โFirst off, people canโt be posers,โ Corbin Dunn says.
Riding a 36โ fat-wheeled Coker unicycle, Dunn powers up a steep road in Los Gatos on a weeknight ride with a motley contingent of mountain unicyclists. The lone wheel is enormous. He powers up hill faster than a typical mountain biker. On the descents, his legs spin madly, trying to keep his feet on the pedals. He has broken his โhandlebar,โ a small carbon-fiber nub under his seat. Regardless, he aims for a berm on the side of the road. He bails at the last second, falling nearly four feet off his perch. He remounts in one fluid succession of movements.
While municipal bigwigs argue whether Santa Cruz or Huntington Beach can claim the title of being the original Surf City, Santa Cruzians continue to live the California beach lifestyle. With an envious blend of coastline and public open space, local garages are commonly packed with bikes, surfboards and kayaks rather than cars.
In 1982, a McDonald's in the sun-scorched desert town of Blythe was the fueling station for the lead racer in the inaugural version of a solo cycling race across the entire continental United States. That racer was Lon Haldeman. He rode on junk food, little water and even less sleep for the next nine days and 20 hours to win the first-ever Race Across America (RAAM) out of a field of four.
The late 1970s and the early โ80s were a time of fierce and friendly competition to claim first kayak and raft descents down hundreds of miles of unexplored California rivers. In order to make a successful first descent more likely, most boaters explored Sierra rivers in teams. Two teams stood out for the number and difficulty of first runs they made -- the team of Reg Lake, Doug Tompkins, and Royal Robbins, which came to be known as the โBilly Goat Crew;โ and the team of Lars Holbeck, Chuck Stanley and Richard Montgomery, known as โThe Hipsters on the Move.โ
Itโs springtime. There is still snow on the mountain passes, but some of it has started to melt. Rivers are beginning to run, creating ideal playground flows for boaters. And the winds that surge in with March and
April are arriving in gusts, churning up waves. Conditions are perfect for playing outside.
The improvement of stoves and hydrate-and-serve backpacking cuisine has fostered a culinary appreciation even amongst light-and-fast aficionados. But before they can argue the finer points of rehydrating their backcountry delicacies, they have to pick a stove, which can be a very tough choice, indeed. Here is a breakdown of the different stove types and what sets each one apart:
If your dog looks like an Alaskan malamute or a Swiss mountain dog, chances are your pooch takes to snow like a five-year-old Norwegian kid. Certain dog breeds, such as Huskies and St. Bernardโs, have been bred for cold weather pursuits for centuries.
However, if your dog is not one of those thick-coat snow-adapted canines and spends most of his days running around in milder climates and suburban backyards, you may need to prep your pooch before heading for the high country, perhaps even buy him a new outfit or at least some winter accessories.
No trees? No problem!โ โ The Nomad Hammock Stand lets outdoor lovers relax anywhere โ campgrounds, beaches, backyards, you name it. Lightweight, portable, and easy to set up, itโs the perfect gift for adventurers this holiday season.โ โ โจ No trees requiredโ โจ Quick and durable setupโ โจ Compatible with most hammocksโ โ Give the gift of freedom and relaxation to your favorite explorer. ๐๏ธโ โ Click the link in our bio for more info. ๐ โฌ๏ธโ โ Who on your list would love this? ๐โ โ #NoTreesNoProblem #HolidayGifts #OutdoorGearโ โ โ โ โ โ โ ...
Share the magic of Yosemite this season! ๐ฒ ๐๏ธ โ โ Just moments from the park, Evergreen Lodge blends outdoor adventure with cozy charmโperfect for unforgettable getaways or a thoughtful gift for nature lovers.๐ฅพ ๐โ โ Click the link in our bio for more info! ๐ โฌ๏ธ โ โ @yosemite_evergreen โ โ #YosemiteAdventures #EvergreenLodge #ExploreCalifornia #NatureLoversParadise #CozyGetaways #OutdoorEscape #VisitYosemite #NationalParkRetreat #AdventureAwaits #HolidayInNature...
For Adventurers Who Wander โจ ๐ฅพโ โ Support their love for the outdoors with the Kula Cloth โ an eco-friendly, reusable essential designed for anyone who squats when they pee (or uses a pee-funnel). ๐ฟ ๐งปโ โ Perfect for hiking, camping, or any adventure. Practical, sustainable, and made for the trail. ๐ ๐ฒโ โ Click the link in our bio for more info. ๐ โฌ๏ธโ โ #KulaCloth #LeaveNoTrace #NoWaste #SustainableGear #WomenWhoExplore #EcoFriendlyGifts #OutdoorGear #HikingGear #AdventureReady #TrailEssentials #GiftIdeas #SustainableLiving #WomenInTheWild #AdventureGiftsโ ...
