Category Archives: Senior Activities

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She Is!!

One of the great things about the fall is a trip to State College and the Penn State University. My wife Janet is an enthusiastic alumna and her love for Penn State has no bounds. Her best friends in the world are her PSU friends, and she loves to make the trip to Happy Valley especially in the fall when the leaves are at their peak- like this past week. I go along, but I am not an alumnus, however I do enjoy State College. We spent many a weekend there back in the day going to the football games. Mike Smith and I would ride mountain bikes at Rothrock State Forest and come to the tailgates famished.

Some of the PSU crowd at our son Jack’s wedding this past summer.
The PSU girls at Jack and Marisa’s Wedding.

As is our typical fashion, Janet and I like to pack in as much as we can and check all the Penn State boxes. Stay at the Nittany Lion Inn, hike Mt. Nittany, shop downtown, eat a Tuna hoagie at Troy’s, ice cream at the Creamery, and now a new box to check- ride some rails to trails on the bicycles. We found a great rail to trail- The Bellefonte Central Rail Trail which starts right in State College. We rode it to the end in Toftrees, and continued on a beautiful gravel trail for several more miles. This part of the trail is not officially part of the Central Rail Trail, but it is easily navigated on mountain bikes for several miles. We actually had to turn around because of time, but we both said next time- we would ride that trail to the end and see where it finished. In any event, Janet likes rail to trail rides, and Happy Valley provided a great option complete with fabulous leaf peeping.

Aside from the cycling, hiking Mt. Nittany is always special. Janet remarked that it seemed harder this year going straight up with all the rocks. I laughed and said- “maybe it gets harder every year?” But she made it to the top and we had that awesome view of Happy Valley with the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium standing at attention.

The view from the top of Mt. Nittany
A true fan!!!

We like to eat at the Cafe LeMont, which is just below Mt. Nittany. Great baked goods, coffee and lunch specials. You can sit outside and enjoy the fall weather. Nice place to eat as fuel for the hike, or a place to relax afterwards. Either way, the Cafe LeMont is a good place to visit when in Happy Valley.

We walked all around town and the campus. Janet was showing me where she took some classes and she was amazed at all the building and construction that has taken place over the years since she has graduated. It is good to stay active in State College because you can easily eat your way through the place. Lunch at the Corner Room was great and it gave Janet a lot of good memories of her times there in the past with her pals, Kathy, Judy, Valerie, Beth, Dunz and Copes. Lots of good stories were told sitting at the Corner Room and I had a good laugh at some of them- which I had not heard before. Nothing like memories of your old college days.

The Nittany Lion standing guard always.
Ice Cream at the Creamery. A must stop.

Penn State is huge, and the enrollment there has always been robust. Much different from my college days at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. The small school experience has its plusses and minuses, but there is no dispute that the time spent as a student at PSU has to be great. So much to do, a wonderful education no matter what the field of study, and the absolute beauty of State College and the surrounding central mountains of Pennsylvania make it the experience of a lifetime. I am happy Janet got to experience that and that she still values her time there. We love the fall and there is no place nicer than Happy Valley this time of year. I am “Happy” she brings me along. Thanks for reading. Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me.

“Be true to your school- just like you would to your girl now, be true to your school, and let your colors fly………..

-The Beach Boys.

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The Man and His Dog

So, I had the nice experience of riding in the beautiful Laurel Highlands this past weekend with three good friends. John Casuccio, Jeff” The Ride King” Wuerthele, and his dog Wilson. The leaves were beautiful and the conditions on the trails were dry, and it made the rock riding a little more pleasant. And Wilson is a great trail dog. He is named after the volleyball in the Tom Hanks movie and actually had a lot of the same traits. Quiet with a nice smile on his face. He is a rescue dog which Jeff has the habit of adopting. We talked about all the dogs that Jeff has had along on rides that he adopted over the years but somehow Wilson seems to be the most pleasant one so far- at least in my mind. I am not a dog guy but have ridden with all of Jeff’s dogs in the past. But the perceived smile on Wilson’s face was heartwarming to me and his behavior on the trail was exemplary……..for a dog.

