Category Archives: Mountain Biking

by

Ride to Ride Another Day- Monday Lick Edition

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

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

Video by John Casuccio.

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

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

Shuttle Vehicle

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

Pete Hilton keeping me on the path.

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

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

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

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

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

by

A New Experience- Long Overdue

The Ibis Carbon DV-9

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

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

A happy girl- long overdue

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

Fugheddabaddit

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

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

Coming soon!!

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

Please be a follower on the website. It helps. http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com

by

Cyclo X 2025

Team Debo plans a great ride.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by

New Boards

So, I know it is only August, but I pulled the trigger on another new pair of skis for the upcoming season. After looking at some reviews on- line, also from the Stockli rep, and consultation with my friend in Tahoe, I decided on another pair of Stockli Stormrider 88s. I have a quiver of Stockli skis but the 88 under foot is always my go to ski and I was happy to get another pair.

It is interesting that at this time of year, I start to get itchy for the new season. Buying a new pair of skis kind of jump starts you a little bit. I got our passes early, committed to ski trips, and in short- I am ready when the first flakes start to fall. However………………………..screeeech!!!!!! We still have the wonderful season of fall ahead.

Colors in the Laurel Highlands.

My one friend JR always looks at his watch and sees how long it will take for me to mention skiing on a mountain bike ride. For a guy who lives in Pittsburgh, skis locally, and gets two western trips a year, I get a fair amount of skiing. Not as many days as my friends who live out west, or in New England, but for a local guy- not bad. I always think Janet and I should be living in the mountains. She likes the beach better and alas there is the rub. But we both like Pittsburgh, our friends are here, and we are resolved to ski locally and travel. But that does not temper my enthusiasm for the sport- even in the summer. But again………………….screeeeeeech!!! The nicest time of the year around here is coming soon. But for now, the dog days of summer are to be enjoyed.

You never know what you will see in the fall on a mountain bike ride.

One of the good things about the late days of summer riding is that you are in pretty good shape for the shape that you are in. At 70, I am grateful for my health and when we are barreling down the trails on our bikes, I am usually one of the oldest guys. My Garmin Connect says I am 58, but I know better. The chronological advancement is not lost on me, but I try to stay with it. I want to be doing this for as long as possible and when discussing skis with my friend Eric in Tahoe, we both said we need to stay active. We both thank God for good health to enable us to ride and ski for many more years. It’s not like I am riding like I was when I was younger, but I can still ride and ski enjoyably. Eric and I keep each other honest as we both have lost friends. Other friends are slowing down but we try to keep rolling on the rubber wheels and on the slopes. We are starting to feel like the last of the Mohicans, but there are good days ahead………….if we keep at it. Updating equipment like skis and mountain bikes, help with that.

I am even ready for the ski tuning season with new vices from Swix, new files and diamond stones, and new bevels to accurately tune the edges. My friend Eric gave me a tutorial last spring when we were skiing together on tuning in the 21st century. I was still doing it the old way. But the new way with the bevels and getting the skis stone ground to a specific bevel is next level. I am totally prepared.

I mirrored Eric’s set up here in Tahoe.
Will be using bevels this year for the side edges
When it gets tough- use the Beast.
Our friend Freddy from Tahoe. He is in his 80s and still skis 4-5 days a week.

So, not to rush the season or anything, I am looking forward to fall riding. A bunch of us will be going in September to ride the new Monday Lick trail system in West Virginia and staying at the wonderful Jerico Pre-Civil War cabins there. Jan and I also will be heading to Maine for a fall coastal trip. But I will be looking for the FedEx driver every day to see if the new boards are being delivered. Hey- it’s fun getting excited about things. Thanks for reading.

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

“He who hurries his footsteps errs” Proverbs 19:2

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

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

Whoa Nellie!!!

Around the East , we are having a banner snow year, but the imminent freeze thaw cycles also lead to some icy conditions on the slopes where you need good sharp edges. But the same thing happens to the local trails that I ride in the winter. Usually, after a snow, the trails will pack down after hikers, runners, and fat bikers make the surface rideable. Kind of like a groomer at a ski area. I ride them with my Esker hard tail that I use in the winter with 2.6 tires. (Thanks Tom Florcik from Highline Bikes info@highlinebikes.com) That set up is good enough for most snow rides until the freeze thaw cycle starts. Then it gets a little sketchy. I end up talking to myself in sections. Encouraging myself, and riding the edges until I can find better spots. In the thaw/wet periods, I try not to ride so as to destroy the trail. But when I get the chance and the trails are rideable, they can be a good workout. Frozen trails are like riding in the summer. But thawing trails are soft and can give you a better workout than you might have bargained for. I see that on my Garmin watch when I look at the end of ride statistics. I work harder in softer conditions.

Sketchy trail conditions.

A lot of the guys that I ride with use studded tires in the winter. That works for sure. But I just go out when I can, and see if I can get by without them. If it gets too icy, I put Yak Traks on my hiking boots and go for a hike until the trail conditions get better. More snow is usually the remedy and the packing down cycle begins again. My neighbors think I am a bit touched when they see me load my bike in the Jeep in a snowstorm. But I like to ride, and peddling is my way to keep in shape and also have a little solace in the woods during a snowstorm. I have never been a gym guy, so I like to do things outdoors- no matter what the weather is doing. I don’t really live in ski country. It takes some effort to drive to the mountains to ski and drive to my local trail systems to ride. When the freeze thaw comes, I am prepared with sharp edges on my skis. But when I ride…………………whoa Nellie!!!!

