Single Track Sunday
Place: Camelback, Tannersville, PA
Ridden: December 2014
Video
Click on video to play
Camelback Trails are a mix of single track and fire road trails located in Tannersville, PA. They are just up the road from Camelback Ski resort, hence the naming theme.
We have been to these trails only a few times despite the rather close proximity to where we live. There is no official map of the place, so riding there on your own can be a bit frustrating. The other thing about the place is the way the trails get overgrown. At times there is so much scrub brush grown over one can barely see the trail. The trails have potential to be fun, but going there with someone who knows the trails and going in the fall or winter when the vegetation is at a minimum is recommended.
Without having a map or guide, who knows how much and where we actually rode. The single track seems limited, most of the trails are double track and/or fire roads. There is also a powerline that runs through the area, which would make for a super fast descent and a super tough climb back up.
The trails run along the top of the mountain, so overall, not an immense amount of elevation changes (unless one ventures on the powerline just mentioned). There are an amazing amount of springs, waterfalls, and even a lake (Deep Lake) that are crystal clear and mountain fresh. They make great places for Cliff to stop for a dip to cool off and get a drink.
So overall not one of our favorite places, but definitely somewhere worth visiting. I am sure we will be back again in the future.
Event: Highlights of 2014 Giant Northeast Racing Season
Place: Mid-Atlantic Super Series Races and a few other places
Ridden: 2014
Highlight Video
Click on video to play
This week's Single Track Sunday is a highlight video of the year, with a focus on the Giant Northeast team.
This year was our first year riding for Giant Northeast, and it has been a positive experience for both of us. Getting to ride amazing bikes, making new friends, and sharing the "Ride Life" and "LIV Beyond" philosophies has made 2014 a good year for both of us.
Riding the Lust Advanced 0 and Anthem Advanced 27.5 has made for many great miles on the trails. The 27.5 inch wheels accelerate quickly and roll over things easily, the Maestro suspension absorbs the chatter well on the downhills, and is stiff and efficient on the uphills, and the SRAM components keep the gears shifting smoothly.
New riding partners and racing friends have been made by being part of the team. And added bonus to this; friends in other places means more places to ride! And teammates visiting us means people to show around the local trails. It's been a fun year making new friends out there on the trails.
But of course even with awesome bikes and great gear, we would not be on the trails at all without the help and support of Saucon Valley Bikes. Our local shop, SVB, has kept our bikes in working order and makes sure we are race ready. And let's not forget ProGold lube, keeping those chains happy and Stan's keeping the tires from going flat.
2014 was a great year of racing for me, a so-so year for Joël. I hit all my goals and did better than expected at many races. Joël just had a tough time getting into the grove at some races. Highlights of the year were a FIRST place at the Trans-sylvania Epic for us in the Co-ed Duo Division, a FOURTH place at the 100 mile race the Wilderness 101 for me, and FIRST overall for me and SECOND for Joël in the MASS Endurance Series. Most important was we finished every race we started, no DNFs here. A stomach virus at TSE, sitting on the side of the road at Wilderness, and multiple flat tires at Tuscarora sometimes had us questioning what we were doing, but we persevered though the tough times and came out of these times stronger and knowing we can make it through the tough times.
And a key aspect of the year- going through all of this together. We train together and often race together (doing multiple duo races a year). We both enjoy mountain biking, but what we enjoy the most is mountain biking together, helping each other through the tough times and enjoying each other's good times. And of course, ride would not be complete without Cliff, the best trail friend ever!
Thanks to everyone for all of the support this year. Here's looking to 2015!
