As in Not Baby Boomer Friendly. So, I went over to Tom Florcik’s big bash for Highline Bikes and was astonished at the shenanigans and amazing riding taking place at Tom’s facility over near Deer Lakes, Pa. This farm has been altered to include some tight twisty trails connecting to some of the most amazing jumps I have ever seen. And like I said, this style of riding is not Baby Boomer Friendly. This is for the young guns with mega skills and no fear.

I have ridden a mountain bike for a long time. I have ridden all over the place, raced in a lot of events, seen the World Cup Cross Country and Downhill events, but never have I seen skill like these guys have- all concentrated in what Tom and Highline Bikes call Jamfest.

Again- this is a different style of riding. A lot of these guys ride E- Bikes not to loaf uphill, but to get them there faster so that they can rip the trails and hit all the jumps – over and over again. My group rides trails and keeps the rubber on the ground. This group has big air contests and tries to see how high they can clear a measuring bar at the top of the jumps. Believe me when I tell you that my group of older mountain bikers were perfectly happy watching and admiring this new generation of phenomenal, and skillful riders. It kind of makes me realize how time has marched on and how the baton has been passed to the younger, set.

Like Dirty Harry Callaghan once said……..” a man’s got to know his limitations.” A lot of these guys don’t know who Dirty Harry was or Clint Eastwood for that matter. Hell, I have boxer shorts older than most of them. But sitting on the side of the trail with my group and watching what we watched, I just felt a little old and in the way. However, I am happy that I can still ride with my group and have the health to do so. Blessings from above for sure and nothing of my doing at all. I just try to stay in the game and………keep doing it. Not like these guys though. Not even close. This style of riding is almost another sport. And yet, they welcome us with open arms and are happy we are all one big mountain bike community- no matter how old or young we are. That is the cool thing about mountain biking.

Don’t ever feel like Pittsburgh and Western Pa. has to take a back seat to riding and riders in other parts of the country. We have amazing talent right here in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. And some great riding around the city and county and also in the nearby Laurel Highlands. And West Virginia is not that far away either. And, if you are a younger and energetic type and this style of riding floats your boat- go to Highline Bikes and talk to Tom. He can set you up with the finest equipment and also introduce you to a really talented group of riders out of his shop.

Keep your eyes peeled for Jamfest next summer. You can sit next to me and see some amazing talent and meet a really friendly group of riders and their clan. All part of the Highline Bike family. Thanks for reading.

Photos courtesy of Brandon Barber- and Highline Bikes.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16