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Preparation

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

My friend Pete always laughed and said that ” Pat rides a bike to prepare for ski season.” And in many ways that was true. I wanted to ride to be able to have strong legs for skiing. And although the ski season is fairly short for us in the mid- Atlantic, even with our trips, it still requires physical preparation to execute what you need in skiing. It is even more important for people my age, because we can’t just ski ourselves into shape anymore. Nothing worse than going on a ski trip and your legs fail you. All the time and effort is lost if you are not in shape. Buying the passes, making the air and lodging arrangements, schlepping the bags through the airports, driving to the area in the dark and snowy conditions. All is lost if you are not prepared physically. Same with skiing locally. The excitement of that first run and the rest of the day can be tempered if you have not prepared.

So fall is here, and for us, the best riding and hiking of the season is upon us. Yes- my crew rides all year with lights and in all kinds of weather. But it is important to keep the legs strong. I always wonder how the first turns of the season will go and if I can still execute after 8 months off. But usually I am confident that with a yearly riding schedule, and hiking mixed in, at least my legs will be strong enough. That gives me confidence when I push off for the first time.

Top of Mammoth Mountain- an annual visit
Get out early.
Laurel Mountain- the local hill.

This time of year, I start to get excited because I know the leaves have fallen and the first frosts of the season are upon us. As much as I like the fall season with the colors, the anticipation starts to get to me and I start monitoring the weather more closely. There seems to be a more urgent need to do my stretches in the morning, do my pushups, and keep riding so as to be totally prepared when the opening day announcement is made. As I have always said, it is good to ski locally to get your ski legs ready for trips out west or to New England. People who say they only ski out west really are missing a good time locally. And they only ski 5 days out of a year or maybe a little more. They are what I call people who ski, not necessarily ……….skiers.

Preparation is key so when you do travel, you click in and you are ready. You are not trying to find your legs the first few days of a trip. You would be amazed at the fun and progress you can have at a mid-Atlantic area. And talk about enthusiasm, just look to the mid-west to Michigan and you will see some of the most rabid skiers in the country on hills with vertical drops smaller than we have. They are second to only New York State in total operating ski areas. Skiing is fun no matter where you go. You can always make a fun day as long as you are turning and breathing in that cold winter air.

So we are all waiting patiently, or not, and hoping for the best this winter. Pete is probably right. I ride to ski and perhaps if you have not prepared the way you would have wanted, it is not too late. Enjoy the upcoming season. But remember what Ben says. Thanks for reading.

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The Out of Body Experience

So, a couple of weeks ago I posted about getting my wife Janet a new bike. She hadn’t had a new one for 30 years and it was high time to get her into the 21st century. She never rode all that much, except at the Jersey Shore, but with the new bike, she said” If I knew how much I like this bike and how much more comfortable it is to ride, I would have ridden more.” Lesson learned and now with a new bike rack as well for the Jeep, we have been taking advantage of the nice fall weather and riding a lot of the rails to trails systems around Western Pennsylvania. Jan has been enjoying her bike, and the early Christmas present is paying off.

I am grateful.

So, one of the funniest things I ever heard Janet say was a couple of weeks ago when we were riding up at one of our favorite rails to trails- the Butler Freeport Trail just north of us. After the ride, I asked her how she liked it and she said” truthfully, it was an out of body experience.” I laughed at that one, but what she meant was that it didn’t really feel like she rode. The experience on the new bike was so comfortable, that she said she hardly felt like she was riding. It was………….an out of body experience.

I can relate to that when you are in the zone. Sometimes everything clicks. On a ride, sometimes you feel like you can ride anything and you are just floating along in a perfected state. I have felt that skiing too, when everything seems to be going right and your turns come easily and smoothly, and you feel like you are hardly trying. Equipment helps and finely tuned skis or a new bike that is set up perfectly aids in the feeling that is well,……. maybe out of body? Kind of a funny remark but in some ways, again, I can relate.

The new Ibis.

One of the things I have to hand to my wife is that in many cases, she is game. She may not ride the rocks and roots in the woods on her bike, she may not ski the steepest runs at an area, but she enjoys a pleasant day on the rails to trails and on the slopes. I joke that sometimes I have to crowbar her out, but she doesn’t like to miss too many things, and she is game to try. Once she is out there, she enjoys it and always says that she is glad she made the effort.

