My friend Helen Durfee, born in Pa, resided for years in Vermont, and now lives in Tahoe, always said…” fall is just as pretty in Pennsylvania as it is in Vermont. Vermont is just a little more dramatic.” Probably a fair statement seeing that the Green Mountains of Vermont are higher and are a little more dramatic landscape than the Laurel Highlands and our central mountains in the Allegheny National Forest. But again- taking nothing away from our Laurel Highlands and Allegheny National Forest, that burst with color at this time of year. I love the fall. As much as I see fall ushering in the winter ski season, I am in no hurry to rush into winter.
Years ago, I started to ride a mountain bike in the fall after the road riding season was starting to get a little cold and wet. I purchased a Scott steel framed mountain bike. Rigid fork,( shocks had not yet been developed for mountain bikes), cantilever brakes and balloon knobby tires seemed to be a fun alternative to riding in the nasty fall conditions on the road. I loved testing my mettle on the trails as it was all new to me. Many of the trails that I had hiked, or ran, now opened up to me as a new venue for cycling. Fast forward to today, I no longer race or have to keep up to the guys in front of me. I can leisurely ride and take in the fall colors.
If we have a fairly dry, cool fall, the colors seem to respond and the recipe for good fall foliage is not compromised by foul weather. This has been the case so far here in Western Pa. As I get older, I start to take in more and look around on my rides. I enjoy the moments with my pals on the trails but I also value time alone out there. Time to think, time to enjoy the views, and breathe in the cool, fall air without being in oxygen debt all the time. I have gone through my share of bikes over the years, but I always think back to those early days on the Scott (1988) and what a great time mountain biking has shown me. Friendships developed, great ride memories all over the country, and in particular great riding experiences in the fall- right here at home.
As I enter the next decade soon, I think how mountain biking has helped me stay fit for my age, and how the fall season has always been a great time to ride. Beautiful colors, cool breezes, no bugs, and waning daylight all contribute to a great experience. I hope that you can take in some of the great scenery and weather before it turns. Make an effort to get out and see the fall foliage. You don’t have to ride, you can hike or walk on nice trails all over our region. All you have to do is walk out the door. Enjoy and thanks for reading.
” God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning.”
Genesis 1-31
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The tally now is 114 different areas skied.
You know, most often when you take a trip, you have had a great time, but you are happy to come home. I can tell you that on our recent trip to Ireland, the trip went so fast that now it seems like a dream. I can remember saying to Janet,” I can honestly say that I am not ready to go home yet. ” Because in some strange way- I felt like Ireland was somehow home to me.
The last time I was in Ireland, I can remember seeing so many people who reminded me of my relatives. I swear I saw my grandmother who had passed on, looking at me around a corner and perhaps keeping tabs on me as I made my way on my road bike. This time I saw many people too who reminded me of relatives who have passed on and of people who I currently know. I saw Bob Duffy at least 10 times. Bob and I work together at Armada and he has a classic Irish mug. There is something in my blood that makes me want so badly to return to Ireland. I felt so comfortable there and the people are so warm and friendly that you think, somehow, we are all related. They say that people who visit Ireland are treated in such a manner because the people of Ireland believe that visitors are really returning distant relatives. They are coming back to their roots. Like Janet and me.
I posted about our tour guide- Brendan McCarthy, a couple of weeks ago. He and I hit it off so well that again, somehow, I felt like he was related to me. He did say in Blarney that his relative was Dermot McCarthy who built Blarney Castle back in the 1400s. So, he had a real relative but somehow, again, I felt that we were kin. Brendan regularly sends us videos on What’s App and we do the same for him. We miss him and will reconnect someday. But what is it that is so magical about being in Ireland?
Everywhere we went, we felt something that was pulling at us. The rugged coast of Ireland, the winds, the pubs, the people, the food. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that the food is not good in Ireland. We had spectacular meals and the fresh salmon, hake, and other seafood delights in the coastal towns were mouthwatering. Even the potatoes, vegetables, and morning porridge, felt like home to me. Like I was eating again at my grandmother’s on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Anyone tells you that the food is no good has either not been there in a while, or they have an odd taste for good food.
