MORCA - Monterey Off Road Cycling Association
- Join the MORCA Mailing List.
- Next Monthly Meeting:
- Monday 3/1 - 6:30pm - English Ales - Marina, CA - Click for Directions
- Weekly Rides:
- Saturday Family Ride - Check here/email each week
- Wednesday - Fort Ord Night Rides 6-9pm Rain Cancels
- Riding Weather? Visit the National Weather Service Forecast for Our Area.
- Next Monthly Meeting:
- Monday 3/1 - 6:30pm - English Ales - Marina, CA - Click for Directions
- Weekly Rides:
- Saturday Family Ride - Check here/email each week
- Wednesday - Fort Ord Night Rides 6-9pm Rain Cancels
- Riding Weather? Visit the National Weather Service Forecast for Our Area.
Ft Ord Night Ride
The weather report is in favor of a night ride.
If not Wednesday, then Thursday night. The decision whether we ride or not is made by the BLM Ft Ord management team. President Gary will be in contact with Eric and Bruce. When we get the Go Ahead, we will post the sign-up. Stay tuned for more details.
posted: 9 Feb, 2010
The weather report is in favor of a night ride.
If not Wednesday, then Thursday night. The decision whether we ride or not is made by the BLM Ft Ord management team. President Gary will be in contact with Eric and Bruce. When we get the Go Ahead, we will post the sign-up. Stay tuned for more details.
posted: 9 Feb, 2010
Trail Work Tools
Know Your Trail Work Tools
Pulaski: Developed to grub and chop duff during forest fires, the Pulaski combines an axe bit with an adz-shaped grub hoe on a 36 inch wood or fiberglass handle. It is preferred by many trail crews for loosening dirt, cutting through roots, or grubbing brush because it is widely available and easier to carry than single-purpose tools. Unlike grub hoes or mattocks the Pulaski is a sharp-edged tool, and should not be used in rocky soil. With the bit and adz keenly honed, a Pulaski is an excellent woodworking tool for shaping the notches and joints of turnpikes, bridges, and other timber projects. A sharpened Pulaski should be marked to discourage anyone from mistakenly dulling a Pulaski meant for timber work by using it for digging.
Safety tip: Work with Pulaski in front of you. Never swing above shoulder level.
Visit Tools for Trails
posted: 8 Feb, 2010
Pulaski: Developed to grub and chop duff during forest fires, the Pulaski combines an axe bit with an adz-shaped grub hoe on a 36 inch wood or fiberglass handle. It is preferred by many trail crews for loosening dirt, cutting through roots, or grubbing brush because it is widely available and easier to carry than single-purpose tools. Unlike grub hoes or mattocks the Pulaski is a sharp-edged tool, and should not be used in rocky soil. With the bit and adz keenly honed, a Pulaski is an excellent woodworking tool for shaping the notches and joints of turnpikes, bridges, and other timber projects. A sharpened Pulaski should be marked to discourage anyone from mistakenly dulling a Pulaski meant for timber work by using it for digging.
Visit Tools for Trails
posted: 8 Feb, 2010
MORCA Wildcat Mountain Biking Jersey
RAD! To the Power of Sick!
Whatever that means...
Order Your MORCA Wildcat Jersey Now and save $15.00 !
Orders Placed Before February 18th:
Men's short sleeve sport cut: $60.00
Women's short sleeve sport cut: $60.00
Men's long sleeve sport cut: $75.00
Orders after 2/18 - Prices (Limited Availability)
Men's short sleeve sport cut: $75.00
Women's short sleeve sport cut: $75.00
No long sleeve available after Pre-Order
Shipping will be $10.00 via USPS.
Avoid Shipping and pick up your jersey at a ride or meeting.
posted: 4 Feb, 2010
Whatever that means...
Order Your MORCA Wildcat Jersey Now and save $15.00 !
Orders Placed Before February 18th:
Men's short sleeve sport cut: $60.00
Women's short sleeve sport cut: $60.00
Men's long sleeve sport cut: $75.00
Orders after 2/18 - Prices (Limited Availability)
Men's short sleeve sport cut: $75.00
Women's short sleeve sport cut: $75.00
No long sleeve available after Pre-Order
Shipping will be $10.00 via USPS.