My friend Sue Haywood, the former professional mountain bike racer for Trek and Davis, West Virginia resident, once said to me that she wishes more guys would take their ladies out to ride and not try to hammer them. Nothing worse than having your lady come with you, only to struggle to keep up. Guys – keep the ego in check and encourage your lady. I try to dial it back a bit on the rails to trails and also on the slopes when I am with Jan. I want her to enjoy herself and come back the next time. Not too many miles, not too many difficult slopes, and the end result is a satisfying day and the willingness to have a go at it again. If you can make her first, you will have a wonderful experience together. Like I always say, ” no one is going to the Olympics.” Dial it back and enjoy your time with each other.

Looking forward to many more ” out of body ” experiences for Janet. Thanks for reading and think snow.

“In the end, it is not the years in your life that count, it is the life in your years.”- Abraham Lincoln

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Wisdom of Mentors.
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Battling Mt. Battie

The gnarly ascent of Mt. Battie. Camden, Maine.

So, Jan and I just returned from a wonderful trip to the Maine coast. We stayed in the great little seaside village of Camden, and took in all the sights and checked all the boxes. Upon arrival at the Portland Jetport, we drove directly to McLoon’s Lobster Shack in Thomaston, Maine, and had the obligatory lobster roll. It was fabulous as I had not had a lobster roll in 40 years. My last one was in Bethel, Vermont at a roadside restaurant named Tozier’s. But that was a long time to go without tasting another lobster roll. This one did not disappoint.

Look at that claw!!!

We also hit the Bar Harbor Lobster Pound later in the week, but we have to give the nod to McLoon’s for the sandwich and the view of the harbor from the Adirondack Chairs.

Some of the other checked boxes were a sail boat ride on the Schooner Surprise. Built in 1918, it was a beauty of a restored vessel and the day was superb on the Penobscot Bay. Our Captain Laird was so excited that a schooner built over 100 years ago was able to do 9.1 knots on the return trip. We did a lot of walking in the village of Camden and also made an excursion to Rockland, Maine and took in the Farnsworth Art Museum which featured many of the works of the Wyeth family. NC, Andrew, and Jamie and all of their relations. Amazing that the whole family, including cousins, were all artists and featured in the museum.

Andrew Wyeth painting of Chadds Ford, Pa. His birthplace.
Coastal oil painting by NC Wyeth.
Janet on the Schooner ” Surprise”
The view of lighthouses from Penobscot Bay aboard the Schooner Surprise.
Captain Laird

We also drove almost two hours to see Acadia National Park and drove the route around the park to see the sights. Unfortunately, the park was jammed with cars and people and some of the sights we were unable to see even if we did have a reservation. Seems to be the norm now with National Parks. You at least have to have a reservation and parking is a challenge. But we were able to take in what we could and headed back to Camden.

Checking the boxes on restaurants, lobster, and seaside views, we were always on the move as is our custom. But the physical activities of the days were all about hiking and the place to go is the Camden HIlls State Park just north of town. Jan and I like to hike and with the leaves changing rapidly in Maine, the anticipated views of the coastal mountains and the bay were on our mind. We were told that the trails leading to Mt. Battie were the ones to take for the views from the top, and we began our first hike anticipating a nice long jaunt. What we didn’t know, and no one told us, was that the ” moderate to strenuous hike” as outlined in the website, was a lot to bite off and chew. I kind of chuckled when we started to ascend rough granite sections of the trail and eventually had to climb on all fours to proceed on the almost vertical sections. Coming back down on our butts and all fours in certain sections, was also interesting as the method of descent. For a mountain with only about a 1000 vertical from sea level, it is a brute if you take the more challenging trails. Janet was a trooper, as I am somewhat familiar with hiking in the New England mountains. I always knew that steep granite sections were the norm, but this little coastal mountain which is dwarfed by the Whites of New Hampshire and the Greens of Vermont and the Adirondacks, was still a challenge for anyone attempting to see the views from the top.

