Category Archives: Exercise

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“Send It!”

Campfires galore at Adventure Fest.

The two words “Send It’ generally refers to the encouraging words mountain bike riders or skiers use when goading on a friend to do something extraordinary. “Send it!” -when a skier is just about to jump off a cornice at a ski area. Or “Send it!” – when a mountain bike rider rockets down a rock- strewn descent hanging on for dear life. It usually is met with a huge applause if the “sendee” is successful or derision by the crowd when the “sendee” blows the heroic act.

This also happened to be the theme this year for the annual outdoor outing of Christian men called “Adventure Fest.” This is the brainchild of Greg Nass and his band of merry men who work tirelessly to make this weekend operate seamlessly with great outdoor activities like mountain bike riding, Harley rides, fishing, camping, axe throwing, and a host of other outdoor activities. This was the 12th year. But the main events are centered around really talented speakers who communicate the values that Christian fathers, husbands, and brothers all hold dear. A snapshot of this fabulous weekend is as follows”

Friday-


Pete Hilton, Shark, and Roger Evans taking in Laurel Mountain Trails on Friday

A small group of Adventuremen tackled the wild and rocky trails at Laurel Mountain. Followed by a fabulous meal at a real gem of a restaurant in Jennerstown called “The Fat Squirrel”. For those of us who prefer plant- based entrees, this little establishment has it all. Great food, a casual atmosphere, outdoor dining and well…….just a real good place to have a meal, post ride in the Laurel Mountains.

The Fat Squirrel does not disappoint.
Japanese Tofu pancakes with cabbage and radish garnish finished with a real tasty sauce
Vegetable sandwich with onion straws and sweet potato fries. Yum!

As the small group made their way to the Boyer’s Pond Campground, ( a new venue for Adventuremen this year), we set up our tents and campers and made our way to the huge firepit ablaze with many of the Adventuremen who made their way from across several states to be in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the new cross that was built for the new venue which was the centerpiece for the welcoming statements by Greg and some amazing testimonials from several of the men who told their stories. Then, as with the tradition of the Adventuremen cross, they pounded a nail into the cross symbolizing that they are giving their troubles to the Lord, leaving it at the cross,and thankful for what he has done in their lives. Guys talk about overcoming addiction and substance abuse, difficulties with their children, heart wrenching stories that are either a submission by the pounding of the nail, or out of gratitude for the changeover that has occurred in their lives. The faith that was on display and the results are amazing stories that are set with the backdrop of a huge, blazing firepit, and the large wooden cross symbolizing the redemption that is available to all of us if we just place our trust where it belongs.

Pastor Greg with his opening remarks. The guy is a tireless worker.
The new Adventuremen cross that will be permanently installed in the camp ground.

Saturday-

We awoke to a bright, sunny day with lots of activities on hand including our group’s mountain bike ride at Quemahoning Reservoir trails. This facility that was built by the Army Corps of Engineers with a huge lake and surrounding trails is a must ride for anyone coming to Adventurefest. Our group was enthusiastic as we made our way around some of the nicest trails in the region.

Shark, Bob Anderson, Bob Horrell, Paul Barrante, and Roger Evans in the lot at the “Q”
Bob and Paul leading the way.
Yours truly rocking the “Send It” Adventuremen colors.

After a quick shower and jamming a few PB&Js down our throats, we made our way to the main event. First on deck was Steve McGranahan who bills himself as the ” World’s Strongest Redneck.” As the crowd of Adventuremen sat in disbelief in their camp chairs, Steve showed us his strength and skill by tearing phone books in half, decks of cards in half, bending nails, and bending a frying pan into a tube that he billed as the first redneck hot dog cooker. We could not believe some of the stuff he showed us like taking a bite out of a soda can. His humor was apparent but he had a definite message for the group. As he was tearing the phone books and decks of cards, he said, don’t let anyone tear you apart, or tear you down. He said we have a faithful savior who will prevent that if we only give him a chance. He said, as he bent the frying pan and the nails, not to bend our will to anything that would be a dishonor to our faith. In short, he had a message for us with every feat of strength that he showed us. The guys were inspired and in awe all at the same time.

Steve McGranahan- the world’s strongest redneck.

Next on the billing was Pastor Pete Giacalone who is the lead pastor at South Park Assembly of God. Pastor Pete regaled us with tales of his upbringing as an Italian Catholic in Detroit. He told us about his friends who were “connected”, and his family who were devout Catholics and had very strong opinions about everything. He went on to say that when he told his family that he wanted to be a preacher, they disowned him. A sad story of neglect and rejection which had a happy ending when his father, on his death bed, finally accepted Christ and was an avid reader of the Bible thanks to the persistence of Pastor Pete. His message to us was one of conviction and steadfast love for the Gospel no matter what.

Following a session of worship music by the praise band that Greg had assembled, the next speaker on the bill was a Christian comedian named Gordan Douglass. A clean, funny comedian who also happens to be a pastor and has taken many foster children into his home. One of his lines which got a chuckle was that ” two just got out of jail and two should be going.” His humor was aimed at himself but his stories of his foster care for 19 different individuals so far was inspiring. Finally, he recited his own version of “The Night Before Christmas” which was centered around the true meaning of Christmas and the Nativity. He delivered it with such passion that there was not a sound in the audience as he held us spellbound with his delivery.

