Single Track Sunday
Event: Liv/Saucon Valley Bikes Ladies Ride/Skills Clinic
Place: Sals Trail System, Walking Purchase Park, Bethlehem, PA
Ridden: December 2015
Click on video to play
Something a little different this week. As part of the Liv Ambassador program and as a rider for the Giant Co-Factory Off-Road Team I have been organizing women's events; both rides on local trails and seminars at my local shop Saucon Valley Bikes. Through these events I can share my passion for cycling, help women learn more about cycling, and empower them to feel more confident and skilled when riding. Of course Joël has also been a big help; coming to all the events to share his knowledge and skills also.
So this week is a video from a recent event, a ride and skills clinic at Sals trail system. First we started in the open field at the parking area to practice some skills and work on proper technique, position on the bike, and bike handling skills. From there we headed to the single track to put our skills to the test.
Logs were the obstacle of the day. Regular logs, logs that were built up with rocks, slippery and scary off-camber logs. Rocky terrain, both climbing and descending, was also ridden. We stopped often to discuss technique, gearing, and body position.
Thanks to the ladies that came out to ride. It was a fun time on the bike and everyone came away with a few pointers to help them in the future. Just always remember that "attack position" and "push and scoop" over those logs. Happy trails to all the ladies!
Single Track Sunday
Place: RB Winter State Park, Mifflinburg, PA
Ridden: November 2015
Click on video to play
This weekend's adventure was just as much about good times with friends as it was about riding. Every year a group from home travels to Mifflinburg, PA to visit and ride with a long-time friend and fellow cyclist who lives there. This yearly trip has been a tradition since before Joël and I have been riding and we are honored to now be part of the annual RB Winter Weekend at Wags trip.
RB Winter State Park (part of Bald Eagle State Forest) encompasses 695 acres in central Pennsylvania. The terrain in mountainous and rugged; surrounded by rocky ridges and oak and pine forests. There are over 48 miles of single track/double track trails and nearly 100 miles of interconnecting forestry roads. Trails are maintained in part by Bald Eagle Mountain Biking Association (BEMBA); they are always adding new and exciting trails.
Favorite trails in RB Winter include Old Tram, Top Mountain, and Round Top. The trails are technical, rocky, and jarring. I always feel like they put my suspension and my body to the test. Climbs here usually meander up the mountain, they are long climbs but not super steep. Definitely a fun and challenging place to ride but be ready for a workout!
What a great day riding. It was a big group; filled with old friends and new friends. Thanks to Rylan and Wags for being excellent ride leaders. Besides a good day on the trails, the weekend was filled with catching-up with friends, tasty beer, and good food. Can't wait until the next Lehigh Valley pilgrimage to RB Winter.
Single Track Sunday
Place: Six Mile Run Reservoir, Somerset County, NJ
Ridden: November 2015
Click on video to play
The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site, part of Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, is one of Central New Jersey's most hidden recreational resources for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The 3000 acre reservoir site, rich in cultural and historic significance, is also a valuable oasis of wetlands, forests, farmlands and old fields. Parking is available at three locations at Six Mile Run. These spots are located on Rt. 27, Jaques Lane and Canal Road.
The trails here are fast, flowy, and twisty. Not many rocks...just a few roots here and there to keep you on your toes. While Six Mile Run is low in rocks and roots; it is loaded with twists, turns, and trail obstacles. It is a great place to work on turning skills; both big flowly burned turns and tight, twisty through the pines turns. Numerous logovers, bridges, and a few log rides allow for practicing skills. Most of the place is flat, don't expect any climbing here,
If every trail is ridden (red, orange, white, and blue) total mileage is about 20. The trails system essentially runs from one end of the park to the other; if going from end to end many sections end up being an out-and-back, with a few side loops that can be added on. If your looking for a longer ride, parking is available in multiple spots in the Princeton area along the Canal Path. You can easily access Six Mile run from the canal path, since it sits next to the Blackwells Mills Road crossing.
All in all it is a fun place to ride with good opportunities to practice skills.