The Ride King and John Casuccio- two legends of local trails.

We like to call Jeff the Ride King because, back in the day, he was always putting on rides out of his place up in the mountains. He was one of the seminal people in mountain biking around here with his work with the iconic Dirt Rag Magazine, and also being a rep in the bicycle industry for many years. He is now retired but is still quite active in maintaining trail systems in the Laurel Highlands, playing golf, and enjoying the outdoors. No grass grows under The Ride King’s feet. And none under Wilson’s either.

Beautiful fall day at Wolf’s Rocks

I have been on many mountain bike rides with dogs in the past. Chuck Greenlee had a dog once, who we termed as a great rider. She would run up the hills ahead of us and not get in the way, and when we descended, she knew enough to go to the back of the group and follow because at that point, she was slower than the rest. Wilson has similar traits and would know enough to run either ahead of us or behind us and the only time we stopped was when Jeff wanted to make sure Wilson had something to drink out of the local streams. Wilson would drink and recover and off he would go again – with that great dog smile. He always would seem to check on us when we would stop for a break, coming up to each of us and making sure we were having a good time. He seems to be a very perceptive dog, and Jeff has trained him well.

It was great to ride with John and Jeff as they are old friends with whom I have logged a lot of miles on the trails and ski slopes over the years. The cool thing about mountain biking is that, like skiing, it is a very social sport with a lot of conversation on the rides about many topics. Riding in the Zone 2 at our age allows for conversation. I like that. And to have Wilson along was an added plus. I don’t ride with dogs all that often, but I am used to that with The Ride King. He always brings us a pleasant surprise with his dogs over the years ,and it is amazing how well they………..well, ………..ride. His dogs are good riders- like Chuck Greenlee’s dogs.

One final note about mountain biking- it brings some different characters together. John and I are rather similar in our approach to things, but The Ride King is one of my more free- spirited friends. He lives in the mountains and has that free -flowing approach to life. More spontaneity and casual attitude are good traits to have and that is why I have always liked to be in the presence of The Ride King. He keeps me loose and has a great sense of humor and frankly, he is fun to be with. And now with Wilson, the fun times are doubled. John and I enjoyed our fall ride with them and the older I get, the more I like smaller rides like this with one or two friends and ………….a dog. Here Wilson!!!!! Thanks for reading.

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“Let go of bitterness. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.” Ephesians 4:32

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The Only Constant is Change

Top of North Face at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in the fall.

So, this is the time of year when I start thinking in earnest about skiing. The days and nights are cooler, the leaves are starting to change, and the ski areas are testing out their new snowmaking equipment. People are starting to think about new equipment, and getting trips organized, passes bought, everything in line so that when the first flakes start to fall, we are ready.

Another new pair of boards for me this season.

The amazing thing is that every year, there is something new in the ski world. HKD Snowmakers have come out with new technology that automates snowmaking along with new guns that are more efficient in terms of energy use. http://www.hkdsnowmakers.com There is also new technology that helps your skiing by giving you digital feedback from sensors in your boots. The sensors show degree of edge angle for each turn you make and then it is downloaded for analysis or a coach’s analysis to see where improvements might be made. https://getcarv.com The technology is called CARV and it has been around for a little bit and is endorsed by a lot of coaches, PSIA and Mr. Carved Turn himself- Ted Ligety.

Dreams of our local Laurel Mountain coming back on line.

El Nino might bring this kind of snow back to the west this year.

Another new advancement in technology this year is with a ski coaching app, sensors, and digital feedback called Protern https://protern.io This technology has sensors and cameras on the racecourse, and also sensors on the ski racers themselves, that allow photos to be taken with digital feedback overlays that can show a skier in real time where they are losing time. The ski run is shown and the digital speed and turn information is overlayed with graphs to show the coaches and the racers exactly what is happening in each turn on a racecourse and allowing the data and photography to instantly show useful information after each run. Ski instructors and coaches have used video for many years, but this technology enhances the video with data that can show exactly where improvements might be made for each turn. This tech is also used for free skiing and can be useful in a ski lesson for the general public. The data eliminates subjective commentary from a coach or instructor and allows real information to present itself to the student or racer. An adept coach or instructor will value the information provided and use it to show with no mistake, where improvement can be made.

