Tag Archives: Monday Lick Trail System

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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

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Ride to Ride Another Day- Monday Lick Edition

Dave” Every Day” Gault”
Our navigator and logistics specialist- Chris Csuy.

There are no “Gimmes” in West Virginia. I have a lot of experience racing and riding mountain bikes in West Virginia ,and it is never easy. We have been pummeled in wind and rain, and bounced along on tight, off camber trails with high consequence off the edges. Rock strewn passages with roots and downed trees, all make West Virginia riding tough and especially so for me now as the elder statesman of our group this year. For me, it is ride to ride another day and stay upright. Not always the case for me as I am perfecting the art of the left sided crashes. It is pretty amazing that a bunch of guys in their 60s can pound along on these trails, with Bob K, Csuy, Everday Dave, Paul B, John C and Randy leading the way for us and continuing on when the rest of us mortals had to take a break. I have broken into the seventh decade and am happy that I can at least still ride some of these trails. Shark led the two mortals- Pete and me, and all together we had some amazing riding this past weekend on the newly created Monday Lick Trails in Marlinton, West Virginia.

Video by John Casuccio.

When we go to the Marlinton area, we stay at the Pre Civil War Cabins at the Jerico. Really nice lodging and wonderful people to work with down there. Ask for Lindie. All of us stayed together in the largest cabin (The Loring) which was great for reliving the days activities around the large wooden dining room table or outside by the campfire on the banks of the Greenbrier River.

Now, if you are thinking of trying the new Monday Lick Trails, understand that it is a long ride up a fire road to make several challenging downhill trail runs. The way to do it is to shuttle, although we all climbed the long road once. And it was lonnnnnnnnnng!!! But putting together some vehicles to shuttle to the top is the way to go and you need a guy like Chris Csuy to be the logistics manager. It was great to have him at the helm.

Shuttle Vehicle

Another thing about Monday Lick is it is not for the faint of heart. Even though you shuttle to the top in the optimum plan, the trails which run downhill do have some climbs and are challenging. There are typical West Virginia rock sections and rooty sections. The tight, off camber condition is kind of unnerving if you have acrophobic sensitivities like me. The drop offs to the side of the trails are sometimes steep and long and a fall would not be recommended. However, if you look ahead and concentrate, you can enjoy the challenge and take in what you came for in West Virginia.

Pete Hilton keeping me on the path.

Some of the things that I have always liked about West Virginia are the scenery and the quiet, peaceful feeling of the mountains. When Pete and I drove down this year, the leaves were almost peak at the top of Snowshoe Mountain. My first real feel of fall for 2025, and I was a happy man. I love the fall and driving and riding in West Virginia is a treat this time of year.

John Casuccio decked out in his western finest for the concert at the Opera House.
Bluegrass by the Hackensaw Boys.

Finally, I always like to end the trip with a concert at the Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton, or the Purple Fiddle in Thomas. Last time we took in Vanessa Collier and her blues repertoire. This time we took in bluegrass performed by the Hackensaw Boys, and it was great. It kind of wraps up the experience of West Virginia. Like I said, I have had a lot of great times in the mountain state. From the 24 Hours of Canaan and Wild 100 races, to the NORBAs at Snowshoe, to the different mountain bike festivals put on by Elk River Touring Center, riding and experiencing West Virginia is a wonderful way to spend a long weekend. Sure, it is challenging, and we all end up with bumps and bruises, but the camaraderie, and the experience of riding in the mountains is really special. The mountain bike crew is always fun to be with and taking the show to West Virginia is always a trip that I look forward to anytime we can do it. Marlinton and Monday Lick are becoming more and more popular and quickly becoming one of the classic venues of West Virginia. Go experience it and have a blast. Thanks for reading.

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” As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 21:17

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New Boards

So, I know it is only August, but I pulled the trigger on another new pair of skis for the upcoming season. After looking at some reviews on- line, also from the Stockli rep, and consultation with my friend in Tahoe, I decided on another pair of Stockli Stormrider 88s. I have a quiver of Stockli skis but the 88 under foot is always my go to ski and I was happy to get another pair.

It is interesting that at this time of year, I start to get itchy for the new season. Buying a new pair of skis kind of jump starts you a little bit. I got our passes early, committed to ski trips, and in short- I am ready when the first flakes start to fall. However………………………..screeeech!!!!!! We still have the wonderful season of fall ahead.

Colors in the Laurel Highlands.

My one friend JR always looks at his watch and sees how long it will take for me to mention skiing on a mountain bike ride. For a guy who lives in Pittsburgh, skis locally, and gets two western trips a year, I get a fair amount of skiing. Not as many days as my friends who live out west, or in New England, but for a local guy- not bad. I always think Janet and I should be living in the mountains. She likes the beach better and alas there is the rub. But we both like Pittsburgh, our friends are here, and we are resolved to ski locally and travel. But that does not temper my enthusiasm for the sport- even in the summer. But again………………….screeeeeeech!!! The nicest time of the year around here is coming soon. But for now, the dog days of summer are to be enjoyed.

You never know what you will see in the fall on a mountain bike ride.

One of the good things about the late days of summer riding is that you are in pretty good shape for the shape that you are in. At 70, I am grateful for my health and when we are barreling down the trails on our bikes, I am usually one of the oldest guys. My Garmin Connect says I am 58, but I know better. The chronological advancement is not lost on me, but I try to stay with it. I want to be doing this for as long as possible and when discussing skis with my friend Eric in Tahoe, we both said we need to stay active. We both thank God for good health to enable us to ride and ski for many more years. It’s not like I am riding like I was when I was younger, but I can still ride and ski enjoyably. Eric and I keep each other honest as we both have lost friends. Other friends are slowing down but we try to keep rolling on the rubber wheels and on the slopes. We are starting to feel like the last of the Mohicans, but there are good days ahead………….if we keep at it. Updating equipment like skis and mountain bikes, help with that.

I am even ready for the ski tuning season with new vices from Swix, new files and diamond stones, and new bevels to accurately tune the edges. My friend Eric gave me a tutorial last spring when we were skiing together on tuning in the 21st century. I was still doing it the old way. But the new way with the bevels and getting the skis stone ground to a specific bevel is next level. I am totally prepared.

I mirrored Eric’s set up here in Tahoe.
Will be using bevels this year for the side edges
When it gets tough- use the Beast.
Our friend Freddy from Tahoe. He is in his 80s and still skis 4-5 days a week.

So, not to rush the season or anything, I am looking forward to fall riding. A bunch of us will be going in September to ride the new Monday Lick trail system in West Virginia and staying at the wonderful Jerico Pre-Civil War cabins there. Jan and I also will be heading to Maine for a fall coastal trip. But I will be looking for the FedEx driver every day to see if the new boards are being delivered. Hey- it’s fun getting excited about things. Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me.

“He who hurries his footsteps errs” Proverbs 19:2