Race results for 2014 Tuscarora 4 hour Endurance: Jess 7th; Joël 7th; multiple flat tires for both of us at this race Team Relay- who knows our places but we had fun Michaux 4 hour Endurance: Jess 4th; Joël 6th Fair Hill XC (Cat 1): Jess 13th; Joël 28th Iron Hill 4 hour Endurance: Jess 2nd, Joël 6th French Creek 4 hr Endurance: Jess 2nd, Joël 3rd Greenbriar 4 hour Endurance: Jess 2nd; Joël 4th Trans-Sylvania Epic Stage Race: 1st Place Co-ed Duo Rothrock Trail Mix Marathon: Jess 3rd, Joël 10th Stoopid 50 Marathon: Jess 5th; Joël 90th; we rode together, taking pictures and stopping to enjoy the scenery Patapasco 66 Mile Marathon:1st place Co-ed Duo Wilderness 101: Jess 4th, Joël 51st Rattling Creek 50 Miler: Jess 3rd, Joël 9th Fair Hill Endurace: Jess 7th, Joël 15th Raven Enduro: Jess 1st, Joël 7th TREXX Fest Enduro: Jess 5th, Joël 9th MASS Endurance Series Overall Endurance- Jess 1st, Joël 2nd No DNFs, we raced and finished every race we entered.
Single Track Sunday
Event: Limestone Cross at the Kiln
Place: Camp Olympic, Emmaus, PA
Happened: December 2014
Video recap of event
Click on video to play
Written recap of event
This edition of Single Track Sunday has Joël and I as spectators, not riders. All of the riding we did this past week was local trails and places already featured on Single Track Sunday, so we decided to do something a little different and feature an event in which we watched, not rode in.
Limestone Cross at the Kiln was a cyclocross race in Emmaus, PA. Cyclocross is something new to Single Track Sunday, so you may be wondering what it is. This is a type of bicycle racing that typically takes place in Autumn/Winter. It consists of many short laps (typically 1-2 miles per lap) of a course consisting of grass, pavement, gravel, wooded trails, steep hills, and obstacles in which riders needed to quickly dismount, run a bit, and quickly remount again. The courses are typically very twisty. Races usually last between 30 minutes and an hour. The bikes used look much like road-style bikes, they are just built slightly stronger and have bigger tires.
The location of the race was Camp Olympic, a public park managed by Lower Macungie Township. This park has been around for ages, having undergone many improvements in the past few years. It consists mainly of large open fields with a creek running though the park, some picnic groves, and rumor has it a pump track is in the works.
Cyclocross is something Joël and I do not have an interest in racing. Nothing against this type of racing, just something we are not interested in. It's a fun sport to spectate because one can see pretty much the entire race and see riders go by multiple times. Heckling riders can become quite the event at cross races, to the point where mobs of people congregate in one area to cheer riders on; often handing out beer, food, and even money. So something that to us is fun to watch, just not race.
Single Track Sunday
Place: South Mountain Bethlehem, PA
Ridden: December 2014
Ride Video
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Ride Review
These are what Joël and I would consider our local, hometown trails. They are only a few miles from our house, an easy ride there on the roads and a short enough ride that Clifford can travel there in his cart. This a favorite spot and common location for the Sunday morning group ride we are part of.
This trail system was built when mountain biking was just starting. The trails were built by and are maintained by the individuals who ride them; with many of the people who built them still riding there. Trails sometimes change due to things such as fallen trees, erosion, and power company activities; occasionally a new trail is built. This keeps things interesting and fresh.
With names such as Lung Buster, Bones, Superman, and Dude Where's My Ball one may wonder what type of trails these are. They are rocky, gnarly, and unforgiving. There is never an "easy ride" done at Lehigh. The majority is single track, with a couple of old jeep trails and power company access roads here and there. A few miles of downhill trails have been built, adding to the fun. The trails climb up and down the side of South Mountain with a few miles looping all around the top of the mountain. There are some spectacular views of South Bethlehem and Hellertown.
Total mileage is at least 15; probably even 20 or more if one doesn't mind looping back onto the same trail for a bit to reach a different trail. With a little road riding, these trails can be connected to Sals (Walking Purchase) and even South Mountain Emmaus (Alpine) for an all day epic ride.
