Category Archives: winter sports

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A Break in the Action

Lake Tahoe near Incline Village

You know, one of my quirks is I like to get as much skiing in as possible during the year- considering the fact that I live in the Mid- Atlantic. This involves skiing locally as much as I can and going on a couple of ski trips during the year. This year, Janet and I took a late trip at the end of March to ski with friends in Lake Tahoe. There are so many great places to ski, and to have the opportunity to see the mountains along with the beauty of the lake is a real treat. But this year, I diverted from my norm and took a day off mid- week to do something different.

Our friends in Tahoe recommended a mid week snowshoe outing presented by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science. We all jumped at the chance and even though the snowshoe outing was changed to a hike, we anticipated the outing as a break in the action from skiing which was again- against my norm.

Judy and Mike Smith and Janet on the shore of the lake.

As we entered the state park, we were greeted by some volunteers who did the usual sign-up sheets and gathered emergency contact information. But the leader of the group was a young gal named Sarah Hockensmith, who is an outreach director for the Tahoe Institute and is very well versed on the ecology of the Lake Tahoe area. Some of the information that was interesting to me was that most of the tree growth in the area is only about 170 years old. During the Comstock silver mining era, most of the land was cleared to provide lumber for the mines, housing and other requirements for lumber. After the mining era had come and gone, there was an effort to reseed the land and allow for some natural growth as well. So many of the trees are relatively new compared to the larger lodgepole pines and other large pine trees that survived the onslaught of the Comstock clearing.

Emerald Bay

Sarah also told us all about the turnover of the lake, how the volcanic granite soil acts as a natural filter to keep the lake so clean.( The cleanest lake in North America), and also the dimensions of the lake. She reviewed with us the native species of plants, animals and fish as well as the invasive species that have caused some issues. But suffice to say, the lake is super clean despite the traffic that surrounds it during high tourist seasons.

The natural waterfalls and the backdrop of the Sierras provided a wonderful picture for all of us on the hike. We all see the mountains when we go on ski trips and marvel at the majestic peaks as we ride the chairlift. But to have some of the nuances explained to us by a naturalist familiar with the area, was a rare treat and well worth the day off from skiing.

The beauty of the area and the natural attributes attracts some folks who have made Tahoe home. After going on that hike, and also looking at the mountains and the lake again during our ski times, I was reminded of why I like it so much. Janet had never seen it in the winter and had the opportunity to see it during a warm and sunny week. Full disclosure, she went back to Pittsburgh after a week, along with the Smiths and I stayed for a few more days. Had the opportunity to ski some powder as the weather changed right after Janet and the Smittys left. Felt kind of bad that they missed the powder as I pulled out my 107s, but you know what they say? No friends on a powder day. LOL!!!

88 year old Fred and Janet.

An interesting side story is about the people who really value skiing in the Lake Tahoe area. The gentleman above is a friend of my friend who lives in Incline. Fred is 88 years old and skis about 5 days a week driving from his home and back to the Tahoe resorts. ( About a 60 mile commute) and one or two days he drives all the way to Mammoth ( 2 +1/2 hours each way) because he loves the Sierras. And- he is the first one in the parking lot each day. He told me an interesting thing on the chairlift. He said he has a real passion for the sport and the passion is fueled by drive. I love that statement. Passion fueled by drive. He is a beacon of light to me for my future in skiing.

This will be a wrap for the ski season for Janet and me. But I was wholeheartedly surprised at the wonders of the hike and so glad we took the time to do it. Sometimes you have to take a break from the skiing and enjoy the area and what it has to offer. I am not usually accustomed to doing that as I try to jam in as much skiing as possible. But don’t make my mistake. Take the time to see the mountains and the lakes. I have been to Tahoe many times but never took the time to really hear all about the beauty of that area. I also am impressed by people like Freddy who make the trek to be a part of the scene and my friends who live in Incline. They have chosen a wonderful place to live.

As I flew back to Pittsburgh, I thought about all what we had seen and how much fun we had. Can’t wait to go back. I love ski season and I love the mountains wherever I might find myself. Thanks for reading.

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Smorel Mountain

Andrea and Wendy.

I am lucky, as there is nothing more warming than coming in from skiing and getting a nice hot chocolate, with or without marshmallows, from these two friendly ladies. You can also get the makings for smores and also Nature Valley granola bars to help jump start you into the rest of your day. Nothing like a chocolate buzz to fuel you as you go out and pound Wildcat for the rest of the day. But that is not the real story here. The compelling reason for this post is to tell you all what a great group of people we have at Laurel Mountain or as the ladies call it- Smorel Mountain.

