Tag Archives: Highline Bikes Allison Park

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A New Experience- Long Overdue

The Ibis Carbon DV-9

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

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

A happy girl- long overdue

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

Fugheddabaddit

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

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

Coming soon!!

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

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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