father’s video camera and started documenting his buddies ripping it up at the local breaks near town.

The problem was, once he’d collected enough footage for his first short film, he had no way to stitch it together because he didn’t have a computer. So he spent months talking his parents into getting him one.

What they could afford “probably came from a used computer store,” he says. “It was some sort of PC – not a nice one by any means.” The family machine was barely powerful enough to handle the heavy workload required of editing hours’ worth of digital footage, but Buthman kept at it anyway, spending days in front of the computer screen to produce his debut 30-minute film Tricks are for Kids. At the end of the project and still unable to edit music tracks in the film, he dropped in a single 12-minute song, “the longest one I could find,” at the start and when it ended there were 18 minutes of silence.

Once healed from his injury and back in the ocean, Buthman didn’t put the camera down, instead combining his strong skills on the surfboard with his new love of filmmaking. It was his skills in the water – not behind a camera – that got him his first sponsor, at 15, with the apparel company Quiksilver.

“They were looking for a ‘grom,’ a younger kid from Santa Cruz,” he says, “and a few guys dropped my name and helped make the connection.” Today, 15 years later, Quiksilver is still his primary sponsor.

PHOTOS Opposite page, top to bottom: Kyle Buthman pulling into the barrel in Sumbawa, Indonesia (Buthman collection); Buthman capturing footage for a project with Treehouse Visual (Perry Gershkow). This page, top to bottom: Buthman flying a drone over Anthony Tashnick “having fun” (As seen in Brainwork: Anthony Tashnick); Tessa Timmons and Kala Buthman as seen in Camel Point (Frame Grab: Kyle Buthman).

After Tricks are for Kids, Buthman noticed legendary still photographer Dave Nelson making a living off his surf imagery and thought he could do the same but with motion pictures. After capturing new footage, he started frequenting his friend Paul Johnson’s house (and superior computer) to edit surf videos and together they worked on projects. As Buthman continued to pump out surf videos, Quiksilver started asking him to produce projects specifically for them.

Over the years, Buthman’s style on the water has transformed from that of an aggressive kid cramming in backto-back tricks to a 29-year-old man with a distinctive, poetic style. And his movies have grown from hit-after-hit action-sports films to blending complex storytelling.

But it took time and a few lucky breaks.

In 2006, at age 18, Buthman got a lead that spurred his career forward when Quiksilver asked him to make a video of big wave legend Peter Mel who had an upcoming competition in Chile. To get footage, Buthman traveled an hour north from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay, home of the deep, heavy waves of Mavericks and set up his camera.

After the Peter Mel project, Buthman decided formal training was necessary to take his skills to the next level and he attended film classes at the local community college – which he didn’t learn much from – and began picking up work outside of the surf world including CrossFit. He also filmed and edited footage for TV shows. His friend Ryan Moss mentored him while doing real, paying work. “Doing it is the best way to learn it,” he says.

As his experience grew, so did his client list. This included Vice Media, which publishes “original reporting and documentaries on everything that matters in the world.” His first gig for Vice was to produce a short documentary on his surf and skate friend and UFC fighter Luke Rockhold. The assignment was to capture footage of Rockhold at the skate park and at his favorite breaks. After

that, Vice sent Buthman to Liberia to shoot a documentary. It was during this time that Buthman transitioned from merely capturing action sports footage to documentary filmmaking. Soon UFC hired him to shoot additional athlete profiles for FOX Sports and he continues to work with the UFC today.

After learning the ins and outs of filmmaking with a camera crew, he decided to break out on his own. Acting as a one-man show with no budget, Buthman produced Brainwork: Anthony Tashnick (2015) about Santa Cruz-based big wave surfer Anthony Tashnick, an unapologetic grom in a 30-year-old body, riding giants at Mavericks.

“He thinks differently than most people,” Buthman says. “He’s the only guy that surfs Mavericks on a twin fin.

He [also] rides shorter boards than most people and he shapes them. He’s this big dude who rides surfboards that are three and a half feet long.”

Brainwork: Anthony Tashnick was the first of two of his films nominated for Best Documentary by Surfer Magazine’s Surfer Poll Awards.

To Buthman, the thrill of completing a passion film is similar to kicking out of the exit at the end of a ride – the projects leave him filled with excitement and confidence.

After years of running his own company, Buthman Media, Kyle and his friend Perry Gershkow started Treehouse Visual in 2016 in order to add to their revenue stream.

Buthman is currently working on a project on the history of big wave surfing for Red Bull.

He also knows he needs to be in the water. “I try to keep my summers open so I can go to Indonesia or Mexico for a few months to surf and make films of my own,” he says. “It’s always surfing and filmmaking – there’s not much else that I do.”

To see more of Buthman’s work, follow him on Vimeo at vimeo.com/ user17830136. www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

21

Women of the wild These California athletes have put adventure at the center of their lives

By Aloe Driscoll

W

hat is a wild woman? Wild is defined as “living in a state of nature” and “not subject to restraint or regulation.” And a wild woman is what I aspired to be when I set off from Santa Cruz to surf Central America during the summer of 2015, just as eager to break the prescribed boundaries of being a thirtysomething woman as I was to immerse myself in the raw and rugged landscape of the Pacific Coast. Though I traveled solo, I wasn’t alone. Increasingly, more and more women are putting adventure at the center of their lives.

And who can blame us? Adventure inspires us to forge a deeper connection with the natural world and the beings within it, to surpass the limits that others set for us and reach beyond our own wildest dreams. Adventure-centric lives broaden our horizons, giving us room to discover our true potential and often lead to opportunities we never expected – in my case, a career as a writer. In the case of Lynne Cox, Juli Furtado, and Sachi Cunningham, adventure has created three matriarchs of adventure sports who inspire everyone around them.

“You can’t be what you can’t see,” says the adage, which refers to the importance of archetypes in establishing racial and gender equality. Cox, Furtado, and Cunningham are pioneers in their respective sports, viewing the cultural preconceptions about gender as challenges rather than limitations. In overcoming them, they raise the bar for both sexes, setting powerful examples for the next generation of wild women, and showing us all that what we can imagine is even more important than what we can see.

Lynne Cox When Lynne Cox set her eyes on swimming the English Channel, people told her it was impossible: at 14 years old, she was too young – and a girl.

Undiscouraged, Cox wrote to Florence Chadwick, who held the women’s record for swimming the English Channel in 1950, to ask for advice. Chadwick not only called Cox, she also sent a telegram of congratulations when Cox completed the swim from England to France at age 15, shattering the men’s and women’s records. What she took from the experience: “If you succeed at something … it’s your duty to help others along the way.”

Cox went on to break other world records, and establish new records swimming distances that had never been attempted before. Ultimately, she focused on challenges that had the potential to improve international relations. “It was not just a desire to swim, it was also to explore the world 22 ASJ — June/July Dec/Jan 2014 2017

and to use the swim as a connection between people,” notes Cox, who conceived swimming the Bering Strait as an opportunity to change the way the US and the Soviet Union viewed each other.

She successfully completed the swim in 1987, the first person ever to do so.

“I choose not to be limited by other people’s limitations,” Cox says, adding that resistance she encounters from others often sheds valuable light on her vision. A huge amount of planning and preparation goes into each new challenge. “All the preparation is like the mountain, and actually doing the swim is just the summit,” she says, recalling that she spent two years preparing for a swim in Antarctica, which lasted a chilly 25 minutes – during which she covered 1.2 miles without a wetsuit in 32 degree water – the first person ever to do so.

Cox spent two years studying risk management with the Navy Seals; and solicits help from local people in learning about tides, currents, water temperature, and marine biology in the places she swims.

An author of six books, Cox is eager to pass on what she’s learned. Look for her newest book, Swimming in the Sink, coming out in paperback on June 13, and make sure to check her out in FISHPEOPLE, a documentary by Keith Malloy selected for the 2017 Telluride Film Festival. She’ll be doing a book tour over the summer and serving on a panel at Telluride over Labor Day Weekend in September – and of course, swimming in whatever pool, pond, lake, river, or ocean she can find.

Juli Furtado “You’re not a role model just because you can do some sport really well,” notes Juli Furtado, who strives to be down to earth, funny, and graceful in defeat, like when she did ‘horribly’ in mountain biking at the 1996 Olympics. Born to blue-collar parents, Furtado didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in her mouth.

When violence, divorce, and suicide devastated life at home, skiing saved her life. A former member of the US National

Ski Team, the avid racer switched to cycling after sustaining a series of knee injuries, going on to win the US National Road Championship, and a series of World Championships in mountain biking.

“I knew to gain the respect of the men, I had to be fast,” says Furtado, describing her first year at the Sea Otter Classic, when she caught up to the men’s division (which started 10 minutes ahead of the women) and the men refused to get out of her way. The tide changed the next year when they cheered as she passed, no longer embarrassed to get caught by a woman.

Leveraging her influence as an athlete and a degree in Marketing, Furtado founded the women-specific mountain bike brand Juliana Bicycles in 1999 and steered the Santa Cruz-based company through a massive rebranding in 2013.