Janet and I just returned from the spectacular private ski club in New York state called Holimont. Like I spoke about in my last post, the people at Holimont are so welcoming and proud of the atmosphere they have created. Janet and I both say the same atmosphere is at our Laurel Mountain. Things like the complimentary hot chocolate and treats are just part of the atmosphere, and the ladies above always give credit to Vail . But it is hard to imagine that a corporate entity a half a country away is in touch with our local mountain enough to care about hot chocolate and marshmallows for their customers. I will give Vail credit as Andrea and Wendy would have me do. But the friendliness of the people who work at Laurel is, in my mind, very regional and not necessarily tied to a corporate philosophy. The courtesy of the employees and the camaraderie of the regulars at Laurel make it a place that we love. The Smorel Mountain cart is just one of the many pleasantries that make the customer at Laurel want to come back. We need more pleasantries in our lives. Nice to get away to the mountains. Away from the stress of everyday life, the internet, and the news. Nothing like pulling into the lot, seeing your pals, clicking in and ripping down the mountain, observing the beautiful Laurel Highlands on the way back up the chairlift. And then stopping, to get………………a hot chocolate.

So, there is a lot of talk these days about Vail and how they manage our three local areas. But I tend to give them some slack as they are just getting to know the local areas which they hope will be feeder areas to their larger bases out west. Like Steve Gurtner always says, we are lucky to have Seven Springs, Laurel Mountain and Hidden Valley. Vail does it differently than the Nuttings. And they both do it differently than the Dupres. But we all know that the investments made will have to someday pay off and whether one entity does it better than another is always up for discussion, and I won’t do that here. I am here to talk about hot chocolate- courtesy of Andrea and Wendy and, oh yes, Vail.

I think the cool thing about the complimentary hot chocolate is that we all love getting a free treat. It is always kind of rewarding to receive a gift especially if it is not expected. The Smorel Mountain cart is new this year and I, for one, love to come in and partake. As much as I like to relentlessly pound Wildcat, it is a treat to come in, get my hot chocolate, and have a chat with all the wonderful people at Laurel Mountain. Ski friends are cherished ,and we really look forward to seeing them and miss them in the off season.

The Laurel Outdoor Fireplace
The view into the Ligonier Valley never gets old.

The hot chocolate is really kind of a physical metaphor for the atmosphere, the people, and the attitude of Laurel Mountain. I will miss it when the ski season ends soon. We are headed west but after that, it is over. Then I will be riding down the steps at Laurel, on my mountain bike, to the outdoor fireplace, having a seat in the Adirondack chair. I will be looking around at the empty lodge, thinking about skiing Wildcat, and about all my ski friends, and counting the days until the snow flies again. I will also be thinking of that first sip of hot chocolate and the joy of that little ritual. Thanks Andrea and Wendy, and of course Vail…. and ….thanks for reading.

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A Drive to the North Country

The Lodge at Glendorn in Winter

Last week for Janet’s birthday, we took a drive north to do some skiing, snowshoeing, and relaxing at a wonderful place called The Lodge at Glendorn. I have posted about this place before but it is worth repeating what a wonderful experience it is to go there.

Janet kept checking the weather and we realized that we would be heading through Kane and Marienville in single digit temperatures. They don’t call those places the ” Icebox of Pennsylvania” for nothing. Those folks are really frozen in this winter, like many winters up north in Pa. The snow is deep, the roads are slick ( plowed and scraped but very little cinders) and literally no place to pull over in the Allegheny National Forest because of the deep snow and frozen conditions.

But my wife is a tough one when it comes to doing things and as long as she is warm, she is game for winter conditions. Good thing because she is married to me, a true lover of winter. After following two oversized loads through the Allegheny National Forest which added another hour of driving, we approached the gates of Glendorn and entered into a magical forest ( no pun intended) filled with lights and snow. Glendorn is so welcoming and the people who are lucky enough to work there could not be nicer. I figured if I was going to drag my wife out in the frozen tundra conditions, she should have some niceties too and Glendorn does not disappoint.

Janet always comments about how I pack it in, but I don’t want to miss anything. Especially on her birthday. We had lunch after we arrived, and immediately went snowshoeing. After about an hour on the trails at Glendorn, I took her to the Forest Spa for a massage and I headed back out on the trails for another hour and a half. There are so many trails and the peaceful atmosphere of the north country in winter is truly something to be treasured.

