Ellen put on my helmet all by herself.
She even buckled the buckle.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Under the Weather, Under the House
Yippee, another cold for me. The only riding I've been doing is on the trainer in the basement. The past couple days I have done 45 minute sessions of mild spinning and it seems to have helped my head cold. The recommendation I frequently read is if your symptoms are above your neck mild exercise is okay. Below your neck, better not. I have also read mild exercise can help reduce the duration of a cold as it brings in additional oxygen to promote healing. Let's see what happens.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
New Bike Smell in the Dark
Yesterday Ryan received a Christmas surprise with two wheels and a shiny green frame! Santa Claus (his wife) delivered early. Tonight we set out for a night ride to give it a maiden roll.
It seemed a little unfair to be out on your first ride of a brand new bike in the dark as you are not able to look down and actually see the new bike. I guess you could say it adds to the mystery or builds suspense. This scenario does let you focus on the feel of the bike, which Ryan quickly noted was smoother and more dampened on the chunked up roads we traveled.
We dressed for temperatures just above freezing and rode south then east. It felt later than it was in the dark country side. Early in the ride we encountered some unexpected traffic and realized some people were probably still driving home from work. It was only 6:30 but dark as midnight out.
With no specific route in mind we ended up riding into Mt. Eaton before turning north. We stopped for some food and found a grassy bank to ride down on our cross bikes. It looked like this had been done numerous times before by kids in the neighborhood. We shared in the fun.
East out of Mt. Eaton we rode before turning north. The roads were quiet and temperatures seemed to be holding steady beneath a partially cloudy sky. We pedaled through Kidron and back to Ryan's house. We declared it a successful ride and I'd say Ryan enjoyed his new ride. Now we need to find some gravel roads...
Ryan's new Raleigh cross bike!
It seemed a little unfair to be out on your first ride of a brand new bike in the dark as you are not able to look down and actually see the new bike. I guess you could say it adds to the mystery or builds suspense. This scenario does let you focus on the feel of the bike, which Ryan quickly noted was smoother and more dampened on the chunked up roads we traveled.
Stop sign road crossing in the dark.
We dressed for temperatures just above freezing and rode south then east. It felt later than it was in the dark country side. Early in the ride we encountered some unexpected traffic and realized some people were probably still driving home from work. It was only 6:30 but dark as midnight out.
With no specific route in mind we ended up riding into Mt. Eaton before turning north. We stopped for some food and found a grassy bank to ride down on our cross bikes. It looked like this had been done numerous times before by kids in the neighborhood. We shared in the fun.
Snack stop at the feed mill... seems appropriate.
East out of Mt. Eaton we rode before turning north. The roads were quiet and temperatures seemed to be holding steady beneath a partially cloudy sky. We pedaled through Kidron and back to Ryan's house. We declared it a successful ride and I'd say Ryan enjoyed his new ride. Now we need to find some gravel roads...
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Gravel Hunting
After a too slow morning I saddled up at lunchtime for a ride. I was craving some gravel so I pulled the cross bike, which has not seen much action since last winter, and pumped up the tires. Good thing I hung it up ready to ride.
I'm glad the fenders were still mounted too.
I headed across Valley Road and soon left pavement behind. There were big puddles to be found on the gravel section of Valley. I was surprised to find ice puddles alongside the road. It was 40 degrees with a feels like 36 when I left home.
Crunchy.
For the next hour I rode around the gravel roads of the swamps, waving at deer hunters. There were vehicles at every pulloff and blaze orange figures everywhere. I never did see anyone dragging out a deer. I didn't feel too bad about scaring away potential targets as there were trucks and SUVs passing by pretty often anyhow.
Up out of the valley.
As usual, I liked being out on a cool, overcast day. It's easy to stay comfortable by zipping up or down a wind layer. I did get sprinkled by some sparse rain but only for a few minutes. Nice afternoon for a cross bike ride.
A bridge in the swamps.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Test Piloting
Considerations for a new cyclocross bike are underway for Ryan. I tagged along on a trip to Century Cycles to check out a Raleigh cross bike.
The overcast day turned to a drizzle just as we headed out on a test ride. The sales guy at shop asked me if I was going to ride too and I seized the opportunity to spin a Surly Cross Check. It was a smooth ride on the steel frame and the down tube shifters were a fun throw back.
