New Years Day Ride

Ride time 10:30am

Old reservoir parking lot.

New Years Ride

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!  I wanted to see what kind of interest there was for doing a ride new years eve.  For a past couple years a few of us ventured into the woods a couple hours before midnight and road to a pretty sweet lookout spot along middle ridge road were you can see a least 3-4 firework displays at midnight.  After that then riding to a predesignated beer stop and possible campfire stop.  The past years its been pretty fun and I would like to continue and grow this tradition.

Who's in?

And feel free to forward this on to anyone else you think might be interested.  

Email jbacinski@gmail.com if you are plan on going.

Anybody get a bike for Christmas?

To you and your family. 

And all the best this holiday!

See you at a ride soon.

~Slowride

Sunday Long Pine

I'm going to ride from Long Pine Sunday at 9:00am.  Going to finish by noon and keep it to 10-12 miles.  Anyone welcome.

Scott

Sunday: Old Forge

I am the self designated poster. Chief will be the delegated ride leader. Chief will be leading from the rear. Leaving at 9AM.

Shedding light

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25005

Two Local Cross Gigs

Hey Ya'll, coming up soon I've got a few little cross races planned for around here.

THIS SUNDAY is a free cross race at new frontiers just outside of carlisle. Bonfire, potluck food, and maybe the octobong (the legendary beverage dispenser from dirtfest party boat) out on some singletrack. There's several categories, prizes hidden in the woods, and the unofficial trail doggie world champs. Things go off at 10am. 51 people are signed up already. Info here: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17256

Saturday January 5th: PhillySSWC'13 Semi-Invitational Kick-Off SingleSpeedaTerrificNess Cross Race!!!  If you haven't heard, SS Cross Worlds are coming to philly in 2013. This is part of a big effort to get some stoke on for the one geared skinny tired knobbies. We've been building some trail and a pump track out at Ralph's in Chambersburg. I think he's got plans of sharing his little lunch time mecca-to-be, and this is a good chance to come hang out, drink some beer, watch some idiots, and have some fun. This one isn't free to race, but we can try to get the pump track rolling smooth if its dry enough because that is free. https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17753

Just some fun local stuff going on in the next couple weeks.

End of the World, Scotts B-day, Beer!

What do these have in common you ask? Well, they'll all be happening in one place at the same time this Friday evening starting at 5:30pm at Good Ta Go in Chambersburg.

First, we'll be sending one of our own over the hill......further. Scott will be celebrating 46 years! Come help us figure out why he only looks 30'ish.

Second, we'll be sending ourselves into the abyss...further right? The world should have ended at 12:21pm that day so, if you're still alive make the best of it and join us!

Third, Beer! Good Ta Go has a great selection. Most of us like beer. So, this place is like giving a bike junky keys to Sram's warehouse. I know what you're thinking. We'll be there early too!!

See you there.

Sunday 12-22

I am not planning on the world still being around.
See ya'll in the next life.
Seriously though, no regular Sunday ride is being scheduled. If anybody wants to lead a ride, go ahead and post it.
Merry Christmas!

Sunday 12-16

Hmmmmm.
Was thinking either a redo on last week's classic Caledonia ride, or a trip north from big flat with a little 3 mile (maybe in both directions?).
Let's hear some votes!!
It'll be a 9am start. I will decide Saturday morning.

****Added Sat am****
Alright, there it is. It'll be Caledonia. See you all there.

Thursday Ride

Thursday we will ride out of Big Flat lot at 5:30pm. The plan is to roll out a casual loop, then return to the lot for beverages, hang out and view the Geminid meteor shower which peaks out on Thursday night. With forcasted clear skies, a new moon and a wide open lot on top of a mountain, conditions couldn't be more well suited for spectating the shower. There's talk of cooking food over a campfire as well, so bring your meat n prongs! This will be an evening gathering in Michaux that you will not want to miss!!!

Sunday 12-9

Caledonia ... classic.
9am.

 SICK DAY AT ALLEGRIPIS - Monday Dec. 10th.
Who feels a fever coming on????

