Single Track Sunday- Pine Barrens, NJ

Single Track Sunday
Place: Batsto Village, Pine Barrens, NJ
Ridden: February 2014

This theme for the ride this weekend was again to escape the snow.  We traveled with some friends to Wharton State Forest, which is within the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey. No snow there and warm temperatures, which made for a great day on the bike.

The average elevation of the Pine Barrens is about 80 feet above sea level, so needless to say there is no climbing. But flat terrain brings about another challenge, one has to always be pedaling, which can be just as exhausting as climbing. The trails are hard packed single track that weave among the pine trees, sometimes coming precariously close to them.

Total miles of the cycling trails is about 30. There are miles and miles of dirt roads (we were told only certain roads are open to cyclists, but have not confirmed that fact) and many hiking only trails also. We only explored the cycling trails, but if one adds in the dirt roads it could easily make for an epic day on the bike.

The Batsto Parking lot is a good choice of places to park. There is a visitors center with flush toilets, water fountain, and gift shop.  Additionally, the Batsto Village is right there for the historians out there. It is a National Historic Site; an old village that is fully preserved.


Click on video to view


Single Track Sunday- Raleigh-Durham, NC

Single Track Sunday
Place: Raleigh- Durham, NC
Ridden: February, 2014

Way to much snow in Pennsylvania, we had to get away.  After calling multiple bike shops all over the east coast, Joël found out that pretty much no where has single track that can be ridden, winter storm Pax made everything too sloppy.  Thus, we decided on a weekend of road riding and found the closest place that had sun, warmish temperatures, and the least amount of snow so that Cliff could hit the trails for some hiking. After much weather checking, we headed to the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina.

Multiple state parks in the area offered hiking choices for Cliff, so he was able to run and feel grass under his feet.  Road riding in the area in abundant. By using the web to search for riding routes and the Garmin GPS maps to help us explore, we were able to get in many miles on the road bikes. Our rides took us through some back country roads (yes, we were chased by many dogs, for those of you that have ridden in the south you know what that is like), to Kerr Dam, and even into Virginia. Temperatures were decent and the sun was shining so it was a great weekend to be on the bike.  It was so nice to actually get out and ride our bikes and to watch Cliff run around on the trails.

Driving back to Pennsylvania , we could see the snow amounts get higher and higher.  Hopefully it will all melt here soon!


Our Sweet New Rides


2014 is bringing each of us something new, new rides for each of us.

Joël has the Anthem Advanced 27.5 2 Original components include Rock Shox Reba RL fork (lightweight fork that will take a beating and needs minimal maintenance to keep functioning properly), Giant P-XC2 wheelset (bombproof XC wheelset), Sram X7 2x10 Shifters (great bang for your buck), Sram X9 type 2 rear derailleur (Joël's all time favorite component from Sram).  For a personal touch, Joël decided to go with a Giant P-TRX 1 wheelset because it is significantly lighter than the stock wheels, as well as a Rock Shox Sid RCT3 rapid recovery fork that has some new technology that is worth trying and so far he is very impressed with.  Bottom line is; this is a very well rounded XC race bike, that feels right at home on an all day epic ride, as well as the occasional "Enduro" and is very competitively priced.

Jess has a almost stock Lust Advanced 0.  All she can say is WOW- what a sweet bike!  It has Sram XX1 drive train that shifts as smooth as butter.  Fork is Rock Shox SID and in the rear the awesome Maestro suspension is controlled by a Rock Shox Monarch; both help make even the gnarliest rock gardens feel smooth. Wheels are Giant P-XCR0; these carbon 27.5 inch wheels are super light weight; they barely add any thing extra to the bike's already lean 23 pounds.  Overall this is one amazing bike; lightweight, responsive, and the 27.5 size wheels really are the best of both worlds. This bike makes everyday on the trails fun.  Jess is super happy with this bike, she can't wait to get out there and race with it.

Looking forward to miles and miles on the trail in 2014.

Single Track Sunday- Ironton Rail Trail, PA

Single Track Sunday
Place: Ironton Rail Trail (IRT), Coplay, PA
Ridden: February 2014

Finally, a ride outside!

A friend suggested we take advantage of some decent weather last weekend and get together for a ride on the IRT. Sure, it means just riding in circles for a few hours but it is worth it just to be outside. I don't know how much more we can handle riding the home trainer.

The Ironton Rail Trail is a 5 mile paved loop in Coplay and Whitehall, PA.  It follows an old railroad bed, passing many historic buildings and railway items along the way. The nice thing about this trail is that it is maintained in the winter, meaning it is plowed. It still has icy and messy patches, but at least it is somewhere to ride.  In the Whitehall section, a "spur" of the trail heads off towards the Whitehall Parkway. This section of the trail goes on for a few miles; it is somewhat maintained but can be quite the adventure to ride.

It certainly was wonderful to get outside.  We rode along chit-chatting and catching up. We stopped and talked with other cycling friends who were also out that we haven't seen since before winter. Of course just a few days after this ride another major snow storm and cold temps hit again so back to the home trainer.  But...as the video shows we have taken up another winter training activity- sledding.  I guess the snow and ice do have something fun to offer.

Click on the video link below to view

Single Track Sunday- Cliff highlights

Single Track Sunday
Place:  various single track trails in the Lehigh Valley
When: Winter 2013-2014

Taking an idea from the Puppy Bowl played prior to the Super Bowl, this week's Single Track Sunday is the Cliff Bowl I- highlights of Cliff having fun in the snow.

The mid-atlantic region is currently covered in a blanket of snow and ice, and it doesn't look like it is ending anytime soon.  Because of this, our riding has been limited primarily to indoors on the home trainer, way to boring to make a video of.  We have been getting outside to hike and run, for us not quite as exhilarating as riding but Cliff seems to enjoy it just about as much.

We have taken notice notice many followers enjoy watching Cliff, and he hasn't been in the past two episodes.

Because of the lack of riding and the fact that many people are asking "where's Cliff?" we decided to dedicate this week's edition to Cliff.

Click on video to play


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