Avoid Shipping and pick up your jersey at a ride or meeting.
posted: 4 Feb, 2010
MORCA Monthly Meeting - February
Minutes from the February MORCA Monthly meeting are now available. Read about the New Dues, Night Riding on Ft Ord, the upcoming Sea Otter Classic, 501C3... the latest news on TORO from Ranger Jason... Ft Ord Updates and Trailwork...
FEBRUARY MINUTES
posted: 4 Feb, 2010
Minutes from the February MORCA Monthly meeting are now available. Read about the New Dues, Night Riding on Ft Ord, the upcoming Sea Otter Classic, 501C3... the latest news on TORO from Ranger Jason... Ft Ord Updates and Trailwork...
FEBRUARY MINUTES
posted: 4 Feb, 2010
Bob's Big Biff
Wednesday's Night Ride had everything going for it. There was a half-moon scheduled to shine. The rain stopped a few days ago and wouldn't be back until Thursday. The temperature was right for riding. Lots of riders showed up at the lot and papers were presented and fees and waivers dealt with in a timely fashion. Thanks Bob... for stepping up.
The "A's" and the "B's" hung together for a while until the "A's" split off in the Little Moab area. Down on Machine Gun Flats the groups rejoined. On the way to the Ammo Supply Point the "A's" pulled out again and maintained the distance to the Confluence of 50/50/49/Eucalyptus. The "A's" ascended one side and the "B's" retraced their tracks back up toward Machine Gun Flats.
The "B's" made their way back along Machine Gun Flats toward Little Moab and began the long descent down Trail 68. Up ahead I saw the wild display of lights in erratic and nonuniform spectacle. The riders were off their bikes and attending to something non bike. I saw the riderless bike laying off the trail. I approached and saw the rider emerging from the manzanita holding his mouth. I watched the blood ooze from between his fingers.
Theories were presented... Courses of action were discussed... First aid kits emerged... Recommendations were made... Treatment was started... Plans were made... Guardians were promoted... The MORCA contingency plan was implemented. The injured rider was assessed and safely returned where more First Aid was provided and where a trip to CHOMP ensued.
Six stitches later and all is well. Bob plans to be back next Wednesday which according to the weather man... will be another night that will have everything going for it.
posted: 3 Feb, 2010
Wednesday's Night Ride had everything going for it. There was a half-moon scheduled to shine. The rain stopped a few days ago and wouldn't be back until Thursday. The temperature was right for riding. Lots of riders showed up at the lot and papers were presented and fees and waivers dealt with in a timely fashion. Thanks Bob... for stepping up.
The "A's" and the "B's" hung together for a while until the "A's" split off in the Little Moab area. Down on Machine Gun Flats the groups rejoined. On the way to the Ammo Supply Point the "A's" pulled out again and maintained the distance to the Confluence of 50/50/49/Eucalyptus. The "A's" ascended one side and the "B's" retraced their tracks back up toward Machine Gun Flats.
The "B's" made their way back along Machine Gun Flats toward Little Moab and began the long descent down Trail 68. Up ahead I saw the wild display of lights in erratic and nonuniform spectacle. The riders were off their bikes and attending to something non bike. I saw the riderless bike laying off the trail. I approached and saw the rider emerging from the manzanita holding his mouth. I watched the blood ooze from between his fingers.
Theories were presented... Courses of action were discussed... First aid kits emerged... Recommendations were made... Treatment was started... Plans were made... Guardians were promoted... The MORCA contingency plan was implemented. The injured rider was assessed and safely returned where more First Aid was provided and where a trip to CHOMP ensued.