Jordan Creek Parkway is a 269 acre suburban park located just north of Allentown in Whitehall, PA. The park offers a variety of options for recreation of all varieties. Much of the park is a wooded area with trails for hiking, running and mountain biking of all levels. The area is excellent for bird watching and nature study. The Jordan Creek weaves through the park and offers fishing opportunities. In additional to nature activities, athletic fields are available that are suitable for softball/baseball, football, soccer, cricket, and other sports. A disc golf and picnic area are also located within the park. Pretty much no matter what your outdoor activity is, Jordan Parkway has you covered.
All levels can mountain bike at Jordan. The network of trails constantly loops back to the main trail that bisects the park. This allows for a quick ride if time constraints exist and also allows riders of all levels to choose from a variety of trails. The trails have something for everyone from straight, flat double track to single track with log overs, log rides, and short rock gardens. Overall the terrain is fairly flat; there are a few technical climbs and descents that will challenge the advanced riders. Overall, the trails are hardpacked ground, however drainage is poor at some places so use discretion when the conditions are wet. Total miles- who knows? Certainly not the place for an epic, all day ride but there are so many small loops with in loops that one could ride there taking trails from different directions and from different connector trails for an hour or two meanwhile never be more than a few miles from the parking lot. Rumor has it there are plans to connect this trail system with the IRT.
As for our ride, it was nice to see some of the non-regulars show up for the Sunday morning group ride. Geiger, Turtlestino, and Angry Frank Racer Boy mixed things up a bit. The conditions were a bit slippery and sloppy due to the snowfall earlier in the week, but it was still a great ride with friends. Clifford always enjoys the Sunday morning group rides, it is a chance for him to run the trails with his friend Barnaby.
Overall, Jordan is a place where beginners can ride the whole network of trails, encountering numerous opportunities to improve their skills. Intermediate to advanced riders can pick up the pace and choose the more technical trails to increase the difficulty level. - video by Joël - words by Jess
This version of Single Track Sunday takes us away from the single track for a bit. Due to a flu-like illness in the Nankman household (or maybe too much Zombie Zin consumed the night before?) the originally planned video-making ride was cut short with not enough footage to make a cycling video. To make sure Cliff still enjoyed his day and got some good quality sprints in, we brought out Cliff's second favorite toy the "Zoom Car" (Cliff's first favorite toy is mountain bikes).
The "Zoom Car" (as we call it so that Cliff recognizes the name) is a remote control car. It can reach speeds of 70 miles and hour and can tear around the yard in circles and figure-eights. Cliff LOVES to chase this thing. When Cliff hears the motor running his ears perk up and he comes to attention, knowing the car is about to zoom around the yard. Cliff chases it at full speed, and when the car stops he pushes it and bites on the wheel in an attempt to get it going again. Maybe not quite as fun as mountain biking but still a good workout and fun toy for Cliff.
So sorry there is no ride footage this week. After some recovery time another ride location should be up next week. However, we hope you enjoy the footage of Cliff chasing the car. It is quite entertaining to watch.
Blue Marsh Lake is a man-made lake long the Tupelhocken Creek northwest of Reading, PA that features numerous outdoor activities. With over 36 miles of trail, 5,000 acres of land, 1,147 acres of water, picnic areas, a small beach and boat launches the lake can accommodate all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. Of course the reason we were there was to mountain bike. The 30 mile perimeter trail that goes around the lake makes for a great few hours of riding.
The trails have a mixture of surfaces ranging from hard-packed dirt, grass, gravel, abandoned roads, and single track. The routes travel through open fields and woodlands, offering views of the lake, forested areas, and wide-open vistas. The terrain is not especially technical, but there are some challenging climbs and super fast descents. The trails are also heavily used by runners/hikers, equestrians, and this time of year hunters; so always be on the look-out for others.
