Category Archives: Seasons

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Popping the Cork- Again

Melissa Thompson, Jaime Thompson and George Skylling.

My friends Melissa and Jaime Thompson always have a festive way to describe the start of a new ski season. They say it is “popping the cork” versus my “breaking the seal”. I like theirs better because it really captures the festive start when you see all your pals, on the slopes again, for another season in the snow. Last Friday was festive indeed when Brett Cook, the GM of Seven Springs, addressed the crowd assembled at the Polar Bear six pack. He welcomed everyone, they had a banner break which ushered in the new season and the chair lift cranked up for the first time this year. Vail did a good job with preparing things for us and even though there was limited terrain. No one really cared because what was open was primo machine- made and natural snow. It was surely nice to be making turns again after 8 long months of waiting. You see- when you are a skier, it doesn’t really matter how much is open at the beginning of the season as long as you can make a few runs. You see all your pals with whom you have skied for years. Remember the saying, you don’t quit skiing because you get old, you get old because you quit skiing.

Brett Cook welcoming the crowd on opening day
Steve Gurtner- telling us the absolute truth.

The interesting thing about Seven Springs is that most of us have skied there since we were kids and many of us now are celebrating,40 50, 60 years together on the slopes. Steve Gurtner made a poignant remark when he said, ” we are lucky to have Seven Springs.” We would not all be skiers if it were not for Seven Springs.” How true Steve, and another reminder that even though we all open up the season with laps of Wagner Bowl and some trails, it is all good. The camaraderie that we all share at the beginning of the season and the knowledge that more winter is coming. More slopes and trails open, more trips to the west and beyond for many of us, and hopefully a long nice ski season.

One of my last runs, last season at Mammoth- one of my annual stops. But the first run is always on Wagner Bowl at Seven Springs.
Porter Scott- skied with this guy for close to 55 years.
Jamie Edson- skis 78 days or so at Seven Springs and numerous trips out west. Another skiing pal for years.
John Casuccio on his new Stocklis lining up his posse for the season.
Bob Horrell – tele skier extraordinaire and Health and Safety Director for Vail at Seven Springs. Big smile on opening day.

If you are not a skier, you might not appreciate the enthusiasm for skiing in Western Pa. Or if you are only a ski trip person who scoffs at skiing locally, you might not realize that you are only skiing a week or two for the whole winter. You could be making turns locally on some pretty fine snow made by Vail at three local areas. And also- don’t think that just because it is raining, or lousy weather, or no snow on the ground locally in the city, that there is no snow in the Laurels at the ski resorts. Have faith. Oftentimes there is good skiing and people in the city and suburbs don’t even realize it.

Lower Wildcat at Laurel Mountain – managed by Vail and a wonderful challenge right here in your backyard.

Hey- most of us take our trips out west during the season or to New England, but we make use of the local slopes and areas and truly enjoy the winter. Skiing is not only the exhilaration of sliding down a snow covered slope, but it is also fun discussions on the chairlifts. “How was your summer?”, “what’s new with the family”, and other topics of conversation. You spend most of your time riding these things anyhow to get to the top. Skiing is social, with apres’ skiing being a great part of the day with a beverage or two. The discussion is the start of another season and what we all have to look forward to in the months ahead.

Steve said it right. We all would not be skiers if it were not for Seven Springs. We currently have a great opportunity right here in our own Laurel Highlands. Why not take advantage of it? I can tell you laps on Wildcat at Laurel Mountain will get you ready for any ski trip you plan, and it is great fun on a weekday or weekend morning when it is perfectly groomed.

So………..”popping the cork” last Friday meant a lot to me for many reasons. I came away glad that I made the effort and can’t wait to get out there this week as well. My 63rd season. Think snow and welcome to the season skiers!!!! Thanks for reading.

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“I lift up my eyes to the mountains………..” Psalm 121

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Skimming into Spring

Jason Eshleman of ” Chair Report” fame- pond skimming in his HKD Snowmaking outfit.

This time of year, when the winter is winding down, most ski areas in the country have events that pay tribute to the winter and have parties celebrating the arrival of spring. A lot of people wait for this time of year because the temperatures tend to moderate, sun is more plentiful, and in short- spring skiing is worth the wait. Don’t quit too soon because you can miss a pretty good time. Instead of playing golf in the mud, continue to ski as long as you can and enjoy – spring skiing.

