Hello Adventurers!
I figured it's long past due for an update. I hope everyone is staying safe during these challenging times. We're all going through lots of changes and hopefully things will slowly return to normal if we work together and take care of each other.
A quick update on classes:
All classes were suspended that were scheduled this spring and I know lots of students were disappointed, but I hope that when classes resume, I'll get to see everyone who had signed up later this year.
I just got an update this week from Carnegie SVRA stating that they are extending their closure for events out till the end of June. Since this has been a fluid situation, I'll hold off on scheduling future classes until the park is confirmed open. The parks staff and rangers have been doing a great job keeping us in the loop on their situation and are taking measures for when they reopen to keep social distancing guidelines in place for everyone to enjoy the park.
As a given, when classes do resume, I'll also be observing social distancing rules during class and ensuring that all equipment and gear is sanitized before and after class.
For those who are in the SF Bay area and want to get out in the dirt, I saw that Hollister Hills just re-opened this week. You can check out their new operating rules on their website here: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1179
As for myself, I've been spending time brainstorming new offerings for new and seasoned offroad adventurers. When things settle down again, I'm hoping to start putting together the logistics for some easy 1 or 2 day beginner moto-camping trips to help give those with bigger and farther trips in mind to get some easy experience under their belts, and the confidence boost for wilder adventures. In addition, I'm hoping to schedule some regular "shakedown" cruises as a way for anyone to ride along and test out their new gear, bikes, skills, etc. with the support that comes from riding in a group. We'll be together in case you don't strap down your new luggage right or to test out if your new Bluetooth headset really works in the woods.
Since the new year, I've added a new rental bike to the stable, a brand new Kawasaki KLX 140L, which is perfect for shorter riders and it's loads of fun and super lightweight. I've been doing some slow speed drills on my driveway and it handles like a dream.
Speaking of drills, I've been trying to keep up my fitness and skills with more mountain biking. Even though it's not exactly the same, a lot of the skills carry over really well in terms of shifting weight, looking where you're going, and balancing speed and braking. The big difference is that my legs are my engine, and after about an hour or so, I'm toast.
Anyway, that's all the news for now. I'll do my best to keep you all updated on when things get back in gear. Until then, stay safe, take care of each other, and hope to see you all later!