Daly Chutes at Deer Valley. Coming soon.

Equipment has changed over the years and this season is no exception. The trend is to go back to a more reasonable width under foot for most skis. There are still the powder, big mountain, frontside categories for skis but the trend is moving away from wider skis to a more versatile ski with a reasonable measurement in width under foot. This thinking takes in the ability to create high edge angles when needed ( perhaps using CARV) but at the same time, allow for use in off piste conditions. The tech is moving more towards a one ski quiver for the recreational skier. Something changes each season and it is interesting to watch.

As a guy who has skied for 65 years, I have seen a lot of tech changes. But skiing tends to develop trends that change constantly, and therefore the only constant is change. I am not jaded enough to think that marketing only, dictates these changes, but I also am wary of fads which come and go. I like Stockli skis because they are not only still hand made in Switzerland, but rely on race feedback and good design to produce a quality ski. They have a whole spectrum of skis for different conditions and customers. But the solid technology of the handmade ski is present in every variation of their product.

I ski on Lange RS130 boots. Have done so for years because I like the fit and performance. Rumor has it that they might be discontinuing this line of Lange boots and moving more to a boa closure. I will probably buy a new pair of the existing RS 130 and let the tech change fall where it may. Not a fan of anything but a good ski buckle closure. But that is just me.

So, yes, the only constant is change. We can either embrace it or not. And the older I get, the more I think that I better get on board with most tech changes, or I will be left behind for sure. But thankfully, some things do not change. Things like the people you ski with. Friendships that have been created over years on the slopes. There is nothing like a ski trip together that creates memories that last a lifetime. I look forward to it every season and so does Janet. I have my local group(Jaime and Melissa, Dixon, Porter, Johnny Mac, Eric S, Chip G, Hiller, Paul B, the Shark, Daryl,Ned,Bob P,Tim S,Rus,Angelo,Chris), and a host of other characters that I so look forward to seeing again in the coming months at Laurel Mountain. We also have our pals the Smittys, Ralph and Amy, Eric and Helen, Tom and Patter, who we will visit out west and once again have a great time together. Yes, it is a pain to haul the equipment through the airports and fight the weather all the way to the resorts. But once you click into your bindings, it is all worthwhile especially with all of your friends. And locally, all I have to do is put the equipment in the Jeep and head to the Laurels. I get out, take the skis across the street, and change into our boots by the warmth of the fireplace in the lodge which is on the top of the mountain. Friendships never change and the ski crowd is so much fun. They are constant – that is for sure. Thanks for reading. Think snow.

“Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” 1John-3:18

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Packin’ it In!

So, our one and only, Jack, was married a week ago and we were so happy for him and his new bride Marisa. Our friend Mark Sauers was the celebrant as he is studying for the ministry in the Assembly of God Church. The Apple Blossom Resort was an outstanding venue in New Buffalo, Michigan and the town itself is a real gem situated on Lake Michigan. We took advantage of seeing the town and spending some time on the beach and at the Stray Dog Cafe which had a great view from the rooftop dining area. We always make the most out of visits and Michigan was no different.

Riding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We drove from home and brought our mountain bikes. In typical Jan and Pat style, we tried to pack in as much as we could including some rides in and around New Buffalo. We found a nice county park right near the venue with some nice singletrack trails and found a wonderful overlook that rose high above a marsh. Wonderful way to get a little exercise between wedding duties and festivities.

From the overlook to the marsh-
New Buffalo Beach
Sunsets in Traverse City.

Heading north after the wedding, we made our way to Traverse City which, if you have not been there, make a point to visit some day. Sitting on the Great Traverse Bay, it has some wonderful restaurants for fresh, lake caught seafood. Recommending the Apache Trout Restaurant, The West End Tavern, and The Cove in a nice little beach town called Fishtown. Janet and I like fresh seafood and the walleye, whitefish, and perch were second to none.