“I was lucky to be a woman because I could open an entire market. Men couldn’t do that,” notes Furtado. The savvy businesswoman has left her mark, christening the leading model ‘the Furtado,’ though the move wasn’t about promoting her own name as much as planting a flag in the ground for women in a world full of brands named after men – a tough pitch, in a room full of eight men.

Having recently turned 50, Furtado still leads an adventure-centric life, splitting her time between Santa Cruz and Truckee, mothering her 9-year-old son, Wyatt. She kicked off spring with a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where she did a little bit of surfing and had a lot of fun with friends.

“I like changing things and being the first,” Cunningham says. “I take real pride in that.”

PHOTOS Opposite page far left, then top to bottom: Lynne Cox will serve on a panel at Telluride to talk about the documentary film, Fishpeople (Anne Chatillion); Cox swims without a wetsuit, relying on speed and acclimation training to combat cold (Anne Chatillion); Former world champion Juli Furtado designs mountain bikes and components specifically for women (Juliana Bicycles); Even when she was winning, Furtado kept pushing herself, knowing her time would be compared to the men’s (Juliana Bicycles). This page, clockwise: Sachi Cunningham braves precarious conditions to take powerful images of women surfing (Emma Chiang); In between rounds of chemotherapy, Cunningham donned her wetsuit and swam out at her home break, Ocean Beach (Krista Brenner/Sprout Photo); Cunningham bowed out of a career in Hollywood to pursue an adventurous life. (Jessica Christian).

Sachi Cunningham The 2017 WSL Big Wave Awards on April 29 felt like a victory lap for photographer and filmmaker Sachi Cunningham. Her hair and eyelashes had grown back after six rounds of chemotherapy, following a positive test for the BRCA1 cancer gene. As a mother to 4-year-old Nami, Cunningham never questioned undergoing a hysterectomy and double mastectomy: she knows how it feels to lose a mother to cancer.

“The ocean played a large role in healing me,” says Cunningham, who still swam out and shot on several of the biggest days this past winter, despite lightheadedness and nosebleeds from cancer treatment. Named 2017 Athlete of the Year by Save the Waves, Cunningham takes her behind-the-scenes role seriously, capturing images of surfers

– specifically women surfers – on some of the world’s biggest waves. “You would think that every wave gets documented, but it doesn’t ... the women are not covered,” she says.

Teaming up with big wave charger Bianca Valenti, Cunningham set out to even the scales and give women greater visibility in a sport where they’re often invisible. Cunningham’s images of Valenti and Beth Price in the Aug/Sep 2016 Special Edition issue of Surfer Magazine marked the first time photos shot from the angle of the water at Ocean Beach had ever appeared in the publication’s 50-year history.

Cunningham notes these milestone photos – and the fact that they’re of women, by a woman – as her greatest achievement. “I like changing things and being the first,” Cunningham says. “I take real pride in that.”

What’s next for this wild woman?

Taking a year off from working at San Francisco State University as a Professor of Multimedia Journalism to travel, spend time with her family, and work on her latest project: Sea Change. The feature length documentary centers around four of the best big wave women surfers currently in competition – and Cunningham, who steps in front of the camera for a change – to tell their stories in the first person.

“Trust your gut, don’t be afraid, and be patient,” are the life lessons Cunningham offers to young women. She encourages her own daughter to be gutsy, daring and adventurous—and her tactics seem to be working so far. While Cunningham was attending the WSL Awards, Nami caught her first wave back home in San Francisco.

www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

23

What You Need to Know About High-Water Rafting Trips Paddlers and outfitters prepare for unprecedented high-water season on California rivers and beyond

By Cari Morgan

F

or river guides and whitewater lovers, high-water rafting seasons in the western US are responsible for many a tall tale, told in celebration of big flips, upside-down boats, long swims and daring heroism. Thanks to an above-average snowpack across much of the Western US, the 2017 river season has shaped up to be one of those years, especially in California which received a record-setting amount of precipitation and snowfall.

When is high-water season in the West?

On rivers across the West, the high-water window typically occurs from mid-May to mid-June with the possibility of lasting longer during years with aboveaverage snowpacks.

“High water may last a few weeks in thin snowpack years, or prevail for a month or longer depending on how warm it is, how consistently warm it stays, and how cold it is getting in the high mountains at night,” according to Eric Riley, O.A.R.S. Wyoming manager and founder of the Swiftwater Safety Institute.

In California, many outfitters are planning for exciting, high-water trips through June and even into July depending on the river. For example, on the American River near Sacramento, some companies have increased minimum age requirements for early-season trips, even on the popular South Fork American which is traditionally a fun and splashy, family-friendly rafting experience.

On rivers like the Class IV+ Tuolumne River, which can occasionally reach unsafe water levels for rafting, outfitters will monitor water conditions daily throughout the summer. During May and June, a change in flow by just a few hundred cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) often determines whether or not a Tuolumne trip will launch

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Located near iconic Yosemite National Park, the Class III-IV, Wild & Scenic Merced River churns with rollercoaster wave trains and exhilarating rapids.

PHOTOS Opposite page: Whitewater fun on the Merced (James Kaiser/O.A.R.S.) This page, top to bottom: Navigating on the lower Kern (Billy Thompson/ Mountain & River Adventures); A safety boat going through a rapid (Mountain & River Adventures).

that day. All of this water also means that free-flowing rivers like the Merced near Yosemite, which traditionally has a shorter window for rafting each season, will be running into August this year.

What to Expect on the River Prior rafting experience is not always necessary, but people considering a highwater rafting trip should be in good health, capable swimmers and physically fit.

Some outfitters may also require a swim practice prior to certain trips when water levels are running higher than normal.

“Expect a faster paced trip that will require higher levels of muscular and cardiovascular exertion,” says Riley.

“Expect to get wet, move fast, paddle hard and swim your butt off in the occasion that you find yourself in the water.” Being comfortable with your swimming ability is a must, he adds.

According to a recent article in Rafting Magazine by Commodore Trevor, long, cold swims are the biggest concern for high-water trips.

“Big snow packs mean that runoff will last well into the summer and the shock of cold water immersion can be debilitating even during hot summer trips,” writes Trevor. “Even if your safety boat is on point expecting long cold swims is the name of the game in big water boating.”

In addition to cold, fast-moving water and dangerous debris like trees and root balls, high-water conditions can create big hydraulic features, unpredictable crashing waves from unusual angles, strong eddylines, and boils.

“Wrap rocks turn into sticky holes hiding terminal surfs,” according to Trevor.

“Trees and shrubs on the bank turn into hungry strainers hoping to gobble up unsuspecting swimmers.”

In preparation for commercially-run high-water trips, outfitters will often send their guides on multiple training trips as water flows increase to study the high-water lines and check for hazardous

conditions like strainers, which can pin a swimmer and force them under water.

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Not for the faint of heart …

If you go on an early-season rafting trip, in addition to experienced guides who are familiar with high water, your trip may also be supported by safety kayakers or catarafts. Since these boats are quicker and have more maneuverability, they provide an added layer of security in big water. And in the case of an unexpected flip, safety boats may be able to assist people who have become separated from their raft.

“Safety boats are commonly piloted by only one person, with one responsibility – to make sure your team has a stellar highwater experience,” says Riley.

Still, with fast-moving water and fewer eddies, safety boats can’t always reach swimmers immediately after a boat flips.

So if the idea of going for a cold and lengthy involuntary swim or self-rescuing (aggressively swimming to a nearby raft or shore) makes you nervous, then a highwater rafting trip might not be a good fit. Families and people looking for a fun, but more leisurely pace should consider planning rafting trips during July through September when river flows have typically returned to normal levels.

Why choose O.A.R.S.?

Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth” and by Outside Magazine as one of the top outfitters in the world, O.A.R.S. has the right mix of experience, great guides and top-tier service for an ideal California adventure.

Preparing for a HighWater Rafting Trip There are inherent risks in river rafting, and even if you go with highly-trained and experienced guides, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Being prepared for the various situations that could arise on the river and dressing for early-season rafting conditions are of utmost importance.

For the highly adventurous, though, there’s nothing quite like high water.

Cari Morgan is the Communications Manager for O.A.R.S. A former PR consultant and veteran wordsmith, she spent 10+ years promoting various organizations and businesses before finding what she considers to be her “dream job” in the outdoor industry.

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25

Return of the Wizard Bill Lee and Merlin return to race the Transpac

By Paul Allen

T

he cold 57 degree water sprays over the bow as the eight man crew stacks 13 heavy sails on one side for stability. Not long after the stack of sails is secured, it’s time to change sails.

All hands are required to raise the new sail and pull the old sail down as the boat leaps over the waves. A crew member on the leeward side vomits over the side and quickly returns to his task, for there is no time for seasickness. The boat continues to pound and smash through waves into the night. The next day comes and another sail change is needed. This time it’s a sail change to accommodate downwind sailing. The boat begins to surf down the large following swell instead of smashing into it. This is typical of the first 24 hours of the 2,225-

26 ASJ — June / July 2017

mile race from Los Angeles to Honolulu known as the Transpac. For the next several days of downwind sailing the air and wind will get warmer as the boat enters the tropical tradewinds. Evening squalls must be handled with caution and efficiency to gain the most from their high winds. The finish line off the Diamond Head lighthouse is among the best in yacht racing and is often the warmest and windiest part of the entire course.

