Category Archives: Senior Activities

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She Is!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-The Beach Boys.

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The Man and His Dog

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

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

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

Beautiful fall day at Wolf’s Rocks

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

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

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

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

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The Only Constant is Change

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

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

Another new pair of boards for me this season.

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

Dreams of our local Laurel Mountain coming back on line.

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

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

Daly Chutes at Deer Valley. Coming soon.

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

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

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

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

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

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Packin’ it In!

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

Riding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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

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

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

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

The evening visitor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dirt Church Base Camp

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

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

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

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

My surprisingly dry tent
The obligatory campfire

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

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

Riding through the creek at the Q

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

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

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Not Boomer Friendly

As in Not Baby Boomer Friendly. So, I went over to Tom Florcik’s big bash for Highline Bikes and was astonished at the shenanigans and amazing riding taking place at Tom’s facility over near Deer Lakes, Pa. This farm has been altered to include some tight twisty trails connecting to some of the most amazing jumps I have ever seen. And like I said, this style of riding is not Baby Boomer Friendly. This is for the young guns with mega skills and no fear.

I have ridden a mountain bike for a long time. I have ridden all over the place, raced in a lot of events, seen the World Cup Cross Country and Downhill events, but never have I seen skill like these guys have- all concentrated in what Tom and Highline Bikes call Jamfest.

Again- this is a different style of riding. A lot of these guys ride E- Bikes not to loaf uphill, but to get them there faster so that they can rip the trails and hit all the jumps – over and over again. My group rides trails and keeps the rubber on the ground. This group has big air contests and tries to see how high they can clear a measuring bar at the top of the jumps. Believe me when I tell you that my group of older mountain bikers were perfectly happy watching and admiring this new generation of phenomenal, and skillful riders. It kind of makes me realize how time has marched on and how the baton has been passed to the younger, set.

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

Like Dirty Harry Callaghan once said……..” a man’s got to know his limitations.” A lot of these guys don’t know who Dirty Harry was or Clint Eastwood for that matter. Hell, I have boxer shorts older than most of them. But sitting on the side of the trail with my group and watching what we watched, I just felt a little old and in the way. However, I am happy that I can still ride with my group and have the health to do so. Blessings from above for sure and nothing of my doing at all. I just try to stay in the game and………keep doing it. Not like these guys though. Not even close. This style of riding is almost another sport. And yet, they welcome us with open arms and are happy we are all one big mountain bike community- no matter how old or young we are. That is the cool thing about mountain biking.

Don’t ever feel like Pittsburgh and Western Pa. has to take a back seat to riding and riders in other parts of the country. We have amazing talent right here in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. And some great riding around the city and county and also in the nearby Laurel Highlands. And West Virginia is not that far away either. And, if you are a younger and energetic type and this style of riding floats your boat- go to Highline Bikes and talk to Tom. He can set you up with the finest equipment and also introduce you to a really talented group of riders out of his shop.

Keep your eyes peeled for Jamfest next summer. You can sit next to me and see some amazing talent and meet a really friendly group of riders and their clan. All part of the Highline Bike family. Thanks for reading.

Photos courtesy of Brandon Barber- and Highline Bikes.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

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I Can Hear Music

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

Bentley Hall- Allegheny College.

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

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

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

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

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

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Familiar with the Line

My finish trail at my local ride

The other day I was riding Frick Park with a bunch of guys and some of those trails are pretty sketchy if you don’t know them. As I get older, I notice that I get a little conservative on trails that I don’t know so well and ride rather timidly at times. The uphill rooty sections at Frick were a little un-nerving because I am not that familiar with them, and trying to ride them aggressively is not something I am comfortable with doing anymore. On my way home, I thought about this and said to myself that I would rather ride trails where I know the line, and can ride them with confidence. Lots of my younger friends like to explore and ride new trails but me……..not so much anymore. I know I ride the same places all the time, but I am comfortable with them even in the nastiest of weather. Maybe it is a product of aging? Not sure, but I know what I like and don’t like at this point. The good thing is that I know a lot of trails in different places but the more familiar I am with them- the better.