Staying at the Tamarack Lodge which was right on the bay, we were treated to spectacular sunsets and nightly visits from our friend and her babies pictured below.

The evening visitor

I love nature and when nature comes right up to you looking for a snack, you can’t help but oblige.

The highlight of packing it in was our visit to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The bike path through the park was smooth and pleasant and it offered views of the bay as well as an entry to great little towns like Glen Arbor. Typical beachy town with cool little shops and cafes. We would recommend the Good Harbor Grille with an excellent squash soup and a blackened whitefish sandwich. It was cool to see the expansive dunes and also the large dune which people climb and descend. We just rode our bikes and saw the dunes from the parking lot to the Dune Climb, and also from the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

The expansive dunes overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay and into Lake Michigan.
View from the Apache Trout Restaurant.

I have this tendency to try to see as much as I can whenever I travel. Janet goes along, but sometimes I wear her out trying to pack it in. But my view is that there are no guarantees once you get older, and you better take advantage of as much as you can – especially in a new place. We were quite busy for the wedding, as you can imagine, but it was nice to get out and get some exercise, see some new places and eat some delicious seafood. We even saw a badger at Sleeping Bear Dunes. He crossed the path right in front of us and I knew immediately what he was. They apparently are part of the population and are rarely seen according to AI. However, we got to see him/her although I was happy not to startle him/her for fear of their reputation as ferocious when cornered. All part of the experience and as we settled in for the last sunset at the Tamarack, we were amazed to think that our Jack is now married and that the wedding, which we had talked about for over a year, was here and gone. Marisa was a lovely bride, and Jack was a handsome groom and as they made their way to their honeymoon, Janet and I eventually made the long trek back to Pittsburgh.

Settling in at home again, we both said, experiences are the spice of life. Being with your friends and family. and seeing new and exciting places is what makes life wonderful. As we move along in this life where we are truly empty nesters, we will continue to pack it in and make the most out of life’s experiences. Hoping to share it with grandchildren someday. Thanks for reading.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

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Dirt Church Base Camp

Greg Nass put together a great visual from AI for this version of Dirt Church. The Christian men’s mountain bike group has had 4 outings so far this year and the fifth Base Camp version in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pa had a lot of surprises. The annual Adventurefest was cancelled this year, but the crew from Dirt Church wanted to at least get together for some rides, some overnight camping at Boyers Pond, and some fellowship that would be missed without Adventurefest. So, a group of us packed all our stuff, and headed to the Laurel Highlands Friday afternoon to set up the camp sites, ride, and then have a great dinner at the Fat Squirrel in Jennerstown

We didn’t count on the torrential thunderstorm that came blowing in right after we set up our tents. The rain fly on my tent held up under Biblical storms, and fortunately the inside of my tent was dry. We made the call to head to the Fat Squirrel for dinner and as usual, we were not disappointed. The food there is superb and if you find yourself in Jennerstown Pa, their vegan options as well as regular fare are second to none.

Vegan mushroom tacos are not to be missed at The Fat Squirrel.

Sometimes you just have to punt, go eat and re-arrange the schedule a little bit. The next surprise was when we were discussing the nearby Flight 93 Memorial. Many of us had been there and it is a somber and emotional experience if you have never been. But Greg told us about the memorial rose garden just up the road and we called another audible and visited what was one of the most beautiful rose gardens I have ever seen. We went on a little hike through and around the gardens and again, Dirt Church Base Camp had another surprise for us. It gave us all something to think about and we said a prayer for that brave flight crew and passengers who will always live in infamy in the Laurel Highlands.