In 1977, the surfing and sailing lifestyle in Santa Cruz was alive and strong. Until this time, sailing bigger boats was painstakingly slow. The thrill and speed of riding waves was only being experienced by surfers and small boat sailors, leaving other sailors yearning for a more exciting and speedy experience. Imagine the frustration

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Opposite Page: The record setting Merlin and Bill Lee. Clockwise on this page: One of Bill Lee’s original Santa Cruz 50s; the Merlin sailing off of Santa Cruz; The first day Bill set the spinnaker in 1977 — the crew from left to right: Tom Blackaller, Dee Smith, Bill Lee (steering), Don Snyder (high behind), Carolina Rodgers, Harvey Kilpatrick, Tom Carr, Rob Wade , Phil Vandenberg and Bobbo Larson. Photos courtesy of Bill Lee

of paddling hard to catch waves but never riding one.

In the mid 1970s, Soquel yacht designer Bill Lee had a vision and threw conventional design and boatbuilding to the wind. Bill wanted to build boats light enough to catch wind waves which would make sailing much faster and more fun.

The slogan “Fast is Fun” was born for the Santa Cruz line of boats. The popular Santa Cruz 27 was the first of these wave catching boats. I can remember numerous days charging down waves at 17 and 18 knots in my family’s Santa Cruz 27. To this day there is still a strong Santa Cruz 27 fleet on the West coast catching waves. Soon it became clear that if the smaller boats could catch wind waves then a bigger version may be able to overtake the small wind waves and slide down the bigger ground swell.

Offshore racing is deeply embedded in the sailing culture of California. The most sought after offshore race on the West coast is the Transpac. In 1977 Bill designed and built a narrow and extremely light 68-foot boat named Merlin. Bill and his crew of seven raced his 68-foot creation in the Transpac, riding down the faces of waves that previously would have escaped over the horizon. Merlin and two competitors, Ragtime and Drifter, were revolutionary boats in 1977 with their long, narrow and lightweight design that could pierce through the small waves. Merlin slid down the large North Pacific swells with speed and grace and it earned Bill the nickname “Wizard.” During the 1977 Transpac, the boats sailed through squalls in the evening where gusty winds would

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launch them through the backs of the waves. Surprisingly Bill states, “The boat was easy to sail and the good guys were always able to keep her going.” In eight days and 11 hours, Merlin and her crew arrived in Honolulu setting a new record that stood for 20 years, beating Drifter by only 17 minutes.

Merlin performed so amazingly in Transpac that Bill continued to build more boats. Designs progressed, culminating in a 70-foot boat that would fit into the complex measurement rules allowing Bill’s boats to compete against different designs under a handicap system. The new design resulted in a boat with more volume that was able to stay above the small waves instead of piercing through them. For a 20-year period Bill built many Santa Cruz 70s. These boats are commonly known as sleds due to their ability to slide down the waves. Sleds are no longer a modern design, but they still have the best fleet and the closest competition on the west coast.

Bill has brought Merlin back to Santa Cruz to compete in the Transpac this year. Passing from owner to owner for a number of years, the boat was most recently in Lake Michigan. Merlin has seen some changes with a new mast, keel, rudder, deck, etc., but her spirit and history remain the same. Bill explains, “the boat in ‘77 was easy to sail, but she is even easier now due to the lighter weight rigging, sails and better rudder design.” Two of the original crew from 1977, Bill Lee and Jack Halterman will be racing on the boat this year. Capitola sailor Bob Larson was on the 1977 crew, but instead of Bob racing on the Merlin, it

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TOP: 2017 - Bill Lee shortening an American’s Cup spinnaker pole from 37 feet to 30.4 feet. Right: Bill Lee’s original Merlin hull lines.

will be his son Morgan. Harvey Kilpatrick was on the original crew as well and was a key helmsman and vital member of the winning 1977 team. He was also one of my personal mentors for offshore racing. Unfortunately Harvey has passed away and will be missed on this historic reunion.

On July 6th Merlin will be on the start line with Bill Lee leading her team that has been preparing the boat. They’ve been sailing every week and training in the gym for the past year. Merlin will be racing the 10+ boat sled fleet, competing against several other boats that Bill designed and built. One advantage Merlin has is being able to race against another boat on a weekly basis. The Santa Cruz 70

Buona Sera is based in Santa Cruz as well and is campaigning with her own all-star team from Santa Cruz.

Place your bets and don’t miss the action. Beacons are carried by all of the boats racing and can be followed at transpacyc.com.

Paul Allen has been sailing for over 30 years and has experience racing all types of high performance boats. He’s also an avid rock climber, windsurfer, skier and surfer.

or west coast sailors there are many offshore races that are coveted, but none more than the bi-annual Transpacific Yacht Race commonly known as Transpac. The 2,225 mile race begins in Los Angeles off of Point Ferman, typically in the first week of July.

Santa Catalina Island is the only mark of the course and must be passed on the north side. Usually the first 200 miles are cold and upwind. The wind gradually shifts behind as boats enter the tradewinds that will carry them downwind the remainder of the way to Hawaii. As the race goes on, the water and wind get warmer and the Merlin on the Transp ac program cover in 1979 swell and winds come from behind. .

Over the years the hazard of running into floating trash has become more of a threat as the North Pacific collects more debris and boats are often damaged. Squalls are common in the final part of the race and using their high winds as an advantage is a mandatory skill sailors have perfected over years. The finish line off of Diamond Head lighthouse is perhaps the best in all of yacht racing and is often the windiest and warmest portion of the entire course.

Many different fleets race in the Transpac according to their size, design and speed.

One of the most competitive fleets are the 70-foot sleds, including the Santa Cruz 70s and the iconic Merlin. Sleds are not modern race boats, but they are popular and the racing is fierce. This year the race record will most likely be broken. Three trimarans – Phaedo3, Maserati and Mighty Merloe – will be racing to break the five-day nine-hour record set by the catamaran Explorer. All three trimarans are capable of completing the race in three and a half days. The monohulls have a separate record held by the 90 foot Alpha Romeo at five days, 14 hours. The 100-foot Comanche should easily beat this record this year as well. I recommend coming out to Hawaii and joining the party, which all the teams will enjoy upon their arrival. If you can’t make the trip, you can follow the race at transpacyc.com. ­—PA

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29

Best of the Fests

By Michele Charboneau

H

ello summer, and the festivals you bring with you! There’s something for everyone, from gatherings for beer lovers to music fests to celebrations of the myriad of human-powered summer sports. Check out the highlights below and keep an eye on our website as we add to the list!

Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival Jun 10 • Santa Monica Celebrating the birthplace of SoCal’s iconic beach culture through competition, awareness, and entertainment. Paddle and swim events plus live music, Polynesian dancing, food, drinks and a surf history museum. santamonicapier.org/pier-paddle Beerfest – The Good One! Jun 10 • Santa Rosa Taste a variety of brands and styles of regional craft beer and cider. Net proceeds benefit Face to Face, whose mission is to end HIV in Sonoma County while supporting the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS. beerfestthegoodone.com Truckee Optimist Brew Fest Jun 10 • Truckee This fun event is an annual fundraiser to support programs, sponsorships, grants and scholarships for the youth of Truckee. Over 40 brews, brats, BBQ, and silent auction. truckeeoptimist.publishpath.com Thunderbird Paddle Festival Jun 10 • Incline Village SUP, prone and grom races. Plus, check out the newest SUP boards and gear and/ or learn how to standup paddleboard or improve your skills in one of the free clinics. laketahoepaddling.com Alpenglow Mountain Festival Jun 17-25 • Tahoe City The nine-day North Lake Tahoe mountainlifestyle festival is a celebration of the best human-powered activities Tahoe has to offer including trail running, hiking, backpacking, lakeshore yoga, SUP, rock climbing, and more. alpenglowsports.com 30 ASJ — June/July 2017

Kate Wolf Music Festival Jun 22-25 • Laytonville This festival boasts four stages of music on 150 acres, plus on-site camping, workshops, kids’ area, Hatha yoga & Tai-Chi, and more. katewolfmusicfestival.com High Sierra Music Festival Jun 29 - Jul 2 • Quincy Epic musical moments amid the big pines of the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, plus plenty to be discovered away from the stages, too! highsierramusic.com Beerfest & Bluegrass Jul 1 • Northstar Village The Village comes alive with al fresco roots jams and fresh brews. Special activities for the kids, and food stations boasting relaxed summer fare. northstarattahoe.com Monterey Beer Festival Jul 8 • Monterey A great assortment of beer will be available at this festival. Come sample ales, lagers and ciders. montereybeerfestival.com California WorldFest Jul 13-16 • Grass Valley This festival honors Native Peoples, emphasizes conscious living and sustainability practices, provides a safe and friendly environment for families to gather, celebrates global cultures and brings people together through music. worldfest.net Santa Cruz Hop ‘N Barley Beer Festival Jul 15 • Scotts Valley 50+ craft breweries, 12 cideries, two stages of live music, food, lawn games, and a fun, family- and dog-friendly atmosphere. hopnbarley.org