We rode around on the back side of a shopping plaza. The Raleigh was looking sharp and Ryan was liking it. Ryan did not buy the bike today, maybe he is going to ask Santa Claus for it. Forget the sleigh and reindeer... Santa can ride to Ryan's house on a cross bike, dismount, and hop down the chimney.
I couldn't resist a lap around the show room floor on the Moonlander. It's a fat tired freak show but seems like it would be really fun bouncing down a trail. I asked Daniel if he would get more for Christmas and he said, "sure!"
Ryan rides Raleigh.
The overcast day turned to a drizzle just as we headed out on a test ride. The sales guy at shop asked me if I was going to ride too and I seized the opportunity to spin a Surly Cross Check. It was a smooth ride on the steel frame and the down tube shifters were a fun throw back.
Surly and Raleigh.
The Surly Moonlander.
I couldn't resist a lap around the show room floor on the Moonlander. It's a fat tired freak show but seems like it would be really fun bouncing down a trail. I asked Daniel if he would get more for Christmas and he said, "sure!"
The other green bike test ridden.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Cold on the Road
Well, it was not really that cold. Maybe it was the coldest road ride yet this fall for me, 35 and windy when I left the house. Thankfully my clothing choice was good and I felt fine after a 10 minute warm up on the road.
I was heading out Heyl Rd, with head down to the wind, and passed three cyclists pedaling in the opposite direction. They were enjoying a tail wind and probably saw me long before I saw them. An OCC jersey was in the bunch.
It was a fine afternoon to be out on the road. Hardly any traffic along my route and the air was crisp and skies sunny and blue. I do like colder weather riding!
I was heading out Heyl Rd, with head down to the wind, and passed three cyclists pedaling in the opposite direction. They were enjoying a tail wind and probably saw me long before I saw them. An OCC jersey was in the bunch.
It was a fine afternoon to be out on the road. Hardly any traffic along my route and the air was crisp and skies sunny and blue. I do like colder weather riding!
Back to the sun, and wind, on the way home.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Fall Fell at Mohican
It's been a long dry streak of spinning the cranks on a bike. A stomach flu that came and went and came and went and came and went has had me out of action. Today's agenda was to get down to Mohican before the deer gun season lights up and blow out some cobwebs.
The leaves were disguising the trail making for interesting riding. It was not possible to pick through the terrain, just roll and go. The air was crisp but it was warm for mid November, just above 40 degrees. It sure felt good to be out in the woods.
I rode out about 6 or 7 miles before turning around. At this point I was content to get some mild exercise and hopeful to not trigger a relapse of illness. Just before turning around I came upon a squirrel hunter. It was the first time I had talked to a squirrel hunter out at Mohican. We talked about how crazy deer gun season is down here and both agreed it was best to avoid the woods.
The sun had dropped below the tree tops but not yet below the hillsides. I knew It was going to get dark quickly in the woods so I rode steady back to the start glad to have been rolling on two wheels again.
Where does the trail go?
The leaves were disguising the trail making for interesting riding. It was not possible to pick through the terrain, just roll and go. The air was crisp but it was warm for mid November, just above 40 degrees. It sure felt good to be out in the woods.
Just before turn around.
I rode out about 6 or 7 miles before turning around. At this point I was content to get some mild exercise and hopeful to not trigger a relapse of illness. Just before turning around I came upon a squirrel hunter. It was the first time I had talked to a squirrel hunter out at Mohican. We talked about how crazy deer gun season is down here and both agreed it was best to avoid the woods.
Dropping fast.
The sun had dropped below the tree tops but not yet below the hillsides. I knew It was going to get dark quickly in the woods so I rode steady back to the start glad to have been rolling on two wheels again.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
It's Falling Around Here
This morning I headed out for a couple and a half hours of road riding and fall gazing. The trees put on quite a display in their preparation for dormancy.
It took me several attempts to dress. The thermometer on the window reported 58 but Weather.com was reporting 41. Hmmm, strange. I ended up with knee warmers, a wool jersey, and skull cap after spending a few minutes on the back patio.
The wind was coming out of the west at 12 to 15mph so I headed into it on the way out. I rode the Old Lincoln Highway for a good while, out past Reedsburg, before turning north then south. I crossed the Funk bottoms before sneaking past Shreve.
This was the first road ride since they finished paving SR3. The final part of every ride from home is a short run on the state route. Fortunately vehicles have always been polite despite the minimal berm for a cyclist to ride on. It seems there is more space to stay right now. Or at least the freshly paved road is rideable further right than it was before. Hopefully this makes the conclusion to a road right that much more enjoyable.