Take Gifting to New Heights! ๐โ๏ธโ โ Looking for a standout holiday gift? Specialized Helicopters and Aviation offers scenic helicopter tours and plane rides over Californiaโs breathtaking landscapes, including Big Sur and Monterey Bay. With gift certificates available, you can give your loved ones an unforgettable experience from above. ๐ โ โ Click the link in our bio to learn more. ๐ โฌ๏ธโ โ #GiftIdeas #HelicopterTours #PlaneRides #AdventureGifts #ExploreCalifornia...
Do you know a young adventurer who might thrive in an unforgettable high school experience? ๐ โ โ Applications for the Great Outdoor Adventure Team 2025-2026 school year are now open! Apply by January 25, 2025, with financial aid applications due February 1, 2025. Share this opportunity and help inspire future leaders! ๐๏ธ โ โ Click the link in our bio to learn more about this unique opportunity. ๐ โ โฌ๏ธโ โ #OutdoorLearning #AdventureEducation #FutureLeadersโ ...
Looking for the perfect getaway gift? ๐ โ โ Grab a ticket to Bishop and soak in the amazing views of the Eastern Sierra. In just under an hour, youโll be all set to hike, fish, climb, bike, ski, and explore. โ๏ธ โ โ With seasonal flights from San Francisco and easy access to iconic national parks, itโs the gift of adventure and natural beauty. ๐๏ธ โ โ Tap the link in our bio for additional details. โฌ๏ธ...
Hit the Slopes with Dodge Ridge`s 4 Day Pass! ๐ฟโ โ Experience 1,600 vertical feet, 67 trails, and 862 skiable acres with NO blackout datesโincluding weekends and holidays! โ โ๏ธ โ For just $399, enjoy 4 days of unlimited access this winter season. โ @dodgeridge โ ๐ Looking for a last-minute holiday idea? This pass is perfect for making winter memories! โ โ Secure your pass today and make this winter unforgettable!โ โ Click the link in our bio to learn more. โฌ๏ธโ โ ...
Bring joy to someoneโs winter with a gift certificate to June Mountain! ๐ โ โ Whether itโs carving turns with friends or exploring backcountry guided tours, thereโs something for everyone. Plus, kids ski & ride FREE, making it a favorite for all ages. โท๏ธโ๏ธ โ โ See the link in our bio to learn more. ๐ โฌ๏ธ โ โ #GiftIdeas #JuneMountain #WinterAdventure #SkiSeason...
Coming to a local outdoor shop near you! ๐ Pick up your FREE copy of ASJ at your favorite shop or grab one at a California @rei, @trekbikes, @mikesbikes, or a @touchstoneclimbing gym near you. โจ
Independent media and brick-and-mortar shops are the backbone of our community. Letโs keep them thriving! ๐ฌโค๏ธ
๐ Perfect for the Water Lover in Your Life! ๐โ โ Surprise your loved ones with a Kayak Connection gift certificate โ perfect for exploring Elkhorn Slough or the breathtaking waters of Monterey Bay! From classes and rentals to guided tours, this gift opens the door to unforgettable adventures. ๐ฃโโ๏ธ๐โ โ Keep an eye out for sea otters, harbor seals, seabirds, and even whales while paddling! ๐ณโจโ โ ๐ Learn more and purchase: @kayakconnectionโ โ #GiftOfAdventure #KayakingExperience #WhaleWatching #ExploreMontereyBay #SupportLocal #HolidayGiftIdeas...
Looking for the perfect gift for the surfer in your life? ๐๐โโ๏ธ
Moved By Bikes Surfboard Racks are the ultimate solution for easy, eco-friendly transportation to the waves. These sturdy and adjustable racks let surfers hit the road without the hassle of a car. Durable, sleek, and perfect for adventurers who value both style and sustainability.
Whether theyโre cruising to a local break or navigating a bumpy trail, Moved By Bikes keeps the stoke alive, no matter the ride. ๐ด
๐ Add it to your gift list and give the surfer in your life the freedom to ride!
Explore redwoods like never before with Mount Hermon Adventures canopy tour. Complete with a ropes course, zip line and countless challenges for every level ๐ฒ this interactive tour lets you experience all that the Santa Cruz mountains have to offer โฐ๏ธ๐
Use promo code ASJ15 for 15% off your next redwood adventure.