ASJ’s guid e to the festi vals running in California this summ er & beyond PHOTOS

Wanderlust Squaw Valley Jul 20-23 • North Lake Tahoe Yoga, music by top performers, organic food and wine, an inspirational speaker program, meditation and outdoor activities like paddle boarding, hiking, biking and running. wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley/ Bear Valley Music Festival Jul 21-Aug 6 • Bear Valley Under the direction of internationally recognized conductor Michael Morgan since 2012, the festival strives to appeal to a wide demographic by presenting a variety of artists and styles of music including classical, rock, country and jazz. bearvalleymusicfestival.org Guitarfish Music Festival Jul 27-30 • Cisco Grove Known for a funk-tastic musical line up, the experience includes an action packed kidsville and family camp, swimming holes a short stroll from the stages, access to world class mountain & road biking routes, music playshops, a world market, yoga classes from sunrise to sunset, hiking, and more. guitarfishfestival.com Big Bear Cycling Festival Jul 29 - Aug 6 • Big Bear Lake Enjoy a full week of rides and cycling-related activities at 7,000' in the San Bernadino Mountains. bigbearcyclingfestival.com Downieville Classic Aug 3-6 • Downieville Race or ride at this annual mountain bike festival, or just come to enjoy the festivities for the weekend. Either way, you win. Worldclass race courses, a big air river jump, live music, log pull competition, beer, food, swimming. downievilleclassic.com

Main image: Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley (Wesley Locke for Wanderlust Festival). Above, top to bottom: Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza (HarvestMoon Presents Inc.); Guitarfish Music Festival; Downieville Classic Big Air River Jump. Opposite page: Ta-Hoe Nalu SUP Festival.

CALIFORNIA BEER FESTIVAL The California Beer Festival offers a variety of events at exciting venues throughout the Golden State.

Boots & Brews Jun 17 • Santa Clarita Tequila & Taco Festival Jul 22-23 • Ventura CBF Santa Cruz Aug 11-13 • Aptos Village Park Tequila & Taco Festival Aug 26-27 • Santa Cruz Ventura County Beer Week Sep 10-17 • Ventura County CBF Ventura Sep 15-17 • Plaza Park Burbank Beer Festival Oct 21 • Downtown Burbank Burbank Winter Wine Walk Nov 18 • Downtown Burbank Ventura Winter Wine Walk Dec 2 • Ventura californiabeerfestival.com SIERRA NEVADA BEER CAMP ACROSS AMERICA Beer lovers across the country are packing their bags for this epic traveling beer festival.

California stops: Jun 3 • San Francisco & Jun 24 • Long Beach beercamp.sierranevada.com

Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza Aug 3-6 • Mammoth Lakes Mammoth’s biggest party of the summer will delight all outdoor enthusiasts looking for a cool brew, blues and a good time. mammothbluesbrewsfest.com Reggae on the River Festival Aug 3-6 • French’s Camp A benefit for the non-profit Mateel Community Center, this iconic festival has an artist lineup that draws from the wellspring of reggae’s greatest songwriters, singers and musicians from around the globe, offering something for every reggae lover. reggaeontheriver.com SF Outside Lands Aug 11-13 • San Francisco 2017 commemorates the 10th Anniversary of Outside Lands, a Bay Area celebration of music, food, wine, beer, art and comedy, taking place in beautiful Golden Gate Park. sfoutsidelands.com Brew, Jazz and Funk Fest Aug 12-13 • North Lake Tahoe Festival-goers can sip on a wide array of tasty beers from 35 different breweries, as well as enjoy an incredible line-up of music both days at Squaw Valley. All proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. squawalpine.com Ta-Hoe Nalu SUP Festival Aug 12-13 • Kings Beach Take the most beautiful Lake in the world, gather the best SUP athletes on the planet, mix in a little Aloha, and you have the perfect recipe known as the Ta-Hoe Nalu. Clinics, races, vendors and more. tahoenalu.com

Strawberry Music Festival Aug 31-Sep 4 • Tuolumne Presenting the gold standard in main stage entertainment, intimate side stage performances, top-notch children’s programs and activities for the whole family. strawberrymusic.com Bhakti Fest West Sep 7-11 • Joshua Tree A yoga, dance and music festival celebrating the devotional path with roots in yoga, Kirtan, and meditation. bhaktifest.com Monterey Jazz Festival Sep 15-17 • Monterey The longest continuously-running annual jazz event in the world features over 500 artists performing on eight stages at the 20-acre Monterey County Fair and Event Center. montereyjazzfestival.org Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival Oct 6-8 • San Francisco This free festival at Golden Gate Park delivers the best bluegrass money cannot buy, with a multitude of musicians to choose from. strictlybluegrass.com Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival Oct 5-8 • Joshua Tree An intimate, family friendly festival with an eclectic line-up that draws a diverse crowd of discerning live music fans who love the outdoors. joshuatreemusicfestival.com Biketoberfest Marin TBD • Fairfax An annual bike festival with over 70 exhibitors, a handmade bike show, beer, live music, food group bike rides. biketoberfestmarin.com

FAT TIRE TOUR DE FAT A traveling philanthropic beer, music and bike festival boasts a 33-show season, including California stops in July and August: San Diego, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Oakland, and San Francisco. In addition to musical headliners, a touring ensemble of artists, cirque performers, and general mayhemists will appear alongside local buskers and street performers.

New Belgium has raised more than $4.5 million for partnering non-profits since its inception. newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat

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31

The Lost Sierra Triple Crown A trio of challenging off-road bike events that raise funds for trails and local employment

By Kurt Gensheimer

F

or cyclists in search of the ultimate off-road challenge, the Lost Sierra Triple Crown should be on your short list. Consisting of the Lost and Found Gravel Grinder, the Downieville Classic cross-country mountain bike race and Grinduro – a mashup of a gravel grinder and a mountain bike enduro event – the Lost Sierra Triple Crown rewards the most well-rounded riders who are as fit as they are skilled.

In its second year, the Lost Sierra Triple Crown has more than doubled the number of riders vying for an actual steel crown that’s laser cut and fabricated by Terrence Martin of Jagged Edge Metal Art. Dreamed up by the folks at the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS), a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to building, preserving and maintaining trails in Sierra and Plumas counties through employing local folks, the Lost Sierra Triple Crown is as much a fundraiser for trails as it is bragging rights for the wearer of the crown.

Celebrating its fourth year, the Lost and Found Gravel Grinder taking place on June 3, has quickly earned a reputation for being one of the most challenging off-road events in the West, offering riders 30-, 60- and 100-mile route options rich with gorgeous alpine meadows, rushing creeks, vibrant wildflowers and picture perfect dirt roads in an unspoiled corner of California. Starting and finishing on the shore of Lake Davis only a few miles north of Portola, Lost and Found continues to grow in size each year thanks to the combination of serious challenge and serious fun.

The SBTS has a lot of experience balancing challenge and fun thanks to the Downieville Classic, celebrating its 22nd running this August 3-6. With an international reputation for rocky ruggedness and a soul crushing climb known as the “Trail of Tears” over the shoulder of the Sierra Buttes, the 27-mile Downieville Classic cross-country event rewards riders with more than 5,500 feet of descending trails, finishing in the historic Gold Rush town the event is named after. As one of the last point-to-point mountain bike races left in America, the Downieville Classic is a true test of rider skill and fitness.

In only its third year, Grinduro has already earned “Event of the Year” by the Design and Innovation Awards, thanks in part to an event format that perfectly blends a fun, relaxed day on the bike with a bit of competitive spirit.

Covering 60 miles and nearly 8,000 feet of climbing, the Grinduro course is a challenging yet beautiful ride from Quincy deep into the Lost Sierra, heading out to the idyllic hamlet of Taylorsville, then back over Mount Hough, finishing with a six-mile descent on Mount Hough trail, a fast and flowing singletrack constructed by SBTS in 2015.

32 ASJ — June/July 2017

Riders who persevere in all three events must have equal parts fitness and bike handling skills, as well as bikes that are capable of holding up to rocky, high speed descending – especially for the Downieville Classic. As far as bike selection, most riders choose a cyclocross bike with 35c tires for Lost and Found, a medium travel full suspension bike with durable tires for the Classic and either a lightweight hardtail mountain bike or a cyclocross bike with 40c tires for Grinduro. Riders competing in the Triple Crown can run a different bike for each event if they wish. Unfortunately, for those who haven’t registered yet, Grinduro is already sold out for 2017, filling capacity in less than 12 hours. But riders can still participate in Lost and Found and the Classic this year in preparation for doing the full Triple Crown next year.

Raising Funds for Trails All three events in the Lost Sierra Triple Crown are showcases for three unique zones in the Lost Sierra; areas that rely on a recreation-based economy to survive. Since its founding in 2003, the SBTS has built hundreds of miles of new trail while maintaining historic trails and doing important environmental preservation work to balance conservation with recreation. The Triple Crown highlights all the important work SBTS does by using the very trails that have made this corner of the Sierra Nevada one of the most legendary parts of America for off-road cycling as well as hiking, horseback riding and even motorized use. When it comes to trails, SBTS does not discriminate, working on all kinds of trails for every type of trail user.

