Category Archives: Inspiration

by

A Third Place

I was reading an interesting article this week about “A Third Place” in the latest issue of Outside Magazine. The Third Place is described as a place where people can meet and socialize with strangers, acquaintances, and friends. This would be outside the home ( first place), and the workplace ( second place). In our world, the “place” sometimes varies but the important thing is to meet and be held accountable for meeting. Take mountain biking for instance. We meet at different ” third places”, but the social interaction is there on the ride and also the post ride with libations and snacks in the parking lot. This was particularly important post-pandemic when we were all basically shut in and longing for a third place to meet and socialize. In our case, in an athletic endeavor.

In the winter, our third place oftentimes is the ski area. We have our standard places but also we make it a point to make a ” third place” not only the local area, but a vacation spot where we can ski together and socialize on the chair lift and also in an apre’s ski venue.

The local” third place.”

So what is the real importance of finding a place to exercise and gather socially outside the home or workplace? It is important to have an outlet to be with friends in an environment where we share an activity. The “place” is not as important as what we do in that place. Group exercise meetings fulfill the need to blow off some steam from the workplace and to get out of the house on a nice day or not so nice day depending on your level of intensity. Gloria Liu, in her article in Outside, says that” Third Places are posited as a solution for finding and building community during a time when Americans are increasingly alone. ” Coffee shops, bars, and other meeting places are not necessarily conducive to creating a community like a meeting place, where we are all held accountable to a mutual love of an athletic endeavor. Endorphins are released, people get excited, and make plans to meet again for a ride or a ski day. Thus the “third place” is actually a metaphor for a mutually enjoyed activity that fosters friendships and a community dedicated to health and fitness.

The “Third Place” has actually been quite important to me in that most of my good friends and social interactions have been found there. To me, it is important to have friends who hold you accountable no matter the circumstances. Weather, time constraints, etc. can all derail meetings, but when things are really clicking, you meet at that third place regularly and it becomes an important part of your lifestyle. It is not just something you do, it literally is who you are. Gloria Liu also says that the third place is one that you make, not just one you find. You become more involved. As you become a more senior member of a group, you volunteer to bring along the new people, introduce them to your other friends, and let them make new friends and be held accountable. This type of social interaction is not found necessarily in the workplace, or for many at home who perhaps are single or alone. But it is an important step in developing relationships that last a lifetime.

So, make it a point to make that weekly ride, meet friends who will ride with you daily. Perhaps a hiking or running group? There are many of them around if you search the internet. Find that third place for social interaction and become an integral, teaching part of that group. They can learn a lot from you, and you can learn a lot from them. And as I said in my last post, age really does not matter if your shared love is a sport that you can do for a lifetime. For me, riding, hiking, and skiing are those sports and I have found my “third places” for all of them. Thanks for reading.

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

by

Adventurefest 2025 Surviving the Storm

The prayerful starts.

I always post on Adventurefest every year because it is such a great gathering of Christian, outdoor oriented men. The Boyer’s Pond Campground serves as the venue, and Greg Nass and his team hit a home run every year with activities like mountain biking, hiking, fishing, Harley rides, and even a welding tutorial. But more importantly, some thought provoking messages by his talented roster of Assembly of God pastors. There is nothing like physical activities in the beautiful Laurel Highlands coupled with spiritual activities that complete the whole experience of being in God’s wonderful natural environment.

Friday- Upon arrival at Laurel Mountain in the afternoon, our group of mountain bikers assembled in the parking lot near the ski area to take on the challenging trails as a start to the weekend.

Shark’s prayerful start to the Laurel Mountain ride.
Some of the local residents of Wolf Rocks welcoming us to Laurel Mountain. Mom and newborn.

We dodged the rain, which came at the end of the ride, changed clothes and headed for a wonderful meal at The Fat Squirrel in Jennerstown. Heading to Boyer’s Pond in a rainstorm, we set up our tents and headed to the 3 Cs Church on the campground. We heard Pastor Michael Abreau tell us how a lot of us are like a ’64 Impala waiting to be restored. God is the master mechanic, and the potential renovation is available for all of us if we let Him into our lives. Great message to end the day and head back to the tents. Rained all night but we managed to stay dry with functioning rain flies on the tents.