Tuesday Ride

5:30pm @ Big Flat.

where kegs fly

Rockburn Skills Park

Walking Dead Party at Hugheys' House!

If only I'd had this idea at Halloween!  Over the last week I've become aware that quite a few of my mountain bike brethren are, like me, not so secretly addicted to the TV show "The Walking Dead".  Some of you have not been able to watch season 3 so I am coming to the rescue.

So, this Thursday night, we will watch at least the first four episodes of season 3 starting at 6:00pm.

We will provide Pizza and a case of beer.  If you have some kind of snacks you'd like to bring or something non-alcoholic to drink besides water please feel free.  Please post a response to this thread with your pizza preference if you intend to come so I know how many and what kind of pizzas to get.

Sorry to conflict with the usual Thursday night club ride but this just needs to be done!

Sunday Ride

Back down to Old Forge.
Planning a little enduro-style loop, so bring the full-squishes if you have them (or if they're working - mine's currently in pieces).
Ride at 9.

Hunting and Mountain Bikes?

Well, the guns are here for a few weeks....

I decided to search the internet for mountain bike hunters. I did not realize how much hunters utilize mountain bikes. Seems there is a hunting guide specifically on how to convert a mountain bike into a deer cart. Other hunters actually ride the bike. What got me was the fact that there are gun racks for bicycles!! Which made me wonder....Does anyone make a bike specifically for hunting?

You bet yer SS they do!

Here it is. The Beast Stalker. Complete with handlebar mounted gun rack! 

It's gun season. Be careful out there.

Sunday Ride

Laurel Lake parking lot.
Ride at 9am.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all you bike riding turkey's....Have a good one!

For WMU 5A (Michaux): Bear season closes at sunset today. Archery is closed already.  Deer gun seasons opens Monday the 26th. So, for the rest of this week you are free to move about the forest during daylight. Don't take any chances, wear orange and leave the antler helmet at home. 

See you at a ride soon!

~Slow

Sunday

Old Forge, 9AM.

Emmitsburg Trail Work Days

The final two Emmitsburg Trail Work Days for 2012 are approaching.
Sunday 11/18 & Sunday 12/16 end this year's trail work series.
As always, free food will be available before and after the work for volunteers and their families.

Any consideration is appreciated. Even if you are unable to attend, it would be appreciated if you could
share the message with your family, friends and associates.
The 10/28 (Pre-Sandy) work day went well with ten volunteers on hand, a number of whom came because they got the word through a friend.

There is other good news to share!
A $30,000 grant was formally awarded from the Recreational Trails Program to the Trail Conservancy to build trails here.
This will allow the Trail Conservancy to hire laborers and machines to complete the beginner trail and build the intermediate trail, too.

 

A logical question is, 'Given the grant award, why have workdays?'
1- Workdays stretch the dollar by completing tasks that might otherwise absorb the pro's time and budget.
2- Workdays accrue volunteer hours, which satisfy the Town's match for its portion of the grant. This also saves taxpayers' money.
3- Workdays build community, and this is a great reward, too.

 

At present we have logged over 560 hours of volunteer labor.

The Trail Conservancy will begin their work in February, after hunting ends.
A trail opening event should occur later in the Spring or in early Summer.

Thanks for your time and things are looking better and better for local trails!

 

Join the effort on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 9am - 1pm.
We will meet at Rainbow Lake on Hampton Valley Road.
Ample free parking is available. Free food will precede and follow the work day!
Please dress for the weather and dress for the work.

 

Tim O'Donnell
Commissioner,
Town of Emmitsburg
301-447-3839

 timnoreen@juno.com

 

Tuesday Ride

5:30 @ Old Reservoir Lot.
Start time is negotiable.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Ride will be from Big Flat.
Will leave at 9er.
Thinking maybe a little jaunt Scientology-way.

Thurs Night Ride

Riding from Mont Alto at 5 tonight.
See you there (I hear there may be a Chuck sighting).

Saturday Super D runs?

Anyone interested in meeting up on saturday for a couple hours of shuttle runs (either by bike or vehicle) on a downhill in Tuscarora? Maybe around 10am....2-3 hours. Keen trail is what I'm thinking of: it's super steep and pretty nice. If so, I'll go out and clean the leaves off of it.

