Author: Tracy Barbutes

🚨We interrupt your scrolling for an important announcement🚨The latest issue issue of ASJ is hitting the streets right now. Woohoo! This issue we profile mountain bike activist and ambassador Kurt Gensheimer with an eye opening feature by journalist Jim Scripps and this amazing cover photo by Rick Gunn. Kurt’s evolution from angry agitator to community builder reads like a mountain bike history lesson spanning multiple states and almost two decades.

ASJ is in a quixotic battle for survival against Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and whatever else keeps us glued to our smart phones, We cannot survive without people like YOU!

If you feel called to support us please become a member. You can choose a monthly plan that includes a subscription and helps us survive another day. It costs about $20K to publish each issue and lately our profit margin is so thin you might as well call it breaking even. We can’t fight the digital empire without your help and the outdoor companies who have kept us alive for over twenty years with their hard earned advertising dollars. ...

SAVE THE DATE for the @banffmountainfestival World Tour, hosted at the @riotheatresantacruz on September 17th!! ...

The #CaldorFire and #DixieFire are two of the largest forest fires in California history, their smoke stretching across California into neighboring states. We are keeping our friends up north in our thoughts during this tragic time. 📸 @chrismatography ...

As we continue to keep our friends in Northern California in our thoughts during this tragic time, we look to the silver linings and appreciate moments like these. @tahoebackcountry riding through his “backyard” 🏔🌲 ...

"This is not an individual issue but rather a systemic one. Now that the history has been shared alongside continuous asks from the Washoe community to stop the siren since 2006, will the town come together to stop it? This is a great opportunity for a truly respectful outcome, one in the direction of greater community health and mutual respect." Excerpt from our latest article, link in bio! ⁠
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Stacey Burns at the may 29th Stop the Siren protest. Stacey is of Numu and Washoe descent. ⁠
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📸: Hope Dressler ...

Six years ago Kim Gardner was a rock and ice climbing physical therapist with advanced degrees and a new boyfriend. These days, reading gives her an excruciating headache. Socializing for a few hours makes her nauseous for days. Struggling to decipher a food label can make her cry. Read all about her incredible story on our website, link in bio ⁠
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Photo: Jesse Rothert ...

On May 29th, when Riders Against Racism mountain bikers joined members of the Washoe and Paiute tribes on their ancestral lands in the Minden Park, a Minden local named Matt Bernard spoke to the crowd. He said local residents have nothing but love for the Washoe Tribe, and as evidence, he pointed to a plaque in the park that honored Washoe people who had served the country in war. In one breath it seemed Bernard was paying respect to the Washoe and justifying the siren at the same time. “I want everyone to know that the people of Minden don’t have any animosity, they only have a love for the Washoe.”⁠
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Read more on our website, link in bio 🔗⁠
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Photo: Cathy Claesson ...

Chris and Marissa Neely live aboard their 41’ sailboat (@svavocet) preparing to sail the world. Last month they returned to their roots to sail their first boat on their home lake in the annual High Sierra Regatta ⛵️ Read their POV race recap, 🔗 link in bio!

📸: @qmtravels @mitchisword ...

Dogs make great adventure buddies! Do you hike with your furry friend? ...

Estuaries form along the coast, where sea and fresh water mingle, creating a unique habitat. California has a number of them, with the Elkhorn Slough off Monterey Bay being one of the biggest. It is also home to the state’s largest population of sea otters. Seven hundred species of plants and animals live on the protected flats of the slough, making it the place for wildlife viewing. Mornings are a good time to beat the wind and it is never a bad idea to check the tides as well. 😁 Read more in the recent post, link in bio! ...

Ready to test out a longboard or SUP in the surf? Summer is a prime time to hit one of California’s baby beach breaks, with warmer water and breezes. We love Mondos in Ventura County for its long rolling waves, friendly vibes, and easy parking. Some call it the Waikiki of California! Read all about it in the latest issue, link in bio!⁠
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Where is your favorite surf spot? If you want to keep it a secret, tag your second favorite 😆 ...