Grand Opening of Allen Road Bridge

Three of us rode out to watch the Grand Opening and I should emphasize "watch" because we were down below the embankment and couldn't go up to join because of locked gates. But our presence was recognized as one of the dignitaries said he was happy to see several groups represented, including cyclists and "esquarians"! Bob and Marion and I looked around to try to spot one of those "square" something or others. Never caught a glimpse so we decided that maybe he meant the equestrians.
We checked out the staging area and the trail, here's our analysis:
The staging area is "passable" but needs some work to become safe.
1. We would like to see a degree of separation between the cars parked for the baseball games and our horses/trailers. As it stands, if you park your trailer on the side of the asphalt and tie two horses on the canal side and another on the baseball side, you had better have someone available to watch your horse and make sure a passing car or wandering child doesn't come up on your horse.
2. We would like signs posted stating that this is a staging area for equestrians.
3. We would like the turnaround end of the parking lot to have red curbs to indicate no parking and have it enforced. I drove by at 5:30 p.m. the other night and even though there weren't many cars in the parking lot, two vehicles still parked in the turnaround. If a horse trailer came in at that time, they would be forced to back up several hundred feet to get out.
4. In addition to the painted curbs, we would like to have a sign stating that vehicles will be towed if parked in that area.
5. The bike/ped bridge is unacceptable. It is too close to Stockdale Hwy and has a post in the middle at both ends to stop vehicles. (Some will say that this is no big deal, and it won't be a big deal until some goofball horse gets itself and a rider hurt. A friend of mine who has won many awards for her expertise in riding , said she would not risk her animal even though her animal is well trained and reliable and they have been through many difficult situations. Her opinion was "why put your animal in a situation that you know can be dangerous.)
6. When coming back from the river trail, we have to cross the bike path, but a tree leans out and you can only see about 30 feet. Either the tree needs to be cut back to allow us to see oncoming bikes (and them see us), or a sign needs to be posted warning cylists that there is a horse crossing coming up. I prefer cutting the tree back.
What we liked:
1. Since we are right next to the baseball diamonds, there are bathrooms!!!!!!!!!!
Although the underpass under Stockdale is a little too close to the water line for me, it is dry now and probably will stay dry unless there is a LOT of water. (won't be soon)
2. The underpass under Allen is super. It's up high above a possible water line and there is plenty of head clearance. It's also nice and open so your horses should feel secure.
3. We rode out on the dirt road for a ways west of Allen. It's a good road, but not as interesting as finding a path (or making one) out in the grassy area. Be careful in the grassy area, we found a lot of short lengths of barbed wire and occasional trash with glass and plastic. Not really bad, just be cautious.
Altogether, we had a great ride once we got away from the staging area. Hopefully, the water company or the city will figure out a way for us to get safely on the trail. Marion, thank you for the pictures, I'll post them when I get back from vacation.

New Member

Karen recently became a new member to Ride the River Kern and I thought I would post her personal info because I think it is probably true for many of us:
As an endurance rider, trails preservation is very important to me. I regularly ride the trails from Coffee Road to Lake Ming, including the available trails in the foothills between Alfred Harrell Highway and Highway 178. I think it is of the utmost importance that equestrians share their needs with the community at large in an effort to prove that meeting our needs is for the betterment of our community.

GRAND OPENING TOMORROW!!!!!!!

I just received the following message:
Allen Bridge, road, bike re-route and Allen Road access for bikes (north and south) and the equestrian underpass will have their grand opening this Friday at 10 AM!

The elms were replaced with oaks (valley oak no less). Now I get to work on the revegetation plan for fall planting.

Marcia H. WolfeMH Wolfe and AssociatesEnvironmental Consulting, Inc.
I think equestrians should probably go out for an early morning ride then cross the river to the south side where the new Allen Road bridge crosses the river. STAY OFF THE ALLEN ROAD BRIDGE, cars will be coming across. Saddle up and bring your horse, or just drive out and join the festivities.