Jan wanted to stop at Curran’s Pub in Dingle to see if there were any indications of relations there seeing that her mom’s maiden name was Curran. We met the owner and he was a bit standoffish at first but gradually warmed up to us and brought out all his genealogy books to show us the bloodlines. He told us that another Curran cousin just walked out the door. He was from Australia. Jan was thrilled. Sitting in his pub, I felt like I was in my grandma’s house. It felt like the bar was in her living room. It even smelled like her house on the North Side.
Brendan took us to the bridge that was used in the film “The Quiet Man”- one of my favorite movies starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Ward Bond, Victor McLaughlin and Barry Fitzgerald. I was so taken by the scene that I kissed Janet on the bridge like I was John Wayne. And I recited his famous line to Maureen O’Hara when he said” There will be no locked doors between us Mary Kate Danaher.” Everyone laughed but I loved being on that bridge. If you have not seen it, take some time to watch…….” The Quiet Man.”
From the first Guiness draughts in Dublin, to the great food in Kinsale, to the rugged coast of The Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, we were taken by the beauty. Jan and I both say the next time we would try to get some hiking in because the scenery is so spectacular. But there is this feeling that I have that is hard to put a finger on. What is it? I will be thinking a lot about that because I don’t quite know the answer. But I can tell you we can’t wait to go back. I know I am waiting for ski season to start but I would go back to Ireland at any time.
So, if you ride or ski with me soon, chances are the topic of Ireland will come up. Maybe it will be my Irish sweater that I bought at the Blarney Woolen Mills? Maybe I will talk on the ride or the chairlift about the “craic” or the “goings on ” in the pubs. Maybe I will talk about somehow, I feel like I belong there? I can’t wait to go back, and I will be talking about it for a while until I get there again. Thanks for reading. Slainte’
Don’t forget- an amazing, professional tour company – Irish Tours for You. http://www.irishtoursforyou.com Ask for Fionnuala O’ Loughlin
Albert Camus once said, ” The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart.” ” One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” He was referring to the Greek myth where Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to roll a rock to the top of a mountain for eternity only to see it roll back down again. The only way Sisyphus was able to overcome the sentence was to take a new perspective and relish the process of rolling the rock up the mountain. Who cared what happened after that? The process made him happy because it was simple, and he was able to find joy in doing it. Over and over again.
We have all heard stories of people like the ones who climb 6-8000 meter peaks in the Himalaya only to be turned back by sickness, weather, or other struggles which prevent them from summitting. When you hear their stories, the more philosophical ones talk about the journey being the most important thing rather than the focus of the summit. They take some pleasure in the process of climbing and how that process or journey fills their souls. A great perspective on something that could be seen as a disappointment.
I have been thinking a lot about process as I have been getting older. I used to focus on goals, times, wins, losses, in my years as a weekend warrior. Running and cycling races filled my attention and my perceived value at the time was how well I did or how poorly I did and what it would look like. Skiing was the same way. My self- value sometimes was seen in how well I skied and if I was able to compete in a way with other skiers. I wanted to be one of the best locally. The funny thing about cycling, skiing, or running, is that there is always someone out there who will make you humble. As soon as you think you are there, someone comes along and shows you the next level. Big difference in being a big fish in a small pond rather than the opposite. I have been handed my share of humble pie many times in my quest to achieve.
But lately, I have been more focused on the process and the joy that ski turns, or miles on the mountain bike bring me. I don’t have to be competitive anymore because those days are long gone. My goals now are to stay healthy, so that I can keep doing the things I always liked to do. I am not the skier that I was when I was 30. But I still try to ski the good stuff albeit more methodically. I have already realized that I can’t ride as well as I did back then, but my focus lately is the process or the struggle. Some days are harder than others with daily push -ups, and stretches and solo rides, or rides with my friends. As they say, some days you are the windshield, some days you are the bug.
I want to enjoy my surroundings. I notice more things from the chairlift when I am skiing. I look more at the mountains. I notice the wildflowers on the trails that I ride and the changes of the seasons that paint different pictures as the seasons move on. The focus has to be on the process, and struggles that can be overcome with perseverance, and the appreciation for the journey. It is not getting to the finish as quickly as I can anymore. It is enjoying the way there. If I have to struggle some days, it definitely fills my heart. Strange to say that but when you appreciate the process instead of always the end goal, you can feel that way. Maybe old Camus was right?