Proceeds from all three events go directly back to SBTS to help fund for trails development while providing local

This page, top to bottom: With 60 miles and 8,000 feet of climbing, riders earn their beer at Grinduro; Amanda Schaper is crowned by Terrence Martin in celebration of her Triple Crown victory. Opposite page top to bottom: The Lost and Found offers spectacular views on pristine Lost Sierra dirt roads; While some look forward to racing the Downieville Classic, others come to party. Photos courtesy of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship.

Sierra and Plumas county residents with good-paying jobs that can support a family. With nearly 25 employees and a payroll approaching $500,000 annually, SBTS has become an integral part of the community where it operates, and the Triple Crown brings money to local businesses and vital tax revenue to Sierra and Plumas counties.

“Events like the Triple Crown are a great way to show off all the work we’ve been doing to build a sustainable, recreation-based future in one of California’s most economically depressed areas,” said Greg Williams, SBTS executive director and co-founder. “Based on the attendance, it seems a lot of folks appreciate not only the

“Events like the Triple Crown are a great way to show off all the work we’ve been doing to build a sustainable, recreation-based future in one of California’s most economically depressed areas.”

– Greg Williams, SBTS executive director and co-founder

trails we’re building, but also our love for good music, camping in beautiful places and having a great time in the outdoors with friends and family.”

The latest success story for SBTS can be found in Quincy, more specifically on Mount Hough. Through a partnership with Plumas National Forest, Mount Hough Ranger District, SBTS is in the midst of a trails renaissance. Between Mount Hough and the South Park trails network, more than 50 miles of singletrack already exist, and within the next 10 years, more than 100 miles of multi-use singletrack will be accessible only a couple miles from downtown Quincy.

“Quincy has always been known primarily as a logging town, not a destination for outdoor recreation,” said Williams. “But thanks to events like Grinduro, the word about Quincy’s trails is spreading, and as a result, locals are seeing more and more vehicles rolling through town with bikes on racks.

Businesses that used to remain closed on weekends are starting to stay open in order to attract visitors.”

What’s more, younger folks who put a priority on recreation and healthy living are moving to Quincy to escape the madness and urban sprawl of bigger cities. Not only is it important for a town like Quincy to attract visitors to keep the economy healthy, but it’s equally important to attract the younger generation to lay down roots and raise families there.

Thanks to high visibility events like the Downieville Classic, Lost and Found and Grinduro, the Lost Sierra Triple Crown attracts visitors from around the globe, growing the region’s exposure for worldclass recreation. Not only do the events raise money to build and maintain trails that drive a growing economic engine, but they also serve as a way to show off all the hard work SBTS does to keep this magical little corner of the Sierra Nevada thriving into the next generation.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, recreation is an economic powerhouse in the United States, representing $887 billion in consumer spending, employing 7.6 million people. California represents $85.4 billion, 732,000 jobs and a whopping $6.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Despite these incredible numbers, there still isn’t an official state office that oversees and fosters this massive source of tax revenue.

But Assembly Bill 907 introduced into the California Legislature in March proposes the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation and Public Lands Enhancement within the Governor’s office of Business Development, promoting both economic and jobs development in California’s outdoor recreation sector.

Authored by State Assembly Member, Eduardo Garcia, the office will monitor and coordinate sustainable recreation policies at federal, state and local levels and collaborate with Visit California, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit to promote the state’s multitude of outdoor activities while serving as California’s central point of contact for the national outdoor recreation industry. It will also interface with government agencies managing natural resources for outdoor recreation and promote sustainable use and enhanced stewardship.

The office will be dedicated to promoting active, healthy lifestyles and quality of life for all Californians by minimizing socioeconomic barriers to outdoor recreation opportunities.

It will also create incentives and work collaboratively with private landowners CMYK CES Logo and land trusts to find opportunities that improve balance between C-10 M-10 Y-10 K-100 enhanced recreation and public access while preserving wildlife values.

C-0 M-25 Y-100 K-0 In the last couple of years, Washington, Utah and Colorado have created their own Offices Outdoor C-100 M-34 of Y-0 K-0 Recreation, with Montana and Oregon close behind. Outdoor recreation is especially important to rural mountain communities that rely on tourism and visitors who spend money to keep their economy vibrant. This bill also comes at a particularly important time when the federal government is considering a shift of some public it Pantone Solid lands, Coatedmaking CES Logo even more important to have an official state office communicating recreation pantone ds black interests between local, state, federal and private entities.

Pantone 123 c AB 907 was heard by the State Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife pantone 3005 c Committee and advanced to an appropriations committee where it now sits. A number of organizations have already publicly shown support for AB 907 including the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Watershed Conservation Authority, Rails to Trails Conservancy, Sierra Business Council, Winter Wildlands Alliance, National Interscholastic Cycling black CES LogoAssociation (NICA) and several land management agencies including Midpeninsula Regional Open k-100 Space District, Open Space Authority of Santa Clara Valley, Sonoma County Regional Parks and the East Bay Regional Park District. —KG

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Event Profiles

TOUR OF THE CA ALPS/DEATH RIDE July 8, Markleeville

Recognized as one of the premier endurance events on the West Coast, the Death Ride, presented by the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, has welcomed riders from around the globe for the past 37 years, providing them with a challenging, memorable ride along the scenic roads of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The course takes riders on a 129-mile journey with 15,000 feet of climbing over Monitor Pass on SR 89 (8,314'), Ebbetts Pass on SR 4 (8,730') and Carson Pass on SR 88 (8,580'). Along the way, riders are treated to fully stocked rest stops and SAG support. Radio communications, technical and medical support are fully available as well. The event also includes food, beverages, live music, and a bike expo area. deathride.com

CARSON CITY OFF-ROAD June 16-18, Carson City, NV

Ride the Carson City Off-Road! Choose from three different distance options of 15, 35 or 50 miles; each consisting of a carefully curated set of spectacular trails.

All participants will climb their way into the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, take in huge views of Lake Tahoe, Washoe Valley and the Carson Valley while connecting some of the area’s favorite (and challenging) pieces of singletrack, double track, gravel roads and the occasional paved segment.

During your visit to Carson City, enjoy three days of event festivities while submerged in the mountain bike industry.

Mingle with bike-minded people while appreciating the area’s silver mining heritage and feeling welcomed by its modern day appreciation for the outdoor enthusiast. epicrides.com/events/carson-city-off-road

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George Johnson

SANTA CRUZ FIRECRACKER July 4, Santa Cruz

Hosted by the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club, the 32nd Annual Santa Cruz Firecracker features a re-certified 10K course and newly certified 5K course as well. Kids 10 and under can join in a 1K fun run. Pancake breakfast is included in the entry fee, along with a finish line party and awards ceremony with medals to the top three runners in each age group. This year’s featured beneficiaries are Teen Kitchen Project and the Red Cross of the Central Coast. santacruzfirecracker10k.org 34 ASJ — June/July 2017

July 29, Squaw Valley

The Squaw Mountain Run, presented by Auburn Ski Club Training Center (ASCTC), is an annual pilgrimage for hundreds of runners and hikers over the years. Starting at 6,200', the course climbs the 3.6-mile Mountain Run to High Camp at 8,200', where participants savor the completion of a challenging athletic endeavor with awards, live music, a raffle and refreshments amid one of the most breathtaking backdrops nature has to offer.

For non-competitors, the event offers the Flower Walk, which takes place in the meadows around High Camp. Participants receive a tram ride, raffle entry and a souvenir beer mug with registration.

The event raises funds for ASCTC’s Nordic and Biathlon programs as well as the Gene Upshaw Cancer Center at Tahoe Forest Hospital. auburnskiclub.org

July 15, Sacramento

DOWNIEVILLE CLASSIC

Eppie’s Great Race, presented by the Eppie’s Wellness Foundation and known as “The World’s Oldest Triathlon,” is the largest paddling event in the United States. The event raises funds for Therapeutic Recreation Services, a Sacramento County program for people of all ages with special needs and developmental disabilities.

Since its debut in 1974, Eppie’s Great Race has been a Northern California summertime tradition for elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and families. The race features a 5.82-mile run, a 12.5-mile bike and a 6.10-mile paddle held along the scenic American River Parkway in Rancho Cordova and Sacramento. Awards are given to the first, second and third place division winners. eppiesgreatrace.org

The Downieville Classic delivers a weekend of racing and partying in the Lost Sierra featuring a 29-mile cross country race and 15-mile downhill with a 5,000 vertical drop. Downieville is infamous for its racers, and riders come to prove themselves hardened and unbreakable.