My surprisingly dry tent
The obligatory campfire

Returning from a great meal and an unexpected hike after dinner, we built a camp fire, sat around and had a lot of discussion about the state of country, what we can do as Christian men to advance the Kingdom, and reminisced about our friend Bob Anderson who is now two years passed. Bob attended Adventuremen two years ago, and had his camper parked right in our spot this weekend. He was tragically killed in North Park riding his mountain bike over a downed high voltage electric line. I posted on this previously, but we all remarked how Bob was with us and then 8 days later was gone. But he had a strong faith and although we miss him, we know he is with the Lord. There are no guarantees in life and the Adventuremen and Dirt Church discussions testify to that…….around the campfire.

Saturday morning greeted us with brilliant sunshine and although we expected muddy trails and slimy roots and rocks, we knew that riding the Q or the Quemahoning Reservoir Trails would be a real treat. Another surprise awaited us in the current Base Camp mode, as John Casuccio led us on the ride in the reverse direction to which we were all accustomed to riding. There were some pretty nasty climbs that tested this old guy who is still riding on an analog mountain bike. E- Bikes are looking attractive, but I have not gone there yet. However, there were some climbs where I could have used a little assist. But then again, no pain- no gain as they say.

Riding through the creek at the Q

Dirt Church riding is challenging because usually good riders show up. Along with challenging places to ride, the Dirt Church events are not for the faint of heart. But the good thing about this group is that it is no drop, and everyone waits for each other because racing is not the theme of the event. Riding with friends and having fellowship on the trails is first and foremost. If you come to a Dirt Church event, you can be prepared to be challenged. But know that you will never be left behind, in more ways than one. These guys are regular guys and are happy to discuss faith, families, and will assist, as you let them, with personal struggles. They are a caring group of sinners who can ride. Come out to one of the events and join a fun group. You will sleep under the stars sometimes, ride some challenging routes, eat some fabulous food and enjoy an overall experience that will bring you back – over and over again. Plus- Dirt Church has some pretty sweet swag thanks to Greg Nass. Hats, shirts, stickers, etc. Thanks for reading and follow the blog at http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com. It helps me.

” Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

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Not Boomer Friendly

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.

Tom Florcik- Highline Bikes – organizer of Jamfest and an amazing rider in his own right.
Tom – jumping through the fire. Yikes.

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

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History Rolling Down the Tracks

In my lifetime, I have seen a lot of technology. From desktop computers, to laptops, to I- Phones, to Smart Watches, to nuclear power, to electric vehicles, to new lunar video by a manned spacecraft. This, and so much more have been transitioning our way of life into more efficiency, more comfort, and more reliability. But sometimes you get a glimpse back in time and see something that was truly avant garde for the period and a mechanical wonder built in 1941 and still rolling. The Union Pacific Railroad’s “Big Boy” is the largest steam powered train in existence today and I got to see if live and up close this past weekend.

Built to transport heavy freight in the mountains at the beginning of WWII, the Big Boy weighed in at 1.2 million operating pounds and roughly 133 feet long. Originally designed as a steam locomotive, running on coal, it now has been transitioned to number 5 fuel oil, but still the largest steam powered engine in the world. At one time is held between 28 and 32 tons of coal, with a water capacity of 25,000 gallons.

Photo by Mark “the Shark” Sauers
Photo by Mark “Shark” Sauers

I really made an effort to go down to Leetsdale, Pa to see the Big Boy rolling through on it’s way back out west to where the tour began in California. The trans- continental run was celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, and it was a welcome sight with a little bit of effort on my part after a mountain bike ride up at Laurel Mountain, and various and sundry subsequent errands on a Saturday afternoon. I was sure happy to see this piece of mechanical history rolling through, not far from my home.