Changing colors.
It took me several attempts to dress. The thermometer on the window reported 58 but Weather.com was reporting 41. Hmmm, strange. I ended up with knee warmers, a wool jersey, and skull cap after spending a few minutes on the back patio.
Long fingered gloves and toe covers too!
The wind was coming out of the west at 12 to 15mph so I headed into it on the way out. I rode the Old Lincoln Highway for a good while, out past Reedsburg, before turning north then south. I crossed the Funk bottoms before sneaking past Shreve.
Stopped by the grandparents gravesite
on the way into Reedsburg.
The leaves were changing color all around. There was still some green to be seen and not too many fallen leaves yet. The cool air made it seem later in the year than it is. I was glad for each piece of gear I was wearing.
Lots of raking.
This was the first road ride since they finished paving SR3. The final part of every ride from home is a short run on the state route. Fortunately vehicles have always been polite despite the minimal berm for a cyclist to ride on. It seems there is more space to stay right now. Or at least the freshly paved road is rideable further right than it was before. Hopefully this makes the conclusion to a road right that much more enjoyable.
It depends on where the white line lands.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Mid-week at the Knob
Ryan and I made plans to meet up for a Wednesday night right at the Knob. We were eager to sample the repaired and new trail we worked this past weekend. Unfortunately it rained in the past couple days and the trails were not prime but still very rideable without undue wear and tear.
The trail work done leading up to the Cradle was very nice, no more ruts to skirt. The switchbacks were much more rideable, though I continue to botch the first left hander. The Over Under and Junk Hill were also much more rideable. I was excited to cleanly ride both in succession on our second lap.
The new slalom line on Cheater's Hill will be a fun addition to the course, once it's ridden in and established. We dropped into it on both laps but the wet conditions and unpacked trail increased the pucker factor.
The days are surely getting shorter as it was getting difficult to see at the tail end of our second lap. A couple of those woodsy sections felt creepy in the lack of light. In the final 500 yards of trail a rabbit made it interesting as it darted across the trail right in front of me, contact barely avoided, only to pull a u-turn and dart back in front of me, I think I grazed it. Back to back panic brakes always kills momentum on the run in to the finish!
The trail work done leading up to the Cradle was very nice, no more ruts to skirt. The switchbacks were much more rideable, though I continue to botch the first left hander. The Over Under and Junk Hill were also much more rideable. I was excited to cleanly ride both in succession on our second lap.
Go left and duck.
The new slalom line on Cheater's Hill will be a fun addition to the course, once it's ridden in and established. We dropped into it on both laps but the wet conditions and unpacked trail increased the pucker factor.
Go right and drop it.
The days are surely getting shorter as it was getting difficult to see at the tail end of our second lap. A couple of those woodsy sections felt creepy in the lack of light. In the final 500 yards of trail a rabbit made it interesting as it darted across the trail right in front of me, contact barely avoided, only to pull a u-turn and dart back in front of me, I think I grazed it. Back to back panic brakes always kills momentum on the run in to the finish!
A nice gut pile two feet of the trail. A sure
sign it's fall in deer country.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Trail Work at the Knob
From reading Rody's blog I found out there was a trail day at the Knob this afternoon. I've always wanted to help out with some donated labor but have not been able to attend in the past.
Many others had the same idea as there were at least 25 or maybe 30 people on scene to get some trail work done.
We raked, groomed, and even cut some new trail. On Cheater's Hill we did a reroute which should add some more excitement to this downhill section. The trail was routed back and forth between the banks to make a kind of half pipe run down to the corner at the bottom. A berm was built at the bottom as well.
Several guys gave the new section a test ride. Looks like it will be a bit of a challenge to control speed, find the line, and make it through the final corner in one piece.
It was a great afternoon of work, a lot was accomplished. I look forward to helping out more in the future. Daniel would probably like to come out and play in the dirt too!
Rody and Ryan working the dirt.
Many others had the same idea as there were at least 25 or maybe 30 people on scene to get some trail work done.
A crew attacks the Over Under.
We raked, groomed, and even cut some new trail. On Cheater's Hill we did a reroute which should add some more excitement to this downhill section. The trail was routed back and forth between the banks to make a kind of half pipe run down to the corner at the bottom. A berm was built at the bottom as well.
The work gets done in a hurry when an
armed mob descends on the task.
Several guys gave the new section a test ride. Looks like it will be a bit of a challenge to control speed, find the line, and make it through the final corner in one piece.