- words by Jess
- video by Joël
- awesome log jumping skills by Cliff
Single Track Sunday
Place: Shindagin Hollow, Ithaca, NY
Ridden: September 2015
Click on video to play
Shindagin Hollow State Forest cover 5,266 acres of land just east of Ithaca, New York. Its large size and good access via public roads make this a great forest to enjoy activities such as mountain biking, hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-county skiing, nature viewing, and camping. The trails are designated as "primary use mountain biking", so there will be bike specific features on these rolling, rooty trails. Cycle-CNY is the official trail stewards for Shindagin Hollow, maintaining the trails.
All total there is somewhere around 17 miles of trails. Now, that is a rough estimate. There are some newer trails that we were not on and add in the dirt roads and double track trails and there is probably way more than 17 miles. The older, established trails are marked via colors. They can get tough to follow at times; at intersections it can get a little difficult to tell which way which way the trail goes. But even if you go on a different trail you will eventually circle around anyway, you can't get completely lost. There is a map available on the website but it does not have the newer trails on it.
The terrain is rolling. Not many rocks but there are tons of roots. There are also many man-made features such as bridges, skinnies, and logovers in which to practice skills. All in all a place to ride where you can get in some good miles and practice skills.
Single Track Sunday
Place: Mountain Creek Bike Park, Vernon, NJ
Ridden: October 2015
Click on video to play
Mountain Creek Bike park is a 49 trail primarily downhill orientated bike park in Vernon, NJ. It is located on Mountain Creek ski resort and lodge; thus during the summer the ski slopes become mountain biking trails.
The trails have a great range of ability levels; beginners will feel comfortable here and advanced riders will find trails that challenge them. In addition to the downhill trails, there is a pump track, progressive drop practice area, skills zone, and about 10-15 miles of XC trails.
Due to the wide nature of trails and difficulty levels, we were able to ride our XC bikes here. Sure, our Lust Advanced 0 and Anthem Advanced SX looked a little out of place along side all the downhill bikes, but they could handle a large majority of the trails. Using our own bikes was a good way to work on skill sets and techniques that would come in handy for races and technical riding.
All in all a great place to practice skills and feel comfortable with speed. Definitely somewhere all types of mountain bikers should visit, downhill bikes or not, because it is a great place to practice various skills that will come in handy anywhere.
Single Track Sunday
Event: Tidewater Classic
Place: Williamsburg, VA
Ridden: October 2015
Click on video to play
This installment of the Nankman Adventures took us to Williamsburg, Virginia for a weekend of racing at the Tidewater Classic 5 hour endurance and XC, both part of the VORS (Virginia Off-Road Series).
The race is held on private property, which is only open for race weekend. Rumor had it the course is some type of enduro motocross track, which it seems to be. There are numerous short, steep, punchy climbs and equally as many short, steep descents. Some rooty sections add technical parts. Turns, turns, and more turns were also present. A few jumps added to the overall fun. A great course for spectators due to the fact it looped around it's self many times.
What a weekend it was for us; it was exhausting. After a ten hour drive due to traffic and road construction, we finally arrived in Williamsburg at around 2am the morning of the race. A quick few hours of sleep in the Nankvan in a Cracker Barrel parking lot left us waking up wondering what the heck we were doing. Did we really expect to be able to ride, let alone ride well, during the 5 hour endurance race that day.
To our surprise, each of us was able to pull things together for a good race. I lead right from the start and never looked back. Keeping a consistent pace, I was able to lap many of the other women and take the overall win by about 20 minutes. Joël on the other hand had to fight a little harder for his podium spot. After starting conservatively, he was racing hard and getting constant splits throughout the race stating he was moving up. Near the end he moved into second place, passing the third place guy who was stopped to eat a sandwich! Due to the lack of sleep and relentless hours and hours of pedaling it was a tough day on the bike but worth it due to our podium spots.
After spending the night with friends, we awoke Sunday morning feeling a bit refreshed after a good night's sleep. The XC race didn't start until the afternoon so we spent the morning touring colonial Williamsburg. Once at the race site for the Pro/Elite XC race we both knew we would have our work cut out for us. Neither of us are XC racers; we like to race steady all day long, not race hard for only and hour or two. My race started by being neck and neck with teammate Mason...she soon pulled ahead and ended up winning. Due to tired legs from the day before, I decided to just race at my regular endurance pace which was still good enough for second women. Joël once again started slowly and increased his pace as the race went on. He slowly picked off racers and was determined for a top ten finish; he did that by finishing 9th.