Finally on the bill was Pastor Jim Balzano – lead pastor of Trans4mation Church in Altoona. Pastor Jim had the last spot of the afternoon and lots of guys were getting tired from an afternoon in the hot sun. But his message got the attention of the crowd with the telling of the tale of how the State Police came to the door one night at bout 1:30 AM and told Pastor Jim and his wife that they had found their 19 year old son dead in the river. He told us about how he had to identify the body and how he actually performed the funeral service for his son. He said that that there are a lot of heartaches in the world, and we must know, in keeping with the theme of the event, that God “sent ” his son to save us, his spirit to heal us, and his prophets to warn us. They ” send it” so that we can go out and be a light to the world in the best way that we can. He talked about forgiveness and how we need to forgive ourselves in our own miseries, and to forgive others. The line that resonated with me was when Pastor Jim says the way you truly know you have forgiven others, is when you have the opportunity to hurt someone back ,and you choose not to. He also encouraged us to move on with the work that we are called to do. As he buried his son in the ground, he looked over and saw his brand, new grand- daughter, and decided to dedicate his future efforts to her and not to look back. There was not a dry eye in the house after that one.

You know, I have said it before when reporting in my blog about Adventuremen, and Adventure Fest, that there are real misnomers out there about Christian men. People think we are right wing rednecks, above it all, condescending and judging. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you hear stories from men at Adventure Fest from all walks of life, telling their stories and about how their faith has saved their lives, it shows you the brokenness of true Christian men who recognize that they are sinners and in need of redemption. These guys are just normal Joes in life who struggle like everyone with substance abuse, addictions, broken homes and broken marriages. Nothing could be further from the truth to say that these guys are judging and condescending. They come to Adventure Fest for fun and a good gathering with other men. But they also come to hear the Good News preached by some of the best Assembly of God Pastors around. They come for healing, fellowship, and a wonderful time camping and doing things in the wilds of Pennsylvania. Then they can “send it” out to the world as well as they can. Come to Adventure Fest next year. It is always the weekend before Father’s Day. Information can be found at http://www.Adventuremen.org and www. Adventurefest.org. Thanks for reading. I am honored to be on the board of directors for Adventuremen. I am hoping that it will be a lifetime position. Thank for reading.

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The Geriatric Ride

Jeff, Darrall, and Steve. Pounding through the rocks at Laurel Mountain

So it was an absolutely beautiful day in the Laurel Highlands this weekend and a fun group of eclectic individuals came out to ride the challenging rocks and roots of Laurel Mountain. These trails are not for the faint of heart but the challenge is always accepted by riders in the Western Pa. area who are up to the task. The interesting thing about this weekend was the conversation and the condition of the participants. One amazing stroke survivor, one guy with a prosthesis ( amazing rider), one guy who just had two cortisone shots in his shoulders the day before, one guy with a pacemaker, and the rest of us reveling in the senior years on the trails. Now with all of this going on, it was fair to say that they all went for it and “sent it” for the whole ride with some of the actors opting to even add more challenging additions to the ride. Outlook Trail, and the whole Black Bear Trail. The rest of us finishing on the Spruce Run Trail which, in our minds, is even more challenging than the popular Wolf Rocks Trail.

Samra on the left had some funny comments for the group.

One of the more amusing comments on the ride came from our pal Samra when she was listening to all the ailments being described and said,” what’s next Pat, a discussion of upcoming colonoscopy appointments?” We all laughed hard at that one and kept riding along the Silvermine Trail to an interesting stop. Now this group is like a lot of mountain bike groups. There are a lot of characters and seeing how they react to certain situations gives one some perspective into how they tick. Take our friend Jeff. He wanted to get up ahead a little bit to get through a rocky section because he still has some peripheral vision issues resulting from his stroke. As we came up behind him, he told all of us to stop because there was a rattle snake crossing the trail. Jeff being Jeff was a little impatient and got a stick to get the rattler moving and when he raised his head in the strike position, he seemed to be looking right at Steve as if to say, ” why are you guys messing with me, man. Don’t you know it is our feeding and mating time?” Steve told Jeff in no uncertain terms to back off, which we did, and the snake went along his carnal way looking for the ladies. Not our ladies on the ride but his ladies in the woods. LOL!!

Rattlers at Wolf Rocks. They are there but if you don’t mess with them, they won’t mess with you.

One of the next more interesting things for the seniors pounding the trails was when our friend Don had a mechanical. Now on these kinds of trails, there tend to be some mechanicals along the way. Mostly with the bikes but Don C had one with his prosthesis. The rocks bent it a little out of shape and Don got his tools, took a time out, and repaired the mechanical ankle with dispatch.

This guy can repair his prosthesis in the field due to rock damage and still outride most people. Amazing.

All in all, you have a very capable ride group with Don O and I giving options along the way. Darrall and I are the most senior of the group with Don C right behind and the rest descending in chronological order. But suffice to say- youth is wasted on the young, and this group tends to squeeze the most out of any challenging conditions with a smile on their face and the attitude of ” give me more.”

Young people who we meet along the way are kind of shocked when they see older riders performing at this level through this kind of challenging terrain. It kind of gives them a peek of their future if they keep riding and stay healthy. With most people our age tending to back off a little bit, this group goes to Laurel Mountain. As we get older, sometimes we have to get out of the comfort zone a little bit and challenge ourselves. That occasional push tends to keep us young not only physically, but mentally with the thought that, ” yes we can still do this.” It is great to hang with a group like this.