The next day, we headed to Holimont which ,for those of you who have not skied it, should be on your list. A private ski club on the weekends, it is open to the public during the week and is impeccably groomed. The atmosphere of the place is so warming and the people there are really friendly. They love their club and welcome visitors like us. Yes, it was brisk, but Janet was prepared and skied very well in very cold conditions. As we headed back to Glendorn, we remarked that if Holimont and Ellicottville were just a little closer, we would be going there all the time. Ellicottville is a great town and a real gem in Western New York. The nice thing is that it is only a 40 minute drive from Glendorn.

Notice that they let the riff raff in today. LOL!!

After a wonderful breakfast overlooking the property on our last day, we headed south back to reality. We took in the remote winter atmosphere of the National Forest and were amazed at the amount of snow that had fallen since we had arrived two days before. This winter has been a real “old fashioned” winter for sure. When you venture to the Laurel Highlands or up north to the “Iceboxes of Pa” you can really soak in the harshness and natural beauty of winter the way it should be. I love winter, I love fireplaces, I love snowy trails, I love great ski conditions. I am probably one of the only ones around my neighborhood who actually gets a little depressed when winter comes to a close. But when you tally up your ski days, and take in some great atmosphere, you can look back with very fond memories. No wonder I talk about skiing and winter all summer long. Some of my mountain bike friends, who do not ski, can’t get over it. But a trip to the North Country would explain it to all of them.

We are headed west at the end of March to ski and that will most likely end our 2025 campaign. But this winter locally has been spectacular. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have fun in the winter in these parts. Simply not true. It has been truly amazing. And we are hoping that the rodent was accurate in his predictions. More winter to come. Thanks for reading.

” I lift up mine eyes to the mountains” Psalm 121 1-4.

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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.

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

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A Great Connection

The Durfees and the Chetlins in Bend, Oregon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helen and Jeff- new ski pals.

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

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

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

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Resolutionaries

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

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

The parking lots are packed. Lot of good intentions.

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

Funny but true.

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

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

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

Old guys have goals too.

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

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

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

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The Ski Club

You know, there are several bona fide ski clubs around America. The Yellowstone Club, and Holimont up in Western New York are among them. All of them have a feel about them. People coming together to do the things they like in a new season. The fireplaces are crackling, the buzz in the lodge is in high gear, and people all have smiles on their faces anticipating what hopes to be a wonderful ski season. The interesting thing is that vibe is also right here in Western Pa at a wonderful place called Laurel Mountain.

Looking into the Ligonier Valley from the Lodge.

Now Laurel is on state property and there is little development nearby which adds to the ambiance of the place. Managed by Vail, Laurel is special to a lot of people because of the laid- back atmosphere and of course, the legendary Wildcat Slope- the steepest in Pennsylvania. It will give you a workout and prepare you for your season in record time. But the really nice thing about Laurel is the people.

Bob Potter- Laurel regular.
Some skiing years added up here.
Jaime and Melissa Thompson. Great photo!

Opening weekend was upon us this past weekend and it was so great to be back at Laurel and see all the folks that make that place so special. It is truly a club atmosphere and everyone was so excited to be back in the lodge, greeting each other over a coffee and catching up on the summer and what is happening for Christmas. Sure, I like to go up and lap Wildcat until my legs fall off. But really, I truly enjoy sitting in the lodge and talking to the folks that I have not seen in 8 months. We all are anxious to boot up and head out especially when we got a bonus early start.

Kudos go to Gary Wiltrout and his team of snowmakers. We all were thrilled when we heard that the trails and upper and lower Wildcat were open. Especially when fickle weather patterns ruined a lot of early season snow. But through the hard work of Gary’s team, we skied on perfect man -made snow with no ice, soft conditions and groomed to perfection. We all remarked that mid- season should be this good. But Gary and his team do a spectacular job, and we are all grateful. All the employees who welcome you back are so kind. Paula scanning your passes, Bill in the lodge, welcoming us all back, it sure feels like a club to me.

GM Brett Cook and the legend- George Skylling.

I had the opportunity to ski a few runs with Brett Cook, the affable GM for Seven Springs, Laurel Mountain and Hidden Valley. He told us a lot about what is new and going on for all three areas and he was especially complimentary of the atmosphere and feel of Laurel. He gets it, and supports all the happenings at Laurel. I complimented him on his diligence to get the area open with the shot of cold weather. The team jumped at the chance to make snow and make it happen for all of us.

Regulars Jon Brady and Jamie Edson. They still ski like champions and are front and center when the lift opens.
Lined up for the banner break first run. People were excited.

People ask me all the time – “what’s the deal with Laurel?” ” Why do you like it so much.” The big part of it is always the people and the other part is the scenic beauty of the Laurel Highlands which I like to enjoy all year round. I ride my mountain bike up there a lot in the summer and that feel of the place even extends into the off ski season.