A special feature of this race was the "Trifecta" division, making the weekend into sort of a stage race. Using a point system devised by the race director; points were awarded for the endurance and Pro/Elite XC finishing position. At the end of it all, I was 1st overall Trifecta women and Joël was overall 3rd Trifecta men.
What a great weekend. Awesome racing, hanging out with team mates, and visiting old friends. Sure, we may have come away from the weekend tired and sore but all the fun and top-notch racing was worth it.
Single Track Sunday
Place: D&L Canal, Jim Thorpe, PA
Ridden: October 2015
Click on video to play
Jim Thorpe is a town in eastern Pennsylvania that has been called the "Switzerland of America" due to the picturesque scenery, mountainous location, and architecture; as well as the "Gateway to the Poconos". Jim Thorpe was founded as Mauch Chunk, a Native American term for "bear place". The name was changed to Jim Thorpe in honor of one of our nations greatest athletes.
The town's roots lie in the coal mining industry and the need to have a railroad and canal system that could transport coal from eastern Pennsylvania to the Philadelphia area. As focus turned away from industry, Jim Thorpe became a tourist destination due to the scenic views, charm, and access to outdoor activities. Many of the railways remained and have become cycling destinations such as the D&L Canal, Switchback/Gravity Railroad, and many surrounding single track trails (see blog post from ride in 2014 for single track trails, click here)
The D&L Canal out of Jim Thorpe runs north for about 26 miles through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Waterfalls (especially at the Glen Onoko parking area), remnants of the Lehigh Canal, and breathtaking views of the the Lehigh River and surrounding mountains can be seen from the trail. The trail is crushed stone and being that it is an old railbed is flat with a slight grade up one way and down the other.
Our ride to Jim Thorpe consisted of a family outing on the D&L and then into Jim Thorpe to see the sights. Kayakers and trains were watched; stopping for views of the river and fall foliage on the mountains was also part of the outing. A great way to spend a day with family.
Single Track Sunday Place:Abandoned Turnpike Location: Breezewood, PA Ridden: October 2015
Click on video to play
The Abandoned Turnpike was created by a re-route if the highway in 1968. When it was originally built, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was a four lane highway, but only had one lane tunnels. Eventually this created back-ups that needed to be fixed. At many places, larger tunnels were dug. However, for a section of turnpike in BEdford and Fulton counties, the turnpike was rerouted. Over the years, this section of abandoned turnpike in Pennsylvania had a variety or uses, including turnpike worker training and military training exercises. It was even used for movie sets.
In 2001, this 13-mile stretch of abandoned PA Turnpike was given to Southern Alleghenies Conservancy by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Run by an organization called Pike2Bike the goal is to turn the road into an official biking and walking trail.
As of today, nothing official has been done. In fact, the Abandoned Turnpike is officially closed to visitors, as signs at the entrance state. However, the language on the signs lets you know that it’s not a no trespassing area, simply an area where you proceed at your own risk. If you do opt to visit, use common sense and be respectful of the area, so that there is no reason to actually restrict access to the area.
The two tunnels, Rays Hill and Sideling Hill are the main attractions. Construction began on Rays Hill Tunnel in 1881 for use as a railroad tunnel. However, it was never used for that purpose and it was updated in 1938, opening to traffic along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1940. The tunnel is 3,532-feet long; along the way a small sliver of light can be seen at the opposite end. Sideling Hill Tunnel is an impressive 6,800 in length; when in the middle of this tunnel it is dark! Lights are definitely needed to travel through Sideling Hill. Both tunnels have features that make then rather creepy; some odd graffiti, drainage systems, and ground level rooms that can be viewed. Along the way you will pass a long concrete area that used to be home to the Cove Valley Travel Plaza. It is interesting to see the open expanse, there is nothing remaining of the plaza except a few manhole covers. Overall, the road surface is bumpy and cracked, as to be expected when not maintained for 40+ years. Definitely not the place to ride a road bike. What an interesting place to visit. Seeing part of history in a very post-apocalyptic setting is both cool and creepy. Worth the trip to experience this odd place in PA. - words by Jess - video by Joël
Virginia Vacation Part 2
Where: Various locations George Washington National Forest, Virginia
When: September 2015
Click on video to play
The last part of our trip was centered out of Braley Pond, a camping area near West Augusta. We met up and camped with some friends. They were pre-running part of a race course that went through the area (which includes some of the trails we rode on). Once again, as par with the area, lots of long climbs to spin up and then a descent to bomb down on the other side of the mountain. Many beautiful views from on top of the mountains, especially from Reddish Knob.