I have always been fascinated by steam powered locomotives like when I took a ride on the Shay locomotives in Cass, West Virginia. The Shay #4 was built in 1922 and the Shay #6 was built in 1945 and were primarily used to haul logs for the operations of the West Virginia Paper Company. Like the Big Boy, Shay #6 is heavy, weighing in at 162 tons and similarly used to haul heavy payloads in the mountains. The cool thing about the Shay trains is that you can ride them in an open -air passenger car. My group would load our mountain bikes on the train and sit in the open -air car and experience the power of the Shay engine up the mountain to the top of Bald Knob. From there we would exit the train and ride the 25 mile MTB route back to Cass and eventually the Elk River Touring Center where we were staying in Slaty Fork, West Virginia. We had many rides on that train as part of the Elk River’s West Virginia Fat Tire Festival. Oftentimes on the descent, there was a lot of rain, and the comfort of the covered passenger car was soon replaced by the roaring Elk and Greenbrier Rivers at crossings that were manned by the Snowshoe Ski Patrol to make sure we could get safely across. I remember those days when the ski patrol had ropes stretched across the river crossings and we had to carry out bikes on our shoulders and grab the rope at the same time in order not to be swept downstream. The West Virginia Fat Tire Festival was always eventful and for me, the highlight, even ahead of the riding, was the ride on the Shay locomotive powered train in Cass.

The Shay locomotive in Cass, West Virginia.

Getting back to the Big Boy viewing for a moment, perhaps one of the most memorable things, aside from the raw power and noise of the engine, was the huge crowd that had gathered to witness the passage. I had heard that all along the route, from coast to coast, people would line the tracks, carrying US flags, and having and unbridled enthusiasm for the celebration. The crew on the train commented that everywhere they had traveled on the tracks all over the country, people were so enthusiastic about the event of Big Boy coming through their town. As I looked at our crowd, I saw Americans. I didn’t see political or philosophical differences, but we were all happy to be Americans cheering on a machine that represented all that was good about America. As the 250th has come and gone, it was refreshing to see everybody with the same happiness and enthusiasm for the Big Boy and it’s crew. There was something in that moment that made me think that with all the division in this country, we still have a lot of similarities in that we recognize America as our home and something to be proud of. The smiles on the faces of the children, the adults, and the crew of Big Boy told me that all was somehow good with the world. I felt part of a big event that was larger than the differences that we all have. Saturday, we all transcended that and we all became one as we waited for the whistle signaling the arrival of the Big Boy.

My group at one of the Fat Tire Festivals.

For all of you mountain bike riders out there, take a trip to Cass, take in the history videos there and then board your bike and ride the Shay locomotive to the top of Bald Knob. And if you are not a hiker or a mountain bike rider, go anyways. Experience the history of the country’s steam powered locomotives and enjoy history on the tracks in the mountains. Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me.

” How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. Psalm 133:1

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No More on the Road

Riding with the incomparable Greg Lemond

This time of year, I am reminded of how much I miss road cycling. I remember when I first got interested in road cycling was when I decided to ride to North Park from my childhood home on Siebert Road. I borrowed my sister’s bike and made the trek to North Park. I was exhausted by the time I got there but knew that I had found something that I really liked. Car horns not withstanding. Fast forward, looking for a different pursuit than running, Larry Cohen suggested I get into road cycling. I bought a new Trek, got all the clothes, helmet, shoes and started to ride from North Park to Brush Creek Park in Beaver County. From there I started to get involved with the Allegheny Cycling Association and began to race and do time trials. I was hooked.

At the Mount Washington Hill Climb in New Hampshire back in the day with the classic ACA wool jersey and leather hairnet.

Continuing on with the Highland Park Zoo parking lot criterium series, the ACA Time Trials, and various local and out of state road races, I relentlessly pursued getting in shape and competing. We had the good fortune of having national class riders like Mac Martin, Matt Eaton, Tom and Danny Chew mentoring us along the way and the thrill of a fast moving pace line, 6 inches apart was addictive. I loved the training rides too out into the country of Western Pa with the scenic farms, quiet roads, and the long hours to enjoy and think about a lot of things while peddling to get into shape.

I also went on trips to Holland, Ireland and England with touring companies and soon discovered that road cycling was a great way to see a country. Ride all day and just be in the town where you were supposed to be by dinner. It was all great and road cycling became more than just a pastime to me. It was a way of life.

One day I was riding in North Park, and a car came up behind me and threw a chipped ham sandwich at my head, complete with mayo, and told me in no uncertain terms to get off the road. I knew that I had just as much right to ride that road as that car, but with continuing aggressiveness of drivers, I began to think about the consequences of an altercation on the road. I was just starting to get into mountain biking too, so I had another outlet in the event that road cycling was becoming dangerous- at least for me.