One of the iconic events at most areas are the annual pond skimming events where the ski areas build a large pond usually near the ski lodge to allow full visibility for people in the lodge as well as people who have made their way down off the mountain. The idea is to get a good run at the pond, jump into it on skis, and hope that your momentum helps you skim over the water safely to the other side. Well as you can imagine, safe passage is not the norm, and there are lots of hilarious crashes, submerges into the water, and other mishaps that make the beer fueled crowd, laugh with delight.

Snowboards and wider skis tend to work better when pond skimming. The water ski effect. Photo courtesy of Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

The event at our local mountain – Seven Springs, evolved from what was the original “Pond Jump”. This event was held in the past before skimming became popular. In those days, the same party atmosphere happened but it was centered around a pond on the backside of the mountain near the Gunnar Chairlift at Seven Springs. Guys would build a huge ramp with a kicker that sent you high into the air, and the result was a splash in the pond for all to enjoy. There was no escaping to the other side in those days. It was, get a good start, get maximum air and do a dive bomb into the pond. Lots of great crashes in those days too with hoots, howls, and laughter.

Local ski race and coaching legend Rick Cellich, getting max air in the old pond jump days. Photo courtesy of Rick Cellich.

Personally, I have never participated in the pond jump or skim. I was always concerned about the landing with skis and boots in the water and hoping not to blow out my knees. In short, I always took a pass and watched the frivolity. But it does take a certain type to participate and mostly it is the younger generation. I always say youth is wasted on the young, but in this case, they earn their stripes. If you get a nice sunny day, it is warm, and the plunge in the water is not that bad. But there have been many pond skimming days recently where it has been in the 30s with snow flurries or rain, and that is what tests your fortitude if you don’t make the other side. It takes a certain outgoing type who is willing to dress in a funny costume, hurl themselves down the slope towards the water, and launch themselves into the unknown of success or failure. People always come out of the water, freezing or not, and have a huge smile on their face. The crowd goes nuts, and their outgoing personalities and confidence are rewarded with huge applause, hoots and hollers, and a cold beer waiting at the end. Pond skimming is not for the meek and mild. It is for the confident, outgoing, show- off types who we all love to watch. I tend to be like them in most aspects, but I have always stood on the sidelines of the pond jump or skim.

Wider skis tend to help . Photo courtesy of Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

So, when I think of the fun that we all have at spring skiing time, I have a smile when I think about that big party called the pond skim. No matter what area you visit in the spring, there are events like this, and you can choose to participate or watch and really, there is nothing more entertaining. It is part of the culture of spring skiing and whatever you do, if you are a skier, don’t quit on the season too soon. You will miss a lot- including the carnage in the water. Thanks for reading and enjoy the spring skiing.

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The Snow Day

Snowfall near the Donner Pass in California. 

You know, it was funny this week when I heard we were going to get a “significant snowstorm” here in Western Pa, that two local school districts closed …..the day before the storm. The city schools followed suit along with other districts as people prepared for what was being reported as a winter storm that we have not seen in a while. Winters have been relatively mild around here for the last couple of years so when a low- pressure system was racing towards us from the Gulf of Mexico to collide with a western approaching cold front, the forecasters had us all in a tizzy with news reports of …………………..possible 2-4 inches. I mean, close the schools the day before for 2-4 inches? The western people and the New England people probably got a chuckle out of that seeing that they measure storms in feet rather than inches. I will hand it to PennDot and the local municipalities that they were prepared ,and when the storm hit……… they were ready. But I chuckled when I thought back to snow days that we had off as a kid. Snow that was thigh deep and the sleds and toboggans came out from the basements. Those were snow events. 

The Yellow Bomb

Fast forward a little bit to when I was in high school and I drove my mother’s yellow Buick Century convertible to school, and to the ski slopes when we had a snow day. My dad put big honker snow tires on the back and Portland cement bags in the trunk for me to get around in the winter seeing that my mother basically quit driving after she rear ended a garbage truck. Whenever we had a big snowstorm and the schools were closed,( usually for a foot or more of predicted snow), I packed my skis in the car between the seats and took off for the mountains. My folks were rather trusting souls as they were happy we were skiing and really had no issue with me driving to the mountains in the yellow Buick, as long as I was careful. School was cancelled but that was the green light to head for the mountains.  My friends and I had instant transportation and packed all our ski stuff into the Buick and headed for the turnpike. That rear wheel drive vehicle with the massive snow tires fared pretty well in the Laurel Highlands. Even as I fishtailed my way up County Line Road past stuck vehicles. I learned to be a pretty skilled driver in those days and snow days were welcomed instead of being dreaded. 