Six stitches later and all is well. Bob plans to be back next Wednesday which according to the weather man... will be another night that will have everything going for it.
posted: 3 Feb, 2010
Weather Forecast for Ft Ord
Wednesday... maybe Thursday Night Ride Weather
Live Link to NOAA Weather Website
Click for an Up To Date Ft Ord Weather Forecast from NOAA
Ride Responsibly
posted: 3 Feb, 2010
Live Link to NOAA Weather Website
Click for an Up To Date Ft Ord Weather Forecast from NOAA
Ride Responsibly
posted: 3 Feb, 2010
California Tiger Salamander
California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma Californiense, or CTS)
Breeding Behavior
In early winter, just after sufficient rains have fallen for the ground to be moist and for temporary pools to begin to form, these salamanders begin their nocturnal breeding migration. On rainy nights, the adults emerge from their underground burrows and roam, often more than a mile, to lay their eggs in these newly replenished vernal pools. Males typically outnumber females and often precede females to the ponds.
Threatened
A threatened species, estimated to have disappeared from more than 50 percent of its historic range. Many populations have been extirpated due to loss of or fragmenting of suitable habitat through urbanization and agriculture. Hybridization with non-native Tiger Salamanders also threatens the continuity of this species. CTS are listed, under the Federal Endangered Species Act as "threatened." The California Fish and Game Commission in February of 2009 designated the California tiger salamander as a "candidate" for threatened or endangered status.
Description
California Tiger Salamanders are considerably large for today’s amphibians. The male can reach 8.5 inches long and the females 7 inches. Males differ from females in their overall size as well as their enlarged cloacae during breeding season. The adults are stocky with round heads, protruding black eyes and long tails that curl around their body. They are slick, glistening black with yellowish spots and stripes on their back, sides and tail. These markings slightly resemble those of a tiger and earn the species their name. This yellowish color also outlines their wide mouth, which gives the appearance of broad painted smile. Like other salamanders, its body is low to the ground and its four legs protrude sideways from its body as though it were ready to run.
posted: 1 Feb, 2010
California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma Californiense, or CTS)
Breeding Behavior
In early winter, just after sufficient rains have fallen for the ground to be moist and for temporary pools to begin to form, these salamanders begin their nocturnal breeding migration. On rainy nights, the adults emerge from their underground burrows and roam, often more than a mile, to lay their eggs in these newly replenished vernal pools. Males typically outnumber females and often precede females to the ponds.
Threatened
A threatened species, estimated to have disappeared from more than 50 percent of its historic range. Many populations have been extirpated due to loss of or fragmenting of suitable habitat through urbanization and agriculture. Hybridization with non-native Tiger Salamanders also threatens the continuity of this species. CTS are listed, under the Federal Endangered Species Act as "threatened." The California Fish and Game Commission in February of 2009 designated the California tiger salamander as a "candidate" for threatened or endangered status.
Description
California Tiger Salamanders are considerably large for today’s amphibians. The male can reach 8.5 inches long and the females 7 inches. Males differ from females in their overall size as well as their enlarged cloacae during breeding season. The adults are stocky with round heads, protruding black eyes and long tails that curl around their body. They are slick, glistening black with yellowish spots and stripes on their back, sides and tail. These markings slightly resemble those of a tiger and earn the species their name. This yellowish color also outlines their wide mouth, which gives the appearance of broad painted smile. Like other salamanders, its body is low to the ground and its four legs protrude sideways from its body as though it were ready to run.
posted: 1 Feb, 2010
Ft Ord Trailwork - Goat Trail
Twelve hardy trailworkers showed up for Saturday morning trailwork. We biked or caravaned to Boy Scout lake the termination point of the Goat Trail (41). We could not help but be entranced by the beauty of the mid-winter green grasses and flowers in bloom as a result of the recent rain.
Ranger Tammy and Ft Ord Resource Director Eric Morgan guided us on the goals and nuances of trail work along the way.
I was amazed and impressed with the level of effort put out by MORCA volunteers. Henri, Tom, Nick, Noah, Phillip, Darius, Jason, Daphne, and others worked the whole morning.
I was off trail a few feet working on the tail end of a waterbar when I noticed I was standing in a patch of leafless PO. Thanks to Tom who was standing nearby and had an ample supply of TecNu.
posted: 30 Jan, 2010
Twelve hardy trailworkers showed up for Saturday morning trailwork. We biked or caravaned to Boy Scout lake the termination point of the Goat Trail (41). We could not help but be entranced by the beauty of the mid-winter green grasses and flowers in bloom as a result of the recent rain.