Chainsaw Safety Course: 4-6-13

All,

I have arranged for Mike Nelson, a ranger at Gallitzin State Forest, to teach a chainsaw safety course for LHORBA members at no charge. The course will be held at the Babcock office of Gallitzin State Forest on April 6, 2013.

Please keep in mind that you must have chainsaw certification to run a chainsaw in any PA State Forest. Even if that was not the case I found this course to be highly informative and worthwhile to do.

The maximum number that can attend the course is 15. So far we have 4 LHORBA members attending. Please let me know how many of you would be interested in this course so that I can give Mike a total of how many people will attend.

Mike Mucker - Laurel Hills Off Road Bicycle Association

Why would I bother posting about Skinny tires?

Cause you can ride your fat tires too! Anyways, I heard that there's an underground cross race going on in Carlisle tomorrow night. Thornwald park in Carlisle @ the parking lot closest to the movie theater. Show at 5pm, race at 5:30pm. MarketCross Pub afterwards. If it's your thing, come on out!


Hope everyone is ready for night riding! Dang it gets dark early.....

The Way Back Machine--looking for a 26" fork

 

(not Larry's bike)

 

Everyone set your time machines way back...I'm looking for an 80mm travel suspension fork for a 26" wheeled mountain bike. That is rim brake compatible. Preferably air-sprung. And moderne enough to have a 1.125" threadless steerer tube. Yeah, I know that a 1" steerer tube and elastomers would be the coup de grace for this bit of retro-awesomeness. Anyone have something like this laying around that they would to part with? RockShox or Fox? Contact me!

SMCC Raven Enduro recap

Slow, Ho and I headed north to give the northern trails a run at the first annual Raven Enduro being put on by the Seven Mountain Conservation Corp.  These guys did a ton of work to get the trails in shape for the event after the storm last week, and I must say they have some awesome trails that they showed off to a relatively small turnout.  I hope this thing happens again next year and there's more interest because it's cool event.  Congrats to Ho for a 3rd place overall finish and I think I can say we all had a great time today.

Here's a few pictures my wife took out on the course

sunday ride

this sunday we will ride from the totem pole parking lot at 9am. the mountains are still very juicy so we will try to stay high and dry. it's also very likely we will run into fallen trees and debris from the storm so bring your folding saw if you have one.

Gravel Grinder

If anyone is interested, there is a group of about 8 of us doing a gravel road ride from the weiser's little strip of heaven on Saturday Morning. Cross or MTB, take your pick. Shooting for 3 hours at a chill pace. We'll have lots of options to add on more if we feel like we want it, or cut out early too. We'll wind down and across both ridges. 9am start.

We're doing the Cross race at Stoudts brewery on Sunday too, in case anyone is interested in that sort of thing.

Just let me know if you plan to show.

Thurs Night Ride

I'm hoping to strap a light to my helmet and hit the woods this Thurs. Thinking 6 from Mont Alto. Anybody interested in joining me?

Happy Halloween and other stuff

*NEW: The volunteer ride for the Iron Cross this Saturday from Seven Mountains Boy Scout Camp has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

I hope everyone made it through the storm OK. Just a few things before we move into the weekend.

If you go into the woods be very careful! There will be as much deadwood hanging in trees as there is on the ground. Look up often. The good news is "new logs everywhere!"
Also, the falls and the creek branch at Caledonia State Park should be a sight to see for the next few days. The water should be way up.

The SMCC Enduro is this Sunday. Good luck to everyone racing. MBM's fastest and some of the slowest (that would be me) are entered in this event. At this time I am trying to determine if the weather has changed the plan for the race. As soon as I know I'll pass that info on in a comment.
Here's the link for more info. I think reg is now closed so you must sign up on race day. http://www.bikereg.com/17501 BikeReg does not show mailed in entries.

Is anyone interested in posting a day trip ride? If so post a suggestion and lets get some interest.

Happy Halloween!  

Armageddon Beer!

