Mountain Biking in Catalina Island

June 29th, 2009

In an effort to do new things and use my mountain bike, we decided a trip to Catalina Island was the next weekend venture. I was pretty sure I had been there at least a couple of time before; however, both my parents reminded me I had been multiple times during my childhood. I am not surprised- it is certainly the So Cal inhabitant getaway. Just a one hour ferry from Long Beach and you can be is an island that is 80% protected natural reserve.

While the trails are all fire roads, its still a must do for mountain biking, again, because it is so remote and protected with outstanding ocean views.

There were a few logistical details worth considering before doing this trip. First, I recommend spending at least 3 days because the ferry isn't cheap. You also have to make reservations for your bike, and this can limit your sailing times. Also, you have to buy a permit, and these cost $35 for the year. Since I dont know when we will be back, it better to get your money's worth and stay longer.

There are many campgrounds- some are completely boat in and these ones are probably outstanding. However, to get from either port, Avalon or Two Harbors, you will have to go UPHILL. Keep in mind, this is 17-20% uphill grades. We had our camping gear in a backpack so this is not ideal. There is Hermit Gulch one mile from Avalon, I made the reservation online and its only $15 a night, as opposed to some very expensive hotel rooms. Hermit Gulch was extremely convenient for dining out at night and getting to an from trails and the ferry. It was just a short walk back to the main harbor, and there were $1 tacos along the way...I think next time, I will look in to Little Harbor campground because it was so beautiful (pictured in the above photo)

We completed two CHALLENGING mountain bike loops. The first was in the east end of the island. Starting from Avalon you go along the ridge above the harbor. Once you are up, the hills are only undulating and there are some great views, no traffic, and totally remote. This was a nice afternoon ride of a couple of miles which gets you ready for a nice dinner and the next day's ride.

The second loop was from Avalon up the Airport Highway. Although paved, this is a long uphill climb of 2.5 miles. The view is obviously worth it and continues along a meandering undulating path until you make a left down Middle Ranch. This road drops all the down to the valley floor, and you can catch some glimpses of buffalo and remote work sites. Of course, you have to go back up, and back down, and back up, and back down until you have the challenging climb on Rancho Escondido back to the airport. Be sure to bring enough water and snacks as it is exposed, hot and steep.

Getting back to Avalon from the airport isn't bad and you are rewarded again with great views of Saddleback Mountain and the San Bernadino range. Since I had just bee in Big Bear, it was fun to look out at mountains I had been on previously across the Pacific. This total loop is about 30 miles; triple that for road mile equivalents. You do not cover the same mileage on a mountain bike that you do on the road.

We rewarded ourselves with waffle cones, and believe me, it was in order. I think there is more left to see on the island, but you definitely need to be prepared for both the heat and remote locations. I can imagine a nice 3 or 4 day trip out to Two Harbors and back, with plenty of time to hit the smaller beaches, snorkel and rent some kayaks.

I am excited for my Old Man Mountain trail racks so I can get my camping gear out on some remote mountain bike long trails.

My New Camera

Okay, I have one more new toy...That is the Canon PowerShot G10.

Really great- check out the difference in photo quality compared to the BlackBerry! Haha

Falling in Love Again

June 23rd, 2009

Although progress is not quite as quick as I would hoped, time marches on and step by step things have fallen into place. While waiting for everything to gel, I decided to continue to enjoy life in new ways and bought a mountain bike. I was a little embarrassed to get something so well beyond my riding ability and with parts and components I knew nothing about; however, I justified getting a full suspension model in the price range of a car by telling myself I didn't want to have to upgrade in a year and wanted something really awesome to begin with.

And, it is AWESOME. BikePedia - 2008 Specialized Safire FSR Comp Complete Bicycle

I was already in love with cycling, adding mountain biking to the mix has just doubled the pleasure, doubled the fun; just when I thought I had already maximized the ecstasy! Wow, now I am able to get off the roads, away from cars and traffic, and out on remote trails where the wind whistles in the trees, birds are chirping and there is wildlife risk factors...Its very exciting, not to mention jumping off rocks, catching air, and the constant mental problem solving that is involved with getting over things and not falling off the side of the mountain.

Two getaways of note- and worth recommending- are the Mt Laguna trails and Big Bear. I have spent the last two weekends car camping with MTB in tow, while to the bike-camping minimalist bringing all the "stuff" seems to contradict what camping is about- I must say that the luxury of full bbqs, s'mores and even beer does add to the enjoyment at the end of a long, dusty, dirty day of hitting the trails by bike.

Luckily enough, I think my choice was right to start in the high-end range of bikes because full-suspension is like bouncing on a trampoline and the bike really can get over anything. Also, by my second day of riding I was doing the advanced trails so my bike handling skills and stamina can get me through the challenging and technical terrain without needing years of MTB riding experience. I am so excited to get out on more local trails, national and state parks, as well as some long distance rides in the Rockies, CDT or desert rides.

Color by Numbers

June 8th, 2009

There was an interesting comment made in Inc. Magazine by author Jim Collins on entrepreneurship. He said that in business, as in life, you can make your life choices in a paint by numbers approach or start from a blank canvas. In a paint by numbers approach, the end result in somewhat guaranteed; that is, if you follow the rules. With a blank canvas, it might be good, it might be bad. You might get a masterpiece or a mess.

I am pretty sure my approach to life right now is not the paint by numbers method. That said, I don't know whether I will get a masterpiece or a mess. It doesn't look that promising these days, so I have to keep a positive attitude. I try to take to heart little comments, like "enjoy it while you can" and "do it now." However, days stretch on and weeks go by with little to anchor them. I suppose the main problem is the pressure I put on myself to feel I am filling up my days with something meaningful and living a way that I "should" by society standards. What am I trying to say? That I want a job! Strange as that may be, I do.

Other things Ive decided to do are to buy a car. I guess its consumerism with conscience. Or perhaps its thoughtful choices instead of impulse. I am waiting for the right moment to do things instead of doing them just to get them done. There is something to be said for making decisions when the time appears that you must make the decision or you will not be able to move forward.

I think many life concepts can be learned through travel. For example, the idea of choices and planning. You can make a plan for a trip but you must be flexible enough to change it. And you can decided on roads to take, but you cant actually take them until you are at the intersection. The immediacy of the moment dictates the movement. I find it much easier to maintain a zen-like awareness while traveling than in any other state.