Day 5: Braley Pond Trails and Dowells Draft, West Augusta, needed a recovery day, did about an 13 mile ride. The trails around Braley Pond only consist of a few miles of single and double track, but they are perfect for taking Cliff for a loop. Dowells Draft is part of the Shenandoah Moutain 100 mountain bike race and part of the trail running ultra marathon the Grindstone 100. It's not technical but it does gain/loose a lot of elevation. We did this as an out and back, climbing up to Hankey Trail and then descending. It was a long time climbing but the reward was an awesome descent.
Day 6: Bridge Hollow Trail, Georgia Camp Trail, and connecting paved and dirt roads, 30 miles total for the loop, West Augusta. As expected in VA, more climbing. Bridge Hollow was a long, switchback climb up the mountain. The descent down the other side was fast and smooth until it was interrupted by a rattlesnake in the middle of the trail! Took a little detour through the brush to avoid that guy. After this a little road climb up to the top again where we took some time to explore the Confederate Breastworks, the remains of a fortress from the Civil War. Then came Georgia Camp Trail; it appears to be what was an old fire access road or old logging road, what would be a great trail if it wasn't for the stinging nettle that had completely grown over most of the few miles of trail. Much cursing ensued as we tried to ride, sometimes walked. Once at the bottom, after being scratched and bleeding, it was some meandering dirt roads back to camp.
Day 7: Timber Ridge Trail, Wolf Ridge, and Sand Spring Mountain Road, Reddish Knob, around 16 miles total. Wow, what a view from Reddish Knob. At well over 4000 feet, this is one of the highest locations in the area. The Timber Ridge Trail starts from here, and since it starts at one of the highest points, it has no where to go except down. So the first half of the mileage of this ride was rocky, technical single track that dropped about 2000 feet elevation. Then it was time to turn around and climb back up. Sand Spring Mountain Road is an old logging road, it's grown in and rough at places but overall it is just a "spin in an easy gear" all the way back up to the top. Definitely a great loop and the view from Reddish Knob is worth the trip up there.
Other highlights from the last few days of the Virginia Vacation were camping with "the Goat Ninja" and Bob as they did some running to prepare for an upcoming race, Cliff spending time with his friends Max and Bella, and seeing part of the Alpine Loop Grand Fondo (and having no idea multiple friends were out there riding it).
Nankman Adventures
Event: Virginia Vacation- Part 1
Place: All over George Washington State Forest, Virginia
Ridden: September 2015
Click on video to play
Ah, a vacation. A week off from work, no house chores to do, and time to relax. How do most people spend their vacation...on a beach, in a fancy hotel, a spa maybe? Well, the Nankmans spend their vacation living in the back of their van while driving from one mountain biking destination to another. This week's post highlights the first half of our week of vacation.
Day 1: North Mountain Trail to wildlife road, near Catawba. The loop is about 30 miles total. North Mountain Trail was not he best way to start our riding vacation. The climb up the mountain was pretty much hike-a-bike switchbacks. Once on the ridge it didn't get much better. Some places the trail was awesome, other places it was steep and overgrown, and thus walking happened again. The descent down the mountain from the ridge was awesome, fast and flowy. The wildelife road back to the parking lot was probably the best part of the ride, it wove around the side of the mountain with beautiful views of a creek and the mountainside. Has potential to be a great ride, just needs some trail maintenance and cycling shoes better made for hiking rather than riding.
Day 2: South Pedlar ATV Trail system, near Otter Lake. About 13 miles total/ This place was a blast. Purpose built for ATV and motobikes, the trails were wide, groomed, and super fast. It was almost like riding Allegrippis; the trails had tons of "humps" that were great for launching off of. We rode early and on a weekday, and thus avoided any ATV/motobike traffic. Definitely a fun place and something different to do.