Keep Riding the Rocks!

Bottom line, if you are a senior, or one approaching the senior years, keep doing the things you like to do. Challenge yourself. Do it with maturity, but push yourself every once in a while. It keeps you young, vibrant and not ready to throw in the towel just yet. My neighbor always says to me, “Patrick, don’t ever let a number define you.” I agree. Thanks for reading

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The Music of the Trails

You know the cool thing about music is that it can put you in a good mood, or if you are in a good mood or a melancholy mood, you can select music to match the moment. Either way, music sets the tone for your day and listening to it can soothe you, give you solace, or get you up and after it.

Recently I bought a pair of these SHOKZ Open Fit ear buds and have really enjoyed listening to music on the trails again as I ride my mountain bike. I used to use regular ear buds but never really liked them because they went into your ear canal and didn’t allow you to hear what was going on around you, who was coming up behind you, and were useless if you tried to have a conversation. But ever since I got these Shokz Open Fit ear buds, they have allowed all of that because they don’t go in your ear canal. They are outside of the canal and transmit fine stereo sound through your bones around your ear. You can hear great music and still hear what is going on around you and have a conversation while listening. A great addition to my solo rides. This is all thanks to Syd Schultz and Macky Franklin of Syd and Macky You Tube channel fame. They use them on MTB rides and races.

But the interesting thing to me is what kind of music I like to listen to when I am riding. Oftentimes, when I am really plugged into the beauty of the woods and the trails where I am riding, I can get in a contemplative mood and listen to Gregorian chant, choir music, or even Beethoven. It gives me the chance to look around me and have a nice background of music that is relaxing. I am not setting any records on my Garmin on those days,( well, any day for that matter), and just appreciate nature’s beauty with a soothing background. If I see someone and want to have a conversation, I can turn the volume down. But even with a fair amount of volume, the Shokz units still allow for consistent hearing.

Riding smoothly over rocks and roots, listening to the 9th Symphony inspires me.

Last year while riding down in West Virginia, our group went to the Opera House in Marlinton at the suggestion of the bartender at the Old Mountain Tavern. There for 10 dollars, we heard an unbelievable concert by Vanessa Collier, a nationally known blues singer and saxophone player. I mean, she was tremendous, and her lead guitar player, Laura Chavez, was named blues guitarist of the year. First time for a woman! She and Vanessa tore the roof off of that place. It might have been the best 10 bucks I have ever spent and now Vanessa graces my Pandora music mix that I listen to on my Shokz Open Fit buds. Riding up long climbs or over rocky sections of trails, I can really get after it with the blues riffs echoing in my head. I also tend to think of West Virginia when I am riding locally and listening to Allison Kraus and Union Station and her bluegrass melodies. Music paints pictures in your mind of where you have been and the fun times in places like Snowshoe, Davis, The Purple Fiddle in Thomas, and Marlinton, West Virginia. You can daydream to the music and let it envelop your thoughts with memories and snapshots of epic times riding in the Mountain State.

Vanessa Collier wailing the blues.

Again- the Shokz units allow for listening to music while having the safety of also hearing what is going on around you. I can always tell when I approach a hiker or a jogger in front of me that they have earbuds, because they can’t hear me coming at all- even with my bell alerting them. They all should have Shokz.

But a rainy day with the blues in your ears, a snowy trail with Beethoven, or sunshine with bluegrass or classic rock, can always get me inspired to get over that last steep section or through the most technical of rock sections with a self -congratulatory yelp to the music on the trail. If you are hiking, riding MTB, or trail running, try the Open Fit buds. Your trails will never sound the same again. And by the way, this is not an ad for Shokz. I am not a paid marketer. I just like them that’s all. Thanks for reading.

Memories of our group in WVA last year.

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The Bowl from Dingle

Years ago, I rode my road bike through Ireland and had the experience of a lifetime. Great stories like when the guy in the pub asked me,” Where are you from Yank?” I asked how he knew. He said, ” not many people wear shorts and running shoes around here.” We both had a chuckle(craic) over a classic Guiness pint. Or the guy who took me to his friend at the hardware store and told him to sell me a lock for my bike and not to ” give him a hooking.” We laughed at that one too and he told me he was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous and this was his good deed for the day. The Irish are real characters molded by their history, weather, and humor.

As I made my way west, I ended up in the Dingle Peninsula where I came across a pottery shop. I bought this bowl seen above and had it shipped to my home as I could not carry it while riding the bike. Most days, I was gone all day on the bike. Just me-self, peddling me arse all over the country. So, when the bowl arrived weeks later, I was so thrilled to get it and lo and behold( or faith and begorrah), I have had this bowl for almost 40 years. It has proudly served me soup, cereal, oatmeal, salsa, pasta, and many other meals over the years and every time I use it, I think of the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry and the whole west coast of Ireland, which by bicycle, was absolutely spectacular.

A very young Pat McCloskey riding through the Sod.