And finally, life deals you some tough things sometimes. Like Sisyphus. Times when you feel you are at a dead end, or life perhaps has not been fair. Perspective is what counts. We need to rely on faith to get us through the tougher times, and the realization that the end game is in reach if we believe. So maybe grasp the struggles and see if you can get through them and enjoy the process. It will make you stronger. Thanks for reading.
“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
This is my friend Jim Jacobs who owns Peak Ski and Board in Allison Park, Pa. Jim is a fine skier in his own right, but also very knowledgeable in the ski business and is an excellent boot fitter as well. He is a second generation ski shop owner and has taken Peak Ski and Board to new heights over the last several years. Consider that climate change has made local skiing challenging in recent years, the fluctuating economy, Covid years and other potential roadblocks to succeeding in business, Jim has flourished. Why?- because he cares about his customers. He takes time to spend with them, assessing their ability and matching those needs to new equipment that makes the customer’s skiing experience tailor made. He spent a good deal of time recently fitting my wife Janet with a new pair of boots that she says fit her perfectly. Jim knows what he is doing and spends the time making sure the customer is satisfied before they leave the shop. Just yesterday, I went in to get a new pair of liners for my ski boots which had become packed out, and he came up with a quick solution for me that left me with basically what felt to be a new pair of boots.
Above is my friend Tom Florcik who owns TrailFlo Bikes in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. As you can see from the photo above, Tom is an exceptional rider who is not afraid to get airborne. An amazingly skilled rider, but also a very good businessman, who has developed a loyal clientele among the serious mountain bike set in the Pittsburgh area. Why is Tom successful? Several reasons. He knows what he is talking about because he walks the walk on the trails and does not just talk the talk. He is a good rider. He also is his own chief mechanic often working on customer bikes himself to make sure they operate perfectly. Like Jim, Tom takes the time to work with customers and when a bike is in for repair, he looks for other things that might need attention. Like the other day, when he replaced my well worn bottom bracket, he fixed my dropper post cable because he noticed that a recent crash has basically broken the shifting device. I had been using it, but Tom noticed and fixed it without me mentioning it. He pays attention to the detail and really helps customers who bring him bikes that need attention after some serious abuse on the trails. Tom is an excellent businessman who runs a tight ship and also does the little things that customers should notice. Like giving steady customers a discount which always shows up on his invoice. Not sure many people thank him- but I always do because I appreciate it as a customer. I recommend Tom’s shop and Jim’s shop to everyone I know and to all that ask me about where to get ski equipment and mountain bike equipment. They are both highly recommended.
But this is not just a promo for Jim and Tom ,but a post dealing with a subject that kind of irritates me. With the advent of the internet, ski equipment and cycling equipment are all available on- line. You can get pretty much anything you want on- line and it is your right. What I find intolerable is when people come into a shop like Jim’s or Tom’s and take up valuable time having both guys work with them, only to leave after the advice, fitting, measuring, etc, and order what they need on- line. To have Jim spend time fitting you with a pair of ski boots, only to have the right boot selected and then go out the door and order on- line. Same thing with Tom. Come into the shop, have Tom spend time fitting you with a bike, get all the measurements, and then order on- line. Not only is that unscrupulous in my mind, but when it comes time for repair, oftentimes these people come into the shop expecting a quick repair on equipment that they didn’t even buy from Jim or Tom. If you want to order on- line which is your right, then be prepared to fix things yourself when things go wrong. Oftentimes, Jim and Tom know what happens and they repair the equipment anyhow because they will take the business. But don’t expect special treatment if you took up their time and did not buy from them. Unscrupulous in my mind. But maybe I am just old school?
These days, there are fewer and fewer specialty shops around. The big manufacturers will boost their volume by making deals with the larger sporting goods companies, oftentimes competing with those specialty shops. A number of years ago, I learned about a deal that a large ski manufacturer had made with an on- line dealer who ran his business out of his garage in Canada. The next day, he was in to see my friend’s specialty shop and expected high volume from the specialty shop for the same product. He was willing to set up an on- line competitor but expected his specialty shops to not only carry a large volume but spend time and money promoting their product. Suppliers are a little desperate today and oftentimes their fair- trade business practices get cloudy when they need to meet their budgets.