Dropping in at the top. I helped with a lot of
work here, placing and supporting the log
and cutting in the trail.
Hitting the new berm at the bottom.
It was a great afternoon of work, a lot was accomplished. I look forward to helping out more in the future. Daniel would probably like to come out and play in the dirt too!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Sunny Sunday Afternoon
How long has it been since I've ridden a road bike? I know it took multiple pumps to get the tires up to pressure, meaning it's been several weeks. This afternoon was a superb time to give the Litespeed some playing time. Sunny and 60 degrees, perfect.
I road over to Silver Road and pedaled up to Mechanicsburg Road. It was not the first time I stopped by the pond to take a picture of a nice sky to the east.
On my way to Flickinger hill I spotted the bicycle road sign near the new park and paved trail that spits out onto Mechanicsburg.
Having never checked out the new path, I spun a lap to say I did.
Another evidence that it's been a while since I've ridden on the road: several weeks ago I bought a new pair of fingerless gloves... this was their first use. I was tired of my red turned pink gloves that have been in service the past several years. I figure the worst these will do is fade to gray and that's okay.
I road over to Silver Road and pedaled up to Mechanicsburg Road. It was not the first time I stopped by the pond to take a picture of a nice sky to the east.
Clouds and sky abound.
On my way to Flickinger hill I spotted the bicycle road sign near the new park and paved trail that spits out onto Mechanicsburg.
One is about to pass by.
Having never checked out the new path, I spun a lap to say I did.
No potholes, that's for sure.
Another evidence that it's been a while since I've ridden on the road: several weeks ago I bought a new pair of fingerless gloves... this was their first use. I was tired of my red turned pink gloves that have been in service the past several years. I figure the worst these will do is fade to gray and that's okay.
Black replaces pink.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Raystown Trip - day 3
Instead of waking up and heading to work on a Monday morning I woke up and peered out the zippered window of a tent. No blue skies this morning, it was overcast. Several days ago, the last time I saw a weather forecast, today was supposed to be a thirty percent chance of rain.
The trusty Coleman cook stove was put into action right away. First boiling water for coffee, then cooking eggs and cranberry-almond pancakes. We tried Starbucks Via instant coffee packets on this trip. In contrast to the many positive reviews I read online, I was not impressed. French press and home ground coffee will be along for the next trip.
We decided to pack up camp and drive over to the north trail head parking lot to begin our ride. Driving to the trail head let us have more time riding the trails on the northern side without repeating the Stony trail out and back like yesterday.
As we pedaled away from the trail head parking lot we figured a couple hours of riding was going to be the limit. This would let us make it home before 8pm. We tore down the now familiar Buck and Doe Trails, headed towards the yet to be ridden by us Hydro Loop. It was even more exciting to head out knowing how much fun lay ahead.
After plenty of fast and flowing riding we headed north on the Berry Patch Trail to a second visit of the overlook at the northern end of the trails. The section of trail from down by the water on the Hydro Loop, up Sidewinder, and up the Berry Patch Trail seemed to be the biggest elevation gain in the shortest distance of our riding. Even so, the uphill was broken up by dips and rollers.
After a short stop at the overlook we aimed for the trail head. The last stretch of our riding this trip did not disappoint. We had holler-out-loud fun coming south across the Allie Trail! There were some big dips, berms, and lots of speed in our final section of trail. It was a sweet finale to our visit.
On the way home we decided to avoid the toll road and take 22 to Pittsburgh. There were some slow sections through towns and some four lane divided highway sections as well. In the end we made it home in the same 5.5 hours it took to drive out but we saved the toll.
Our first trip to the Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake was a good one. The trails were loads of fun and the camping was enjoyable. The weather was absolutely perfect, quite a blessing with the majority of the trip spent outdoors. On the next trip it would be fun to check out the Rothrock area as well, reportedly only an hour away. Hey Ryan, whatcha' doing next weekend? :-)
Flap jack flippin'.
The trusty Coleman cook stove was put into action right away. First boiling water for coffee, then cooking eggs and cranberry-almond pancakes. We tried Starbucks Via instant coffee packets on this trip. In contrast to the many positive reviews I read online, I was not impressed. French press and home ground coffee will be along for the next trip.
Seriously... that's a lot of TP.
We decided to pack up camp and drive over to the north trail head parking lot to begin our ride. Driving to the trail head let us have more time riding the trails on the northern side without repeating the Stony trail out and back like yesterday.