A MESSAGE FROM RICH ONEIL

ED. NOTE: The following was a post under Bakersfield Life Magazine, but I thought you all might miss it, so I'm posting it separately. The highlights and text enlargements were added by me because I want to draw your attention to these facts. This has been a LONG effort that many of us are just getting involved in. Contact Rich, listen to what he has to say, and give him your support.
Equestrians;
Hello. Allow me to introduce myself. (I have never blogged. so I hope this works). My name is Rich Oneil. I am a member of the Kern River Parkway Foundation and Committee. I have worked on the Kern River Parkway or aka, River corridor through Bakersfield since 1974. I have worked on (with many other people) the trail systems along the Kern River since then. That includes the Horse Trail, the Jogging Trail, and the Bike Path--seeking funding. purchase of property, signing, and preservation. --as well as Yokuts Park, Riverwalk Park, staging areas, etc.
I mention this little bit of local history so that I might encourage everyone to " work together ".
The River is used by many people and folks of many varied interests. If we can work together, we can continue to build, map, plan, fund, and preserve the equestrian trail from the mouth of the Kern Canyon to Lake Buena Vista.
For purposes of introduction, I count as my friends and co-workers on the River Plan, the following: Roberta and Billie Robertson, Marian Vargas, Carolyn Belli, Marci Cunningham, Donna Yowell..
I would like to share with you much more current and possibly (of which you might already know) news about the Horse trails along the River. I know that you have much information that also might be useful to the Kern River Parkway Foundation.
My phone number is 706-1096.
e-mail is richoneil99@hotmail.com
Sincerely, rich oneil
Also, this is another note from Rich received through an email from Marion,
Judging from recent BC news articles about the river trails and Parkway features, we (us) do not do a good enough job of communicating with one another (organizations). How about , we have a meeting or party whereby all non-profit and other organizations using the Kern River Corridor, get together and share ideas and plans. We all want and need clean water and shady trails along the river. Melissa, are you still willing to help plan this party? Keep brain storming! rich

Mounted Search and Rescue Helicopter Training

The June training for Mounted Search and Rescue was "helicopter" training. I'm posting a couple of pictures. Although the helicopter flew by closer than most horses will ever experience, all of the horses did very well and some seemed even a little bored.

SUMMER AND FALL EQUESTRIAN EVENTS

Most of the following events were shared by Kern Sierra Unit of Backcountry Horsemen or the Sequoia Unit, thank you to both.
Some of these events are open for the flat land trail rider and some require experience in packing and backcountry riding. Call for more information and join if you are not already a member. Also, many clubs have meetings at private homes, so I will not list meetings unless they are at a public location. Call the organization if you would like to attend meetings and become involved.

June 20th: UC Davis Animal Science Production Sale (530) 754-4156
June 20th: Trout Day Ride: contact Jamie (559) 784-7836 (Sequoia Unit)
June 20th: The Golden Hills Equestrian Center is hosting a benefit Horse Show for United Pegasus Fondation on June 20th, 2009 at the Golden Hills Equestrian Center on 22347 Woodford-Tehachapi Road in Tehachapi, CA .
June 21st: "Rancho Rio Open Horse Show Buckle Series" contact Joy at joygirado555@yahoo.com
June 26-28 Kernville, CA Mule and Donkey Days (760) 378-2222 jporter@lightspeed.net
June 27-29 Food Booth (Springville?) contact Jamie (559) 784-7836
June 27-29 Pack Supplies for ACE contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia)
July 9-12 Grey Meadow work project and ride: contact Joy (661) 399-3603 (Kern Sierra Unit)
July 11- 13 Pack Supplies for ACE: contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia)
July 15th: ETI Corral 65 meeting at Cataldo's on Stockdale Hwy at 7 p.m.
July 18th: Cowboy Race Murrieta, CA (951) 677-5985
July 25th: Mt. Pinos Day Ride and lunch: ETI Corral 65 contact Helen (661) 837-2766
July 25-27: Pack Supplies for ACE: contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia)
July 26th: "Rancho Rio Open Horse Show Buckle Series" contact Joy at joygirado555@yahoo.com
August 1: Day Ride with Kern Sierra Unit (more information to follow)
August 6-9: Maggie Lakes Work Project. contact Joy (661) 399-3603 (Kern sierra Unit)
August 9: "Rancho Rio Open Horse Show Buckle Series" contact Joy at joygirado555@yahoo.com
August 8-10: Pack Supplies for ACE: contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia Unit)
August 22-24: Pack Supplies for ACE: contact Peg (559) 310-3176 (Sequoia Unit)
September 24-28: Montano de Oro Camp and Ride: contact Crystal (559) 972-4299

UPDATE ON STOCKDALE STAGING AREA

Marci Cunningham said...