Things have changed and business is tough these days. I get it. That is why it is remarkable that some specialty shops still exist among the larger worlds of Dick’s Sporting Goods, L.L.Bean, REI, and other large box store businesses. My point is that if you like the attention you receive from a specialty shop, complete with excellent advice, workmanship, and repair, you need to support these guys. You don’t come in, suck all of that knowledge and pricing out of the owner and the shop and go get it cheaper on- line. Yes- you might be able to get a better price sometimes, but you will never replace the time, effort, and service that you receive from a specialty shop. The good thing is that there are enough of us who support shops like these and keep them going with our business. Because we appreciate their attention to detail and attention to us as customers. Ok- off the soapbox now. Thanks for reading.
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Well, it was another hot and steamy day last Sunday for the annual ride to and through the City of Pittsburgh’s City Parks. A good turnout as usual even though it was the same day as Peddle Pittsburgh. I tell people all the time that Cyclo X is really a mountain bike ride because even though there is a lot of road riding in between parks, the trails in the parks themselves usually demand a mountain bike for most people. Mere mortals like me. I need the knobby tires as much as possible. The “A” group had people on mountain bikes but a lot of guys on gravel or cross bikes. Their skill is amazing. I ride with the “B ” group because I am a little “long in the tooth” for the “A ” group anymore. Despite the trite saying,………. age and treachery will NOT beat youth and skill. Hat’s off to Aaron for putting together great routes this year for both groups.
Just to give you some perspective, Aaron and 7 of his “A” group guys rode 80+ miles with some amazing vertical feet. Strava had it at 11,000 ft. Everything in Pittsburgh is up from the rivers and no matter where you go, there is a steep punchy climb. A real mix of trails, gravel and roads. Our group called it a day after 43 miles and close to 4,000 vertical feet and made our way back to the Grist House for some of their cold, delicious, craft beers. The Hazedelic IPA tasted pretty good in the 90 degree temperatures. But the routes are interesting and vary from year to year. Aaron even put some killer climbs in for the “B” group this year which left me kind of strained as we made our way up Mt. Washington on Sycamore Street. Hard to believe that the Thrift Drug Classic road race climbed this 8 times during the course of the race. Even then, a lot of pro riders dropped out after too many runs at that steep climb. But the lunch at Redbeard’s was a welcome rest. They are always so accommodating to our hot and sweaty group.
The scenery was terrific as the bright and sunny day showcased all the city parks. It was kind of cool to see all the folks from Peddle Pittsburgh out and about too. It just shows that Pittsburgh has a lot of active folks with many outdoor opportunities. Road cyclists, mountain bikers, gravel riders, all enjoying what the city has to offer.
As much as the beautiful day showcased the city and it’s beautiful parks, there were some sights from the seat of a bicycle that made you ponder. Lots of homeless tents on the North Shore bicycle trail and also on the Southside. This is a problem and not really sure how to handle it but hoping that someone smarter than me can help these people out. My friend Pete Hilton, who was on the ride, is on the board of Light of Light Missions that does a great job trying to rehabilitate these folks who often have mental and drug related challenges. If Pittsburgh wants to showcase itself, they need to align as much as they can with organizations like Light of Life and help people in need. People in Pittsburgh are very friendly and helpful. They are the fabric that can solve this problem as well as showcase our city to the world as a caring community and an active outdoor community as well.
I drove home that day thinking about how many more of the Cyclo X rides I can do. I realize that I am not 30 anymore and my riding strength is relative. But I believe in the importance of staying in shape, riding my bike, and keeping that positive attitude as long as I can. It is events like Cyclo X that keep me in the game. Thanks to Aaron and his hard work organizing this event and thanks to all the riders who came out. Try it next year- you will not be disappointed. Thanks for reading.
Cead mile faitle is the traditional Irish greeting that means one hundred thousand welcomes in Gaelic, the native language of Ireland. And if there were ever a country that welcomes you with open arms, it is Ireland, and their extremely friendly people. Now I could give you a travelogue about our recent trip to Ireland, but instead of boring you to death, I am going to tell you about Brendan McCarthy, our National Certified tour guide, who embodies all the qualities of the Irish that I really, really like. Most countries have a rather neutral, at best, feeling about Americans. Not true of the Irish who cherish their relationships with Americans. I think partly because in some way, they feel that we are all related and are coming back to visit our roots. Brendan certainly made us feel that way.
