Stories of Marines on patrol citing trail users with violations were not uncommon, and in January 2016, things came to a tipping point when some 50 mountain bikes were seized. Outrage ensued. Public meetings were held. The decades-long work of former County Supervisor Dianne Jacobs, along with the leadership of San Diego Mountain Bike Association and support from local advocates and elected officials resulted in an agreement with MCAS Miramar in early 2017. It allowed people to use the Historic Stowe Trail, if they had a permit (see how to get a permit below).

At nearly four miles long from end-to-end, the trail morphs between being double track and single track, passing through a copse of oak and sycamore trees. Coyotes wander, quail swoosh, and during wildflower season, a painter’s palette colors the surrounding landscape, highlighted by one area that in some years becomes a California poppy lover’s dream. 

With signage the entire way, it is impossible to get lost while out there. There are trails veering off the Stowe Trail, but officially, they are not part of the permitted areas. On the northern end of the trail, it connects into Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon County Preserve, where you can continue to ride other trails, with Martha’s Grove Trail being one of my favorites in all of San Diego County.

How to Get a Stowe Trail Permit

Begin by going to the Miramar Marines official website and downloading the forms. All parties wanting to access the trail will need a permit which is required for those 10-years-old and older. 

Fill out the forms and drive to MCAS Miramar’s East Gate entrance off of I-15. When you drive up to the security checkpoint, the person on duty will direct you to the transportation office, which is on the right. Proceed to the parking lot there and go inside.

When called, present your documents, along with your driver’s license. If you don’t have one, a U.S. passport will suffice. You also need to provide the person with your Social Security number, but you do not need to show them a social security card. Assuming everything is filled out correctly, they’ll ask you to take a seat and wait while they run a background check. 

If that all checks out okay, you’ll get called up to a window to have your photo taken and then you’ll wait a few minutes while they print your permit to access the Stowe Trail. It is good for only one-year, so you’ll need to renew it annually.

Note: Currently, to access the Stowe Trail in Santee, there is a new temporary entrance. You should park your car along Ganley Rd. and then bike north on Strathmore Rd., about a half mile where it dead ends at a cul-de-sac. Step through the opening in the fence, as is indicated there. Proceed up the slight rise/hill, staying to the left. The trail will connect into Stowe Trail that is down on the left. At that point, turn right and ride north towards Poway via the Stowe Trail, taking in views of the distant Cuyamacas to the east.

The post How to Bike the Once-Restricted Stowe Trail appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Kové Hard Yerba Mate opens June 7 in Miramar

Photos Courtesy of Kové Hard Yerba Mate

One year after opening their inaugural tasting room and brewing facility in Barrio Logan, Kové Hard Yerba Mate is ready to open their second location in Miramar. Yerba mate, an herbal tea popular in South America, has yet to achieve mainstream popularity in the American alcohol industry, but as the world’s first 100% organic, gluten-free, vegan hard yerba mate, Kové hopes to introduce the lightly caffeinated beverage to more people through distribution and expanding roster of San Diego locations.

The new space—which lies smack in the middle of a fermentation hub that includes Pure Project, Duck Foot Brewing Company, Ballast Point, Cutwater Spirits, and more—is the first of several planned outposts for Kové.

Alex Montelbano, Kové co-founder & CEO says with this new location, they aim to transcend the standard taproom setting, calling it a “unique visual experience” complete with artist collaborations and an emphasis on greenery.

“Visually, it is more of an artist curation space with botanicals weaved in, rather than an outdoor botanical experience,” Montelbano says. “Customers will have access to exclusive varietals from Kové’s expert brewer while enjoying beautiful art in various forms from local artists.”

A cozy corner inside the new Kové Hard Yerba Mate

Collaborations with artists, cocktail experts, yoga teachers, professional snowboarders, and other brand ambassadors have been a defining part of Kové’s ethos since its original launch in 2021. Montelbano says these partnerships are “incredibly purposeful” and a key part of their lifestyle image. Plus, as one of the few alcoholic drinks that naturally contains caffeine, their 5-percent-ABV cans are specifically designed to be enjoyed any time of day to complement any activity. “Party with a purpose!” Montelbano laughs.

The 720-square-foot tasting room will also feature a small batch brewing facility. Guests can expect 14 taps with core offerings, rotating specials, and seasonal flavors, as well as plenty of cans, growlers, and variety packs for to-go purchases. Plus, Montelbano promises, they plan to announce several partnerships and new flavors for release later this year. With the added brewing capabilities of the Miramar space, Montelbano says they hope to produce 4,500 barrels of hard yerba mate over the next 12 months. (For comparison, in 2021 Modern Times Beer reported an output of 53,000 barrels.)

The Miramar tasting room will soft launch on June 7 with a grand opening planned for June 25. Operating hours will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Visit the new Kové tasting room at 9030 Kenamar Drive, Suite 309 and follow their progress at drinkkove.com.

The post Kové Hard Yerba Mate To Open New Tasting Room in Miramar appeared first on San Diego Magazine.