It's that time again where we reflect back on what we've
done in the last year. And WOW, there sure has been a
lot accomplished.
Our role at Orange County Mountain Bike Associaton is
to help organize the advocacy, events and trail work that
make for the magic you all contribute to every day.
As such, I hope you will allow me to boast a bit about
what this amazing mountain bike community has
achieved in 2024 - what YOU have done together!
David Browning, President
Do you know that we were directly involved in forty-three trail work days this year? And that was despite our half dozen wet winter "rain delays"! There are so many fantastic groups in Orange County, each of which has made it their mission to watch over a portion of the goodness you enjoy. The Warriors Society rallied support around the re-opening of Trabuco Canyon earlier in the year. The RideRx team took care of Santiago Oaks and Whiting, including work with teams from Fox Racing and Oakley. The Bomber Crew replaced the flag at The Luge. OCMB collaborated with the Laguna Canyon Foundation in the coastal parks. Even Tommy H brought out crews to give back to their trails. And our many ride groups donated time such as Girlz Gone Riding at O'Neill and Linked Cycling in Aliso Woods Canyon. OCMTBA has been honored to support these and many other groups with quarterly mixers, social media promotion, tool supply, as well as food and incentives as requested.
And we've got more exciting news on this front, Yamaha Outdoor Access has graciously support our OC Strike Team with eBikes, trails and tools. These are going to be deployed in the coming year for OCMTBA trail maintenance - demonstrating that we understand the importance to give back with some "trail love".
And how about more places to ride? We drove two dozen advocacy efforts this year. In April we hosted our Open Space Explore (OSE) at the new Gyspum Canyon. And then in May we saw the opening of the third new OC Parks Irvine Ranch Open Space properties, Red Rock Wilderness. We did another OSE there in July with our friends at Trail Angels. We had several meetings with CA State Parks to make sure that the lease on San Onofre State Beach ("Dog Park") was successfully renewed in October. And then in November, the City of San Clemente signed the contract to begin construction on the first sanctioned pump track in OC, with support from Shimano MTB, OCMTBA and Friends of San Clemente. We can't wait for the Spring grand opening at Richard T Steed Memorial. As we march forward, we continue site identifications for pump tracks and bike skills parks with Irvine, Laguna Beach, Santa Ana and the OC Parks Craig Park Bike Facility all making material progress. And our fingers are crossed that we will see the opening of the Gateway Preserve park in the coming year.
OCMTBA has been priviledged with the feedback from our own Advisory Council as well as to be participant in several similar partner groups. And we are so fortunate to be included in a multitude of conversations with the USFS, CA State Parks, OC Parks and numerous Cities regarding protection of our access to their existing systems as well as growth of trail mileage to support the wonderful expansion of our community's and all outdoor recreation activity.
This was a great year for community gathering with seventeen major events. We enjoyed activities like Take a Kid Riding in April and supporting Sprockids Shred Fest in November.. We honored our #TrailHeroes with a premier of Ritual's Anytime to kick off CA MTB Month in June, one of several events our community enjoyed at the beautiful Rivian South Coast Theater. RIGd Supply generously donated the "merch" proceeds from their "Rough Roads" premier. We had booth presence at the Sea Otter, Over the Hump races, Coast Film Festival and Laguna Beach Chamber events. We also were able to join and support many community rides over the course of the year, several memorial gatherings, traditional events like the RocknRoad A1, Troy Lee athlete gatherings and so much more. And then in November, we joined Team Africa Rising, Linked Cycling and thinkMTB in hosting the party of the year, the Good Dirt Ride! What a great way to celebrate our MTB community with nearly 700 riders enjoying the ride, the fellowship, and the fun afterwards...and some of the proceeds even go to your own trails!
OCMTBA had a blast working with the phenomenal industry supporters and partners and our own social clubs in providing events that brought all of us together to celebrate the joys of our sports, our friends and the privledge we have of the opportunity to get outside.
We believe that communication is key. Beyond the mixers, the events, and the consistent
presence at venues, we also strive to keep everyone connected via our newsletters and
social media presence. We keep active in not only IMBA, but also CAMTB to make sure we
track on all things mountain bike related from both a state and national perspective.
OCMTBA understands that part of our role is to link not only our region's riders, but to also
keep a pulse on all that is happening relevant to our sport and passion.
"It takes a village". This statement could not apply more than it does for Orange County Mountain Biking. As we look back on 2024, it is with great appreciation for the incredible support we have recieved from industry, influencers, local bike shops and most of all - YOU. REI participated in our Retailer program and hosted our advisory council meetings. Troy Lee provided panel athletes like Jaxson Riddle and Kyle Strait. Folks like Richie Schley, Hans Rey, Cam Zink and Brian Lopes contributed their insights and sports leadership. Our friends at Cassette & Co.Bicyclist Supply supplied us with branded gear. And nearly 300 of you have chosen to support us with a membership contribution.
We are blessed to have such a strong MTB community, it is our strength and we are thrilled to have a small part in organizing, communicating and advocating for this group.
Thank you!
In closing, please allow us to restate our gratitude to
serve as your representatives. The OCMTBA Executive
Team has worked tirelessly for you because they are
committed to making a difference, to being a part of
protecting and expanding our trail access for this and
future generations of MTB'rs. It's been an awesome
2024, we can't wait to see what 2025 brings us!
IMBA