Checking the trail maps

I also got a kick out of the locals, many with gray hairs and years in their hiking boots, smiling and making their way. I have always marveled at how some people attempt bicycle centuries and running marathons and don’t really look the part. “How in the world are they ever going to make it?”, I always said. New Englanders are unphased, and their grizzle is readily apparent on the hikes up Mt. Battie.

The unassuming Mt. Battie from Penobscot Bay. Tougher than it looks.

Jan and I took another trail on another day which was still a rugged climb on tombstone granite rocks. The park ranger who gave us a senior discount to enter, was very vague when we asked for recommendations for alternate hikes. In typical Maine fashion, he was low key and left the decision basically to us. We surged onward and Jan was once again a trooper as we made our way up and then descended, sometimes on our butts over sheer granite sheets, grabbing whatever we could with our hands so as not to slide totally off the trail. You know, you can drive to the top of Mt. Battie? But why do that when you can get some exercise and scare yourself on some vertical rock formations? Those New Englanders are tough ,and we were impressed with our fellow senior citizens who took it all in stride. Understatement is always the mood of people from that end of the country, and I have always liked the “can do”,” no problem” of hikers and skiers from the northeast.

As a tribute to Mt. Battie, we bought some Maine State Parks trucker hats from the ranger at the station and after a rather non-eventful conversation, we made it back to our bed and breakfast in Camden- The Hideaway Inn http://www.hideawayinnmaine.com Highly recommended with wonderful hosts- Rick and Charles.

The Hideaway Inn- wonderful place to stay in Camden

On the last day, we proudly wore out hats and pounded down some pancakes for breakfast with plump, Maine blueberries and Maine maple syrup. Another checked box on our exit from the Pine Tree State.

Penobscot Bay from Mt.Battie.

Reflecting back on our trip this week, Jan and I both say we want to go back to Camden. We loved the seaside atmosphere, the sailboats in the harbor, the hiking, and the food. We have both skied in Maine, and it was a nice alternative to see the coast in the fall. I would highly recommend it especially this time of year. And if you want to battle Battie, go for it. The challenge and the views are really well worth the effort. Thanks for reading and ……………………..think snow!

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It helps me.

“Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great.” Psalm 104:25

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Ride to Ride Another Day- Monday Lick Edition

Dave” Every Day” Gault”
Our navigator and logistics specialist- Chris Csuy.

There are no “Gimmes” in West Virginia. I have a lot of experience racing and riding mountain bikes in West Virginia ,and it is never easy. We have been pummeled in wind and rain, and bounced along on tight, off camber trails with high consequence off the edges. Rock strewn passages with roots and downed trees, all make West Virginia riding tough and especially so for me now as the elder statesman of our group this year. For me, it is ride to ride another day and stay upright. Not always the case for me as I am perfecting the art of the left sided crashes. It is pretty amazing that a bunch of guys in their 60s can pound along on these trails, with Bob K, Csuy, Everday Dave, Paul B, John C and Randy leading the way for us and continuing on when the rest of us mortals had to take a break. I have broken into the seventh decade and am happy that I can at least still ride some of these trails. Shark led the two mortals- Pete and me, and all together we had some amazing riding this past weekend on the newly created Monday Lick Trails in Marlinton, West Virginia.

Video by John Casuccio.

When we go to the Marlinton area, we stay at the Pre Civil War Cabins at the Jerico. Really nice lodging and wonderful people to work with down there. Ask for Lindie. All of us stayed together in the largest cabin (The Loring) which was great for reliving the days activities around the large wooden dining room table or outside by the campfire on the banks of the Greenbrier River.

Now, if you are thinking of trying the new Monday Lick Trails, understand that it is a long ride up a fire road to make several challenging downhill trail runs. The way to do it is to shuttle, although we all climbed the long road once. And it was lonnnnnnnnnng!!! But putting together some vehicles to shuttle to the top is the way to go and you need a guy like Chris Csuy to be the logistics manager. It was great to have him at the helm.

Shuttle Vehicle

Another thing about Monday Lick is it is not for the faint of heart. Even though you shuttle to the top in the optimum plan, the trails which run downhill do have some climbs and are challenging. There are typical West Virginia rock sections and rooty sections. The tight, off camber condition is kind of unnerving if you have acrophobic sensitivities like me. The drop offs to the side of the trails are sometimes steep and long and a fall would not be recommended. However, if you look ahead and concentrate, you can enjoy the challenge and take in what you came for in West Virginia.