But the amazing thing about the bowl is how well it has held up over all these years. Hours in the dishwasher, sitting on the counter, etc. Didn’t crack, break, or become useless much like it’s owner. Somehow it manages to stand the test of time and still be the bowl that I remember all those years ago. Truthfully, it has held up pretty well considering the abuse of 40 years. It is a beautiful, workable, piece of art. Everyone should have a cereal bowl like this- especially with it’s history.

Another miracle- shamrocks that were my mother’s. She passed 20 years ago.

Riding my road bike through Ireland was a treat. I was given a map in the morning at breakfast, and all I had to do was make it to the next stop on the tour by dinner time. The van took my bags to each town. All day, by myself, taking in the sounds, sights, and smells of Ireland. It has been a long time since I have been there, and I can’t believe that Janet and I have not been back. That hiatus will end this August when we will go to Ireland. Me, for only the second time, and Janet for the first time. I can’t wait to see the changes and some of the places where I have not been. Gratefully, Dingle is on the program. As beautiful a seaside village as you will ever see and as far west as Europe goes. In fact, there is a sign that identifies a Catholic church as the westernmost parish in Europe. Next parish- Boston, Mass. This time we will not be riding bicycles. We will be in a small van with some other folks. Hopefully I will remember some of the roads where I rode my road bike like Sleigh Head Drive? Maybe we will see the sheep with the colorful dots on their backs identifying their flock. An aside on my bike trip, I came whipping around a bend and came upon a flock of these colorfully marked sheep and slammed on my brakes. The shepherd said” it would have been a soft landin there laddie.” The Irish humor is dry and so funny. Maybe I will buy another bowl in Dingle? Maybe not? Chances are this one will outlast me. Slainte’ Thanks for reading.

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Overcoming Adversity

Jeff Chetlin and Pete Hilton -North Park trails.

You know, the great writer and pastor Chuck Swindoll always said,” life is 10 percent what happens to you, and 90 percent how you react to it.” A lot of truth to that statement and when you think about it for a minute, it hits the nail right on the head. At least, that is how it should be for all of us. A lot of us react with a positive attitude when something happens, others do not. But if you can handle adversity and make something good come out of it, you are better off personally, and also you can make life better for those who interact with you. Personally, I also believe that it is a good chance to share your faith and be a good witness to the Good News even when bad things happen to you. Handling adversity is not for the faint of heart.

Take my friend Jeff Chetlin, for instance. Now I have posted about Jeff and his lovely wife Julie before but as a refresher, Jeff had a stroke a couple of years ago that could have been devastating in consequence. Jeff was having a routine heart valve replacement and produced a clot on the operating table and had a stroke. His recovery was slow and steady, but Jeff always had a positive and a “can-do” attitude which helped his recovery over the last couple of years. I remember his first mountain bike ride after the stroke down at the Bowling Green area of Frick Park. He was a bit apprehensive but wanted to do it and I remember telling him- ” you know how to ride a bike, just get on and peddle.” Which is what he did with a big smile on his face. Fast forward a couple of years and here he is this weekend riding all the trails at our North Park with very little trouble at all. Jeff has always been a “go getter” guy and his attitude towards his recovery has been exemplary. Although he admits that he is not back to where he once was before he had the stroke, he is grateful that he can ski at his home area of Mt. Bachelor, Oregon. He makes beautiful turns- I was witness to that last winter. He also has been riding the trail systems in Bend with no issue.

Julie Chetlin- leading the way in more ways than one for her hubby Jeff.

Along with his uber- supportive wife Julie, the active couple shares their time between Bend, Oregon and Pittsburgh. Julie has family here and she spends time with them, and also with all of us who are their Pittsburgh team of friends and support. But the cool thing is how much Julie and Jeff are involved in their active communities both here and in Bend. Mountain bike riding, skiing, hiking, in two different parts of the country- all while Jeff has continually worked to improve his situation since the stroke. He has done remarkably well, and you would never know unless you spoke to him about it, that he had this setback. Not many people in his situation could come back and ride the muddy, rocky, root infested trails of North Park and do it with expertise and a smile on their face like Jeff.

Pete Hilton- Jeff’s North Park shadow.
Jodi Griswold- slaying the trails at North Park.

But perhaps the most salient comment on the ride this weekend was from our friend Jodi Griswold. As we took a break on the North Ridge, Jodi remarked how inspiring it is to see Jeff willing to speak to people about having a stroke and the consequences and recovery challenges in his life. He has done well, no doubt, but Jodi is right. Jeff spends a lot of time on calls with stroke recovery victims and also speaking to them in person both here and in Bend. He encourages them and tells them that if they work hard like him, they can return to some semblance of a normal life complete with all the activities they used to enjoy. He also is candid if he thinks that there will be limitations and doesn’t want to give false hope to some who may have had more difficulty with the stroke situation. But even in those instances, he is positive and encourages people that life is not over, and that positivity and the right mental attitude can do wonders for recovery.

Our riding buddy and doctor- Syed Hyder- instrumental in Jeff’s recovery.

Jeff is in the midst of writing a book on his challenges and recovery. It will be interesting to see what he has valued, and his lessons learned along his path. I am sure he will credit his wife Julie as she has been steadfast in her commitment to him and her willingness to be there every step of the way- encouraging him with his riding, skiing, and his willingness to share his story. The great thing about Jeff is he has always been the pied piper of his ski and riding groups. He now is the pied piper of all those who are trying to make a comeback from a catastrophic event in their lives. Like Jodi said, he is positive, encouraging, and candid, and would not be there if those same people who he is used to gathering about him, would not also be there supporting and praying for him. He is grateful for friends and continues to gather them on rides and on the slopes both in Bend and here in Pittsburgh.