At Rothrock Trails at State College.

I began to appreciate the trails with mountain biking, no cars and a good network of friends. I also appreciated the tranquility of riding the trails with music from my earbuds and playlists. 6 years ago, I made the painful decision to stop road riding because I saw too many drivers distracted with their cell phones and texting where they should have kept their eyes on the road. I didn’t want to put my life in the hands of a distracted driver or an otherwise angry driver. The roads around my home were no longer safe to ride in my estimation. So, I quit and sold my road bike. A painful decision but the more I have moved on, I know I did the right thing- at least for me. Mountain biking is fine.

There are times when I see road cyclists zip by me while I am on my mountain bike on the road, and my competitive juices start up just for a second or two to try to catch them. But experience and my age, says no way and I just let them go with a sigh- missing the speed and grace of the road bike. I miss the pace lines and the pleasant routes through the country roads of Western Pa. But sometimes we have to make decisions that are good for us and in no way do I intend to influence others. Road cycling had become too dangerous for me, and I had to make that decision to end my participation. I have no regrets on the decision, but the nostalgia of the good times on the road bike stays with me. Especially on a sunny day in the summer.

Sometimes you have to move on from things that you really like. But circumstances dictate decisions and you have to consider others like your family. You make the right decisions for you and your family and then move on. No regrets. So, the next time you are faced with a decision, look at the whole picture and decide what is best for you and your family. Then become involved in something new and enjoy the ride- whatever that may be. Thanks for reading.

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The past is done; the future is the canvas where God will paint something new.

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“Good to Excellent”

These were the words that I used to love to hear when I called the ski report back in the day. When I heard Lars Skylling, the Director of Skiing at Seven Springs Resort, say the skiing was good to excellent, I was excited. Lars has always been kind of a folk hero to me and when I stopped in to see him the other day, it was long overdue. I had a nice chat with his son Erik who lives in Park City, Utah. Lars is now 95 years old and it was so good to see him and to chat a bit with him. Again- he was a folk hero to lots of us kids growing up at Seven Springs in the old days.

By way of a little history, Lars learned to ski near his home in Stockholm, Sweden almost as soon as he learned to walk. He would ski 15 miles to school and back and skied with the Swedish Mountain Troops as a young man. Lars came to the United States at the urging of his brother Bert, and ended up teaching skiing at Big Bromley Ski Area in Manchester, Vermont. After only one season with the ski school at Bromley, Lars was drafted into the 46th Infantry in Germany and taught in the U.S Army Ski Patrol in World War II. Lars worked with amputee skiers in the Army in Germany, and eventually returned for two more seasons teaching skiing at Bromley. He eventually was contacted by Herman Dupre to head up the ski school at Seven Springs where he spent the rest of his career. He not only managed the ski school but was in charge of construction with many of the projects of a growing ski area in Western Pa. Hard to imagine the lives of this Greatest Generation and all they went through.

Lars and Dick Barron – head of the ski patrol at Seven Springs.

When Lars was the ski school director, I was a young guy. Along with my friends, we entered the Standard Race at Seven Springs on Sunday afternoons. Lars set the pace and all of us tried to come within a certain percentage of his time to win a coveted 7 Springs pin. They started out as bronze pins because Lars was pretty fast, but eventually, we got our golds as we entered the teenage years. When we started to beat Lars straight up, it was a proud day for all of us as well as for Lars, who mentored us in the junior racing programs. He wanted us to succeed but never gave it to us. He was fast and we had to ski really well to get that gold pin. I would call the ski school to see how we did and also called the ski report several times a week to hear Lars and his familiar voice during the ski report. He was our hero and I told him so that the day I went to see him .When he heard that, he got a big smile on his face and Erik was smiling too. I will make sure I go back to see him more frequently as we just don’t know how much longer we will have a guy like Lars with us. He is truly an icon who I have always admired.

My friend Porter Scott still wears his gold 7
So does his cousin Jamie Edson. Lars got us all enthused.