Pete Hilton keeping me on the path.

Some of the things that I have always liked about West Virginia are the scenery and the quiet, peaceful feeling of the mountains. When Pete and I drove down this year, the leaves were almost peak at the top of Snowshoe Mountain. My first real feel of fall for 2025, and I was a happy man. I love the fall and driving and riding in West Virginia is a treat this time of year.

John Casuccio decked out in his western finest for the concert at the Opera House.
Bluegrass by the Hackensaw Boys.

Finally, I always like to end the trip with a concert at the Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton, or the Purple Fiddle in Thomas. Last time we took in Vanessa Collier and her blues repertoire. This time we took in bluegrass performed by the Hackensaw Boys, and it was great. It kind of wraps up the experience of West Virginia. Like I said, I have had a lot of great times in the mountain state. From the 24 Hours of Canaan and Wild 100 races, to the NORBAs at Snowshoe, to the different mountain bike festivals put on by Elk River Touring Center, riding and experiencing West Virginia is a wonderful way to spend a long weekend. Sure, it is challenging, and we all end up with bumps and bruises, but the camaraderie, and the experience of riding in the mountains is really special. The mountain bike crew is always fun to be with and taking the show to West Virginia is always a trip that I look forward to anytime we can do it. Marlinton and Monday Lick are becoming more and more popular and quickly becoming one of the classic venues of West Virginia. Go experience it and have a blast. Thanks for reading.

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” As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 21:17

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A New Experience- Long Overdue

The Ibis Carbon DV-9

So we walked into Highline Bikes in Allison Park, Pa and met up with the proprietor – Tom Florcik. Now it was the first time Janet met Tom as he was diligently setting up her new mountain bike. Tom is meticulous in his set ups and also very patient showing Janet the features of the new bike. Dropper Post? She never heard of such a thing. The new Terry gel seat- very important to her. And in general shifting, braking, and overall set up. He would not let her leave until she was comfortable riding around the parking lot using her new dropper to get on and off the bike. If you are in the market- go see Tom.

We then left the shop with our bikes on the new 1 Up Rack that I bought. My last one was 30 years old and had seen better days. We both are now in the 21st century- although I must sheepishly admit that I always keep up with bikes and ski equipment where my wife has been a little behind. Like 30 years behind. Shame on me. But I didn’t know she wanted to ride more. As we test drove the new Ibis, she loved it and said how light it was, how easy to shift, and in general a joy to ride. She said,” You know, if I had known how nice this carbon bike is to ride, I would have ridden more over the last number of years. But that old clunker you made me ride was not enjoyable at all. This bike makes all the difference in the world.” Oh well, a new experience for Janet and long, long overdue.

A happy girl- long overdue

The cool thing about new equipment is the anticipation. You think about it. You sleep on it. You purchase it. You see it and get it and then you use it with a huge smile on your face. Janet got new ski boots a couple of years ago and that same beautiful smile was out front and center. Jim Jacobs, from Peak Ski and Board, took the time, like Tom, and fitted her very well. She loves the new boots, compared to the old ones she was skiing. Like I said, I sometimes get behind in her equipment, but never on mine. Selfish SOB. But I am changing.

Fugheddabaddit

Now as an aside to the great new experience of carbon for Janet was the protection factor. People kind of chuckle at me when I pull out my Kryptonite heavy duty chain and lock called the Fugheddabaddit. More completely it is called the Kryptonite Fugheddabaddit New York edition. Supposedly tested in New York City, it has been shown to be pretty much thieve proof. The chain is so heavy and burly and the lock is bombproof. I like to be comfortable knowing that when I am not in my Jeep, someone might take a look and say to themselves “fugheddabaddit.” They can move on to another victim. I guess anyone can steal anything anytime, but this chain lock makes it pretty difficult and hairbag thieves tend to move on to an easier target. Janet laughs when I apply the chain and she and I both say………..” fuggheddabaddit.”