I mean, we are kind of getting a little soft these days when we call off school the day before for a potential 2-4 inch storm- right? Come on. We would have laughed at that as a kid, and I even still laugh at that now. I remember getting a little rambunctious with my friends one day as we put the top down and filled the back seat with snow and became a mobile snowball arsenal much to the delight of our fellow classmates. The one time, the top would not go back up and it was a bit brisk for a few days while my dad put a tarp on the Buick and gave me the hairy eye as he took it to get repaired. But all in all, that was a good snow vehicle on snow days for a kid that loved to ski. My dad even put a vanity plate on the back that read” Ski Bus”. Kind of a funny Pa. license plate but got a lot of laughs and comments. Especially in the summertime.  

Time moved on post college and I drove 4 wheel drive vehicles. I still drive them today with confidence because I know that 4- wheel drive is great for getting up hills and through the snow. What people don’t realize is that they are not invincible, and they will slide just like any other vehicle. I remember driving to Western New York one time with my wife and young son and watching fellow 4- wheel drive guys fly by me. I said to my son Jack, ” keep on eye on that vehicle Jack- you will see him stuck in the snow between the northbound and southbound lanes soon.” Sure enough, the inexperienced driver was absolutely stuck as he slid violently off the road. Four- wheel drive is great but they are not invincible. 

My first 4- wheel drive vehicle- the Orange International Scout. 

As the years have gone on, I have driven in some amazing snowstorms. On the way to our Laurel Highlands, to Vermont and Upstate New York, and out west in some very heinous conditions. A few years ago , I was having dinner with my pals in Tahoe and it snowed 2 feet while we were at dinner. When we got to my friend’s wife’s vehicle, an Astro van, I asked ” what do we do now?” He said- “you are the designated driver tonight, just get in and drive,” We made it back to his house without incident even though these huge 4- wheel drive pickup trucks were passing me like I was standing still. Many other times with these guys, I end up driving a rental 4 wheel drive pickup over glass like roads like RT 395 on the way to Mammoth. Or battling I -70 in Colorado.  They laugh at my cautious driving, but I always get them there in one piece even though they drive in these conditions all the time. But for some reason, I end up driving, and I think in some way, they are happy to have me drive- to needle me a little bit.  If you ski, you are going to encounter wild weather and the main thing is to be patient, drive for the conditions, and take your time. Most of my skill at winter driving was formed all those years ago driving the “Yellow Bomb”. I am grateful that my parents encouraged us to ski,and allowed me to have a vehicle to get there, complete with plenty of weight in the trunk and good tires. 

My friend’s Sportmobile amidst the Sierra’s many huge snowfalls. 

As a post- script, even though we only got around two inches here, the Laurel Highlands, got close to a foot. So, their caution with their school districts was warranted. But my Jeep Wrangler is always up for the job as I made my way down the turnpike to the ski areas. Just like I have done for over 50 years. But this time, I have vehicles that are excellent tools for the trade, even if we don’t get the big storms we got as a kid. Enjoy the winter, make use of the snowfalls that we do get, and don’t be afraid to drive in the storms. The right vehicles will make your effort worth the while. Thanks for reading. 

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Accountability

Even when it is nasty

This is the time of year when people make resolutions for a healthier life. Among other things, the beginning of a new year is filled with promise, hope, and thoughts of making one’s life more productive and more enjoyable. One way to start that process is perhaps a new diet or way of eating, and sometimes a new exercise program. For those who have not done one for a while, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before embarking on a new program, especially if you have been a little sedentary. But nonetheless, a new exercise program or a return to former exercise program is great for anyone at any age. 

The woods are my gym. 

For me, I always like to have a goal to work towards. It doesn’t have to be anything big at my age, but a goal is always a good program for a new year. I am not a gym guy, so I am always doing outside things like mountain bike riding and hiking all year, and skiing when the season is upon us. I like fresh air and being outdoors and never really took to the gym. However, for a lot of people, the gym is a good place to start especially in the winter when the weather gets inclement. I see a lot of people walking and jogging in our local parks this time of year. I call them the New Years resolution crowd because many of them will begin, but then the numbers dwindle off as the year goes on. But for many of them, if they ease into it, start slowly, and be consistent, it can be part of their lifestyle that can make the resolution a reality. I can’t emphasize enough to start out easy and build up slowly. 

The Endura MT500 Riding Outfits. 