Saturday morning- Awoke to coffee, served by Shark, and oatmeal served by yours truly, with Roger Evans from West Virginia providing an egg casserole. Good thing we had John Casuccio’s awning for his camper to get out of the torrential rain to eat. We headed to the Quemahoning Reservoir to take on the challenging trail system in deep mud and slime. We were caked, along with our bikes after the ride, but managed to finish in sunny conditions after starting out in in the pouring rain.

Living Evidence Ministries let the music worship in the 3 Cs Church after all the activities ended.

After a quick lunch and shower, we all headed to the 3 Cs Church again to hear a panel discussion with Pastors Jonathan Whyns, Paul Boseviert, Pete Gacialone, and Todd Pugh. They answered tough questions about faith and spirituality. Time well spent with 4 guys who know the answers or are at least willing to comment humbly on the subjects presented. The session ended with Pastor Jimmy Rivera from City Limits Assembly of God in Philadelphia giving us an exhortation on seeking the Lord and allowing him to search your soul. Jimmy spoke about the unlimited neediness of the soul matching the unlimited grace of God. God the Creator breathed a soul into all of us ,and will come looking for that soul someday. Really convicting, followed by a passionate prayer from Jimmy for all of those guys willing to come forward in humility. Jimmy and Mark “Shark” Sauers prayed individually for all the guys. Shark was a great MC for the event and we all said- he found his calling for sure.

Normal Joe’s worshipping their God.
The Shark with his kilt- doing what great MCs do. Bringing it to the group.

After another great meal at the Fat Squirrel, ( courtesy of Bill Belch), we headed back to the campground and the walk to the Cross. Friday and Saturday nights, Greg and his team set up time for guys to come forward at a wooden cross and give their testimonies. Then after their testimony, they hammer a nail into the cross signifying that they are giving it up to the Lord. Amazing stories of drug dealing, addiction, potential suicide, lost families and spouses, and how someone who inserted themselves into their lives saved them from ruin. Those evangelistic souls preached the saving message of Christianity to people who really needed it, and the fruits of their labor stood at the cross and pounded those nails.

Greg Nass speaking at the Cross

The cool thing about Adventurefest and the organization -Adventuremen.org, is the evidence of humility and grace. In this troubled world, people need prayer and that is why most guys come to the event. Sure, they want to experience the camping, the fellowship, the fun events, the fires, the breakfasts, and on and on. But they are all normal Joe’s trying to get along in life. Nothing condescending about them. They don’t have an “above it all” attitude. These guys want to hear a good message that means something in their lives. They want to hear about forgiveness and the grace available for believers. Greg and his team provide a wonderful experience in the wilds of the Laurel Highlands- rain or not. Who cares?

On a final note, we lost our buddy Bob Anderson last year who attended Adventurefest for the first time. He loved it, had a great time, and after wanting to get more involved, tragically passed away two weeks later on the trails that he loved. We always say Bob went from Adventurefest to Heaven. What a journey! Greg fashioned a screw with Bob’s initials, and I screwed that into the cross on Saturday night. What a nice tribute to a great guy that we all so deeply miss. But we surely know where he is, as we knew his path in life.

Bob Anderson- second from left. Adventurefest 2024

About to tackle the mud at the Q

So, not to get too preachy here, but if you have an urge or curiosity, come to Adventurefest next year. Always the weekend before Father’s Day. Great times in the woods with a bunch of guys who will ride Harleys with you, throw axes with you, fish with you, hike with you, mountain bike with you and most of all……..inspire you. http://www.adventurefest.org http://www.adventuremen.org Thanks for reading.

” I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Phillipians 4:13

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

by

Keep it Rolling!

” Don’t count your years, make your years count.” – Billy Graham

You know it is interesting, when I spend time on my mountain bike I tend to think about a lot of things. Entering the seventh decade tends to do that and I think about the friends that I have lost, and many who have been injured or are recovering from medical issues. Stuff happens when you hit my age, and I am so grateful to have been blessed with good health so far. I make it a habit to visit people when they are in the hospital, and try to be there for the family of those who have lost a loved one. But I also try to do the best that I can by eating right, and exercising. Doing it all of these years I believe has helped me. But you never know. Try to do the best that you can and thank God every day for your health.