All is packed but bikes.
As we pedaled away from the trail head parking lot we figured a couple hours of riding was going to be the limit. This would let us make it home before 8pm. We tore down the now familiar Buck and Doe Trails, headed towards the yet to be ridden by us Hydro Loop. It was even more exciting to head out knowing how much fun lay ahead.
Now that's a bermed corner.
After plenty of fast and flowing riding we headed north on the Berry Patch Trail to a second visit of the overlook at the northern end of the trails. The section of trail from down by the water on the Hydro Loop, up Sidewinder, and up the Berry Patch Trail seemed to be the biggest elevation gain in the shortest distance of our riding. Even so, the uphill was broken up by dips and rollers.
Three days of dusty riding.
After a short stop at the overlook we aimed for the trail head. The last stretch of our riding this trip did not disappoint. We had holler-out-loud fun coming south across the Allie Trail! There were some big dips, berms, and lots of speed in our final section of trail. It was a sweet finale to our visit.
Halfway home.
On the way home we decided to avoid the toll road and take 22 to Pittsburgh. There were some slow sections through towns and some four lane divided highway sections as well. In the end we made it home in the same 5.5 hours it took to drive out but we saved the toll.
Our first trip to the Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake was a good one. The trails were loads of fun and the camping was enjoyable. The weather was absolutely perfect, quite a blessing with the majority of the trip spent outdoors. On the next trip it would be fun to check out the Rothrock area as well, reportedly only an hour away. Hey Ryan, whatcha' doing next weekend? :-)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Raystown Trip - day 2
The distinctive sound of a pileated woodpecker banging away echoed through the woods as sleep turned to wake. About 7:30 I sat up to look out the mesh window of the tent and was greeted by blue skies shining through the trees. It was the start of a perfect day for being outside.
What to do with a pile of leftover spaghetti from dinner last night? Ryan combined fresh eggs, vegetables, and spaghetti for a breakfast frittata while a handful of bacon slices cooked alongside.
While eating breakfast we had a look at the trail maps. A local guys named Evan has a blog revolving around the Allegrippis Trails. I found and printed a map from his blog highlighting a specific route. The plan for the day was to follow Evan's route.
Gear on, hydration packs full, lunch in pack... ready to hit the trails. Yesterday I said we chose our campsite to be close to the trails. To elaborate: hop on bike at campsite, pedal three times, and we were on single track headed into the woods. Nice, I wish there was a trail access point within 15 feet of my front door at home!
Today we rode the same initial trail as yesterday but turned our attention to the northern trails. The Stony Trail connects the two halves and it contains a few sections living up to its name. On the whole there are very few rocks on the Allegrippis Trails and, as we are told, this is unusual for Pennsylvania mountain biking.
Further into our ride we were once again flowing, pumping, and speeding along. Great fun. I began locking out my front fork to pump the terrain and corner more directly. The trail is very trustworthy. The trail builders didn't throw in any ridiculous surprises. If you lifted over a bump to catch some air there was no worry about an appropriate spot to land, nor were there fast sections leading to unexpected or abrupt corners.
Some trails were more of a roller coaster ride than others. There was no extended climbing to speak of. Even if the trails went uphill they were still full of rollers that assisted elevation gain. A couple times we came across signs warning of undulating terrain ahead.
The Ridge Trail delivered us to the most dramatic view to be found on the entire trail network. Through the trees we were looking several hundred feet down to Raystown Lake and the distant view of mountains continued to the horizon. It was interesting to see the rock strata on the opposite shore of the lake turned upwards.
This overlook is the place to have a break, eat some food, and be thankful for the wonderful creation we get to ride bikes through. Next up, a trail section called Ray's Revenge. This was probably the wildest and fastest section of the Allegrippis Trails. Let's just say there was a definitive point where I made myself brake hard, slow down, and reconsider just how fast is prudent to ride down a trail on a mountain bike. All smiles when we regrouped at the bottom.
At some strategic point in the ride we decided to not add on an extra loop. It was a decision to save some trails, and legs, for tomorrow's ride. We worked our way back to the connector trail and rode right up to our campsite, unclipping beside the tent.
We dug into the food and drink to begin replenishing spent energy. Next stop was the shower house to wash off the accumulated grime of sweat and dry, dusty trails. Tonight's dinner plan was to drive north to Huntingdon, the nearest town, in search of some good food. This proved to be a bit of a challenge as it was Sunday evening and many places were closed.
