What's Happening this Weekend?

We are only 16 days into 2009 and check out our activity schedule! On Tuesday, at Dario's Tapas social event, I mentioned how stoked I am on the many 'personalities' of SCOA. We are hiking, scuba diving, rock climbing, mountain biking and orienteering - there is a little something for everyone.

Big News - the folks at High Trek have given us a killer discount on their upcoming adventure race. It is $38 instead of the $51.80! We only have a handful of slots left so HERE to sign up.

You may have noticed that we are stepping up our game with multi-day adventures: skiing/riding, sailing/snorkeling/scuba diving and rock climbing. We want to do more but we need to hear from you. Everyone - please take a moment to take our online Polls. Your answers will help shape what we do and when.

Emails - your feedback, questions and suggestions are awesome. For faster service regarding a particular event, contact that particular event's organizer. While I respond to all correspondence, sometimes it isn't before an event fills up. Also, most of our organizers are on FaceBook - you might try them there too. Click here their BIO's

Many of these events take weeks to organize - you are kidding yourself if you think you can wait until the last day or two to RSVP. I am just sayin' . . .

Finally - Katja and Richard are busy fleshing out the details of a pre-Valentines Day party complete with: bands, dj's, dancing and. . . Feb 13 - save the DATE.

This Weekend's Events

Utah Ski Week

with Michael Gatt

I (Michael Gatt) have use of a timeshare at Snowbird, Utah, for the week of January 17-24 (Saturday to Saturday). I have been skiing this week for almost 15 years and have rarely ever failed to have a great time. This year I'm opening up the space to SCOA members and their friends. You will not find a better deal for accommodations just steps from the slopes of a major ski resort. Click here for more details - Utah Ski Weekend

EXPLORER Hike: Upper Millard Canyon/ Mt. Wilson area 10.6 miles

with Katja

Got New Year's Resolutions? Thinking about taking on bigger activity challenges? Well- here is your opportunity to explore, exercise and enjoy nature! We will be exploring the "Upper Millard Canyon" Hike/ Mt. Wilson area. Distance: 10.6 miles Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 2700'/2700' Hiking time: 6 hours Difficulty: Moderate/ Strenuous You will be part of the explorer team... it's a new hike for me and I am excited to take the challenge with you. To Sign up click EXPLORER Hike

Performance 4 Life's Snow Sport Fit-Camp

with Chris

Kill the verticals, tame the rough, charge the steeps, and drop the hammer in the trees. Fine tune your body for the white stuff at Performance 4 Life's Snow Sport Fit-Camp. Learn the indoor secrets that will keep you outdoors longer. If you want: * strong powerful legs * a bulletproof lower back * quick agile feet * greater flexibility

NOTE: Officially we have cancelled this event but a few of you have indicated the desire to see it happen. Please contact me directly if you too would like to see it fly adventues@opticaledge.com Snow Sport Fit-Camp

Beginner mountain biking - Topanga State Park to Parker Mesa Overlook

with Stein

This will be my first organized ride in the new year so I figured it would be appropriate to start out with a beginner ride. This is a great one, an out-and-back ride along a ridge with amazing views the whole time.

The Plan: We'll start in Topanga State Park and proceed along the ridge on E. Topanga Fire Rd. towards the ocean to Parker Mesa Overlook. We'll take a little break there and have some snacks etc. while enjoying the great view. From there we'll head back the same way we came. To sign up Beginner mountain biking

Mount Wilson Downhill Run w/Shuttle

with Mark Wagner

Here is how it works: We load up the bikes onto a trailer for transportation to the top of Mount Wilson. Before starting the ride down, we pour over a map to determine the most enjoyable route commiserate with your equipment, skill level and time constraints. The 9AM shuttle is full. We just added an 11AM and 1PM shuttle. To sign up click Mount Wilson Downhill Run w/Shuttle

Leo Carrillo - Scuba and Surfing Beach Adventure

with Rosemary

We are now opening up this event to surfers wanting to meet up, as well. Bring your board, kayak or any other favorite watersport gear and join in on the fun! All is welcome. You've been asking for some beach dives....How about a beach dive at Leo Carrillo? Leo Carillo can surprise you with almost anything. From sharks to large rays to halibut, this site is a top choice when conditions are right. Leo Carillo actually covers a wide area, and covers south Leo, sequit point, and north Leo. Healthy kelp beds are found in all 3 places. Scuba and Surfing Beach Adventure

New Jack City, the Return

with Stephen

We were here in December 2008 with over 15 climbers and closed out the year with a lot of promises to come back. Well, now it is the year 2009 and we're coming back. I know this is short notice, but the snow is melting away in Mt Baldy and with my event closed, I thought some of you may want to join me on the rocks. New Jack City

High Trek Adventure Los Angeles: Ultimate urban adventure race

with Stein and Dario and Chris

What is High Trek Adventure? High Trek Adventure is a unique urban adventure game where teams solve clever clues and face fun challenges while discovering their city a fun new way! What do I get? 1. A fun urban adventure! 2. High Trek Adventure t-shirt and race number 3. National Championship Qualifier medals (Top 25 teams) 4. Chance at $12,345.67 in the National Championship. High Trek Adventure Los Angeles

Regardless of what you decide to do - get out there and enjoy what Southern California has to offer!

The SCOA Gang