Recently, I finished Dr. Peter Attia’s book called ” Outlive- the Science and Art of Longevity.” The interesting takeaway for me was that he says his methods are not to extend life for as long as we can, but rather to maximize the quality of life in the years we have left. He says we have to backcast to where we are now, if we want to see a future of rolling on the ground with our grandkids and being able to get up off the floor. He says whatever decade in life we are, we need to figure out what we would like for our future and make changes if necessary to create that future.

From the chair at Diamond Peak.

But as much as I think about these things, I also know that you have to keep things rolling. It has its rewards like my last day of skiing this year with my good friend Eric. We had some great snow and I hauled out the fat skis (107mm under foot) and made a day of it. We were the first on the chair and last off at 70 years old. The cool thing is that there were a lot of people there that day who were a decade older than us.

This guy Freddie is 88 and skis 4 -5 days a week.

Lots of vertical that day and even though my friend does a lot of skiing and basically is my mentor on the slopes, he smiled at the end of the day. He said that was one of the best days of the season for him and it certainly was mine. We just need our pal Hutch with us next year. Yes, we don’t ski like we did when we were in our 20s, but we keep it rolling by staying in shape and just going for it.

I don’t ride like I used to back in my 20s,30s,and 40s, but I still enjoy it and can head in a slightly different direction now. I used to be the weekend warrior and loved to chase the age group awards as I got older. I loved to get into the next decade to compete and beat up on the older guys. Sometimes successfully but often getting my head handed to me by an older guy. Now, as I head into this decade, the object is not to be competitive with anyone other than myself. I will still try to eat right, exercise, and basically enhance the quality of life that is left. Not necessarily ” counting the years, but making the years count.” Thanks Reverend Billy Graham. Also, the new Pope Leo IV is just entering his seventh decade in September. He needs to make his years count too. My friend Jaime reminded me that we are older than the Pope. We laughed, but it is kind of sobering too. I always thought the Pope was an old guy. LOL!!

Keeping things rolling along, I like to use a little technology on my rides. It is important to be aware of your state of being while exercising. And the new technology of “wearables” are pretty accurate.

I check out the data on my Garmin watch after a ride and just look at some metrics that are beneficial to me. Lots of data on there that is not necessarily relevant, but interesting things about miles ridden, altitude gained, aerobic and anaerobic effort, sleep quality, HRV status, that can tell you how you did and where you are with your fitness. But nobody knows better than you. You know your body and can listen to it. No matter what the data says, you know better than the Garmin. It can give you some signals, but do what makes you feel good. But listen to the “wearable” if it tells you to back off. LOL!!

In any event, as I wade through this new decade, I won’t think about what can happen. I will just be aware of things. Ride to ride another day, and appreciate things like that last ski day of the season. Thanks for reading, take care of your health, and be there for your friends.

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

by

50 years of Being BOLD

“Maggie- did she say nude kayaking?” With that, I thought Maggie Ostrowski was going to fall laughing on the floor. Maggie was one of our best blind skiers back in the day, a Para-Olympic medalist from the Atlanta Games, kayaker, rower, and all- around great athlete. We just heard Nancy Leverett, the President of BOLD, telling the crowd at the 50th anniversary party at Boyce Park, that we had a lot of “new” events. Aside from the “nude” comments, there were a lot of laughs at this event held last Saturday. BOLD athletes and guides are such fun people with really great senses of humor. BOLD stands for Blind Outdoor Leisure Development which was established back in the 70s by a French ski instructor in Aspen- Jean Eymere. His mission was to develop skiing for visually impaired folks not only in Aspen, but nationwide and Pittsburgh had one of the first chapters – established in 1975. 50 years later, BOLD has had a lot of fun with visually impaired athletes and guides taking part in activities such as alpine skiing, cross country skiing, water skiing, tandem bicycling, camping, hiking, ice skating and lately kayaking and tennis. You have to have a good sense of humor to try these sports with vision issues. Also, the guides have to be patient and have a good sense of humor too. I ran the ski program for 34 years and always told my skiers to ” watch where you are going, will ya?” I always got a laugh out of that one.