Being that it is a man-made lake, Blue Marsh has an interesting history. Blue Marsh was the name of the village that was located where the lake is now; it was the first settlement in the township. There were farms, homes, a church, schoolhouse, post office, and general store. Prior to flooding, some buildings were spared. Gruber Wagon Works was moved a safe distance away before the dam was created and Old Dry Run Farm had most buildings relocated out of the village. The dam was authorized by Congress for flood control, water supply, water quality, and recreation. The project was built and maintained by the Philadelphia District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, starting in 1974 and completed in 1979. The dam is located on the Tulpehocken Creek and the project's water control practices benefit the downstream communities.
Blue Marsh is an outdoor activity mecca with an interesting history. Definitely a great place to ride if you are looking for somewhere to get in a lengthy ride by doing the entire loop; but don't forget to take time to stop an enjoy the views of the lake. Just as an FYI- bring extra water in the summer. Places to fill bottles are scarce and the open fields are hot and sunny. Also, if doing the entire loop be committed to your ride, once you are on the opposite side of the lake from where you parked there is no way back except to finish the loop.
Place: D & L Canal Trail, Freemansburg Trailhead, PA
Ridden: November 2014
Click on video to play
The race season has come to an end, thus rides are becoming more about leisurely riding and enjoying the scenery than about training.
In the spirit of taking a relaxing, fun ride this edition of Single Track Sunday we explored the D&L Canal Trail, starting at the Freemansburg Trailhead. We often ride this in the winter and I take this when commuting to work. During these previously mentioned rides we often have time constraints and/or just need to get the miles in, so not much time for stopping. The ride this time was different. We took time to stop and explore the historic sites and scenery along the way. Old canal locks, a grist mill, and views of the Lehigh River were all part of this ride.
The D&L Trail follows the 165 mile route that anthracite coal took from mine to market. It winds through northern mountains and along the banks of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers through northeast PA, the Lehigh Valley,and Bucks County. The trail passes through towns, industrial powerhouses and along remnants of the Lehigh and Delaware canals. This earthen path allows walkers, hikers, and cyclists to see some of PA's finest wild lands, waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife; while exposing users to an important part of PA history.
We entered the trail at the Freemansburg Trailhead and spent most of the ride heading toward Easton. This relatively isolated section of trail connects Freemansburg and Hugh Moore Park. Located along the former canal prism, the only sounds users will hear is the flowing Lehigh River and the songs of birds. The remnants of canal infrastructure are scattered along the path, and a close-up view of the chain dam and Island Park are highlights of the trip. A side trip into Hugh Moore Park and one can visit the mules that are there as part of the park educational exhibits. The trail is popular with runners, cyclists, and people walking their dogs.
A nice place for a walk, ride, or family outing to enjoy nature and history.
Single Track Sunday
Place: Settlers Cabin Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Ridden: November 2014
Click on video to play
Both Joël and I will admit that Single Track Sunday this week is a bit lacking in excitement and adventure. A work related conference took us to Pittsburgh, PA for the weekend. Clifford had to stay home but we did bring the bikes along intending to find some local trails to ride. The conference encompassed more hours than expected, and thus time to ride dwindled. After looking at maps and reading trail reviews on the internet, we would be passing Settlers Cabin Park on the way home. Trail reviews seemed decent so we decided to stop there.
The park is named Settlers Cabin due to the fact that archaeologists from Carnegie Museum of Natural History identified origins of a 1780 log cabin in the area. The theme of the park is also the Native American heritage of the area; shelters and groves in the park have Indian names.
The area where the park is located was originally a maze of abandoned open and back-filled mines when the county secured it. Active wells and exposed oil and gas lines were initial problems but the grading and reforestation of the land has restored it to rolling wooded slopes and meadows. At 1589 acres, this park was intended to be the largest of the regional parks and still has a wild, rugged, and unexplored quality not found in the other parks.
The park contains opportunities for all sorts of activities, Picnic groves, playgrounds, a wavepool, tennis courts, hockey rink, and trails for walking/running, cycling, and equestrian use are spread throughout the park.