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/10/24/scottish-brewer-unveils-brewmeister-armageddon-world-strongest-proof-beer/

10/28 ride

A few of us are going to ride from Big Flat tomorrow @ 9AM. If the weather is terrible I won't be there. We will ride in light to moderate rain but not high winds. Expect a 3 plus hour ride with lots of regrouping.

PROOF!

2012 Audit

On behalf of the officers and in accordance with our by-laws,
We would like a member-volunteer to represent the membership and audit the finances of our club. The findings will be delivered to the President and presented to the entire club in an end of year "state of the club" email.
If several people volunteer, the VP and Secretary will select one person from the pool of volunteers. This individual will work with the Treasurer to complete the review of the account.
Any member interested should contact me using the email address at the right for more information. The deadline to apply is noon on Friday the 26th. If there are no volunteers, I will accept a Treasurer's report as the audit and report that information to the membership.

Thank you,
Brian
MBM President 2012

You decide

Most of you have heard by now that Lance had every win he has to his name revoked. Regardless of the truth I just want to point out that no proof has been presented. Every piece of evidence is hearsay. If the 26 people making the claims have anything to gain by doing so then understand that they instantly lack credibility. I would also like to point out that Lance took 301 drug tests during 7 Tours and passed every one of them. Instead the powers that be chose to read a good book about alleged abuse which puzzles me. This is the same as a jury finding you not guilty and the judge sentencing you anyway. I'm not saying he did or he didn't, I would just like to see with my own eyes irrefutable proof to back the claims. A picture, a video, a failed drug test, any piece of physical proof would settle it. What is unsettling is that there is none.

So, please refer to the very first post on our blog in August of 2006. There you will see the greatest drug test taker in the world riding his bike. He won fair and square because he passed all the tests established to identify illegal doping. So you can take away the wins but how do you take away 301 passed drug tests??? The very least they need to do is demonstrate with certainty how he managed to defy detection over 300 times. Anyone can write 2000 pages of crap, just read the tax code.

I wish Lance well.

Post on my friends. I know many of you may not agree. That's fine.

Sunday Long Travel Ride.

Long Pine Reservoir lot again! Ride at 9am.
Enduro Style casual road climbs and bomb trails. Everything on the 233 side of the mountain. Should be lots of fun! Several options. Several cutout points.

Bring the full sussers.
We expect to lose at least half the group on the first casual road climb due to mechanicals, misdirection, lost riders and confusion! ; )

The last one to arrive is sweeper! First one to ask where we're going is ride leader!!

See you there.
~slow

no ride this week?

To follow up that post with Video

Watch more video of Jeremiah Bishop on cyclingdirt.org

I fell in to the Burning Ring of Fire...

They dropped down down down, and then climbed even higher. With moments of torrential rains, lots of fallen leaves, and a shorter day, Jeremiah Bishop and Sam Koerber had a lofty goal set ahead of them: a speed attempt on the "Ring of Fire".

What is the Ring?
Info about the ring here: http://www.shenandoahbicycle.com/the-ring/
The loop is here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1812888

68 miles of "barely rideable singletrack" as Jeremiah put it. There have been 2 people to finish it. Sunday night I was in the right place at the right time, and ended up driving around to support them on the attempt yesterday. This thing is cool. If anyone could do it in 12 hours, it was these two. With 15 miles of hell left to go (about 4 hours more), daylight was gone, and the attempt was over. They'll be back to conquer it another day though.

Can a Michaux rider be the next to conquer the ring of fire? All I can say is bring lights, full suspension, and be ready to suffer like you never have before.

Rothrock / Bald Eagle near State College

Our friends from up north have planned an Enduro. Take note that groups entering this event can ride together! (if possible) There is an address to mail entries also. If you are considering riding as a group you should mail the entries. Address is at the bottom of the post.

Register here: http://www.bikereg.com/17501

Sunday Ride 10/14

Long Pine Reservoir lot.
Ride at 9am.
We'll hit some trails we don't ride often.
See you there.