One thing that helps if you want to begin an outdoor exercise program is to get the right clothes. My friend the Shark always says,” no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing.” If you have the right clothing that keeps you dry and keeps the wind at bay, you can go out in the lousiest of weather and have a good workout and enjoy the ride. My Endura MT 500 jacket and pants are the ticket (us.endurasport.com) and when it gets real wet and nasty, I turn to a similar outfit made by Frogg Toggs (available at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the hunting department) that basically sheds water. But for the most part, the Endura outfit is the way to go. Ski socks, a wool skull cap under the helmet, and warm gloves are also key. 

But perhaps the most important thing to make an exercise program stick are friends who want to do the same thing. My best friends are my mountain bike and skiing friends, and we all hold each other accountable. Some days we may not feel like going out into the cold, nasty weather, especially at night, but our friends hold us accountable, and we bring the lights, the outfits, and have at it. At the end of the session, we may have a beverage, talk about the ride or the ski day, and then figure out when the next outing is. The best motivators are your pals who love to do the same thing as you do. So if you do not have a posse to hang out with and hold you accountable to show up……… find one. It is pretty easy if you join a group either found on -line, or recommended by shops, or simply showing up where people start their rides or programs in your local park. If you make the effort, you can really have some fun with a lot of people who eventually become your best friends in the world. No one beats my mountain bike clan or my ski pals. But the big thing about a group or a couple of friends, is that they hold you accountable. I will tell you that I have been doing this stuff for a long, long time and I really don’t need much encouragement or motivation. I have no issue skiing or riding in the rain. But I like to get people into these sports, and I welcome them and hold them accountable to show up. Most of the time it is successful, and our groups have welcomed a lot of newcomers over the years who now are motivating others. 

The Night Riders
Ski pals forever- we lost Proctor a couple of years ago on the right. Cherish your friends.  
The Mountain Bike Clan at Penn State
The local ski guys at Holimont. Been skiing with them for a lot of years. Andy, Hiller, Porter and Jamie.

So, if you are new to a sport and you want to have a resolution this year to get involved, find your group. The right ones will drag you out in the worst weather, drag you to the most challenging events, in rain, snow, sleet, hail, and make you smile the whole time. Ease into it, make your resolution stick, and get ready to be with a group who will be your best friends forever. Thanks for reading. 

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Shine Your Light

You know this time of year, you notice a lot of pine trees which turn into Christmas trees. Take the beautiful one that made its way from the Monongahela National Forest to the White House. An amazing journey and a fitting tribute to the season once it was erected in Washington, D.C. I think a lot about our Christmas tree. We have it adorned with ornaments that my mother and dad collected over all the years. They had the foresight to collect two each year from the Danbury Mint and Lennox China. One each for me and my sister Molly. We have them still today and the gold and the china ornaments look absolutely radiant on our tree each year- again, thanks to the thoughtful actions of my parents over all the years. 

I think a lot about those gold and china ornaments and how they shine when we turn on the lights for the tree. I think about how we are like those trees that we erect in our homes. The ornaments that signify memories from the past, the good years, the not so good years, the tough years, the absolutely joyful years, and times that have molded our personalities and character. We are building a display of that each year we get older. Life as a kid, school, sports, marriage, family, all contribute to the fabric of our lives and in many ways- those experiences are like the ornaments on our tree. 

But what highlights those ornaments? Light!! When we turn on the lights to the trees, the gold ornaments shine and reflect the light from all of the little white bulbs. Kind of like the Christmas story and how it lights up our lives. Imagine the darkness of the night in Bethlehem for the shepherds and all of a sudden- brilliant light when the angel Gabriel brought the good news. The bible refers to the heavenly light as Shekinah glory. A light that we cannot imagine here on earth. Part of that light was shown that night in Bethlehem and we are called to shine a light of our own when we interact with friends, strangers, and family this Christmas season. Jesus came to show us all how to shine our light and be the best version of ourselves – not only at Christmas but at all times of the year. We stop and pause to think about the significance of the Christmas story. The love and light that was shown to us so that we in kind might show that love and light to others. When we turn on our light, we illuminate our lives, experiences, and our hopes, dreams and faith for others to enjoy.

So this Christmas season, when we remember the birth of Christ and the significance of his life, death and resurrection for us ,we can be grateful. We can think about how we can make a difference for others throughout the New Year coming our way. Whatever you celebrate this season, the message is still the same. Be the light for others. Thanks for reading. 

” Therefore the Lord Himself will show you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and he shall be called Emmanuel- God with us.”  Isaiah 7-14. 