A guy at a gas station tipped us off to Kelly's Korner as being good food and lots of it. Salad and soup bar, bread, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn for $10.50. Throw in a Yuengling Octoberfest on tap and we were stuffed walking out the door with to go boxes.
Once again we sat outside in the dark staring at the sky. There was a much better display of stars tonight thanks to the clear sky. It seemed like there were a hundred times more stars on display than an equal night back home. I planned on sleeping good after all the riding and big dinner.
And sleep good I did until some time in the middle of the night when I woke up hungry. No worries, I sat at the picnic table in the dark and chowed down my leftovers from Kelly's!
A short ride to the shower house was the
first exercise of the day.
What to do with a pile of leftover spaghetti from dinner last night? Ryan combined fresh eggs, vegetables, and spaghetti for a breakfast frittata while a handful of bacon slices cooked alongside.
Apparently bikes are attracted by the
smell of cooking bacon.
While eating breakfast we had a look at the trail maps. A local guys named Evan has a blog revolving around the Allegrippis Trails. I found and printed a map from his blog highlighting a specific route. The plan for the day was to follow Evan's route.
The bikes are ready to go.
Gear on, hydration packs full, lunch in pack... ready to hit the trails. Yesterday I said we chose our campsite to be close to the trails. To elaborate: hop on bike at campsite, pedal three times, and we were on single track headed into the woods. Nice, I wish there was a trail access point within 15 feet of my front door at home!
See? The trail was literally right next to our campsite.
Today we rode the same initial trail as yesterday but turned our attention to the northern trails. The Stony Trail connects the two halves and it contains a few sections living up to its name. On the whole there are very few rocks on the Allegrippis Trails and, as we are told, this is unusual for Pennsylvania mountain biking.
Ryan charges into a rock garden
on the Stony Trail.
The rough life of a front tire
on a mountain bike.
My turn.
Further into our ride we were once again flowing, pumping, and speeding along. Great fun. I began locking out my front fork to pump the terrain and corner more directly. The trail is very trustworthy. The trail builders didn't throw in any ridiculous surprises. If you lifted over a bump to catch some air there was no worry about an appropriate spot to land, nor were there fast sections leading to unexpected or abrupt corners.
Hard to catch in pictures, the trails
were full of flow and fun.
Some trails were more of a roller coaster ride than others. There was no extended climbing to speak of. Even if the trails went uphill they were still full of rollers that assisted elevation gain. A couple times we came across signs warning of undulating terrain ahead.
Endo stick man. Note the threat against
stealing the sign at the bottom.
The Ridge Trail delivered us to the most dramatic view to be found on the entire trail network. Through the trees we were looking several hundred feet down to Raystown Lake and the distant view of mountains continued to the horizon. It was interesting to see the rock strata on the opposite shore of the lake turned upwards.
Enjoying the view.
This overlook is the place to have a break, eat some food, and be thankful for the wonderful creation we get to ride bikes through. Next up, a trail section called Ray's Revenge. This was probably the wildest and fastest section of the Allegrippis Trails. Let's just say there was a definitive point where I made myself brake hard, slow down, and reconsider just how fast is prudent to ride down a trail on a mountain bike. All smiles when we regrouped at the bottom.
Self portrait at the overlook.
At some strategic point in the ride we decided to not add on an extra loop. It was a decision to save some trails, and legs, for tomorrow's ride. We worked our way back to the connector trail and rode right up to our campsite, unclipping beside the tent.
Pick a trail, any trail... you'll have fun.
We dug into the food and drink to begin replenishing spent energy. Next stop was the shower house to wash off the accumulated grime of sweat and dry, dusty trails. Tonight's dinner plan was to drive north to Huntingdon, the nearest town, in search of some good food. This proved to be a bit of a challenge as it was Sunday evening and many places were closed.
Thanksgiving at Grandma's house.
A guy at a gas station tipped us off to Kelly's Korner as being good food and lots of it. Salad and soup bar, bread, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn for $10.50. Throw in a Yuengling Octoberfest on tap and we were stuffed walking out the door with to go boxes.
Once again we sat outside in the dark staring at the sky. There was a much better display of stars tonight thanks to the clear sky. It seemed like there were a hundred times more stars on display than an equal night back home. I planned on sleeping good after all the riding and big dinner.
And sleep good I did until some time in the middle of the night when I woke up hungry. No worries, I sat at the picnic table in the dark and chowed down my leftovers from Kelly's!
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