Ranger Tammy and Ft Ord Resource Director Eric Morgan guided us on the goals and nuances of trail work along the way.
I was amazed and impressed with the level of effort put out by MORCA volunteers. Henri, Tom, Nick, Noah, Phillip, Darius, Jason, Daphne, and others worked the whole morning.
I was off trail a few feet working on the tail end of a waterbar when I noticed I was standing in a patch of leafless PO. Thanks to Tom who was standing nearby and had an ample supply of TecNu.
posted: 30 Jan, 2010
Summer Mountain Biking at Lake Tahoe
MORCA Goes MTB Tahoe
Weekend of Next August 14th
If you are interested, contact MORCA with your estimated number of participants and which nights you will be staying.
Email MORCA with Your Info
posted: 26 Jan, 2010
Weekend of Next August 14th
If you are interested, contact MORCA with your estimated number of participants and which nights you will be staying.
Email MORCA with Your Info
posted: 26 Jan, 2010
Daphne's Rainbow Ride
I rode this afternoon from 8th and Gigling and I didn't get too wet!
It was beautiful out on the trails! There was sun and rain and rainbows! I avoided the meadows and anywhere I knew might be muddy. I rode up to fence line then down to the road, over to 70 and across to the dirt road and up to the weather station, down to Machine Gun Flats Road and across to the bench trail.
The sand had soaked up the rain and the trails were soooo good. There were some puddles to ride through; the most notable one was on the way down to the bench from the top. Then I rode over toward East Garrison; up to the top of 68 where I was looking over toward Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz mountains with thunder heads over them and looking back over to Salinas to Fremont Peak with a rainbow across the sky. I rode down 67 and across on our new trail section of 69; it's nicely packed in, there are a few small puddles at the beginning, then I went through the travel camp and back.
The sandy sections after the big sand (which is totally rideable now) is a big and deep! puddle. I was in it and discovered I had to pedal to get through it and both feet ended up getting soaked!
-Daphne
posted: 23 Jan, 2010
It was beautiful out on the trails! There was sun and rain and rainbows! I avoided the meadows and anywhere I knew might be muddy. I rode up to fence line then down to the road, over to 70 and across to the dirt road and up to the weather station, down to Machine Gun Flats Road and across to the bench trail.
The sand had soaked up the rain and the trails were soooo good. There were some puddles to ride through; the most notable one was on the way down to the bench from the top. Then I rode over toward East Garrison; up to the top of 68 where I was looking over toward Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz mountains with thunder heads over them and looking back over to Salinas to Fremont Peak with a rainbow across the sky. I rode down 67 and across on our new trail section of 69; it's nicely packed in, there are a few small puddles at the beginning, then I went through the travel camp and back.
The sandy sections after the big sand (which is totally rideable now) is a big and deep! puddle. I was in it and discovered I had to pedal to get through it and both feet ended up getting soaked!
-Daphne
posted: 23 Jan, 2010
Good Morning MORCA!
If you ever get the chance, check out the trails in our Southern Sister County, San Luis Obispo. When you do, drop us a line and we'll post your ride report right here.
Mountain Bike San Luis Obispo County
posted: 23 Jan, 2010
If you ever get the chance, check out the trails in our Southern Sister County, San Luis Obispo. When you do, drop us a line and we'll post your ride report right here.
Mountain Bike San Luis Obispo County
posted: 23 Jan, 2010
Smith's Blue Butterfly
Photo - Smith's Blue Butterfly by Don Roberson
Visit Smith's Blue Butterfly Website
posted: 22 Jan, 2010
Photo - Smith's Blue Butterfly by Don Roberson
Visit Smith's Blue Butterfly Website
posted: 22 Jan, 2010
Tread Lightly
MORCA's Rules to Ride By...
Quick Tips for Responsible Mountain Biking
Travel responsibly on designated trails in permitted areas.