I know these trails and the challenge is familiar. Laurel Mountain

I have my local rides where I know the trails, and I ride them several times per week. I also try to go to places like Laurel Mountain where the riding is challenging but I know the lines and can manage through some pretty technical sections because of familiarity. I also love the scenery there which, anymore, is as important to me as comfort with the trail system. I take a lot of heat from friends who want me to expand my horizon, but I hold my ground lately. I would rather be comfortable riding a familiar area then experimenting with a trail that I don’t know. And at this point in life, I don’t want to get hurt either. I don’t heal as well as I did in my youth. Occasionally I will venture out on to some new stuff, but mostly on my own so that I can become familiar and then add it to my quiver of trails. I have a good selection locally and also in places like West Virginia, State College, and the Laurel Mountains. Once I am familiar with them, my memory serves me well.

Lower Wildcat at Laurel Mountain State Park Ski Area

Interestingly, I kind of have the same perspective in my winter activity of skiing. People ask me when I ski locally at Laurel Mountain, why I just lap Wildcat. I tell them it is the best trail in the state and there are a number of different lines that you can take. But for the most part, I am familiar with that trail and, well, I just ski it comfortably. My friend Porter is the same. He skis familiar slopes and trails and skis his favorite lines like I do. He is aging too. So…………maybe there is something to that. But when you feel confident to make good turns on a slope or trail with which you are comfortable…..it is a lot of fun. Even if it is repetitive. Like mountain biking, I also have a good head knowledge and memory of places that I have skied When I travel and make my way out west to Mammoth Mountain for instance, I have enough experience and memory that I am comfortable with their terrain and can ski it confidently. I remember the lines and can do that in a lot of ski areas with which I am familiar. I may not know the trail names, but I know where to go and how to ski them.

Top of the gondola runs at Mammoth. I do know a couple of the names of the famous drops.

As I followed the group the other night at Frick, it became more and more clear to me how much I like familiar territory and how much I don’t like being surprised anymore. When you can rail a trail on your MTB at speed because you know every rock and ditch, you finish the ride with a smile on your face. Sure, I have done it a hundred times or more, but at my age, I am happy to be familiar and ride with confidence. Same with skiing.

Steins Way at Deer Valley- I know it and know how to ski it.
Rocky but I know the trail.
I even like to hike familiar trails- so as not to lose Janet. LOL!!

So, the next time you are riding or skiing with me and you want to explore, I may say to you…..” go ahead, I will meet you.” Not being rude or inconsiderate, but I like to be at my best and I do that on terrain that is familiar. Just a little factor of aging, I suppose. But no apologies, and you can always be sure that I know where I am going. LOL!! Thanks for reading.

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“You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble.” Psalm 32:7

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Remembering Boston

Hot Harry Kirsch- our fearless leader.

So I was watching the Boston Marathon highlights this past week and was amazed at the times of the winning male and female runners. Incredible, would be the actual word to describe the speed and fitness of these athletes. I texted back and forth with my friend Mary Jo Neff, and we had a lot of laughs about our crew from North Park who ran, and also of our fearless leader Hot Harry Kirsch. Harry was a Marine and always organized the marathon trips to Boston and the Marine Corps Marathon in DC. Lots of people were part of Hot Harry’s North Park Runners and eventually made it to one or more marathons with Harry.

My finishers medal back in the day.

Harry always had names for everyone. Mary Jo and I laughed about that. Water Bottle Bob, Bushy Debbie, Big Nose Bill, Sad Bill, and a host of other names which would identify people who ran out of Stone Field. One day, Jack Mook, the police chief for Sewickley and a former city of Pittsburgh detective, came up to me and said,” Pat- how would you like to run the Boston Marathon?” ” I am injured and will not be able to run.” Being a cyclist who only ran in the winter, I was hesitant but then thought what the heck- and I answered in the affirmative. Jack said great and got me all the information I needed and I was off to start training to do something I had never done. I had not qualified but got the chance to run with Jack’s number. I wanted the experience and began a serious winter training program culminating in my 20 mile run around the lake in a raging snowstorm and missing a great day of skiing to do it.