Fred Siget, Tom Burgunder and me at the National Blind Skiing Championships back in the day at Blackjack, Michigan

Today the BOLD ski program is run by Scott Gray and his lovely wife Leslie. They both do a great job and took over for me a number of years ago as I retired from BOLD after 34 years of running the ski program. I could write a book about BOLD. Some of the fun times we had, like when I let Fred Siget, our best blind skier, drive my International Scout in the upper parking lot at Seven Springs. It was snow covered and I let him do donuts at night. The first time I guided him was at Snowshoe and the only tree on the slope was like a magnet. It sucked him right in due to my guiding and we laughed as he crashed right in front of the tree. I told him it was the only tree for hundreds of yards.

We had another guy, John Good, who used to ski with a flask of booze, cigarette hanging out of his mouth, and didn’t know his right from his left. I would tell him right turn and he would go left. I laughed and said ” the other right, John.” We would laugh and narrowly escape disaster. Or John’s good friend J.R who could see partially on cloudy days and not at all on sunny days. He always wanted to race John and people were afraid to guide him because he skied so fast and often out of control. I think I was the only one who could really keep him in check.

How about at the National Blind Skiing Championships? The hardest week of my life with 13 visually impaired skiers under my watch due to a bad snowstorm and wicked cold conditions. Minus 40 straight temps on a lot of days – not windchill- straight temperature. 40 below. I taught skiing in Maine but never had cold like that in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I went on a blind skiers camping weekend one time and one of my visually impaired pals, who will remain nameless, drank most of the beer I had in my backpack and began putting the moves on a girl in the lean to right next to me. I told him he was blind drunk. We both laughed.

Maggie Ostrowski and Nancy Leverett are both wonderful skiers, even though Mag is now retired from skiing. Lots of fun with those two flying down North Face at Seven Springs much to the amazement of the folks riding up the North Face lift. Both ladies regularly skied out west and had the skills to ski blues and blacks. I am told that their guides out west were always amazed at their skill levels and when they told them that they learned to ski in Western Pa, they were truly astonished.

We used to use radios to transmit and receive voice commands. The guide had the transmitter and the skier had the earpiece. One time, I used the devices to guide Fred right up to Herman Dupre- the owner of Seven Springs, and tell him what a nice, red, flannel shirt he had on. Herman looked kind of sideways at Fred and told me later, after the gag, that “after all the years of giving Fred a free season pass, he tells me what a nice red shirt I have on.” ” I have to tell you Pat, I was getting a little hot under the collar.” We all laughed at that one. I used the transmitter one time and let Fred ski Stowe slope at Seven Springs all by himself. I guided him all the way to the bottom with me standing up at the top. People came up to me later and said, ” Pat………we saw Fred skiing by himself. Doesn’t he need a guide?” I let them in on that gag too. Fred was a good sport.

Nancy Leverett – current President of BOLD and my nephew Richard

Over the 34 years of running the ski program, I have enjoyed the company of so many great guides who selflessly donated their time not only to guide the skiers, but to drive them to and from the slopes. The skiers themselves have been amazing. Computer programmers, accountants, attorneys, all kinds of professional occupations and doing it while visually impaired. Incredible.

So, when the opportunity came up to attend the 50th anniversary of BOLD, I jumped at the chance. I got to see a lot of old friends, met new people who are involved in the “new” sports for BOLD, and in short, participated in a great event. As the folks came in from a hike at Boyce Park, they had smiles on their faces and as always with BOLD events, lots of stories to tell. I cherish my years with BOLD and hope that it can continue for another 50 years. I told everyone at the event that BOLD did a lot more for me, than I did for it. And that is the truth. Please consider donating to their cause. Western Pa. BOLD PO Box 9101 Pgh, Pa. 15224. Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com Thanks.

by

The Secret Stache

Lots of people have a secret stache. Hidden collections of Oreos, candy, money, or other things that perhaps they want to keep quiet and only have available for their use only. I have a few of those, but perhaps my favorite stache is my “private” collection of MTB trails. Well, not so private, but I don’t want to spread the knowledge around too much for fear of private land owners shutting down my access to the trails. But suffice to say that these trails mean a lot to me and they offer me some privacy while riding.

Lately, I have been riding by myself and really enjoy the solace of the peaceful, uncrowded state of affairs on my stache of trails. I enjoy listening to music on my Shokz head pieces as I ride along. I have a rather eclectic collection of music. Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Poco, and other sounds from my college days. Other times I have Celtic music or even Gregorian Chant which keeps me in a mellow mood all the way around. My Garmin can tell what kind of music I have on by the results of the ride. But in any case, I enjoy riding by myself on the trails that I kind of keep to myself.