GRAN FONDO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17125/source=PE

 

GRAN FONDO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Frederick, MD

October 14, 2012

Start Time: 7am

 

3 Loops to Choose From: 100 mile, 62 mile, 32 mile
Event Open to All

2012 Gran Fondo National Champions Crowned100mile category winners receive a Gran Fondo National Champion Jersey
4 Timed Sections – Best Combined Time Wins
Prizes for Age Group Winners
Awards for 62mile and 32 mile winners
In 2013 Gran Fondo National Championship Series^SM Will Consist of 6 Events

Ride with your friends, Race with your friends
Fully Stocked Aid Stations to keep you going
Over 10,000 feet of climbing in the 100 mile Loop

The Gran Fondo National Championship in historic Frederick, Maryland is your opportunity to earn the title of fastest rider in the incredible Gran Fondo arena. We offer some of the longest timed sections and most challenging terrain of any Gran Fondo. The rider with the fastest combined time through each designated section will have truly earned their National Championship jersey.

“Come Challenge Yourself”

Register at:
www.bikereg.com

Cost: $95, $75, $50
NO REFUNDS

IronCross 2012 version H.2

First - Thank you to MBM for the entry and thank you to all of those that helped at the race and thank you to all that gave encouragement along the way. 

A little back story – I first went to try and finish Iron Cross in 2010.  I had helped at CP4 for a few years and saw what the back of the pack looked like and the effort that they had spent and thought “I can do that (maybe)”.  So, I planned my attempt for months based on finishing in less than 8 hours.  I showed up and my number for the race was 8.  I accomplished my goal of an under 8 hour Iron Cross and finished in 7:45:12.  It was the hardest thing I have ever done on a bike (including this year’s race).  This year I set my goal to finish Iron Cross in less than seven hours.  Well, this year I showed up and my race number for Iron Cross was 7.

The race - I lined up in the middle of the pack at the start.  I figured this would push me to start quicker and it did, maybe a bit too quick.  I saw Dave, Brian, Bird & Ralph a few times before CP2.  But as I climbed Milesburn it started to go wrong.  I was cramping a little and dreadfully  thought this is way too soon.  Wigwam took too long to climb and I was cramping badly in the valley between Wigwam and Don’s photo spot at the next “run” up.  Still, I got to CP2 in a respectable time, but I was to pay for that.  I struggled on anything uphill from there until half way up Hogshead.  I was way behind schedule, but somehow I managed to get into a rhythm and started to pull back some time and some riders.  By the time I got to CP4, I was back in a groove and riding fairly well.  I knew I had to make up time in the last section to beat seven hours.  I had 1:10 left and in 2010 it took me 1:45 (in 2010 this section was about two miles longer to finish at Camp Thompson).  It didn’t look good, but I could taste that seven hour mark and I managed to push through a lot of cramping to reach Larry’s Tavern at 6:51.  I skipped the beer and continued after that 7 hour mark.  I came screaming down 233 and went over that hump in the road in my largest gear, but I finished at 7:00:49.  At first I was disappointed, but then I was immensely pleased with the big picture.  I had taken 45 minutes off of my previous time!

Highlights (not mentioned above):

Bird, Brian & Ralph encouraging me to keep riding my cross bike on Lippencote while they pass me on their mountain bikes.

Brian riding so strong after all that he’s been through.

Dr. Dave passing me three times in a single lap race.

Surprising Don and Larry by getting to them much earlier than they had expected. 

Being passed by people that I thought were miles ahead of me.

Passing riders after CP4 instead of being passed.

Those two slightly inebriated ladies at the finish (you know who you are). 

--Hans

Iron Cross 2012

Just wanted to thank MBM for the awesome aid station and the opportunity to ride yesterday. I had a great experience and had an awesome adventure. Bird and Fults were awesome to ride with and with no mechanicals and no major blowups we were able to finish. It was great to meet Hans and see Dr. Dave recover from his mechanicals to finish strong.
Thanks again!!!!

October Already??

What happened to summer? I woke up this morning and it was gone?

Now that the leaves are falling it's time to start wearing more orange. Just dodge the arrows and you'll be fine for a few more weeks! Here's a link for exact dates on all 2012 hunting seasons. 

If you're running in the Ship Army ROTC 10K today, you're going to be late! Get up and get going!!
The best of luck to everyone running!