Lars was always a happy person and to see him at 95 years old with that same smile on his face was truly gratifying. I am sure he was happy to see me, but more importantly, I was really happy to see him. Many memories of growing up at Seven Springs as a young skier, were forged by my association with Lars Skylling. He is one of those classic figures that will always shape the history of skiing in Western Pa. I am privileged to know him and to relate to you how much my association with him means to me. I need to see him more often. ” The skiing is good to excellent, with a few izzzzy shpooots.” Thanks Lars. And,thanks for reading. Go see a senior citizen today.

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“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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I Can Hear Music

So, I was driving along listening to my Pandora collection in my Jeep, and it occurred to me that I was listening to 60 year old music- The Beach Boys. I always liked them and liked their music and was pounding on the steering wheel ” Tach it up, Tach it up ,buddy going to shut you down.” ” Gadda be cool now, power shift here we go.” I revved up my Jeep pretending to be in the drag race from the song when I said to myself- slow down man. “Shutdown” was a cool song from back in the day. Next on the hit parade was ” When I Grow Up to Be a Man.” ” Will I dig the same things in a woman that I do in a girl? Will I love my wife, for the rest of my life……? When I grow up to be a man.” So funny – I do love my wife, 38 years into it, and not sure I am yet ” a man.” Have a lot of kid still left in me.

Bentley Hall- Allegheny College.

Listening to this music reminds me of my days at Allegheny College in the spring trimester when we would blast the music from the stereos in Caflisch Hall. So much fun building up to graduation . My 50 year reunion is this year and I wonder how that could be. I still feel the same over all these years, but it is not lost on me that the years have gone by. The Beach Boys are still touring minus most of the original players but, still at it- 60 years later. “Lets go surfin now, everybody’s learnin how – come on a safari with me…..”

I kept the Boys on when I was riding at my local MTB route the other day and really enjoyed peddling to the sounds of Wipeout by the Surfaris on my Shokz earpieces. Some of the great music on the Pandora Beach Boys channel include the iconic sounds of Jan and Dean- ” The Little Old Lady from Pasadena.” Another great tune to get your engine running – this time pumping up a rock strewn trail. ” She’s the terror of Colorado Boulevard” I geared up one when I heard that. LOL!!! The smile on my face made me realize that I was actually riding back in time and remembering where I was when I used to hear all those tunes.

Not a fuel injected Stingray or a 413 and doesn’t sound real mean. LOL!!

It’s not like I am wishing that I was back in the past, but some of that music is just ingrained in me and when I hear familiar tunes, I really enjoy them. I sing to them and remember all the good times. Yes- 50 years out of college is a daunting statistic, but I am enjoying life and look forward to many more happy years. I am upping my game a bit with music that is a little more current- but not that current. I can take my old music ahead to many drives and rides in the future. Janet kind of shakes her head when I hear a tune and remember the artist. I bet her 5 bucks she can’t name the tune or the artist and most of the time, I win. Ronnie and the Ronettes- you lose. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs – you lose. After all, she is 8 years younger than me and didn’t listen to music as much as I did ,driving my cars around. She doesn’t know the Flying Burrito Brothers, or the New Riders of the Purple Sage either- but then again- not many do. I actually had an Iron City beer back in the day with Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen. But ………………then again, not many people remember them either. Hint- ” Hot Rod Lincoln.”

This discussion might be lost on some of the younger crowd who read my blog. But, for those of us who are a little older, the sounds of “Pet Sounds” are fondly remembered. I even get a little misty eyed when I hear, ” God only knows what I’d do without you.” Sometimes the sentimentality knocks you off kilter on the trail and you have to compose yourself getting through the rocks. Then comes……………….” she’s real fine my 409, my 409. Well, I saved my pennies and I saved my dimes. Before I knew there would be a time. When I would drive a brand new 409.” That got me through that screaming downhill and the hikers I passed probably thought……………..what in the world is that guy singing.” LOL!!! Keep listening to the oldies, and thanks for reading.

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