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The Skiing is Good to Excellent

Kinda looks like this in early season.

This cartoon always cracks me up because in a lot of ways, it describes early season skiing anywhere, but particularly here in the Mid -Atlantic. The title line above is what I heard from the former Director of Skiing at Seven Springs Mountain Resort- Lars Skylling, when I would call the ski report incessantly as a kid. ” The skiing is good to excellent with a few izzzzzzzzzy spots.” This time of year, I still look at the ski reports and hope for the best to get an early start around here. People ask me all the time why I ski locally when I get the opportunity to take several trips out west during the season. I tell them that I live and work in the Mid-Atlantic, and if I only skied out west, I would only have a few weeks a year to make turns. Maybe someday I will spend more of the season out west, but for the time being, I ski here and look forward to our trips.

Yours truly at Seven Springs Mountain Resort as a kid. Wooden skis, cable bindings, and leather, lace, boots with the old ski lodge in the background.

So back to local skiing. Typically, whenever anything is open at our local resorts, I will make the trip up to ski. I am a turnpike pounder and could drive that in my sleep. Generally speaking, it has been a good 7-8 months since I have last made a turn and I miss the feeling. Last season, I finished in May at Mammoth, so my time off skis is a little less. But as soon as anything is open, I will go and make some turns. Yes- with the popularity of season passes by Epic and Ikon, a lot of areas look like the cartoon in early season. But I try to get out locally, really early, and when the throngs come crashing in, I leave and wolf down a sandwich on the way home. If it rains, and the cover is good at the areas, I will don the Gore Tex and ski in the rain. Around here, if you don’t ski in foul weather, you don’t ski much. My western friends laugh at me when I say I ski in the rain, but I do what I have to do to get my limited days in during the season. I have really good foul weather skiing and MTB clothing. I ride in the winter too. This is my 62nd year of skiing and my protocol has not changed much at all.

One of my oldest skiing buddies- Dixon Rich. We are still skiing Laurel Mountain together after all these years.
Jan and I on a nice day at Laurel Mountain.

Like mountain biking, I have my local crowd and we all look forward to the season opener. The camaraderie and the nice feeling of seeing your posse for another ski season is always gratifying. Sure, in the beginning of the season, you tend to ski on limited terrain with big crowds. You head is on a swivel as you make endless laps on only a couple of slopes and trails. When it becomes unbearable, the best thing is to leave so you don’t get creamed by an out- of -control yahoo. People get a little crazy at the beginning of the year- new equipment, frenzy to get out, and oftentimes out of control. Janet will only ski during the week, so we will take some days locally to get her ready for the west, but during the week, you pretty much have the areas to yourself. The weekend crowds are the killer- but again, get out early and make those early season turns, and then make like a tree and leave. Once you get your turn fix, you are good. Even if you are there for only a short time.

Dixon, Melissa and Jaime- the Laurel regulars
Tina, Shark and John. Mountain bike and ski pals
Porter and Hiller at Holimont. Have skied with these guys for years and we always make the treks to Western New York to ski the Lake Erie Fluff. Especially when it is not quite ready around here.

You know, the older I get, the more I appreciate the camaraderie of the local crowd at ski season time. It is great to see everybody again especially if you have not seen them all summer. Yes- climate change and global warming is a real thing. We don’t have the snow around here like we had as kids, but we all make the best of it. The skiing may be limited, but the apres’ is never limited with a beverage or two to celebrate the day. I talk about skiing year- round- even on mountain bike rides. You either are hooked or you are not. I have been hooked since I was seven years old and hammering the phone for the ski report. I couldn’t wait for Mr. Rose to call and tell me he was picking me up for the weekend. What a great way to grow up. On the floor of the Rich’s cabin, in sleeping bags, every weekend. I have always felt so fortunate to be able to ski and at least have some local options. People bad mouth local skiing but what the heck, it is better than sitting on the couch moaning about the weather. Ski local, ski in the shitty weather, and when you are finished, you will be glad you made the effort. Skiing is social also, so if nothing else, it is cool to hang with your buds and talk…………..skiing.

So, here we are. Anxiously awaiting another season. Hoping that the crowds are not as bad as the cartoon above, but so what!! I will be there – rain or shine, head on a swivel, happy to once again make those arcs in the snow. Thanks for reading and think snow.

Lets Goooooooooo!!!!!!!!