Joan Benoit Samuelson – a gracious champion

Fast forward and I was on the plane with Les Brodie, Hot Harry, and Carl Trimbur who all would be my room mates for the event. Lots of people from North Park were in attendance and were experienced runners. I had run my fair share of 10K events ,but I was mostly a cyclist and a lot of the folks chuckled with my audacity to run one of the most famous marathons in the world. But I was excited and Les, Hot Harry and Carl made it special for me with tips and suggestions for the race. It was hard for Les to sleep so he made his way to the closet in the room because Harry snored like a chainsaw. Carl and I bunked in a queen bed with me on the edge so as not to come too close to Carl. Kind of weird but that was the arrangement that Harry made. We all had some laughs about that room especially when right after the marathon, the elevators broke down and we had to climb the stairs.

Moving on to the Nike expo, I stood in line to meet Joan Benoit Samuelson, the Olympic Marathon Champion, and truly wonderful person. So humble and unassuming, it turned out that we had a mutual friend – Jace Pasquale. Jace coached ski racing in New Hampshire, and knew Joan from her ski racing days. Joan was so interested in finding out how Jace was doing that we held up the line for quite some time- much to the chagrin of the people behind me. But Joan was so nice and all she wanted to talk about was our friend Jace. So cool to meet her and talk to her.

The morning of the race, I boarded the school bus to the starting line, and as we made our way from downtown Boston out 26 miles to the start at Hopkinton, I started to get a little nervous seeing that I was on that bus for what seemed to be an eternity. Wondering if I was going to be able to make it back. Turns out Sad Bill Schillinger was kind enough to run with me, and he gave me tips along the way like drinking something at every water stop and eating an orange slice or two when offered by the volunteers. He also told me to slow down as we came through Wellesley College to the throngs of college girls who came out annually to cheer on the runners. You could hear them from a mile away and I was so excited that Bill laughed and said ‘ slow down or you will be in trouble.” Those girls got me pumped and I was in a sprint on the campus thinking I was Frank Shorter. LOL!!

Fenway Park was close to the end, and I was hurting a little bit as I saw the famous Green Monster, but Bill assured me that we were almost finished and to give it one more big effort. We ran across the finish line in 3:17 which I thought was respectable for a rookie and when I think that today’s winners could go back to the hotel, take a shower, eat some lunch and come back out to greet us, it shows the respect I have for them. World class runners are amazing.

Harry and the girls at one of his birthday parties.

Walking down the stairs the next day was a challenge, and I had to walk backwards most of the way in the hotel and in the subway. I didn’t realize that the pounding your legs take running downhill after the Newton Hills would be so debilitating. The North Parkers were slightly impressed with my time after initially chuckling at me, and I did not embarrass Jack Neff. But perhaps the most amazing thing I learned about Hot Harry that weekend was how light he packed. He only carried a small running bag with an extra singlet, pair of running shorts and a toothbrush. That’s it. All the way from Pittsburgh to Boston and back. Harry was a true character, and we all miss him since his passing a few years ago.

Thinking this week of the fun times I had in Boston made me appreciate all the great people I have known through the years from our local park. We are all getting older, but have managed to somehow hold ourselves together with the occasional aches and pains, hip and knee replacements, and other age- related ailments. But, I have been very fortunate in that regard and trying to hang in for as long as I can. Like the really fast times of the champions this year at the marathon, times change in life too. Enjoy your people that you do things with and keep up the accountability for each other. There are no guarantees. Make the most of it. You will have a lot of good memories too, like I do. Long live Hot Harry’s North Park Runners. Thanks for reading.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 3:13-14 The runners verse,

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Crash!

John Howard, the famous bike racer from the 80’s and first Race Across America champion always said,” there are two kinds of cyclists. Those who have crashed and those who will.” He was mainly referring to bike racers, but it generally applies to all of us who attempt to navigate on two wheels. I have a lot of memories of road bike crashes like the criterium days at Highland Park in Pittsburgh. Back when I raced, we used to glue sew up tires on our rims with 3M Fast Tack adhesive. Invariably, someone in the pack would not glue their tires on correctly or didn’t properly let them dry and when they rolled a tire off a rim in a corner, they generally took the whole pack down. Road rash galore on the legs and oftentimes road bike damage. Most of us were more concerned about the bike than we were for ourselves. Road rash heals- bike damage is expensive. But suffice to say, road riding and crashing on hard surfaces was not pretty.