Even in the winter, these trails offer great opportunities for quiet hikes and riding. I have always ridden with groups of people on the road and on the MTB. But lately, I have found that I really enjoy either riding with one or two other people or just by myself with my music. Gone are the days when I have to chase people or have people riding up my back. To have a nice conversation with one or two other people or just having a conversation with myself or singing to myself has been very rewarding. This began as a COVID habit, but stretched into present day stache enjoyment.

My Shokz headpieces.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not becoming anti-social. I will ride with a group if the opportunity arises, but I don’t seek that out anymore. There is something relaxing about riding with a small group or by myself. Especially on trails that a lot of people do not know anything about. I can still get a good workout and review my progress on my Garmin, but I tend now to do it at my own pace. You can see on Garmin Connect if you are loafing or working hard. But doing it on your own is something that I am finding value in lately.

The finish of my secret stache rides are enjoyable too. I ride to a bench in the area and just sit down and relax to my music. I have shown several of my friends this habit, and they enjoy it. The other nice thing about the bench is that if you look around, you can see the intimate details of the change of the seasons. Those first snowflakes, the blossoms coming out in the spring, the greenery of the summer and the flowers on the sides of the trails, and the telltale signs of the fall with the changing leaves. I really like seeing the change from the position of the bench. The music adds to the atmosphere and then……………I head home.

I am always trying to encourage older people like me with my blog posts. The purpose of a lot of this is to get people out of their comfort zones, take up an outdoor activity, and enjoy the fresh air. Like it is always said,” you don’t quit things because you get old, you get old because you quit things.” As we age, we look at the other sides of exercise. We don’t have to keep up and make it a race. We can ride pleasantly and still get good exercise. We can ride, to ride another day. And you can enjoy your own company and get answers when you talk to yourself. LOL!! So, maybe think about this? Think of your own secret stache of things and perhaps share them or………. keep them to yourself. Thanks for reading.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes- 3:1

by

A Great Connection

The Durfees and the Chetlins in Bend, Oregon

There was a recent Harvard study on happiness that stated that the number one thing people believe makes them happy is meaningful social interactions. More so than money, power, or even health. Also, it was noted that people found more happiness out of giving something to others rather than getting something for themselves. Shared friendships that grow over time are part of that happiness. The great philosopher Carol McCloskey( my mother) 🙂 always said,” happiness is like a perfume that you can’t sprinkle on others without getting a little on yourself.

One of the things that makes me very happy is to connect people that I believe would really enjoy each others company. The two couples above in the photo are some of my favorite people and I always wanted to get them together because they have so much in common. Two years ago, when we were all in Bend, Oregon, was the first time that I introduced the Durfees to the Chetlins.

Good times at Mt. Bachelor for Tim Girone’s birthday and the first time the Durfees and the Chetlins met.

We all had a great time and I was particularly gratified that Jeff and Julie got to ski and spend time with Helen and Eric. They are both extremely devoted to the outdoors, have camping vans that take them all over the west, and an ethos that I always thought would gel.

The Chetlin’s Sprinter Van and the Durfee’s Sportmobile in the Chetlin’s driveway in Bend.

Recently the Durfee’s departed on a whirlwind trip of ski areas in the west in their Sportmobile, and made the effort to stop in Bend to see the Chetlins. I was so happy to receive the pictures of the two couples dining together, skiing together, and enjoying each other’s company. Something that I had wanted to happen for a long time. It was important to me to have them meet and foster what I believe will be a lifelong friendship. As an aside, Jeff has made a wonderful recovery from a stroke and is doing all the things he always liked to do. Eric has fully recovered from a fall in Nepal. Jeff and Eric have had some real meaningful talks about their recoveries and some similar setbacks and issues regarding brain injuries. They are fortunate and can share their stories with each other and take comfort in the fact that by being in good shape, having excellent medical care, and with the power or prayer, they have been restored to their active lives. Thus, the zeal for both couples to do the things they like to do in the outdoors. So happy that they got another chance to do it together.