When my day ends, I drive down to the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown, grab a piece of homemade pizza and a drink and head home via RT 381 through Rector to Donegal. The drive through the horse farms with the ridges in view is always enjoyable to me before I slog back home on the turnpike, But as I listen to my music, I have great scenes in my head about the great day I had at Laurel Mountain. I think about the wonderful conversations I had with all the folks. Well………….it is a club of sorts, and I am a grateful and happy member of that club for sure. Ski Laurel if you can this winter and you will see what I am talking about. In some ways, it is like skiing back in time. The way skiing is in New England at the smaller resorts that have avoided that big time corporate feeling. Vail manages Laurel, but the employees and the people there make it feel anything but corporate. Thanks for reading and think snow.

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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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Never Let a Number Define You

Time marches on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by

” The Times They Are a Changin”

Bob Dylan was right but for other reasons. This past weekend we changed the clocks over again and although I am not a big fan of the time change routine, it is what it is, and we need to face the fact that the dark days of winter are here. A lot of people change their exercise programs in the winter and go inside to gyms and workout centers. I like the outdoors and am not really into the indoor deal, so I stay outside and ride my MTB all winter. I retired my old winter bike and am getting a new one. But you need lights. I have been riding with lights for about 36 years. I can remember being chased out of North Park, back in the day, by the police because night riding was something they were not familiar with. We used to turn the lights off, and then when the police went away, we kept riding.

Technology has changed a lot over the years. We used to ride $300.00 Night Suns or Night Rider lights with water bottle cage batteries and a very dim yellow beam. Today- the lights are way more cost effective and you can get a lot of lumens, 2 hour plus, high beam, run times, for a fraction of that price. And the light quality is amazing. So many lights to choose from these days. But night riding was always an adventure.

The Moon Rocks- Davis, West Virginia

Recently I was reading Victoria Weeks’ blog post about the “Revenge of the Rattlesnake” MTB race in Davis, West Virginia which included the famous Moon Rocks. If you get a chance, read her post and follow her blog. Very entertaining and Victoria is a very accomplished rider and writer. (The Victory Lap ) https://www.victoriaweeks.com In her post, Victoria describes the challenging riding over the Moon Rocks and I told her in a response, that I remember riding there in the middle of the night at the old 24 Hours of Canaan races in Davis back in the day. I first was introduced to the rock feature when I saw one of the marshals for the race in a long black coat and a wide brimmed hat. He looked like the Grim Reaper as I made my way past him, silently observing, and onto the rocks. My yellow beamed Night Rider was state of the art at the time, and in fact they sponsored Laird Knight’s famous race. But to see that feature, at 3:00 in the morning and try to ride it and make my way through the bog that followed was quite a challenge, especially on 26 ” wheels, cantilever brakes, steel frame and an early version Rock Shocks front suspension fork. We didn’t know any better and that was the best technology that we had at the time.

Fast forward to the 24 Hours of Canaan at Timberline Resort, I can clearly remember following my yellow beam at 4:00 in the morning, all alone because the field was pretty well stretched out at that time, and hearing things go bump in the night. A bear? A bobcat? Another nocturnal animal? I remember one poor guy that I passed asking if he could stay with me because his light went out. I said sure but eventually he tailed off and I never saw him again. Felt bad, but you have to have charged lights for those lonely, West Virginia, late night laps. As my friend Shark always says, ” it gets West Virginia real quick” and it sure did at night, over the Moon Rocks, and through the river two times each lap.

Nothing like the night laps.

These days- at this time of year, I make sure my lights are charged and if I need any new batteries, I get them and am ready for the evening rides. Nothing like the old days in West Virginia, but enough of a challenge to keep me interested in riding at night. Good exercise- you don’t have to go indoors, and no matter what the weather throws at you, riding is always available. My Endura MT500 jacket and pants https://us.endurasport.com can withstand the harshest of weather and together with a good pair of lights,( helmet and handlebar), you can ride all winter without issue.

So, the time change is kind of bittersweet for me . It signals the end of the summer and fall and the beginning of winter. I like winter, but if you choose to ride in it, good clothing and good lights are a necessity. Things look different at night, just like they did in the old days, but it gives you a new challenge and the “changin” times are not so bad. So, if you like to ride, take a tip from an old guy like me- keep riding. You will really appreciate it in the spring when you are trying to ramp up your fitness. Those who back away in the winter really struggle when the time changes back again. Thanks for reading.

The local diehards.

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” To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1