So what was our impression of the park? It is a great place for family adventures, taking your dog for a walk, or a relaxing hike on a fall day. The cycling trails would be great for a beginner or a easy recovery ride day, but certainly don't expect to get tons of quality miles there. We ended up just cruising around for a bit and then decided our time would be better spent getting on the road for the long drive home. Definitely a very nice park, just not what we were looking for.
This week had us and others dressing up in costume for the TrexxxFest Halloween Enduro race. Sometimes racing is about going hard, sometimes it is all about having fun, sometimes it is about going as hard as you can while having fun wearing a costume. This race was all about the last option.
First off, what is an Enduro? This is a little different than what we usually race. The entire course is ridden by each racer but only certain sections are timed. These are typically the downhill and/or more technical sections. Each timed section is no more than a few miles long; so it means riding really fast for a short period of time; then riding easy during the in between sections to the next timed stage. Check out the blog entry about The Raven Enduro (September 2014) for more Enduro info and examples.
For the TrexxxFest Enduro, each timed stage was between 1.5 and 2.5 miles long. They incorporated flowy descents as well as a little climbing. There were some logovers, berms, and little jumps to keep things interesting. Overall, the Trexler trails have been designed to be fast, flowy, and fun. All three stages started at a central staging area, which made refueling and rehydrating easy- just stop at your vehicle to grab what you need. The end of each stage was part way up a climb but not all the way to the top. Also included in the race was an award for "Best Costume".
The location for the race was within the Trexler Nature Preserve. The Preserve, located within Lehigh County, PA, is a place where people can hike, cycle, ride horses, cross country ski, fish, or just view nature. The 1,108 acre expanse was founded by General Harry Trexler as a way to protect endangered bison and elk at the turn of the 20th century. Today, visitors can glimpse these animals in the natural habitat. The North, South, and Central ranges feature unique landscapes from meadows and hills to hemlock forests and deep ravines. Located in the Central Range is the Lehigh Valley Zoo, a great family adventure. As for mountain biking, there is about 8 to 9 miles of single track trails and the 8.5 mile Border Trail around the preserve. Not all the trails are multiuse, markers indicate which users are permitted on the trails.
As for our race, we looked like superheros but were not quite as fast as who we were portraying. Joël dressed as Superman and I as Wonder Woman. Joël placed 9th in Open Men and I was 4th Open Women. Enduros are not really our thing, we would rather pedal all day for 50 or 100 miles. Despite being a little out of our element, we went with the primary intention to have fun, show some Halloween spirit by dressing up, work on technique and skills, and enjoy the day with friends- and we did all of those things.
Place: Allegrippis Trails and Seven Points Recreation Area, Raystown Lake, PA
Ridden: October 2014
Click on video to play
This weekend was a camping and riding adventure with friends at the Allegrippis Trail System at Raystown Lake, PA. These trails allow us to ride something different than what we normally ride- riding Allegrippis is like riding a roller coaster. There are barely any rocks, just lots of rollers, turns, and fast flowly trails. Open since 2009, Allegrippis has 33 miles of single track, built on the surrounding hills of Pennsylvania's largest lake, Raystown. The trails are owned by the Friends of Raystown Lake (FRL) organization and maintained by volunteer efforts of the Raystowne Mountain Bicycling Association (RMBA).
The trails range in difficulty from beginner to expert with three stacked loops, making the combinations endless. Using the same shape/color trails difficulty identification system used by ski resorts, riders know what sort of challenge lies ahead. The sustainably built trail system is open year round. Do keep in mind that the trails are multiuse, one may encounter hikers/runner and the land the trails are on is open to hunting and trapping.
As for our riding experiences at Allegrippis, we always make it a point to hit every trail while there. Favorite trails include Hydro Loop (fast loop with great views of the water and on old beaver dam), Ray's Revenge (great downhill), Stoney (only major rock garden in the place), and Dark Hollow (fast descent with a big climb out).
In our opinion Ridge Camp is the best camping area, nice sites and a heated bathroom with showers that have great water pressure and super hot water. It was a windy, chilly weekend of riding and camping so those hot showers felt amazing!