Race or ride the epic cross country to the Sierra Crest and back to town, or take in a double dose with the seemingly endless descents of the Downieville Downhill in the All Mountain World Championships. Or just come to enjoy the bike festival for the weekend. Either way, you win. downievilleclassic.com

June 17-25, Tahoe City

This nine-day North Lake Tahoe mountain-lifestyle festival presented by Alpenglow Sports is a celebration of the best activities Lake Tahoe has to offer including trail running, hiking, backpacking, lakeshore yoga, standup paddleboarding, rock climbing, and more. A wide range of activities are offered through daily tours, presentations and natural history excursions for outdoor enthusiasts of all interests and ability levels. From professional athletes to beginners, yogis, and natural history buffs — the event offers a variety of mountain experiences that celebrate the Tahoe lifestyle. alpenglowsports.com/mountainfestivalsummer

SQUAW MOUNTAIN RUN

August 3-6, Downieville

CALIFORNIA COAST CLASSIC

September 9-16, San Francisco to Los Angeles

DONNER LAKE TRIATHLON July 22-23, Truckee

The 36th Donner Lake Triathlon offers something for everyone with almost all triathlon distances represented including a Sprint, Olympic, 70.3, Half, Kids Triathlon and Aquabike. The swim portion takes place in the pristine clear waters of Donner Lake starting and finishing at West End Beach. The bike portion takes riders up and down the iconic Donner Pass, and the run is a scenic loop around Donner Lake. The event features a single transition area located adjacent to finish area festivities.

The Donner Lake Triathlon is a must-do event for all triathletes looking for a scenic challenge on an iconic course. donnerlaketri.com

The California Coast Classic (CCC) is an eight-day, fullservice, fully supported road ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that raises funds to support the research, advocacy, and programs of the Arthritis Foundation. It is open to beginner and experienced cyclists who commit to a fundraising goal, and is capped at 250 riders.

The event’s traditional route was modified in the Big Sur area, due to a winter storm landslide that caused the closure of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge on Highway 1.

“In developing our alternate route, we selected roads that provide the exceptional rider experience that CCC is known for,” said Eli Campbell, CEO of Sentio Cycling, which provides logistics assistance to CCC. “The bypass adds about 45 miles and an additional 2,700' of elevation gain, pending final permitting. Our 2017 route will rival previous years’ and offer a top-notch and rewarding experience for all.” arthritis.org/CaliforniaCoastClassic

Promote YOUR Event

Do you have an event you’d like to see featured in this section? Contact us to learn about our event promotion packages – we specialize in raising visibility for YOUR events! info@adventuresportsjournal.com

s t n e v E P SU THE JAY RACE

Nelly

BAY PARADE

Clay Schmitz

TA-HOE NALU

June 17, Capitola

July 9, San Francisco

August 12-13, Kings Beach

One of the most iconic paddleboard races in the world, the Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race is held in honor of one of big wave surfing’s favorite sons – the late Jay Moriarity. Jay was known as much for his fearless big wave surfing as he was for his positive and always friendly attitude. To stay in shape for the winter big wave season, Jay became an avid paddleboarder and could regularly be seen logging countless miles on his paddleboard on the beautiful waters of Monterey Bay. Participants gather annually to remember Jay and paddle their hearts out in his honor. All proceeds benefit the Jay Moriarity Foundation to raise funds for Junior Lifeguard programs to purchase equipment and provide scholarships in Jay’s name as well as other ocean related beneficiaries.

Now an Olympic qualifier, the 2017 event celebrates its 16th year on the majestic Monterey Bay and features a challenging 12-mile long course, a 2-mile short course, Waterman Challenge, and kids’ obstacle course race in a family-friendly atmosphere. Also check out the preregistration party, and raffle that includes surfboards, paddleboards, wetsuits and more. jaymoriarityfoundation.org.jay-race

The Bay Parade is Baykeeper’s annual on-the-water celebration of a healthy San Francisco Bay. Hundreds of swimmers, kayakers, stand up paddleboarders, and boaters gather for a fun and active day on San Francisco Bay. The parade finale will be broadcast on the Jumbotron at AT&T Park at the start of the San Francisco Giants home game.

Parade options include: Golden Rivet Swim: 6.5 miles from Golden Gate Bridge to McCovey Cove. Timed solo swim, timed four-person relay, and open relay divisions. $100 registration plus $200 fundraising minimum.

Boat: Motorboats, sailboats, and rowboats are needed to support swimmers from the Golden Gate to McCovey Cove. This is a critical volunteer role for the event. There is no registration fee, and fundraising is optional.

Kayak: All-levels 2.5-mile course to McCovey Cove.

Kayak rental included. $75 registration plus $75 fundraising minimum.

SUP: All-levels 2.5-mile paddle to McCovey Cove.

Paddleboard rental included. $75 registration plus $75 fundraising minimum. baykeeper.org/bayparade

Ta-Hoe Nalu brings the feel of a traditional Hawaiian paddle festival to the spectacular Kings Beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators help create a party atmosphere in the High Sierra. Racing begins on Saturday morning and continues through to Sunday, with competitions in prone and stand-up paddling, as well as outrigger racing.

Distances vary from the 10-mile long course event to 2-mile beginner races. Throughout the weekend, attendees can check out the expo area and enjoy food and beverages.

New for the 2017 event: • First Stroke: a non-competitive, fun, guided paddle tour – no experience needed. Beginners and noncompetitive paddlers welcome. Boards and paddles will be supplied for those needing them. Free entry in the 2-mile race on Sunday.

• Ta-Hoe Nalu Sprint Elimination Challenge.

• Free Starboard’s SUP Polo (inflatable SUP Polo on water arena all day).

• Live music & raffles at the Kona Beer Garden. tahoenalu.com

2014

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www.adventuresportsjournal.com 35

Preparing for your Summer Endurance Event Fast forward to spring, you find yourself with not many training miles in the bank and a scary event looming on the calendar.

Sound familiar?

PHOTOS Left to right: Gunnar Roll prepares for

his summer triathlons by climbing the hills of Santa Cruz (Jeff Tse); Joining a training group or club is a great way to get some extra motivation and advice for your event (Michael Peck).

Get on a Training Program

ometime last year, in a fit of inspiration, and perhaps a little too much wine, you snatched your credit card from your wallet and eagerly signed up for that endurance event that’s been sitting on your bucket list forever. Fast forward to spring, you find yourself with not many training miles in the bank and a scary event looming on the calendar. Sound familiar? Whether you’ve entered a multi-day adventure like the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, a marathon or the Death Ride, there are a few things you can do starting today that will increase your chances of success in the summer.

A few minutes googling should find you a generic structured program for whatever distance event you’re doing.

Joining a local club can also be a great way to link up with more experienced athletes and some offer group training if you’re having trouble motivating to get out there yourself.

If you have an unpredictable work schedule or just need someone to talk to who will listen, hiring a personal endurance coach is an option. They know how to tailor a program to your needs and can use your feedback and training data to maximize the time you have available to train.

There’s Still Time

Test Equipment

S

By Martin Spiering

Ideally, you should have spent all winter diligently preparing an aerobic base for your summer endurance adventure. I get it! With the rain, falling apart roads and limited daylight hours – good intentions

36 ASJ — June/July 2017

can turn to mud. The good news is, there’s still time. The physiological benefits of endurance training can be seen after as little as 8-12 weeks. As well as the psychological boost of actually doing something to prepare!

One way to avoid disaster on the day of your event is to race in the gear you trained in. Buying a new pair of shoes or fiddling with your seat height might sound like a way to get an advantage but if it leads to blisters or an injury from

changing your body position it will not be worth it. Get any new gear four to six weeks before your event, and dress and nourish yourself the way you plan to during the event so you’re not faced with any surprises.

Taper There’s a temptation, especially if your preparation has been on the late side, to train hard right up to the event. Big mistake! The best thing you can do, even on limited preparation, is to rest in the week before the event, with just a few, short, light workouts to keep the engine running. Warning! As you’ve been training consistently you will probably feel horrible during this rest week; lethargy, achey muscles, lack of motivation and you’ll possibly even pick up a cold. This is normal as your body has adapted to consistent exercise and doesn’t like it. It will, however, thank you on race day as you’ve allowed your glycogen stores to replenish and muscles to recover.

There you have it. Time to get outside and prepare the body and mind for your next challenge.

Martin Spierings coaches endurance athletes at tricoachmartin.com.

Events Calendar Visit us online for a full listing of upcoming California events.

Go to AdventureSportsJournal.com and click on the EVENTS button.

Biking JUNE 2-4 — New Wente 8 Hour Mountain Bike Relay / Wente Scout Reservation, Willits / Family camping extravaganza / BikeMonkey.net 3 — Eastern Sierra Double Century / Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake & more / This is road bike heaven! / PlanetUltra.com 3 — Lost & Found Gravel Grinder / Lake Davis / 30mi, 60mi, 100mi / SierraTrails.org 10 — Incarnation 100 / Santa Rosa / A benefit for homeless services / 4 different routes / Incarnation100.org 10 — Los Angeles Tour de Cure / Tour.Diabetes.org 10 — The Wildest Ride in the West / Auburn / 4 routes to choose from / WildestRide.com 11 — Silicon Valley Tour de Cure / Palo Alto / Tour.Diabetes.org

17-18 — Wild Wood Adventure Enduro / Mendocino Coast in Caspar / Round # 3 of the California Enduro Series / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

Do m ore fun stuf f.