Jeff and his posse here in Pa.
Jeff and his posse at Mt. Bachelor in Bend. ( Tim Girone’s birthday party)

The take- away here is that yes- things happen in life and especially as we all get older. How you handle the difficulties is dependent upon a lot of factors, but Jeff and Julie have handled it well. The important thing is to share your experiences with those who may be going through the same thing. Your experiences, your highs and lows, and your positivity are critical to a lot of people, and it is so inspirational to see a guy like Jeff willing to go out there for people in need. We all are called to do the same thing. Whether you have a critical event, or recognize someone in your community having a difficult time, be there for them. Think of what Jeff would do. Thanks for reading.

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The Century

One of the first rites of passage for a road bicycle rider is the day the decision is made to ride 100 miles or do ……….the Century. In the early days of riding a road bicycle, one has to get used to bike position, saddle comfort, the rules of the road, riding in traffic, riding in a group, wind, rain, and a host of new challenges. Once these are addressed and the mileage improves from day to day, the decision is often made to do a Century ride as a test of one’s fitness and prowess on the road bike.

I remember first learning to ride back in the day when I bought my first Trek road bike. My mentors, Larry Cohen and Chuck Martin got me started and soon enough I was riding, 30, 40 miles and then a longer ride of 50 miles. After a season of good riding, I was encouraged to ride a Century. I forget actually which one it was, but I can tell you I am a veteran of many Centuries . Hilly ones, flat ones in Ohio, windy ones near the Atlantic Ocean, and many more. I learned a lot over the years. Important things like proper clothing, comfortable shorts with chamois, chamois butter or Vaseline to protect the guys, and prevent chafing. Repeated pedaling and perspiring can make a ride pretty uncomfortable if you are not prepared with good lubrication down below. Rain exacerbates the situation and a good lightweight rain jacket stuffed into the back of your jersey is key. Like we always say, no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing.

Nutrition is key as well and back in the day, we could not get enough bananas or Fig Newtons. These were also stuffed into the back of our jerseys and I can remember many times on a hot day, 60 miles out, stuffing the Newtons and bananas in my mouth and wondering how in the heck I was going to get back. Stops at convenience stores along the way were a good option and many times I waddled into the stores with my bike shoes and cleaned out the racks of snacks. I used to use a product called Cytomax, which was an electrolyte powder added to my water bottle. I carried extra in a little bag so I could re-load on the way when I ran out of liquid. You can’t drink enough on a Century.

My friends George Sagan and Art Bonavoglia and I rode a Century one time with a local touring club. These club guys were stuffed into their lycra bike kits and stopped every ten miles for a hoagie, pizza, or other method of what they called refueling. George looked at me and said, ” lets keep riding.” I thought to myself- we could actually gain weight on this ride. LOL!!

Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe

One of the prettiest Centuries I rode was in Lake Tahoe for the Team in Training event which was a fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Lots of Centuries are benefits and folks donate money for your cause by matching your miles with dollars. When you are out there suffering at about 90 miles, you think of the good cause for which you are riding and smile. It brings you to the finish line.

One of the fun things about a Century is riding with a group, in a good paceline at a good effort. It makes the miles go quickly and if you are unable to keep up, just keep peddling and another group will come up behind you and you can jump on their train. Nothing like racking up the miles with a good group of riders. And if you are fortunate enough to latch on to a tandem, you can really fly. On the Tahoe ride, our group was behind a couple on a tandem who stopped for lunch and got married on the ride. Pretty cool to be part of their wedding party on the road.

Don’t miss jumping on the tandem bus.

Did a couple of 100 mile races back in the day too. Higher paced rides, which had me laying in the grass at the end, stuffing the Newtons in my mouth and swilling Cytomax out of my bottle while prone on my back. Danny Chew, the many time Race Across America champion, and national class road racer, caught our group one time after getting lost up near Meadville, Pa. He laughed at us and abused us a bit saying he caught us after going about 20 miles out of route. Whatever Danny. We were used to his abuse. Mr. Bike was pretty strong back in the day. As weekender Joe Blows, we were no match for riders like him. But we all had fun at the end remembering the good times on the ride and the usually spectacular scenery.

Lake Tahoe vistas

Another cool thing about riding Centuries is the sense of accomplishment after you finish. Although 100 miles is nothing to a Tour de France rider or a national class road racer, for the local Joe Blow, it is truly an accomplishment accompanied by the confidence that you can do it. The rite of passage is met, and you are on your way to being an experienced cyclist. This leads to more Centuries, races, events, and rides that make you stronger and move you to the next level of fitness.

Riding Centuries is a great way to make friends, spend time with new friends, and have a lifetime of great memories like I do. Thanks to my friend Scott Weiner, I had the opportunity to ride a Century in Maryland a couple of times with 3- time Tour de France Champion, and World Champion, Greg LeMond. Greg had great stories all along the route and signed autographs late into the night. A truly gracious champion who was happy to ride with 6 of us on a couple of sunny weekends in Maryland benefitting One in Six Organization.