Early in the trip, we visited the lovely seaside town of Kinsale on the southern tip of Ireland. Before we met the local tour guide, Brendan took us to a high piece of ground that was dedicated to the 343 New York City Firefighters who lost their lives during 9/11. Brendan related the story of the woman who worked as a nurse in New York and donated her land in Ireland to be a spot of remembrance. Brendan knew her and actually planted many of the trees that are standing there today in memory of those brave men. He actually became emotional as he told us how he drove down on the day of the planting, two hours each way. He said he loved Americans and had a huge hole in his heart that day when the firefighters were killed. He wanted to be a part of the dedication in Kinsale. That day, we got a glimpse into the character of Brendan McCarthy.
The Irish are funny, witty, but emotional people. Much of that is seen in the writings of the poets and authors of Ireland, and also with Brendan, and even myself in a way. That day, I saw a bit of myself in the personality of Brendan. In fact, all during our trip, I felt that I knew many of the people somehow because not only was I viewing my geneaology, but also talking to the people, I felt close to them because, well, they are somehow….my people. Yes- they are warm and friendly, but I have to tell you they are funny as hell too! As Brendan regaled us with the history of Ireland, day after day on our van, he also let loose with some really funny sayings that we all grew to love. Like when he wanted us to take a comfort stop, he said in his very lilting Irish brogue, ” I want yous all to squeeze the lemon and be bums in seats in 15 minutes.” Squeeze the lemon!!! Hilarious. As a typical Irishman, he also humored us with many stories and pronounced “th” as “t.” For instance, ” I know what you are tinkin” ” I want you on the bus at 8 turty” ” The time is 5 turty tree.” We all got a kick out of his distinctive and lyrical brogue, and I am sure he wondered about my dahn and ahhts from Pittsburgh as well. He referred to “herself” and “himself”. There is himself. There is herself- in the altogether. He would tell us a story and then say,” Look it up.” It is the troot” ” I swear to God”. We believed him even though we thought that just maybe he stretched the troot sometimes. LOL!! But you would never find a happier guy and he made it his business to take us to all the nooks and crannies that people might not see. Like the bridge from the movie “The Quiet Man”. Or Paidi O’Se’s pub in Dingle that had a lot of memorabilia from many of the Gaelic sports heroes. Brendan made it his business to show us places that a lot of tourists may not find on their own.
But perhaps one of the most touching moments, was when Brendan stopped at St Brigid’s Well, a place dedicated to the female patron saint of Ireland. There he asked us all to depart the bus, and go into the cave that housed the well, say a prayer, and as we all exited the well, Brendan had us hold hands and circle up as he recited the Lord’s Prayer in Gaelic. He then took an older St Brigid’s cross and put in back in the well area in dedication to his mother who he lost the previous year. Well after that, my bladder was behind my eyeballs for sure, and we all got another glimpse into the character of Brendan McCarthy. The Irish are close to their mothers and this was a little stop that was very touching.
As we drove to and through breathtaking scenery that featured the west coast of Ireland, Brendan kept us entertained with history, local lore, and some very funny jokes. Very dry. Like- he pointed out a cemetery and said that the guy that invented the crossword puzzle was buried there. I asked where, giving him the opportunity for the punchline, and he said, ” 6 down and four across.” We all chuckled at that one. He also said that people are buried in Ireland at noon. So, if you get into an argument with an Irishman, the final line may just be…………..” you’ll go out at noon.” I loved that line and we used it on each other for the rest of the trip and laughed out heads off.
We were very pleased with Brendan and also the company he works for called Irish Tours for You. You can find them on the internet and I would highly recommend them. My contact was Fionnuala O’ Loughlin ( How about that great Irish name!) fionnuala@irishtoursforyou.com They even came to meet us for lunch on the last day to say good bye. You will never find a better tour and never find people easier to work with.
As I thought about the trip and all we saw on the plane ride home, I thought how much the people, the food, and the scenery meant to me. I was very comfortable in Ireland as I thought about the food my grandma cooked, the sayings that my mother and grandmother said along with the sayings of my father in law- George Bope – who loved being Irish. I can’t wait to go back again. And If I do, I will surely contact St. Brendan the Navigator to come with us again for sure. Thanks for reading. Slainte’
“May the saddest day of your future, be no worse than the happiest day of your past.”
“May the walls of your home never fall in and those within them never fall out.”
“May you live for a hundred years with one more year to repent.”
chroniclesofmccloskey 