"Carolyn Belli and I met with KC Water Agency staff and city staff at the staging area in May. We proposed a solution to the equestrian access problem that solved everyone's concerns but it has to go to the water agency's board for approval. The board meeting is not until later in June so we won't have a final solution to announce until after their board meeting."

EAST OF MING UPDATE

Marci Cunningham has left a new comment on your post "East of Lake Ming" in response to Karen's comment:

"The Nickel property between the golf course and Rancheria Road has a specific trail plan to provide multi use public trails when the property is developed. This specific trail plan was adopted by the city many years ago thanks to the dedicated work of Carolyn Belli. She has recently been working with Jim Nickel on the location of trails as he looks at future development. Most of the continuous equestrian trails will be through the middle portion with trails going to the river for scenic stops. Until the property is developed there is no public access through the ranch but development will include equestrian, hiking and bicycle trails which will be open to the public. "

Karen Sweaney has left a new comment on your post "East of Lake Ming":

"About 14 years ago I boarded my horse at Rio Bravo. The trail that Mary is describing, east from Lake Ming to Rancheria Road, was passable at that time. The service road that I believe she is describing belongs to the Rio Bravo Ranch and is utilized in the Nickell's orange groves, which is where that trail used to funnel out. Once on the ranch property, we would ride to the barn. From that point, there was no access to Rancheria Road without using the dirt roads on the ranch property. The ranch has horse pastures that use the river itself as the northern fence line, so there is no way to pass along the river. When we wanted to get to Rancheria Road, we simply rode out the main entrance road to Rancheria Road.

On a similar note, the trail heading WEST from the day park area, that Mary describes, is well established, and one that I frequent regularly. The trail heads west on the river, just below Lake Ming. As you continue riding, you will share the bike path for about a hundred yards as you pass through the campground. Continue west behind CALM and the soccer park and you will arrive at Hart Park. Again, continue west toward the homes at Goodmanville Road. There is an easement behind these homes, but please pass through QUIETLY as you will be riding in their back yards. The last owner has illegally installed a gate, but the lock is only for looks, reach down and lift the chain. (the red is the editor's note) You will ride along Goodmanville Road for about half a mile before you reconnect with dirt. From here, the trail runs parallel, and very close, to Alfred Harrell Highway. As you crest the top of the hill, you will see Ethel's in the distance."
Thank you Karen for the additional info.

UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS

June 6th: Red Cross fundraiser ride. 5 p.m. Start at Rancho Rio and ride to Ethel's. $20 includes ride and BBQ at Old Corral Cafe (Ethel's)Contact: 324-6427
June 11 - 17th: Montano de Oro, contact Laura with ETI. 366-1390
June 29th: The Golden Hills Equestrian Center is hosting a benefit Horse Show for the United Pegasus Foundation at the Golden Hills Equestrian Center. see web site for more information: http://www.ghequestriancenter.com/
July 15th: ETI: 7 p.m. meeting at Cataldo's on Stockdale.
July 25th: ETI: Mount Pinos day ride and lunch.
(check back Saturday p.m., I will add BCHC itinerary)

The Trails Draw New Citizens to Kern County

Pat M. blogged: "When my husband's Dad, Cliff M., was transferred here to work for Worthington Pump Company to install the pumps for the aquafir and various canal projects, he said he was given a map of greater Bakersfield showing all the riding trails along the river, and a promise that they would remain and be a permanent part of this city's future. This helped him to accept the transfer, since his daughter, Diana, my husband's sister, rode and showed Arabians, and horses were a big part of their life.
Ed. Note: Yes, my friends. Many residents have moved to Kern County or remained here because of the outstanding Equine activities here. Let's keep it country.