Joe Blow and Champion- Greg Lemond. Such a gracious guy!
Poor Greg- had to listen to my stories along the route too.

So, in summary, if you are new to road riding, don’t think that riding a Century is out of sight. Keep riding and getting your miles in. Take advice from experienced riders who are happy to share their knowledge with you. ( Thanks- Mac Martin, Matt Eaton, Danny and Tom Chew, Bob Gottlieb and Jay Wolkoff- for always taking the time to ride with us back in the day preparing us for events). You can ride a Century too as a new rider. Just do your homework, hydrate, eat properly,and take the right clothes. Your preparation will certainly be beneficial and you will have accomplished 100 miles on a road bike. Thanks for reading and keep peddling.

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A Great Start

The start of the season for Trail Adventures

You know, kids these days take kind of a bad rap. We hear stories about drugs, theft, under achievement in school, and other nefarious issues that plague young people today. But it is nice to see a positive program where kids are valued, their experiences in the outdoors are enhanced, and they learn skills on the trails and off the trails that they can use for a lifetime.

Cody Pletz- head honcho for Trail Adventures.

Enter Cody Pletz, who is on a 9 year mission to improve kid’s lives and skills on a mountain bike. His program, Trail Adventures, is part of the recreation programs of the Allegheny County Parks and Recreation Department here in Pittsburgh. The program takes place at Hartwood Acres and at North Park from April until October- Monday through Thursday. Currently the North Park group has 54 riders who all have smiles on their faces whenever we see them in the woods and the skills on the trails are augmented with drills that Cody and his coaches use before the rides .

Angelica Pietranton – local downhill MTB racer and coach for Trail Adventures.

One of the interesting things about Cody’s programs are that several of the kids that have graduated have gone on to race in college and some are even returning as coaches in the program. Riding skills as well as trail etiquette are emphasized as we see groups of the riders stop when we approach if we have the right of way on an uphill section. Several of the parents are coaches and monitors, and it is heartwarming to see the parking lot filled with parents and kids all eager to begin their session with Trail Adventures.

One thing I learned as a father was not to try to force your child into a sport. It is important to try to share your enthusiasm by getting them started but if it is not for them, so be it. They will find their own interests with their friends. That is one of the cool things about Trail Adventures is that even though the parents signed their children up for the program, it is apparent that the kids make friends. The season long weekly outings bond them together in ways that may never have taken place had the program not existed. When you see 54 kids all lined up, doing drills, laughing and having fun with each other, it is heartwarming. If you log on to the Allegheny County Parks and Recreation website, (www.alleghenycounty.us), you will see the sign -ups for the programs. A lot of them are already sold out but take a look. The costs are very modest for the amount of time spent with coaches and on the trails.

One thing about riding a mountain bike is that you can do it for a long time. I know the coaches and they often tell their kids that our crowd is made up of older adults with the point being that we all can share the experiences of this sport together. Old dudes on the trails riding with young rippers. We learn from each other and have a few laughs together too. And mountain biking can be seen as a lifetime sport. Good exercise, in the woods, on the trails, with your friends. What better way to exercise? Cody and his team have done a great job over the years introducing kids to this lifetime activity. With a lot of the negative things happening to our youth today, it is nice to see a program developing young people and giving them way more than skills on a bike. Comradery, appreciation for the great outdoors, and life lessons are all taught by Trail Adventures. Love to see it. Thanks for reading.

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Don’t Let the Old Man In

Two friends still at it- 45 years later.

This is my buddy Eric who lives in Lake Tahoe. He and I have been skiing together for 45 years, and I always learn something new from him every year. He is retired, and coaches kids at his local mountain in Tahoe. We usually ski together in Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain every spring. So last week, 10 months after my previous trip, we were locked and loaded for another round. After our warmup (LOL), which was a high speed cruiser off Chair 2 trying to stay with Eric and his razor sharp carved turns, I found myself at the top of the mountain right off the gondola and staring down Climax . It is one of the double blacks right off the summit and for a brief moment, I thought,” I have this, right?” I mean you have to be on your A game as you make your way through steep moguls to the chalky smooth steeps of the Climax face. As soon as I started turning, it was all auto- pilot and we went non-stop to the McCoy mid station to reload the gondola.

Another Climax Run- photo by Eric Durfee

After a 30K vertical foot day of steeps and cruisers, we came back to the hotel to say hello to Ryan Hurley, the manager of the Quality Inn and a friend of Eric’s. Ryan is a nice guy and probably one of the best skiers in Mammoth. What he showed us next solidified his legend.

Some things never change in 45 years. First in line. Photo by Eric Durfee
Ryan’s broken Faction skis behind the bindings.

Apparently, Ryan that day, rocketed out of Phillipe’s ( one of the steep double black runs at the top of Mammoth), and cranked a hard right hand turn and heard both of his skis snap behind the bindings. He managed to put one of the skis together and carried the other one, and skied on the one broken ski all the way down to the lodge. He said he wanted to ski with us the next day. Really?

Ryan Hurley ready to ski with the old guys ( on a new pair of Faction Skis)

Being the gracious guy that he is, Ryan followed us for a couple of runs and remarked to Eric in the chairlift that we were an inspiration to him. At 44 years old, he saw his future in us as older dudes who can still ski. He also asked how I can ski like I do coming from Pittsburgh. I said, ” Long story Ryan.” But we were happy that he was kind enough to spend a few runs with us before straight lining down Climax and jumping off a rock cropping into the distance. Like I always say……..youth is wasted on the young.