Helen, Eric, Julie and Jeff
Helen, Julie and Jeff at Mt. Bachelor

One of the cool things about skiing is that it brings people together in a fun outdoors environment. Lots of good conversations in the chairlifts about what is really meaningful in life. Along with discussions about skiing, family, travel and what lies ahead. As I communicated with both couples this last week, I was so happy to hear what a great time they had together. I can feel satisfied that I helped to foster what I hope to be a great friendship. Activities like skiing can be a great catalyst for bringing people together. Apres ski fun, discussions, and dinners together can bring lasting memories that will last a lifetime. Most of my really good friends I met through skiing and cycling. They are fun activities, but they gave me the chance to get to know some really great people in my life. My wife Janet is also grateful to know the Chetlins and the Durfees. They mean so much to us and the fact that skiing brought us all together is a testament to why I like the sport of skiing so much. There is way more to it than groomers, powder days, and beautiful ski areas.

Helen and Jeff- new ski pals.

We are all empty nesters now and it is important to cherish really good friendships. We are all blessed with good health, and a love for the outdoors. If you can take the opportunity to weave friends into your fabric of relationships, you have done your friends a great service, and you have surely sprinkled some happiness on yourself as well. Thanks for reading.

Photos courtesy of Eric and Helen Durfee and Julie and Jeff Chetlin

“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy” – Psalm 27:9

by

Resolutionaries

Where it all begins. The New Years resolutions around North Park lake.

You know- one of the great things I see this time of year is when people decide to make a change in their lives. Some want to lose weight, some want to get into shape, some want to run, ski, or ride more, some make dietary changes. Some make other changes that hopefully will stick through what I call the “Resolutionary” period. But in any event, whenever I look at our local park and see the throngs of people walking or running around the lake this time of year- it is heartwarming. People want to be their best selves and that is admirable. But the key is to stick with it.

The parking lots are packed. Lot of good intentions.

A lot of people begin their resolutions on New Years Day with a lot of vim and vigor. I see the smiles, the grimaces, and in general an effort to get the ball rolling for 2025. But the key in my book is to start slowly and ease into it. Most people who are regular exercisers and want to step it up a bit, tend to do a killer run or ride on the 1st. The people who maybe have not done anything for a while, tend to start too hard. Oftentimes, it results in pain that they do not want to endure several days or weeks into it. I always say- start slowly and let your body adjust to the new strains you are putting on it.

Funny but true.

Most often, if you start slowly, you can get incrementally stronger each day without even knowing it. If you try too hard, the tendency is to give up after a certain amount of time. But easing into things will get you moving in the right direction. As you age, there is no hurry to get into shape. Take it as it comes and see how you do. Remember, most people can’t even run to the mailbox. So, whatever you attempt, it is a positive movement in the right direction.

This crew of veteran riders always starts with a New Years Day ride. Same for 2025.

Another thing that is hard is the weather. Oftentimes weather will thwart the best of intentions. But if you get the right clothing and dress for the cold and snowy weather, you can exercise outdoors all year. Nothing like fresh air and cold weather to invigorate you. If you can make it through the winter, you can make it all year. As the Shark always says,” no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” And, if it is too tough, a YMCA membership or another gym membership might be the ticket to get you through. In any case, start slowly, ease into it and stick with it. Personally, I like the winter. I like to ski, hike, and ride in the winter and the cold air and winter weather is a beautiful experience for me. Sure, it gets a little harder each year, but the New Year always inspires. Even to people like me who have exercised all year for a long time.

Old guys have goals too.

A final note about resolutions. They don’t always have to be physical. They can be new ways to be with your spouse, family and friends. Maybe a new approach will help in your relationships? Maybe reaching out to someone who is in need or volunteering may be a good way to start the New Year? Maybe reconnecting to your faith might be in order? Find a new church or go back to the one where you have been absent? There are a lot of good communities, just find the one that speaks to you.

All in all, get out there and “do it” like Nike says. As I have recounted recently – you don’t quit doing things because you get old, you get old because you quit doing things. I love seeing those people running, walking, riding around the lake. It inspires me every year at this time. Thanks for reading and Happy New Years.