17-18 — 2-day Core Fundamentals / Marin / 1 or 2 day option, advanced techniques on day 2 / ASingleTrackMind.com

JULY 1 — China Peak Enduro / China Peak Mountain Resort in Lakeshore / Round # 4 of the California Enduro Series / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com 1-2 — 2-day Core Fundamentals / Tahoe / 1 or 2 day option, advanced techniques on day 2 / ASingleTrackMind.com 8 — Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps / Markleeville / 5 pass ride, 129 mi, and 15,000 feet of lungbusting climbing / DeathRide.com 21-23 — Crafts and Cranks Enduro / Snow Summit at Big Bear / Round # 5 of the California Enduro Series / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

FINALS FOR THE USA CYCLING PRO GRT AND THE CALIFORNIA ENDURO SERIES GOLDEN TOUR

MULTISPORT ADVENTURE ON THE CENTRAL COAST

OCT 21 - 12 HOUR ADVENTURE

Bike, trek, paddle, and more solo or with a team - gathering checkpoints. A month’s worth of adventure in one day!

NOV 5 - TRIATHLON

Olympic / sprint, paddle option, relay! Navigate the harbor, bike HWY1, and run beach and boardwalk to a finish under the Rock!

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37

Events Calendar Visit us online for a full listing of upcoming California events.

Go to AdventureSportsJournal.com and click on the EVENTS button.

22 — Tahoe-Women’s Core Fundamentals / Truckee / ASingleTrackMind.com

19-20 — Downieville Mountain Epic / Downieville / SierraTrails.org

24 — Kirkwood Mountain Classic / Kirkwood / Sierra Cup Mountain Bike Series / SierraCupMTB.com

26-27 — Northstar Enduro / Northstar California Resort, Truckee / Round # 6 of the California Enduro Series / CaliforniaEnduroSeries.com

29 — Cornering & Wheel Lifts / Woodside / ASingleTrackMind.com

Miscellaneous

AUGUST 3-6 — Downieville Classic MTB Race and Festival / Downieville / All Mountain World Championships, XC Adventure Race, Downieville Downhill / DownievilleClassic.com

Hike & Wine/Beer Tours / Napa & Sonoma / Amazing views, breathtaking trails, great wineries and microbreweries, lunch with local trail guide / Mention ASJ for 10% off / ActiveWineAdventures.com

Paddling

5 — Tackling Technical Terrain / S. Lake Tahoe / ASingleTrackMind.com

JUNE

11-13 — SOCO Homage / Santa Rosa / A multi-day MTB stage race / BikeMonkey.net 19-20 —- Core Fundamentals / Santa Cruz / 1 or 2 day option, advanced techniques on day 2 / ASingleTrack Mind.com

10 — Lake Tahoe Thunderbird Paddling Festival / Sand Harbor Beach / 4mi, 8mi, & kids’ race / LakeTahoePaddling.com 17 — 16th Annual Jay Race / Capitola / 12mi, 2mi, & mini Jay race; / JayMoriarityFoundation.org

THE SALINAS VALLEY HALF MARATHON

A U G U S T 5, 2 0 1 7 Come Run the Vineyards of East of Eden Beginning at the Soledad Mission, participants in the Salinas Valley Half Marathon will run along the foothills of the beautiful Santa Lucia Mountains, breathe the cool coastal air, and celebrate as they cross the finish line at Pessagno Winery.

Presented by the Big Sur Marathon Family of Events

38 ASJ — June/July 2017

JULY 9 — Bay Parade / San Francisco / Swim, kayak, SUP, or boat for a clean and healthy SF Bay! / BayKeeper.org/ BayParade 15 — Waterman’s Paddle Jam / Carnelian Bay / # 2 of the Tahoe Cup Paddle Racing Series / TahoeCup.org

AUGUST 12-13 —Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival / Kings Beach / World’s original SUP race - races, demos, clinics, expo / TahoeNalu.com

11 — Run to Squaw / Olympic Valley / 7.9mi run alongside the Truckee River / TahoeTrailRunning.com 11 — Squaw Valley Half Marathon / Olympic Valley / SquawValleyHalf.com 17 — Bootleg Beatdown Trail Run / Bootleg Canyon, Boulder City, NV / The ultimate Bootleg Canyon challenge; 5K, 5mi, 10K / DesertDash.com 18 — Burton Creek Trail Run / Tahoe City / 6K, 12K, Half Marathon, Kids / TahoeTrailRunning.com

Running

18 — Run in the Name of Love / Carmelby-the-Sea / 5K run & 2K dog-friendly walk / RunInTheNameOfLove.org

JUNE

JULY

4 — See Jane Run Women’s Half Marathon, 5K, & Kids’ Run / San Francisco Bay Area / SeeJaneRun.com 4 — Truckee Running Festival / Riverview Sports Park / 5 & 10K, half marathon, kids / TahoeTrailRunning.com 10 — Henry Coe 5K/10K Fun Run and Walk / Gilroy / CoePark.net 10-11 — Marine Corps Mud Run / Camp Pendleton / 10K, 5K, kids’ 1K / mccscp.com

4 — Santa Cruz Firecracker / Santa Cruz / 5 & 10K, Kids 1K / A benefit for Teen Kitchen Project and American Red Cross / https://www. santacruzfirecracker10k.org 4 — Run to The Beach / North Tahoe / 5K & 10K / TahoeTrailRunning.com 10-12 — Styr Labs Badwater 135 / Furnace Creek & Lone Pine / “World’s Toughest Foot Race” - 135mi from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney / BadWater.com

bike • paddle • run • swim • triathlon 26 — The 420 Games San Francisco 11 — Run to Squaw / Commons Beach, / Golden Gate Park / Run, ride, skate, Tahoe City / 7.9mi / TahoeTrailRunning. or bike; music concert, beer tasting, com cannabis education / 420games.org 23 — San Francisco Marathon / San Francisco / Full, 1st half, 2nd half, 5K / TheSFMarathon.com 29 — 37th Annual Squaw Mountain Run/Hike/Flower Walk / Squaw Valley / Choose to run or take a more leisurely pace and hike; or let the cable car do the 2,000’ elevation gain & join our knowledgeable guides for a beautiful & easy flower walk / AuburnSkiClub.com

AUGUST

Swim JUNE 4 — 25th Annual Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim / San Francisco / 1.5mi from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park / SharkFestSwim.com 10 — Sand Harbor Open Water Swim / Lake Tahoe / 1/2mi, 1.2mi, 2.4mi / TahoeSwimming.com

JULY 5 — The Salinas Valley Haff Marathon / Soledad / Named one of the 100 9 — Bay Parade / San Francisco / best road races in North America / Swim, kayak, SUP, or boat for a clean SalinasValleyHalfMarathon.org and healthy SF Bay! / BayKeeper.org/ BayParade 5 — Sierra Crest / Truckee to Donner Summit / 50 & 30K + 15K fun run / 22 — Truckee Donner Lake Open SierraCrest50k.org Water Swim / Donner Lake / 1/2mi, 13 — Marlette 50K and 10 Miler “RRCA NV State Championships” / Lake Tahoe NV State Park / TahoeTrailRunning.com 19 — XTERRA Trail Run / Incline Village, NV / 5K & 10K / TahoeTrailRunning.com

1.2mi, 2.4mi / TahoeSwimming.com

AUGUST 20 — Lake Tahoe Sharkfest Swim / Incline Village, NV / Sand Harbor 1mi swim / SharkFestSwim.com 26 — Lake Tahoe Open Water Swim / Tahoma / 1/2mi, 1.2mi, 2.4mi / TahoeSwimming.com

“The Worlds Oldest Triathlon®” Register Today and Save!

Teams or Individuals Running. Cycling. Kayak or SUP

www.eppiesgreatrace.org www. advent ur espor t sjour nal. com

39

40 ASJ — June/July 2017

bike • paddle • run • swim • triathlon Triathlon/Duathlon JUNE 4 — Orange County Tri Series / Lake Mission Viejo / OCTriSeries.com 10 — #1 Tri for Fun Sprint and Super Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon / Rancho Seco Park, Herald / TBFracing.com 11 — Groveland Gears & Grooves Mini-Triathlon / Groveland / 1mi swim, 22mi bike ride, & 5.12mi run / GrovelandGearsandGrooves.com 24 — XTERRA Tahoe City / Commons Beach / Triathlon, Sprint Tri, Duathlon / BigBlueAdventure.com

JULY 8 — June Lake Triathlon / June Lake / HighSierraTri.org 9 — Dip and Dash Aquathlon #1 / Santa Cruz / Short Swim - 750meter swim & 4mi run, or Long Swim 1500meter swim & 4mi run, or Swim only / FinishLineProduction.com 15 — Eppie’s Great Race / Rancho Cordova & Sacramento / 5.82mi run, 12.5mi bike, 6.1mi paddle / EppiesGreatRace.org 22-23 — Donner Lake Triathlon / Truckee / Half Tri, 70.3, Olympic Tri, Sprint Tri, Kids’ Tri, Aquabike / DonnerLakeTri.com