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When the Autumn Weather- Turns the Leaves to Flame

Skipper Lake at the Lodge at Glendorn

The title line here is from the iconic “September Song” – arranged by Kurt Weil and lyrics by Maxwell Anderson. But when I play this song on my piano, ( from my mother’s sheet music), it reminds me that fall is here and the leaves are changing, the nights are cooler, and probably my favorite time of the year has arrived. As much as I try to rush into ski season, more and more I am relishing the cool, crisp days of fall with the spectacular foliage we have here in Western Pa. I am in no hurry for winter. It will come soon enough, and I will surely enjoy it. But as I get older, I really enjoy the changing of the seasons – especially summer to fall.

The other night, our posse was out mountain bike riding on one of our regular weekly scheduled rides, and we noticed that after the sun went down, it got real cool ,real fast. The sweatshirts came out and we sat around with our post ride beers and snacks ( courtesy of Bob K), and really enjoyed riding and relaxing in cooler weather without the swelter of summer. I seem to ride better when the humidity is lower and the temperatures start to moderate. But aside from that, to sit and take in the cool weather, a nice IPA, and listen to the cricket symphony of early fall is a true blessing.

Bear Cub sighting last fall.

Sometimes when you hike or ride in the fall, you come across some interesting things- like two bear cubs scampering up a tree in the Allegheny National Forest. I was looking for mom when I snapped this photo but got it and then quickly took off so as not to irritate the mother bear. The Laurel Mountains, close to here, also paint a picture a little earlier than in the suburbs. It is great to venture east and see the changing of the leaves happen a little earlier with the slight rise in elevation. Sunshine, cooler weather, and colder nights, seem to bring out the colors faster than in the city and suburbs. I tend to visit the Laurels a lot in the fall because of the wonderful fall portraits that display themselves in Ligonier, Somerset, and Rector, Pa. The fireplaces are cranking up and that smoky smell just excites me to no end. The smells of fall are intoxicating. There is something about a crackling fire that enhances the fall experience, and the smell of leaves is not really accurately describable – but we all know that smell.

I am also a fan of the tastes of fall. Nothing like a good Octoberfest to get you going. And even though I don’t enjoy the great wursts, sauerbraten, and pork loins anymore because I am not a meat eater, nobody can slam potato pancakes and apple sauce like me along with some nice braised red cabbage washed down with a great German beer or a local Penn Brewery Octoberfest lager. Maybe a warm pretzel as well! I like to listen to the ooom pahh German bands too. They seem to go along with the great beers and food.

Great time to hike or ride a mountain bike and take in scenes like this. Seven Springs, Pa.
My old outdoor fireplace was always blazing in the fall.

You know, I am not really sure I could ever live in a place that does not have the change of seasons. Especially a place that really does not have a fall season. I love wearing sweaters, sweatshirts, and even those times where you have a puffy jacket on and a pair of shorts. That kind of describes the weather here in the Mid -Atlantic and the Northeast. Cool mornings, warmer days, and then cool again at night. Great sleeping weather. I don’t miss the summer AC at all.

Bondieu Lake- The Lodge at Glendorn- Bradford, Pa.

As time marches on, I find myself taking time to really enjoy what God’s creation has to offer. I notice the flame red leaves on the trails as I ride, I take in the smells, I look for little things that might have gone un-noticed as a younger person. Watching a particular maple tree in my neighborhood change colors so slowly but yet somehow- so quickly. Holding my wife’s hand on a hike instead of rushing up a hill to be the first guy there. Fall is like that. It gives you perspective, but rewards you with scenery that you only see for a short time- once per year. My advice to all of you is get out there and enjoy it and take the time to enjoy it all. We have a good deal here in Western Pa. Thanks for reading.

The Transition Spur in transition time in the Laurels.
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Time

Ocean City, NJ

So we visited Janet’s cousin and aunt last week at the “shore” as it is called. Looking out at the ocean and listening to my soundtrack on my new Shokz Open Fit earphones, I had some contemplative moments. The Open Fits are a great item that allow you to listen to music or podcasts but fit outside your ear canal so you can hear what is going on around you. Check them out. But anyhow, I was thinking about the end of summer and the beginning of fall coming and getting close to another lap around the sun for me which will be the end of a decade. Next year is the beginning of a new decade for me and sometimes I feel like I am running out of time. I feel like I am in a Ferrari at full speed, standing and holding the steering wheel, both feet slammed on the brakes to no avail. Thoughts like that are on one side of the mental checklist, but more positive thoughts are on the other side of that checklist. Things like good health with which I have been blessed. The plant based diet seems to be working as I have lowered cholesterol significantly and lost 13 pounds which was not really intended. I don’t need to lose weight, but I did and feel so much better. I have been riding my mountain bike better and feel lighter and stronger even though I am getting older.