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

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord.” Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah- 29:11

by

The Christmas Tree

Thought I would add just another little post this week to celebrate the season. This is our Christmas Tree. The ornaments are from the Danbury Mint in Philadelphia and also Lennox China. My folks collected them over the years and always bought two- one for me and one for my sister Molly. Their radiance with the Christmas lights is always spectacular and I always relish putting up the tree every year with these wonderful ornaments shining brightly. But there is a lot more to putting up the tree and placing the ornaments.

Erecting the tree and bringing out the Danbury Mint and Lennox ornaments take me back in time to Christmas long ago. My mother loved Christmas – to the point where people referred to her as ” Christmas Carol.” She always made a point to make Christmas special for Molly and me and to her friends and relatives. My parent’s Christmas Eve party was an anticipated joyful time for all of us. My dad and Molly and I were always on the dock to help out with whatever needed to be done. But, my mother was the coordinator and her decorations, her food, her atmosphere with music in the house was welcoming to many who needed a lift at the holidays.

There were funny times as my dad’s eggnog loosened up some folks. For instance- my mom’s cousin loved the nog but when he went to the driveway and inserted his car keys into his side car window- I knew it was time to take him home. People joyously singing carols around the piano as I played and after hours of this, I was relegated to the kitchen to wash the dishes with my sister and Sally Rose. Lots of work that Christmas party, but with people in and out of the house all day, it was always a wonderful event. The tree in my parents living room looked just like the one that Janet and I erect each year. Perhaps that is why I like the annual rite of erecting and decorating the tree. I am brought back in time. I can somehow see my dad, smiling with his Christmas pants and tie, offering the guests some of his lethal nog. I can see my mom singing behind me at the piano. My mom had perfect pitch and her singing was always appreciated by the crowd. I can just see her around the tree admiring the ornaments and being satisfied with her statement to me that” happiness is like a perfume that you can’t sprinkle on others without getting a little on yourself.” She and my dad were so generous ,and their example has carried on with me years later.

So, as I peer a little more closely into the tree, and see the ornaments depicting the manger scene, I think about the real meaning of Christmas. I think about the amazing announcement by the angel Gabriel, and the birth of Christ into our fallen world. I think how he singlehandedly saved all of us. All we need to do is believe. Christmas is so special and commercialism, deadlines, and other distractions, do not deter me from enjoying the true meaning of Christmas and enjoying our Christmas tree. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember to take the time to really enjoy and celebrate with your friends and families. My folks will be watching you with joy from above. Thanks for reading.

” And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” -Luke- 2: 12-13.

by

Never Let a Number Define You

Time marches on

I told my neighbor Sumant that I was turning 70 this week. He responded, ” Patrick- never let a number define you.” I thought about that for a minute and kind of smiled. I really don’t feel any different, but numbers don’t lie, and you know that at least chronologically, you are advancing in age. I always joke with people that I will age chronologically but will never mature. People laugh, but really- it is kind of true. I still like to have that bright eyed, youthful look on life that sometimes doesn’t match my actual position. But how should we act or how do we move on when you hit a milestone like this?

My home trails
The Cliffs of Moher – Ireland
The Minarets- Mammoth, California

I think the best way is to just keep doing what you like to do. I ride my mountain bike for exercise all year and also I like to ski when the winter comes. Hiking is good too and the more active you are, the better your health will be especially if you eat correctly and get the proper amount of sleep. Nothing you have not heard before, but we pay more attention to it, the older we get. Sometimes, for a brief moment, I think about things when I mount my bike, but then I just go into ride mode and never think about anything but enjoying the ride and raising the heart rate. Same with skiing. At the beginning of the season at my local areas, I think- ” can I still do this?” Then I strap ’em on and push off with the poles and do what comes naturally – make a turn. From that moment on, the season begins. That brief moment of doubt is erased by the joy of the moment and the muscle memory of knowing how to ski- just like I have done for 63 years. I concentrate on making good turns, looking ahead, and making mature decisions on where to ski and how to ski. Sure, I am not making turns like I was years ago, but I am still trying to learn new things and trying new techniques. If you can stay in shape, the more successful you can be trying new things.

Lake Tahoe from Diamond Peak, Nevada
Jan the hiker at The Lodge at Glendorn Bradford, Pa.