Day 3: Douthat State Park, Millboro. We rode mainly the outer loop which was about 20 miles; the trail system within the park is probably about 30-40 miles total. Lots of great and super fun single track. The climb up Stoney Run Trail goes on forever, switchback after switchback. The Mountainside Trail is aptly named; it skirts around the side of the mountain on a super narrow trail bench cut trail. Beautiful lookout from Tuscarora Trail. Some trails here are flowy and smooth, others are gnarly and rocky; so a good mix. The state park has great facilities; the showers are super hot and the campsites are nice sized. We would recommend this place for a multi-day mountain biking getaway.
Day 4: Sherando Lake Trail System, Lyndhurst. Main singletrack loop of Torry Ridge and Mill Creek about 18 miles total, but there are other trails there to add more miles. We made the mistake of accessing the trails from inside the park; don't try to go up the Blue Loop Trails- impossible. It was one mile of straight hike a bike up rocky steps and steep slopes. Best is to park at the Mill Creek parking area. Torry Ridge Trail is pretty much one constant rock garden, super technical and fun. Mill Creek Trail descends down to the hollow and meanders along a creek; it's a smooth and rolling trail. Mill Creek Connector pretty overgrown, it was a challenge at times to follow the trail. Overall a good loop but we learned what trails NOT to take next time; worth riding but get info from locals about which trails to use and where to park.
In summary, the riding the first half of our trip had it highlights and lowlights. Some trails were super fun and awesome to ride; others had us cursing and wondering how long to the end. To ride here means to climb...and climb...and climb. Some days were were climbing for about an hour to get to the ridge top, only to spend 15 minutes flying down the other side of the mountain. Get your climbing legs ready to ride in George Washington National Forest.
Other highlights of the first half of our trip included hiking on the Appalachian Trail (just some short hikes with Cliff), a visit to the Natural Bridge, driving (and eating dinner) on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and stopping at the Peaks of Otter Winery.
Stay tuned next week for the second half of our Virginia adventure.
As we were looking into places to ride and potentially race over the three day holiday weekend, we decided we wanted something different, something fun, and something that was in a place we had never ridden before. Thus, we decided on the Substance Projects Kingston Trophy Marathon Championships 80K marathon race in Kingston, Ontario.
Yes, some may say we are crazy. Who decides to pack up their dog, their bikes, and leave after work on Friday evening for a Saturday race that is in another country...we do, OK, so yes, maybe we are crazy. After sleeping in a Cracker Barrel parking lot over night, we arrived at the race location with ample time to register, get ready, and stretch the legs after traveling.
The race was a two- lap course (half-marathon racers did one lap). Overall the Kingston area does not have the climbs, descents, and rocky sections like we do here in Pennsylvania (which I admit, both Joël and I look forward to those type of terrain features); but what this race did have was so many crazy and interesting course attributes that it kept us guessing, smiling, and on our toes the entire race.
Most, if not all, of the race course was on private property. The first section of the course was tight and twisty. Many places my bars just made it between the trees. After this came the barn, yup, the race course went through a barn. Pretty cool. After the barn was pump track, and wow, it was impressive. If ridden fast enough, riders could get air over many of the jumps. The course then wove it's way through a marshy area with a beaver dam right next to the course and tons of bridges to ride over; some of them if one went off the side it would be a wet and murky end to your ride. A rocky section of the course had some nice rock gardens and technical drops and short, steep downhills. A few short climbs here and there throughout the course added some vertical gain.
Along the entire course strange objects were seen- old cars and old bikes, a statue of what I would assume was a yeti-like creature, little buildings in the middle of the woods, and signs for route 66 and beaver construction areas. A very fun course to ride.
If the course was not fun enough, the post-race festivities were top-notch. Endless hamburgers, salads, and drinks for all racers. A swimming pool for a post-race dip. The podium and award ceremony was pool-side, and winners were expected to jump into the pool from the podium. Racers were allowed to camp at the race site before and after the event. Post race camping included fun conversation and beers around a fire-pit with our new Canadian friends. What a great event! It was certainly well-worth the travel.
As for results, I was first overall female. Joël was trying to have too much fun on the pump track, and twists and turns and sustained a few crashes; he then decided to take it easy to avoid further disaster but still ended up seventh in the open men category.
So this week is a video from a recent event, a ride and skills clinic at Sals trail system. First we started in the open field at the parking area to practice some skills and work on proper technique, position on the bike, and bike handling skills. From there we headed to the single track to put our skills to the test.