Flipping the coin a little bit, we see Freddy here who is a friend of Eric’s, and skis at one of the local areas in Tahoe. He drives 40 miles to and from the area, four days a week, skis for 4 hours, has lunch and drives back. Freddy is 87. I asked him, how do you do it? The driving, the skiing, the hiking in the off season. He says the secret is eating right ( he has not eaten meat in 20 years). He exercises and says basically he is like a shark……..always moving and looking for food. Freddy is our future barring any injuries or catastrophic illness. We also met two other senior citizens in Tahoe who were 86 and 82. Both of these guys can still ski very well and the one guy Jim, had his kids with him. Kids being in their 50’s. LOL!

Freddy ready to bedeck the bead tree on the way up the chairlift. What an inspiration. 87 years young and can ski really well!!!
The view of perfectly groomed corduroy looking into Lake Tahoe. Photo by Eric Durfee

So as Eric and I face 70 this year, we look back and think about all the great times skiing that we have had and look forward to many, many more. We will try to keep ourselves in good shape by exercising, riding our mountain bikes and hiking, and in short, try to stay ahead of the game. John, one of Eric’s friends who is 82 and a former masters racer, said his secret is to ” keep the old man out.” Not his line really because that belongs to Clint Eastwood when asked how at 93, he has the energy to still direct and produce movies. Clint always responds that he just keeps the old man out. I kind of like that line, and although comparatively speaking with John, Jim and Freddy, and Clint for that matter, we are not old. But we are not 44 either. However, the amazing thing is that we can still ski at a pretty high level, especially Eric. How long we can do that is dependent on a lot of things, but sitting in the lot after another 30 K day at Mammoth, we had some beers with a guy who we call First Chair Kurt. Kurt makes razor sharp carved turns too and as we followed him down all week on the first run, we found out that he is basically our age. He and his pals love to ski and intend to do so for a long time. Kurt skis four days a week at Mammoth and is retired. Like the other guys in his posse. They love to ski and love to talk skiing afterwards in the lot with a few beers sporting their sunglasses. They don’t let the old man in either. A good way to roll. Remember, you don’t quit skiing because you get old, you get old because you quit skiing. Thanks for reading and be like Freddy- the shark who keeps moving, looking for food.

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Thank a Snowmaker, Thank a Groomer

One of the fleet of grooming vehicles at Laurel Mountain.

This ski season has been one of the warmest on record for all of us who live in Western Pa. and the mid- Atlantic in general. No sooner did we receive a nice snowstorm or nice snowmaking temperatures, when a wild upward temperature swing came around, complete with rain. Tough on the surface and tough on the psyche of skiers around here who are trying to enjoy our favorite sport in the winter.

But the absolute saviors of weather woes are the unsung heroes of the ski areas- the snowmaking team and the grooming team. They are often behind the scenes, working hours late at night and into the early dawn, preparing the slopes and trails with fresh machine- made snow and then grooming it so that the skiing has a nice, packed powder surface. I remember the snow makers who worked at Sugarloaf, Maine during the season that I taught skiing there after college. Those guys were the toughest guys on the mountain, surviving sub-zero temps, struggling with frozen hoses, quick disconnects, and in general, trying to make snow in really unbelievable conditions. I see our local snowmakers like Gary and his team from Laurel Mountain who worked all this season, watching the weather reports, and making snow every opportunity they could at night even when the daytime temps were not up to snuff. I would see them turning the guns on and off and working the mountain day and night to maximize the proper air to water ratios and paying attention to things like wet bulb and other weather considerations to make the best possible snow. I would ski up to them and thank them because I know what a tough, frustrating job it is to fight marginal weather and try to do their job.

Jared from the Laurel Snowmaking team after a long night.
Lower Wildcat at Laurel Mountain – steepest pitch in Pa and perfectly groomed 3/1/2024.

The other unsung heroes besides the snowmaking team are the guys and gals who run the grooming vehicles in the ski areas. They take what mother nature gives them and also what the snowmaking team gives them and try to make a groomed, corduroy surface for all of us to enjoy. These folks work these expensive machines mostly at night and into the early morning at ski areas and it is oftentimes a lonely, solitary , job for hours on end.

The grooming team finishing up right before the lifts open for the day

Both the snowmakers and the groomers work unbelievable magic. Locally, we had torrential rain last Wednesday night and Thursday it turned colder in the afternoon. Only for a couple of days. Both teams got to work and made snow in the short window, and groomed most of the nights. The result was a surface that was perfect despite the challenge of Wednesday night. This has happened all year around here, but these selfless employees work their magic to make the skiing as nice as possible in trying conditions. My pal Russ Graswick and I skied Wildcat after the emergency snowmaking and grooming job and remarked that it might have been some of the best skiing on Wildcat this season. He didn’t want to quit, saying- ” One more run – Pat.” I laughed and we made another wonderful run down the Cat.

Russ smiling like a butcher’s dog- thanks to the snowmakers and groomers at Laurel.