What a great adventure this was. Camping with friends and relaxing around the campfire at night, getting in some great riding, and having Cliff there with us made for fun times.
Single Track Sunday
Event: Tri-a-Biathlon
Place: Center Valley, PA
Click on video to play
Single Track Sunday this week is something a little different than the norm. Joël and a crew from Saucon Valley Bikes helped out a local race called the Tri-a-Biathlon.
The Tri-a-Biathlon Challenge was a bike/run race for students grades 3-12 that takes part in Southern Lehigh School District. All participants biked four miles. Grades 3-6 ran 1.5 miles; 7-8 2.5 miles; and 9-12 ran a 5K. There was in inflatable obstacle course for elementary school age (K-3) students. It was a morning of fun and fitness for all!
Saucon Valley Bikes was there for mechanical support; prior to the race pumping tires and helping with any last minute bike tune-ups. During the race shop employees were driving the course; assisting with mechanical problems and being the "sweep"; picking up racers that may not be able to finish (the Saucon Valley Bikes crew did not have to pick up any racers!)
Despite the rainy weather, the racers were happy to be out there. Joël even said he saw one competitor that was sprinting through every puddle she could find and thinking the huge splash was the best! The athletes and spectators did not let a little rain ruin their day.
Single Track Sunday
Event: BEMBA (Bald Eagle Mountain Biking Association) Jamboree
Place: Bald Eagle State Forest/RB Winter State Park, Mifflinburg, PA
Ridden: October 2014
Click on video to play.
Getting the chance to catch up with old friends and attending the BEMBA Jamboree took a group of us from the Lehigh Valley to Bald Eagle State Forest and RB Winter State Park for this edition of Single Track Sunday.
Bald Eagle State Forest, named for the famous Native American Chief Bald Eagle, includes 193,424 acres in Snyder, Union, Centre, Mifflin, and Clinton counties of PA. It spans across the high, sharp ridges of central PA and features miles of pristine mountain streams and numerous tracts of old growth forest. This area was the last stronghold for the mountain buffalo in the state.
RB Winter State Park, located within Bald Eagle State Forest, covers 695 acres of the Ridge and Valley Province. The park lies in a shallow basin surrounded by rocky ridges covered with oak and pine forest. The focal point of the park is
Halfway Lake which is filled by spring-fed mountain streams and contained by a hand-laid, native sandstone dam (built by CCC workers, see last week's Single Track Sunday). Open year round, the park provides diverse opportunities for recreation.
Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails. RB Winter provides access to 25 mountain biking trails that cover 48 miles. Additionally, there are over 100 miles of connecting forestry roads. The Bald Eagle Purple Lizard map shows all the trails in detail and is a must when riding in this area. Trails are challenging, fun, and be ready to climb.
Mentioned above, this weekend was the BEMBA Jamboree. BEMBA is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance, and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers in Bald Eagle State Forest. The Jamboree was a weekend event, with camping, food, and activities for all ages. Group rides, bike polo, a huge fire pit, and a little skills park brought everyone together for the weekend. We made new friends, met those who helped develop the trails for TSE, and the highlight of the weekend was spending time hanging out and riding with an old friend who lives in the area. We were also surprised to see our coffee-making camping companion again.
Another added bonus for me this weekend was that it included the first ride on my new 2015 LIV Lust Advanced. Not much changed from the 2014 version except the colors. The 2015 color scheme is AMAZING. This is one great looking bike!
The riding was awesome, seeing old friends was great, and it was nice to make new friends. A visit to the Scarlet D in Mifflinburg for fried pickles and beer made the weekend complete.
We have been to these trails only a few times despite the rather close proximity to where we live. There is no official map of the place, so riding there on your own can be a bit frustrating. The other thing about the place is the way the trails get overgrown. At times there is so much scrub brush grown over one can barely see the trail. The trails have potential to be fun, but going there with someone who knows the trails and going in the fall or winter when the vegetation is at a minimum is recommended.
- words by Jess