I use a Garmin Fenix 6 X fitness watch which allows me to track a whole host of data, some which I use and others that are not used. But two of the interesting metrics are that is says my fitness age is 57 and my Vo2 Max is 43 which is in the top ten percent for my age group. Not sure how much stock I put into those metrics, but it makes you feel a little better. I am not afraid of getting older, but sometimes when you have time to think, like at the shore, thoughts creep into your head. I lost some friends this year and that is sobering. But as Dr. Peter Attia says, it is not that we are trying to live longer, but to enjoy the years we have with good health. He also says in his book “Outlive”, that if you want to roll around on the floor with your grandkids, and get up with no issues, you have to “backcast” to where you are now and start exercising with that in mind. A lot of that is genetics and good blessings, but exercise is definitely a contributor and something to which I have always subscribed.

The mountain bike has been a wonderful tool for me.
End of summer floral greetings on the trails.

As I move to this new decade in 2024, I do still have some fitness goals. I also want to continue to learn. My friend Eric is helping me to work on a more modern ski technique which I will practice this winter. I need to get lower, wider, and use both skis in a turn like the modern race turn which is facilitated by the new equipment available to us. You can always learn new things. Sure, I can stay with my A frame classic technique but why not continue to learn new things and make more dynamic turns on the slopes?

I can’t do it like Mikaela but it sure is a good mental image.

But other than exercise, there are more considerations about the topic of time. I am moving towards retirement, and I am beginning to think about the use of time for Janet and me in a world where I will not be employed anymore. Janet’s cousin Jeff had an interesting comment during our stay at the shore. He is retiring next year, and he is a surgeon. He told me he thought that the most important thing is not what you are retiring from, but what you are retiring to. He says the new chapter in your life should be filled with a purpose. In his case, he is going to be actively involved in the ministry of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He not only has a medical degree from Yale, but a Divinity degree as well. He is going to make good use of that in retirement. I also think that is a good mission statement for Janet and me. There are so many worthy causes to which we can give our time and we will make an effort to pray about it and see where this path will take us.

Time spent together is priceless.

But getting back to that mental checklist, the fear of running out of time is offset by being active and enjoying all that life has to offer. Time together, traveling, active lifestyles, continuing education. To be honest, I feel better now and more fit than I did ten years ago. How that is possible is beyond me, but I will continue with the exercise and the diet and see how things go. God has been good to us. I appreciate all the blessings we have, and the contemplative thoughts are usually overshadowed by an active and productive lifestyle. And as most older people have said – keep moving.

Bill McCollom was a former masters ski racer ,all American ski racer at Middlebury College and editor of Ski Racing. His famous line was, ” I want to go skidding across the finish line of life, missing parts, leaking oil, and screaming……..GERONIMO!!!” An interesting mantra from a very active guy. Thanks for reading and keep moving.

Now the time has come

There are things to realize

Time has come today

-The Chambers Brothers.

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My Dad Would Be Proud

You know- the older I get, the more I am tending to appreciate some of the things in life that I kind of took for granted. Like tulips. My dad was an amazing gardener. He had his own greenhouse where he spent many winter nights planting seeds in flats. When the spring came around, he and I planted hundreds of flowers around his house and put together these amazing flower baskets that were fueled each summer with Miracle Grow, an amazing product that just made his flowers bloom in the most incredible way. We also planted tulip bulbs in the fall only to see them bloom in the spring and the very next day………GONE!!! My dad lived on the edge of North Park and tulips were like candy to the deer that populated his property. He was so angry that every one of his tulips only lasted a day.

Summer at 210 Pineview Drive

Going back to last spring, Janet and I visited out son Jack up in Michigan, and we went to the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival. It had quite the Dutch feel to it and I kind of liked the whole thing seeing that back in the day, I rode my road bike through the Netherlands. I liked the windmills and the miles and miles of tulips blooming. It was a cool festival and when we came to a booth selling tulip bulbs, Janet and I jumped at the chance to buy some. The vendors said it would be in the fall before they would be delivered because the bulbs come from the Netherlands. We waited patiently and lo and behold, last October, before the first frost, they came and we planted them in our front yard. I wondered if they would ever come up in the spring.

