Malibu Creek State Park

Apparently confused as to whether to arrive at 7:30 or 8:00, the rain decided not to show up. Instead simply cool weather enveloping earlier dampened tread brought us a beautiful day for riding. Hundreds of riders showed up for CORBA's 19th annual birthday party and fund raiser. And a good time was had by all. Quite a few RCYers as well as other familiar faces were seen throughout the day. Booths offered everything from free swag to exotic bike test rides. Raffle tickets were sold all morning long as excited riders started off on the Poker Ride. Marla Streb--2004 U.S. National Downhill Champ--and Expert rider Mike Aucutt led a large group of riders up the Bulldog Climb and later conducted a skills clinic. There was even a bicycle log pull contest that rumor has it our very own Nelson performed strongly in. A wonderful lunch was served with your choice of either Mexican or Italian (or both for us hogs) followed by birthday cake. And finally a few thank you speeches interspersed during the much anticipated raffle that ended the festivities.

Now some photos with the lovely and talented Marla Streb as the featured rider....

Marla Streb prepares to lead a group ride

The almost equally lovely and talented Nelson, Ali, and John prepare to follow Marla

John poses with Marla

Both are natives of Baltimore and enjoyed chatting about their birth city

I, too, wanted my photo taken with the downhill champ

A large contingent followed Marla past the upper Poker Run location all the way to the top of Bulldog.

Posing at the top with their apples are the Appleman himself, Matthew, along with John, Mario, Aaron, Shah (top row),

Yang, Ali, Miyuki, and Ken (bottom row)

Marla victorious at the top of Bulldog

Marla leads the large contingent of riders back down Bulldog Motorway

so that she could return to the ride start to lead a skills clinic

The activities included body painting

(actually, I took a spill in the Rock Garden on the return)

Marla and Mike Aucutt lead the Skills Clinic under beautiful skies

With CORBA Trail Crew leader Hans listening, Marla speaks during the raffle and awards ceremonies

Several RCYers did well during the raffle. Matthew came away with a nice windbreaker and I won a Park Tool Package worth $150. But the big winner amongst us was Nelson who nabbed the Santa Cruz Jackal, a cool free-ride bike. Now Nelson has a state-wide collection of great downhill bikes stored in locations from Los Angeles to Mammoth ;o).

Actually, I hope that it was CORBA that was the big winner, that they raised lots of money to fund their operations. For they are our voices on the trail, representing the opportunities and rights and responsibilities of mountain bikers in the L.A. area. Hopefully you are a member....if not, sign up at www.corbamtb.com .

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