But perhaps the most important thing in this next decade for me will be spending time with Janet and being active with her. We enjoy each other’s company, and I have tried to share my enthusiasm for the great outdoors with her and encourage her to get out there. I laugh and tell her I am crowbarring her out but once she is out there, she enjoys it and is thankful that I give her the push. Make no mistake, Jan pushes me too. I get stuck in my ways sometimes and she moves me out of the comfort zone.

As we age, we do gain some wisdom, and we cannot make a big deal out of things that we really can’t control. We don’t stress, and strive for a more peaceful life. We try to be kind and encouraging, and the great outdoors is a great venue for those virtues. Lots of good conversations can be had on the trails and in the chairlifts. I hope I can share some gained wisdom as I move on in this decade. I hope I can be kind and encouraging not only to my wife, but to my friends and family as well. Also, to new people that I will meet along the way. There is always a new audience for my well- worn stories if I just look for the potential victims. LOL!!! But all in all, I will take Sumant’s advice. I hope you do too. Thanks for reading.

Facebook peeps- please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It will be a help to me.

“Life is like a bicycle- to keep your balance- you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein

by

Cyclo X 2024

Aaron Shafer- Founder of Cyclo X

Well, it was another hot and steamy day last Sunday for the annual ride to and through the City of Pittsburgh’s City Parks. A good turnout as usual even though it was the same day as Peddle Pittsburgh. I tell people all the time that Cyclo X is really a mountain bike ride because even though there is a lot of road riding in between parks, the trails in the parks themselves usually demand a mountain bike for most people. Mere mortals like me. I need the knobby tires as much as possible. The “A” group had people on mountain bikes but a lot of guys on gravel or cross bikes. Their skill is amazing. I ride with the “B ” group because I am a little “long in the tooth” for the “A ” group anymore. Despite the trite saying,………. age and treachery will NOT beat youth and skill. Hat’s off to Aaron for putting together great routes this year for both groups.

The “B” Group.

Just to give you some perspective, Aaron and 7 of his “A” group guys rode 80+ miles with some amazing vertical feet. Strava had it at 11,000 ft. Everything in Pittsburgh is up from the rivers and no matter where you go, there is a steep punchy climb. A real mix of trails, gravel and roads. Our group called it a day after 43 miles and close to 4,000 vertical feet and made our way back to the Grist House for some of their cold, delicious, craft beers. The Hazedelic IPA tasted pretty good in the 90 degree temperatures. But the routes are interesting and vary from year to year. Aaron even put some killer climbs in for the “B” group this year which left me kind of strained as we made our way up Mt. Washington on Sycamore Street. Hard to believe that the Thrift Drug Classic road race climbed this 8 times during the course of the race. Even then, a lot of pro riders dropped out after too many runs at that steep climb. But the lunch at Redbeard’s was a welcome rest. They are always so accommodating to our hot and sweaty group.

Shark and Sean Brady at Redbeard’s

The scenery was terrific as the bright and sunny day showcased all the city parks. It was kind of cool to see all the folks from Peddle Pittsburgh out and about too. It just shows that Pittsburgh has a lot of active folks with many outdoor opportunities. Road cyclists, mountain bikers, gravel riders, all enjoying what the city has to offer.

The send- off from the Grist House
The view from the Emerald Trails on Mt. Washington.

As much as the beautiful day showcased the city and it’s beautiful parks, there were some sights from the seat of a bicycle that made you ponder. Lots of homeless tents on the North Shore bicycle trail and also on the Southside. This is a problem and not really sure how to handle it but hoping that someone smarter than me can help these people out. My friend Pete Hilton, who was on the ride, is on the board of Light of Light Missions that does a great job trying to rehabilitate these folks who often have mental and drug related challenges. If Pittsburgh wants to showcase itself, they need to align as much as they can with organizations like Light of Life and help people in need. People in Pittsburgh are very friendly and helpful. They are the fabric that can solve this problem as well as showcase our city to the world as a caring community and an active outdoor community as well.

Pete Hilton and the Shark

I drove home that day thinking about how many more of the Cyclo X rides I can do. I realize that I am not 30 anymore and my riding strength is relative. But I believe in the importance of staying in shape, riding my bike, and keeping that positive attitude as long as I can. It is events like Cyclo X that keep me in the game. Thanks to Aaron and his hard work organizing this event and thanks to all the riders who came out. Try it next year- you will not be disappointed. Thanks for reading.