AUGUST 13 — Dip and Dash Aquathlon #2 / Santa Cruz / International - 1500yd swim & 10K run, or Sprint - 750yd swim & 5K run, or Swim only / FinishLineProduction.com 13 — Tri Santa Cruz / Santa Cruz / International & Sprint Tri (& relay); Olympic and Sprint Clydesdale & Athena; International & Sprint Aquabike; Sprint Paratri; Dip and Dash / FinishLineProduction.com 19 — XTERRA Triathlon / Lake Tahoe / Olympic, Sprint, Duathlon / BigBlueAdventure.com 26 — Lake Tahoe Triathlon Sprint / Tahoma / LakeTahoeTri.com 26 — Lake Tahoe Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon / Tahoma / LakeTahoeTri.com 27 — Lake Tahoe Triathlon / Tahoma / Half Tri, Aquabike, Olympic Tri, Duathlon / LakeTahoeTri.com

SEPTEMBER 3 — Bear Valley Triathlon / Bear Valley / ItsYourRace.com 9 — SLO Ultra at Wild Cherry Canyon / Avila Beach / 50mi, 26mi XC, 13mi XC, 5mi / SLOUltra.com

9-10 — Headlands Marathon, 50, 75 & 100-Mile / Sausalito / PCTrailRuns.com

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10 — Pacific Coast Triathlon/ Duathlon / Crystal Cove State Beach / OCTriSeries.com 14-17 — Kamikaze Bike Games / Mammoth Lakes / Enduro - Round # 7 of the California Enduro Series / Pro GRT DH, XC, Legends of the Kamikaze, TLD Electric Boogaloo, expo, free kids’ activities, entertainment, and more / KamikazeBikeGames.com 17 — Dip and Dash Aquathlon #3 / Santa Cruz / International - 1500yd swim & 10K run, or Swim only / FinishLineProduction.com 17 — Emerald Bay Trail Run / Lake Tahoe West Shore / 7mi mostly single track route with moderate climbs and descents / TahoeTrailRunning.com 23 — Lederhosen 5K & 10K / Squaw Valley / After the awards and raffle enjoy the annual Squaw Oktoberfest / TahoeTrailRunning.com

© Corey Rich / Aurora Photos

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Active Wine Adventures

24 — Truckee Marathon / Truckee / Plus Half Marathon & Relay / TahoeTrailRunning.com

Looking Ahead

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OCTOBER 7 — T9 Mermaid Triathlon & Duathlon / Capitola / International Tri, Sprint Tri, Sprint Du / MermaidSeries.com

THE ALPS Zermatt/Valais Aug 27 – Sept 3

15 — XTERRA SuperKid Triathlon and Splash & Dash / Santa Cruz / Ages 7-15 / FinishLineProduction.com

Davos/Engadin/Livingo

21 — 12 Hour Adventure / San Luis Obispo / Bike, trek, paddle and more, solo or with a team / All-OutEvents.com

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22 — Hang 10 / Hang 5 / Capitola / his addition to the Surfer’s Path series features a 10 mile and 5 mile distance / RunSurfersPath.com

• Amazing Views • Breathtaking Trails • Great Wineries • Microbreweries Lunch • Private Tour for 2-4 people Local Trail Guide We pair scenic, thrilling hikes with great wine and beer!

Sept 9 – Sept 16

DAILY TOURS Santa Cruz, CA

NOVEMBER 5­— Morro Bay Triathlon / Morro Bay / Olympic, sprint, paddle option & relay / All-OutEvents.com

Explore the Best Trails Local Certified MTB Guides Coaching & Skills Sessions

DECEMBER

www.LeGrandAdventureTours.com

10 — Jingle Bell Rock 5K / Santa Cruz / Plus kids’ 1K; Bring a toy for Toys for Tots, go for a walk or run along the San Lorenzo River Levee / FinishLineProduction.com

Reserve your adventure at:

ActiveWineAdventures.com 707-927-1058

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41

Gear We Love

4

3

Goodies for your active lifestyle

1

2

5

8

6

7 1. Zamp Portable Solar Portable Kit The Zamp Portable Solar Kit is already off to a great start in amping up our ASJ Road Show (and beyond!) adventures this season. We’re using our kit to keep our travel trailer batteries charged for off-grid living, but it’s also great for charging RV, truck camper and boat batteries as well. So, no matter what your preferred adventure vehicle, Zamp has you covered.

No mounting is required, simply fold out and hook to your batteries, or plug straight into the sidewall of your camper via the Zamp’s optional Plug and Play Portable Solar Kit Quick Port.

Ranging from 40 to 200 watts of available power output, Zamp portable solar kits provide all the power of roof mounted systems, but are a more flexible option as you can place the panel in direct sunlight even when your camper is in the shade.

The kit’s Digital Deluxe Waterproof Solar Charge Controller with LED lights indicates charge status and battery condition at a glance.

Zamp convenience doesn’t stop there.

The solar kit has the added bonus of having the ability to charge a dead truck or car battery. You simply connect the Portable Solar Kit to the vehicle for a short time to charge the battery and you’re back on the road. The portable solar kit can also be added to an existing system for additional power when needed.

Zamp Portable Solar kits set up in less than five minutes and their sturdy legs, easy to use butterfly clasps and ergonomic handle make them a breeze to use.

MSRP: $369.00–$1,134.00 zampsolar.com

42 ASJ — June/July 2017

2. Thermarest Women’s NeoAir XLite We love this ultralight, threeseason camp mattress for its superior performance, warmth and comfort.

The Women’s NeoAir XLite features an added layer of Thermrest’s reflective ThermaCapture™ technology which is a blessing for cold sleepers (like the staff member writing this review!). Softer fabrics are new to this model, and bring better next-to-skin comfort with a boost in durability yet no added weight. Whether you’re a discerning alpinist, thru-hiker or backcountry minimalist counting every ounce, this is the best choice of air mattress to ensure you get the rest you need for your next day’s adventure. Stuff sack and repair kit included.

MSRP: $159.95 thermarest.com 3. CamelBak K.U.D.O. 8 The K.U.D.U. 8 is the ideal pack for mountain bikers looking for a high level of CE-certified back protection in a light, tight design. With five liters of cargo capacity, it’s perfect for shorter, less gear-intensive rides and races, yet still boasts convenient add-ons such as a bike tool roll, attachment points for armor and a helmet, and CamelBak’s new Crux reservoir. The impact protector back panel absorbs over 94% of impact in a crash while the dual adjustable sternum straps hold your pack in place over bumpy terrain. Stabilizing load-bearing hip belts with cargo optimizes a custom fit and keeps essentials close at hand, and a rain cover keeps your pack and gear shielded from inclement weather.

MSRP: $190.00 camelbak.com

4. Ruffwear Palisades Pack Great news for you and your canine backpacking buddy! We put the Ruffwear Palisades Pack to the test and it got high fives from both dog and human.

This rugged yet comfortable pack makes multi-day backcountry adventures so much easier with features like removable saddlebags, two collapsible hydration bladders, and a cross-load compression system. Four points of attachment securely connect the saddlebags to the modified Web Master™ Harness frame, ensuring load stability and comfortable weight distribution.

MSRP: $150.00 ruffwear.com 5. MSR WindBurner Stove System The WindBurner is a compact stove and cookware system that can boil water amazingly fast. For car camping trips we like to use the WindBurner to boil water alongside a regular camp stove for cooking food. Basically it’s just really nice to have the ability to boil water in about a minute and that’s where the WindBurner proves to be an essential powerhouse for cooking food in the outdoors. For extended stays in the backcountry, the stove collapses into the cookware system for easy packing and assembly that includes a secure locking pot and a personal mug with coozie for all your eating and drinking needs while backpacking.

MSRP: $135.99 msrgear.com 6. MSR Mugmate Coffee Filter Take the drama and hassle out of morning coffee when you are on the go while camping. We love the Mugmate for those days when you are getting an early

start and you just want the best tasting cup of coffee as quickly as possible. Simply place the Mugmate filter in your cup, throw in some grinds, and pour hot water.

Makes strong, good coffee every time.

MSRP $16.95 msrgear.com 7. SealSkinz Dragon Eye MTB Gloves Need a go-to glove for all types of riding?

Look no further than SealSkinz Dragon Eye MTB Gloves. With their specially engineered fabric technology, these gloves are 100% waterproof. These durable, lightweight gloves allow for maximum feel, dexterity, and control. Features such as a synthetic suede palm, close-fitting, pre-curved fingers, and laminated stretch Lycra on the back allow for comfort and performance to meld flawlessly. With increased grip on the fingers, this dynamic design has it all. Throw in good looks along with three color choices and what more do you need?

MSRP $70.00 sealskinz.com 8. Lowa LEVANTE GTX® QC WS New to the Lowa line is the womens’ LEVANTE GTX. This all terrain boot is also availabe in a low cut model ($165). At 700g, these stylish multi-functional shoes are just as much a favorite in everyday life as they are on a hike. The LEVANTE GTX offers many functional features alongside its delicate details. Both the durable suede and waterproof GORE-TEX lining provide the necessary protection, while the directinjected LOWA Multicross Evo sole with LOWA MONOWRAP® edge gives delicate feet a reliable grip, making this a go to boot for this season’s backpacking trips.

MSRP $185.00 lowa.de

Technology has changed since you bought your old CamelBak. The new crux reservoir delivers 20% more water per sip in a pack loaded with our latest hydration technology.

So you can do more of what you love, and stay out there longer. And if we built it, we’ll tm

back it—all of our products are covered by our lifetime Got Your Bak™ guarantee.

CamelBak.com