So, getting back to my neighbors. They say, “why would a 70 year old guy ride in the dark, with lights, on snow covered or icy trails?” They just shake their head at me as if to say- “are you nuts?” But my response is always positive. I tell them how much fun it is, how beautiful a snow- covered trail is in the woods at night, and how trail conditions improve my bike handling skills. Most of my neighbors are my age or a little older and their idea of conditioning is a little different than mine. I am not your typical 70 year old for many reasons. But continuing to do the things I like will keep me young. I want to enjoy skiing and riding for as long as I can. You don’t quit doing things because you get old………you get old because you quit doing things. I think about how long I will be able to schlepp ski bags and luggage through airports, drive in raging snowstorms, and put up with all the inconveniences just to do the things I like to do? I hope for a long time. Just keep doing it. When you quit, then you have a problem. Got some new roller luggage and roller ski bags this year just to make sure.

The Winter Bike

So my message this week is again, not to let the weather get the best of you. Enjoy a walk, a hike, or something outdoors in the winter. And when the trail conditions get a little sketchy……enjoy the ride, or the slide…….. as it may be. Thanks for reading.

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

“Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize….” -Phillipians 3 13-14

by

Pack it In!

My motto- you can sleep when you’re dead.

When I saw this on the door of the Cafe LeMont up near State College, Pa. I laughed. It is so true. Carpe Diem, seize the day, pack it in. Janet always says I am in a hurry and always rush her into things. But when she gets it together and packs it in, she is happy. She doesn’t want to miss anything. And when we get together with our friends, Judy and Mike Smith, they are definitely cohorts in crime when it comes to squeezing every opportunity out of a day. Janet just rolls her eyes at the three of us but always complies. She may be tired at the end of a day, but always glad that she ……..packed it in.

Mike and Judy Smith- out hiking, cycling, and ski buddies. They are professionals at packing it in.

So, Janet said to me last week, ” where do you want to go for your birthday?” I really didn’t know, and we settled on a trip to State College with the Smiths. Janet and Judy were room- mates at PSU and Mike and I are usually along for the ride. We had not been to State College for a while and decided that would be a fun place to go. We stayed at the newly refurbished Nittany Lion Inn which was available because it was a non- football weekend. The busy itinerary for the weekend began when Janet and I drove to the Cafe Lemont, had lunch, and then donned the backpacks and headed up Mt. Nittany for a hike. Judy and Mike arrived a little later, and they set the land speed record up and back. LOL!! We all laughed and headed to check in at the hotel, shower, and then out to eat. No grass was growing under our feet that day. Hiking up Mt. Nittany is always fun and a rite of passage for Penn Staters. Again – Mike and I were along for the ride.

The view of Beaver Stadum from the top of Mt. Nittany.

Judy and Janet on their beloved Nittany Lion. Judy was a cheerleader back in the day. She still could be one.

After a quick cup of coffee the next morning, we all went out to Shingletown Gap for another hike. A beautiful trail with wonderful scenery and lots of rocks. I told them all that the people who hike the Appalachian Trail always call Pennsylvania ” Rocksylvania” because it is one of the more challenging sections on the route. Mike and I would agree because, as we knew full well, the subsequent mountain bike ride for the both of us would be full of challenging rocks. The ladies regrouped back at the Inn and Mike and I made our way to the Longberger Path and the Tussey Mountain Trail in the Rothrock State Forest. A route that he and I have ridden many, many times on our PSU weekends for football games with the ladies and their clan. As we made our way to the” Beer Tap” which is a fun marker at the confluence of a couple of trails, we forged ahead through heinous rock gardens along the way and wondering where the heck that Beer Tap was so we could begin the long descent back to the car. Mike led the way as I watched him battle the rock sections for as long as he could riding his bike before we had to hike some sections. But as the sun was setting, it was cold on the descent and the shower back at the hotel was a welcome relief. That trail seems longer and longer every year. Could it be that I am just getting older? Hmmm.

If you ever get the chance to see a NCAA Div 1 Volleyball game- go do it. Exciting.
Mike Smith at the Beer Tap- Tussey Mountain Trail
The Tussey Mountain Trail- Rocksylvania for sure.

Rushing back to pack it in some more after the hike and the ride, we all made our way to Rec Hall to watch the women’s volleyball game between PSU and Illinois. An exciting match for sure and thankful that Judy got tickets. We rushed to The Tavern right after the game, rammed down some food and then began our walk through the town and back up the hill to the hotel. A long day but …………….you can sleep when you’re dead. Right?

The next morning, after a road coffee, we did another hike at Mt. Nittany, had some lunch at the Cafe LeMont again and headed back home. A whirlwind couple of days which was anything but relaxing, but we did a lot and I, for one, was happy. The more I can pack in, the better I like it. Janet rolls her eyes again. But she knows who she married.

In the gondola in Utah with the Smittys and our friends Ralph and Amy Phillips

We will be heading back out west for another ski trip with the Flying Smittys this winter and I am sure that they will be up at at em early as is their usual protocol. Janet is used to the deal by now seeing that we have been taking ski trips with the Smiths for quite a while now. They love to ski, I love to ski, and Janet- well, once she is out and at it, loves to ski too. We just have to crowbar her out sometimes. LOL!!

So, I guess, the moral of the story for me here is ……………..get it while you can. There are so many opportunities in life that the operative word these days should be” yes”. It doesn’t have to be far away from home either. Lots of good places to visit and pack it in right in your home state. Great to travel, great to pack it in out of state or out of the country, but always wonderful to go for the gusto right in your neck of the woods. Remember- you don’t quit doing things because you get old, you get old because you quit doing things. Thanks for reading and pack it in – will ya?

A post snowshoe picnic right near the trails near our house. With the Smittys!