The Tulip Festival- Holland, Michigan

So fast forward, this spring,- like last week, the tulips bloomed in their full splendor! I immediately went to the hardware store and asked the guy( we all have the guy) , what keeps the deer away? He gave me these granulated pellets in a 1 gallon container and said that these would do the trick. So far so good.

You are probably wondering why a guy who writes a blog about outdoor sports and activities is spending this current post time on tulips? Well, several things come to mind. I never gave my dad’s flowers much thought other than seeing the finished product of his work which was impressive. But that only lasted seconds as I usually made my way in and out of the house and out on my bike. Sure- “nice work Dad” but really I had a lot better things to do. But I thought of him a lot when I saw these tulips bloom. I thought about how I needed to protect them and also how my dad would be looking down and satisfied that I am taking such great pleasure in one of nature’s great mysteries. I mean……………these tulips are really beautiful. I am really excited about how they came up after we hurried and planted them on a cold October day last fall. Wondering if we did it right? Looks like we did. And we watched a video on how to cut them back properly so we can enjoy another bloom next spring.

The point here is …………..yes, these things lure me out of my house each morning to take a look. But it also is showing me that I am starting to appreciate the little things in life that I ignored for so many years. The blossoms on the trees as I ride past them, daffodils and tulips blooming, the fragrance of the woods as I ride through, a sunny day, and many other things that make me appreciate each day I live. Janet said to me the other day, ” well the weekend is coming” but I responded that I am learning to appreciate each day and what that day can bring. I am a relentless planner, but each day is a gift and we should not look forward to making them go away too fast. The days and the years are coming and going at record speed and I really feel the need to maximize each day and take a good look at God’s great creation. Even if it is in my little garden in the front of my house. Thanks for indulging me and my tulips.

” Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Luke 12:27

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Spring has Sprung

Shark removing some deadfall.

Well, even though most of our crowd has ridden mountain bikes all winter, it is nice to see the weather change and ride some dry trails for a change. We try to ride responsibly during the winter but even though our choices involve trails that drain fairly quickly, it is still dark, and winter, and it takes some effort to get out. That’s why when the time change comes and the weather starts to improve, all of us are excited to see each other. Some of us have not seen each other due to a lot of us being skiers or snowboarders and the weekends and trips are generally reserved for sliding on snow. So the guys who do not partake in the winter sliding don’t see much of us and it is nice to reconnect in the spring.

Doc Syed and Pete Hilton

One of those guys is our doctor- Syed Hyder who rides all winter and is always patching someone up on the ride. Last Saturday it was Pete who fell in a hole and Syed attended to him during a real dry ride in a local venue. Syed is funny. Not only is he entertaining and a real good rider, but he also has some interesting things to say including the details of his recent trip to Morocco. I always laugh when he tells me I am his only patient who rides a mountain bike and skis while on Coumadin. But he is not worried because I have been on it for over 30 years due to a DVT and a pulmonary embolism years ago. Syed monitors my bloodwork monthly and he monitors all of us on the rides. He is good to reconnect with in the spring.

I always think about riding hills again and how I will respond to the early conditioning that takes place after a winter of “maintenance” riding. Nobody kills themselves in the winter but when the spring comes, we like to get back into shape and that involves some climbing in the hills of Western Pa and West Virginia. My wife, son and I are plant based eaters now and it is interesting to see how some weight loss has seemed to help my early season preparation. Plant based eating is not for everybody but it seems to work for us. We watched “The Game Changers” on Netflix and also “What the Health” and were convinced that a better diet that eliminates meat and dairy would work well for us. So far, so good in the spring riding preparation.

Our gang at Rothrock State Forest near State College, Pa.

Lots of events coming up and it will be fun to switch gears from skiing to riding and have fun with some really great people. Like skiing, riding mountain bikes brings together some really interesting people who enjoy the outdoors. Some of us do both, but for the non-skiers, or non-snowboarders, it is always fun to see each other in the spring to ride again, and talk about what we want to do this summer and fall. The post ride comradery around some beers and snacks are what I miss in the winter ( thanks Bob Kowalski), and the post mortems on the rides are always fun to rehash with each other. Mountain bikers are fun people and being with them always is a good time which creates a lot of good memories. I am 68 now and have elected not to go the e-bike route. Again- it is what works for me as I need all the exercise I can get. But to have this crowd push me as one of the older guys is really gratifying. Spring has sprung for sure and another new season is upon us. Thanks for reading.

Time to put away the winter kit.
Another Chetlin sighting on single track no less.