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS
AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS
DO YOUR PART
Read our Rules - Visit TreadLightly.org
posted: 15 Jan, 2010
MORCA's Rules to Ride By...
Quick Tips for Responsible Mountain Biking
Travel responsibly on designated trails in permitted areas.
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS
AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS
DO YOUR PART
Read our Rules - Visit TreadLightly.org
posted: 15 Jan, 2010
Sea Otter Registration is Open
Sea Otter Classic Discounts!
Register early.
Visit Sea Otter Classic Website
Did you say Discounts? That is right! You can get a $10 discount code for your registration via MORCA! Club members can email President Gary to get the code that will keep some of the cash in your pocket. Get on it!
In addition, if anyone wants to CAMP at SOC, We also have a discount
code for you!
posted: 10 Jan, 2010
Sea Otter Classic Discounts!
Register early.
Visit Sea Otter Classic Website
Did you say Discounts? That is right! You can get a $10 discount code for your registration via MORCA! Club members can email President Gary to get the code that will keep some of the cash in your pocket. Get on it!
In addition, if anyone wants to CAMP at SOC, We also have a discount
code for you!
posted: 10 Jan, 2010
January 2010 Merry MORCA Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the January meeting are now available. Read about the New Dues, the hilarious Holiday Party of Night Riding on Ft Ord, the upcoming Sea Otter Classic, 501C... the latest news on new Pipeline Trail at TORO...
MINUTES
posted: 7 Jan, 2010
Minutes from the January meeting are now available. Read about the New Dues, the hilarious Holiday Party of Night Riding on Ft Ord, the upcoming Sea Otter Classic, 501C... the latest news on new Pipeline Trail at TORO...
MINUTES
posted: 7 Jan, 2010
Toro Team Tightens Up Pipeline Trail
We had a great time on the trail today. Lots of progress is being made by our friends in the Highway 68 Hillbillies and MORCA. Today the uphill work section was brushed out to the downhill work section! We also were able to get quite a bit more tread roughed out. Still lots more to do! Now all who wanted to avoid the PO can come out and help fine tune the route and tread. And for the adventurous, you can try the route down, but be aware that it is not fully completed...
-Ken and Joel
posted: 3 Jan, 2010
We had a great time on the trail today. Lots of progress is being made by our friends in the Highway 68 Hillbillies and MORCA. Today the uphill work section was brushed out to the downhill work section! We also were able to get quite a bit more tread roughed out. Still lots more to do! Now all who wanted to avoid the PO can come out and help fine tune the route and tread. And for the adventurous, you can try the route down, but be aware that it is not fully completed...
-Ken and Joel
posted: 3 Jan, 2010
Night Riding Lessons
Mountain Bike Magazine on Night Riding
"The ideal light setup combines a helmet-mounted spotlight and a bar-mounted unit with a broad-coverage beam. But if you can afford only one, a helmet-mounted light is better because it directs the light where you are looking."
How To MTB at Night
Night MTBing Safety Guide
www.MTBR.com Bike Light Reviews
posted: 31 Dec, 2009
Mountain Bike Magazine on Night Riding
"The ideal light setup combines a helmet-mounted spotlight and a bar-mounted unit with a broad-coverage beam. But if you can afford only one, a helmet-mounted light is better because it directs the light where you are looking."
How To MTB at Night
Night MTBing Safety Guide
www.MTBR.com Bike Light Reviews
posted: 31 Dec, 2009
MORCA Monthly Meeting - December Minutes
Minutes from the December meeting are now available. Read about the continued success of Night Riding on Ft Ord, the upcoming Sea Otter Classic, 501C... the latest news on MORCA Dues for 2010 and TORO...
MINUTES
posted: 10 Dec, 2009
Minutes from the December meeting are now available. Read about the continued success of Night Riding on Ft Ord, the upcoming Sea Otter Classic, 501C... the latest news on MORCA Dues for 2010 and TORO...
MINUTES
posted: 10 Dec, 2009
MORCA Google Email Group
posted: 25 Nov, 2009
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| Subscribe to Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association (MORCA) |
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posted: 25 Nov, 2009
