WE’VE got some tempting tidbits to share about goings on here in the heart of the California Alps, so before you load up that cooler and fire up that grill, take a minute to peruse these latest particularizations.

Deathride

JULY 13th. That’s the date. Saturday is the day. Back to that “Second Saturday,” the long-standing standard, we shall go. It’s likely to stay that way for at least 2-3 years. Why the change to Saturday #3 in 2022 and 2023? ’Twas at the request of our first responders, actually. July 4th weekend can tax local resources, and if the Deathride is too close to that weekend then the local LEOs and firefighters aren’t able to catch a breath. That was the case in 2022 and 2023, however for 2024 there’s a full Monday through Friday between the two and so 7-13-24 it is!

THE 43rd Edition of the – Deathride – Tour of the California Alps will again take on what I’ll refer to as the “Pacific Grade Course.” General feedback from the riders after two (2) years running that bad-ass mofo is that it’s harder than the most recent legacy course (arguably there are a few legacy courses) – Monitor, Ebbett’s, Carson – but prettier, and safer. Of the 103 miles, about 95 of those miles are on closed roads. That aspect of the ride is a massive logistical challenge yet IMHO it’s what makes the ride one of the best in the country, if not the world.

SHHH…Don’t tell. Registration is likely to open earlier this year than it has in the past. A little bird told me that the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce (organizers of “the DR”) is thinking of opening things up way before December 31st. Stay tuned, follow the DR – TOTCA Facebook page to get the latest data that matta, and we’ll see you next year!

High Roads Transition Collaborative (HRTC)

COMMUNITY. The third prong of our tagline: Advocacy. Bikes. Community. is what this is about. Coincidentally, it’s right in the Chamber’s wheelhouse, too. Champions of commerce, conveners of community and providing connections for visitors are the Chamber’s focus (and the Deathride touches on all three). As the current board president of the Chamber I’m privileged, along with my colleagues on the board, and the Executive Director and her staff, to champion those causes.

RECENTLY, I’ve been appointed to the High Roads Transition Collaborative, and am one of two Alpine county representatives. It’s yet another opportunity to pay it forward for my adopted home county. On one hand I’m wondering WTF I was thinking taking on another volunteer gig, yet on the other I feel somewhat obliged to do so. With a small budget and low tax revenues due mostly to the small population, our county, as we say, runs on grants, and volunteers. What better way to give back then to do my part to help us continue to recover from what feels like non-stop pandemic-induced PTSD.

THE HRTC will guide the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) process in the seven-county Eastern Sierra CERF region and determine what projects are ultimately funded by this initiative.

THE Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) is a statewide program that was created to promote a sustainable and equitable recovery from the economic distress of COVID-19 by supporting new plans and strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs for all Californians.

Speaking of Transitions…

HERE in Alpine County, especially in the Markleeville area, it’s not just jobs either. It’s housing. And to a certain extent, infrastructure. Housing continues to be a struggle, and infrastructure is a work in progress. We’ve got lots of bridge and road work going on this year, and next year our water system will get a massive upgrade, and Hot Springs Road will get a facelift, too.

FRIEND and local developer, Greg Hanson, is moving forward with his project: “Ambrosia.” With some cool cabins and a community collective kinda vibe, this new B&B is sure to be a hit and we can’t wait until it’s done – hopefully by fall of next year!

ANOTHER friend, and community collaborator 😉 , Tony Garcia, has opened up his Alpine Mobile Diesel shop at Al’s Got Gas, Bait and Tackle. It’s a big step forward to have a mechanic in town and we wish Tony all the best. I’ll definitely be taking our pick-up truck in to his place for service rather than humping all the way to Carson.

Happy Labor Day!

CHAINSAW master Joe T. is coming over today to help me get up to speed on the new Husky. The old one finally bit the dust and so Mrs. California Alps bought me a new Husqvarna so we could continue to clear out some of the damage from this past winter. Seems like a good way to celebrate Labor Day in the Sierra: take out some dead trees and buck up some wood for the winter.

AFTERWARDS we’ll partake of some BBQ and brew. How about you?

WISHING you and yours a not too laborious Labor Day, and sending out huge thanks to everyone who keeps things moving out there, especially to those of you who do some of those hardcore jobs that others don’t, or won’t, do. WE APPRECIATE YOU!