Who we are
Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC) is an IRC 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization which is dedicated to the promotion of mountain biking in a healthy and environmentally sound manner. MBOSC is an affiliate club of International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).
MBOSC was founded in 1997 to raise money towards the purchase of the Gray Whale Ranch that was added to Wilder Ranch State Park.
Our Beliefs
We believe that mountain biking is an enjoyable, healthy and environmentally sustainable activity.
We believe that properly designed multi-use trails are the best way to allow everyone to enjoy our open space and teach mutual respect for other users.
We belive that good trail design and ongoing trail maintenance are the biggest factors in mitigating the environmental impact that occurs from use by all user groups.
We promote the idea that mountain biking is a great activity for families and kids which helps to prevent obesity and will result in an appreciation for natural open space.
MBOSC's Achievements
MBOSC raised over $30,000 through raffles and donations towards the purchase of Gray Whale Ranch. We have held several joint fund raising events with the Santa Cruz County Horseman's Association to help improve trails in Wilder Ranch State Park and protect riparian habitats and the red legged frog.
MBOSC were invited by CA State Parks to serve on the Gray Whale Advisory Committee (GWAC) to help decide which trails to open in Gray Whale Rance and what precautions were necessary to prevent negative environmental and social impacts.
MBOSC prepared a detailed topographic map surveyed with GPS which shows the existing trails in Wilder Ranch State Park and Gray Whale Ranch. This map was used throughout the GWAC process to allow proper discussion of the trails and any environmentally sensitive areas.
MBOSC partnered with the Santa Cruz County Horseman's Association (SCCHA) and the Association of Concerned Trailriders (ACT) to advocate and construct the U-Con trail in the city of Santa Cruz's Pogonip park. The first multi-use trail in Pogonip that connects Henry Cowell State Park through Pogonip Park to UCSC. This trail provides an important connection for all users from the San Lorenzo Valley all the way to the ocean. This trail and collaboration has been written up in Sunset Magazine and others as a model for other user groups in the county.
MBOSC has sponsored monthly trail workdays in Wilder Ranch State Park since 1997 to improve and protect the trails for all users. In 2000, the management of trail work projects was taken over by Trailworkers.com. MBOSC has supported the efforts of Trailworkers.com though volunteers and donations.
MBOSC and SCCHA has held Carrot Fest workshops to help educate bikers how to interact with horses on the trails and to de-sensitize horses to bikes. This involved practicing several scenarios in an controlled setting with bikers feeding carrots to horses and has been extremely successful.
MBOSC has conducted information stations to promote responsible mountain biking at local CA state parks and at the UCSC campus natural reserve.
Board of Directors
| El Presidente | Mark Davidson | |
| Vice-President | Daryl Breuninger | |
| Treasurer | Eve Davidson | |
| Equestrian Relations | Sebastien Praly | |
| Secretary | Johauna Rathbun | |
| Social Coordinator | Megan Zemny | |
| Event Coordinator | Steven Gemeolos | |
| Board Member | Geoff Smith | |
| Board Member | Keith Kelsen | |
| Board Member | Doug Landauer | |
| Web Site | Mr Toad |
Snail Mail
P.O. Box 331
Santa Cruz, CA, 95061-0331