One other time comes to mind when I was riding with a bunch of guys on a Saturday morning near Frick Park in Pittsburgh. We were descending a hill behind a garbage truck which was leaking water and grease on the road. As we made a high speed turn to the left on Forbes Ave. I lost control on the grease, slid for about 50 yards right through the intersection, into some hedges in front of an Exxon station. As I came to rest, all I noticed was the price of unleaded on the pump where I was resting. Fortunately, because of the grease, I slid most of the way and didn’t get too much road rash. But the impact was hard and I had a pretty good hematoma on my hip for a while. ” Those who have crashed, and those who will.”

One time I was the beneficiary of a crash in the rain at a race in Montclair, N.J. It was raining pretty hard and a couple of guys touched wheels and took a big group down. Fortunately I was right behind and saw what was coming, I jumped up on to the sidewalk and then on to some guys lawn, and re-entered right ahead of the big crash. There were only a couple of us who were not affected and we raced to the finish line. I had a better finish than expected. LOL!!

Tussey Mountain Trail- State College, Pa.

Moving ahead to mountain biking, I have always said riding on the knobby tires is an accident waiting to happen. I have had my share of crashing on the rocks and roots of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. When it rains, it even gets more sketchy, and inevitably a lot of us go down from time to time. I always laugh when our doc, Syed Hyder, rides with us. He is always working -patching up somebody on a ride. Crashing is a normal thing while riding the knobbies in our neck of the woods. One of the memories I have etched in my brain was when I went to an early season race in Coburn, Pa with some friends of mine. When we started it was cold and raining and by the time we got to the top of the summits, the trails and fire roads were still covered in ice. I clearly remember seeing guys sliding off the trails and fire roads, over the side having to scramble up to get back on the trail. I had my share of riding over the side in that race as well and was looking forward to the bottom of the descents where at least it was only muddy and raining. Another time in a Month of Mud race, it snowed 6 inches at Brady’s Run, and I went over the bars frequently. It was a real struggle to finish the race as they were real challenging conditions. Larry Lynch and I took out Matt Eaton- the National Road Race Champion another time at that same race on the Descent of Death. We felt real bad crossing bars and taking out a guy who was a national class road racer trying his hand at mountain bike racing. We apologized profusely at the end of the race and Matt was very gracious in his response- ” that’s bike racing boys. No issue.”

As I get older, I know that I want to ride for exercise only. I quit road riding because I think it is too dangerous where I live and with people distracted with I Phones, it is not worth the risk for me. I only mountain bike but again, I ride within my limits. I like the challenges of the rocks and roots but you won’t find me riding fast or recklessly over jumps, ramps, or large boulders. I ride to ride another day to avoid the big ………….CRASH. Especially seeing that I take Coumadin and need to avoid blunt force trauma. Syed always says I am his only patient who skis and rides a mountain bike on Coumadin. But he knows me and the way that I ride and is comfortable with it after 35 years on the stuff. I ski fast but within my limits so as not to CRASH in that pursuit either.

I am hoping that my memories of crashes are fading as the years roll on. I remember the doozies, and hope that my days of crashing hard are over. At my age, you really can’t afford the big hit. My friend Tom, who owns our local bike shop, Highline Bikes, is trying to get me to buy an e-bike. Looking at the way those guys ride those things is really not my style. The speed of e-bikes, riding fast over ramps and jumps is not my style of riding and I am content to be analog and ride my normal bikes. Sorry Tom. I know they are fun, but I don’t want to …………CRASH!!

The old Greenlees days.
Tom on the e-bike. Not interested in this. I am a little long in the tooth. 🙂
The rocks of the Laurel Highlands. Always a challenge.

Shuttling in Marlinton, WVA is as rugged as I want it now. This place is a real challenge.

So, in conclusion, be prepared. You will crash if you choose to ride on two wheels. Hopefully, rarely if you ride within your limits and respect terrain, weather conditions, and other people. Nothing is more rewarding than a good ride. You feel so good afterwards, and your post ride beer and snacks are a great reward for a nice day in the saddle. Just be heads up. Thanks for reading.

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“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11