Liv/SVB Ladies Ride and Clinic, Bethlehem, PA

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! 

- words by Jess

- video by Joël

RB Winter State Park, Millfinburg, PA

Single Track Sunday
Place: RB Winter State Park, Mifflinburg, PA
Ridden: November 2015

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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.

- words by Jess
- video by Joël