No matter what ski area that you frequent, you will always find the unsung heroes like the snowmakers, groomers, ski patrol, and lodge employees who try to make your visit memorable. Our local Laurel Mountain is no exception and all of us regulars remarked how we thought that our teams really stepped up their game this season in spite of really trying work conditions. I have to thank Vail for recognizing what a gem Laurel Mountain is and allowing the local teams to provide a great ski experience for all of us. It has been a short season but after next weekend, we will look forward to next season with anticipation that maybe, just maybe, it will be our turn for a good winter.

So, no matter where you are at the end of the ski season, take the time to thank a snowmaker if you see them. Thank the groomers and in general, be grateful that their hard work makes it possible for us to enjoy the great sport of skiing in a rapidly changing environment. When you take your trips, thank the folks there too because they work just as hard with sometimes too much snow.

My buddy Dixon kind of summarizes the spirit of the local skiers at Laurel Mountain when he takes a case of beer to the snowmaking and grooming team. They truly appreciate his gesture and value the kind comments from all of us on what a great job that they all do. Think snow and hope for some better weather locally next season.

Dixon on his telemark equipment ready to go after dropping off a case of beer to the team.
Looking out into the Ligonier Valley over a perfectly groomed surface.

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Neighbor Joe

My neighbor Joe

This past fall, my new neighbor Joe and I talked about skiing. Imagine that! Anyhow- he told me he used to ski and wanted to take it up again. Well, when someone says that to me, I light up like a 100 watt bulb and shine brightly. I told him about my friend Jim Jacobs who would take care of him from Peak Ski and Board and that his old equipment would no longer fit the bill. He had purchased some new boots but was in sore need of some new skis seeing that his were around 20 years old. He and his wife Chico went to see Jim and he bought a new pair of Volkls. He was happy and wanted to show me his purchase. I gave him a pair of straps to that he could avoid edge damage when traveling and he was excited to start after so many years away from the sport.

So, I took him during the week to Laurel Mountain which is a great place to ski here in the Laurel Highlands about an hour and a half from where we live. I ski there a lot and consider it my home area. I beat poor Joe’s ear all the way up because when the subject of skiing comes up, again, I go into high gear. I told him things he should know, and a lot of trivia that perhaps he did not need to hear. I also told him a lot of my stories from my skiing past and present and when we pulled into the lot at Laurel, he was ready to ski and not just listen to me anymore. LOL!!

Bluebird Day looking into the Ligonier Valley

It was a great day to ski, very scenic with fresh snow and a beautiful view into the Ligonier Valley. Joe loved it and after he got his feet under him again, he started to ski like he used to ski back in the day. He loved his new skis and all in all, it was a great first outing for a guy who hadn’t been on the slopes in quite some time.

Joe is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force( as is his wife Chico), and also a retired Delta Airlines pilot. Needless to say, Joe and his wife travel a lot and it was a little bit of time before I got him out again, back to Laurel, this weekend. Again, another bluebird day, and Joe loved it. I introduced him to a lot of people that are my friends and he asked me later if I knew everyone at Laurel. I said,” when you ski there a lot, you get to know people as the atmosphere at Laurel is conducive to that”. It is like a private ski club, in a way, and has a totally different feel from the other two resorts that Vail now manages and owns.

Sunset at Laurel Mountain- photo by Rob Slater

He skied mostly by himself as he wanted me to enjoy Wildcat like I usually do. (the steepest slope in Pa.) We connected from time to time but for the most part, Joe was enjoying all that Laurel had to offer, on his own terms without any interference from me. After a slice of home- made pizza at the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown, ( he treated), we drove back through the scenic Ligonier Valley, talking about skiing and the possibility of him skiing with his buddy in Park City now that he has all his stuff, a military season pass from EPIC, and two days under his belt getting back into the swing of things.

I guess the thing I like the most about my time with Neighbor Joe, besides him being a good guy and enjoying his company, is that I could help him get re-acquainted with skiing. One of the things that I like to do most is just that……….get people into skiing,or back into skiing. When I used to teach, the greatest joy I had was to see someone “get it”, or improve, with a big smile on their face. I try to go out of my way to see that people get a good start, get the right equipment, and realize what great things the winter can provide. I also like to introduce them to my friends and people that I know in the sport that can become their friend too. Skiing is not only great sport in which to partake, but the people, the atmosphere of a great little ski area, and the whole feeling is something that one just has to experience. It is wonderful to see fresh snow on the ground and on the trees as you drive into Laurel. You park, walk across the street to the lodge and people are smiling. They greet you and everyone is excited for another great day. Everyone’s troubles, worries and concerns, melt like snow on a hot sunny day when you show up at a ski area ready to hit the slopes. It is an escape from politics, pressures of the job, and personal troubles. No matter what ski area you visit, there is a positive feeling that abounds. Laurel Mountain has a special feel and even though it doesn’t have the vertical of out west areas, or New England areas, for an hour or so from your house, it is a good place to go while you get ready to take your western or New England trips.

Joe not only got a chance to get another day in, but he also saw why I like Laurel Mountain so much. Not just the skiing close to home, but it is the people that make the place tick. The employees are really friendly, happy to see you, and work tirelessly to make the experience great. The regulars all greet you and you feel in a way that you are in your own private place of enjoyment. Joe found out what a wonderful place Laurel is, and he will be back as soon as possible. Think snow, go to Laurel Mountain, and thanks for reading.

Laurel Mountain buddies.

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