So, we are looking forward to a fall together of exploring the multitude of Rails to Trails around Western Pa. and the colors of the leaves should be popping pretty soon. Jan is not an in the woods trail person except for hikes. She leaves the rocks and roots to me, but when we are together, the Rail to Trails systems are really nice and will be even more comfortable for her on her new ride. Carbon 29er from Ibis and Highline Bikes. Pretty sweet. And long overdue. Enjoy your fall season and thanks for reading.

Coming soon!!

” Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.” Psalm 31:24

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Art of the Change
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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

To Say Hi or not to say Hi- that is the question!!
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Cyclo X 2025

Team Debo plans a great ride.

Every year- Aaron Shafer – seen above at right- plans a great ride to and through each of the Pittsburgh City Parks. People ride it with different types of bicycles. I always say it is a mountain bike ride and although there are lots of road miles, when you get to the parks- we ride the single track and double track. In my mind, you need a mountain bike but there are some who ride it with narrower knobby tires and some with cross bikes. But whatever you choose, the ride takes you through some interesting places.

It all starts and ends at the Grist House in Millvale.

Starting at 8 AM- it was a spirited start with the A and B group riding out together. The pace was quick as people were anxious to get started and I admired the people who were on cross bikes or narrower tire bikes as we rode the rocky sides of railroad tracks for several miles.

Greg and Shannon Nass- rode narrower tires and handled the terrain like pros.

Typically the A group are the younger riders and very skilled. They ride close to 80 miles and almost 8 thousand vertical feet of climbing. The B group rides between 40 – 50 depending on the mood, and usually around 4 thousand vertical feet. People don’t realize how hilly Pittsburgh is, but for the A and B group- climbing Mt Washington is no joke. Whether you take the tight switchback trails to the top or ride one of the steep roads to the top, you are happy when you get to lunch at the new Shiloh Plate and Pour.

Everybody is happy with some lunch up at the Shiloh Plate and Pour.

After pounding the gravel besides the railroad tracks, riding some very nasty off camber single track in Highland Park, and riding in Frick Park with its technical trails, the climb up Mt Washington is a real test.

Shark- Coach Lou and yours truly taking a breather before the big climb to lunch

We had some carnage this year with the Shark- seen above on the left- getting rear ended by a car, bending his rim and getting his share of road rash. But, in typical mountain bike fashion, he toughed it out and rode back to the Grist House to await the group later in the day.

The Dirt Church banner was flying at the event
The usual cast of characters show up.

After lunch, Aaron and the tough guys took off and we didn’t see them the rest of the day. We were just interested in getting down off the Mount, getting through town, over to the Point, and back on to the Northshore Trail. We checked off Highland Park, Frick Park, Point State Park, Shenley Park, and decided to avoid the Evergreen Trails on Mt. Washington and Riverview. The interesting thing about city park trails is depending on what park you ride, the conditions of the trails vary. From tight singletrack, not well maintained with glass and debris, to the more conditioned Frick Park trails. The tight , off camber trail through Highland Park also took down another rider- me!! I overshot a left hand turn on some slimy rocks and careened to my left into a ravine and had to be helped up by Fred Fisher and Tom Tiernan. I was still clipped in and sat there for a little bit but all was well- save for some stoved fingers. The city park trails are no joke either and I am always glad I have my mountain bike.

The B group at Carnegie Mellon University on the way to Schenley Park.

After a group refresh at the Grist House, we packed it up and headed home. Another Cyclo X in the books but the A group was still out there. How they ride that many miles and vertical on mountain and cross bikes just proves one thing- youth is wasted on the young. I was also proud to think that I was again the oldest rider of the day, and with 71 staring me in the face in November, I wonder how many more grueling climbs up Mt. Washington are left in this body. But then again, like I always say- keep going. Keep riding and keep the fun times alive. Heck- my Garmin says I am 58 so I will go with that. LOL!! But it is good to test yourself, no matter how old, and the stress of a good mountain bike ride is not only good for the body, but good for the soul as well. It keeps me connected and with continued blessings, I can participate in Cyclo X 2026. Thanks Aaron, thanks to all the A riders who inspire, and thanks to our B group who brought our B game to an A ride. Good on ya. Thanks for reading.

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” I can do all this through him who gives me strength” Romans- 4:13

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

” Shredding the Gnar” – in the city.