If you are racing in America's Original Ultracross Race tomorrow I wish you very strong legs, no rain, traction and a time to remember!
I've never done it. I'm thinking there won't be any regrets down the road either. However, MBM is providing marshals and a check point for all of Sector 2. For those that don't know Sector 2 (and I'm just taking a shot at this...get it? hunting season?..anyways : )

Sector 2: The southern most section of the Iron Cross race consisting of the largest portion of single track hike-a-bike in the loop. Infested with whining, bonking, "why do I do this" cycling enthusiasts who did not anticipate carrying their bike up loose, rocky, 800 foot climbs. This section has come to be known as "Hike-a-bike-hell."

If you're out watching the Iron Cross race. Stop in at checkpoint 2. First rider through about 11am or sooner. (the power line crossing on Stillhouse Hollow Road.)

Have a great weekend everyone!!

~slowride

And the winners are (insert Drum roll)

Winner winner chicken dinner
Free IC entries go to -

RJ
Bird
Hans
T
Dr Dave

I will be sending you an email with additional information. Congrats and have fun! See you on Sunday!

P.S. - we still need volunteers for Sunday. If you know of anyone interested have them contact me or give me their contact info and I will persistently contact/badger them.

Tuesday Night Ride (10/2)

Anyone up for a Tuesday night ride?  Might be able to start early or late if that helps.  Open to riding anywhere in Michaux but would prefer Caledonia or Big Flat start locations.  You can twist my arm for  Mont Alto or Old Forge, though.  I'll show up anyway.  I'm easy.  ;-)

Scott

Sunday Ride 9-30

This Sunday we will get as far away from Teaberry as possible.
Ride is from Pine Grove Furnace Lot.
See you then!

Iron Cross Free Entries (YEAH!)

If you are interested in the free entries for the Iron Cross (If you are racing why wouldn't you be) please post in the comments or email me by 10/1/12. If we have more than 5 members interested names will be picked from a hat to select 5. Pre-reg closes on 10/4/12 so the 10/1 deadline will give us time to let individuals know who was selected for the free entries. If you are not racing please...please consider volunteering (see previous post). We would like to have 8 more volunteers. Thanks!

Iron Cross 10/7 Checkpoint Volunteers

MBM is looking for volunteers to staff a checkpoint for the Iron Cross race on Sunday, October 7th. Previous years volunteers have reported having a good time. Also MBM has been given major kudos for running great checkpoints at past years Iron Cross races. Let's do it again this year. Please comment below if you are able to volunteer. Thanks! ***I should also note MBM gets 5 free entries and cash for helping out. The race will be here before we know it so please sign up to help out and make the checkpoint a success.***

Anyone selling any mountain bikes?

A friend of mine is looking to buy a used mens mountain bike. He is looking to spend around 400 bucks. Anyone selling?

Teaberry Race is Sept 23rd.

The Terror of Teaberry Race is this Sunday. I think it will live up to its name this year.
The best of luck to everyone racing!!
MBM will have an EZ up near the finish. Stop by after the race.
See you there!

Trail maintenance

First thing- that jersey order with my sig was from Sue.

1-Wayne's trail has been maintained. That means that the logs are usable but may be considered 'flow killers'.
2-The old bridge on Buckets has been removed from the forest so Slowride is off the hook. That new bridge is quite the masterpiece! I have some free beer for the team that produced it.

Teaberry Pre Ride Tomorrow

I am doing a preride tomorrow (Friday) around noon. Post if interested.

"Felony Lane"

UPDATE----Visitor Warning: Ongoing Criminal Activity in South Central Pennsylvania Parks and Forests

by Tuscarora State Forest on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 9:40pm ·

Since August 4th 2012, 5 state parks and 1 state forest picnic area in Perry, Cumberland, and Franklin Counties have repeatedly been targeted by an organized crime ring known as "Felony Lane".  During the course of 3 separate sprees windows in more than 15 vehicles have been broken out to steal items left in plain view.  Actors are usually black or Hispanic males operating lease vehicles from the south.  In the past cars displayed Florida and Tennessee tags.  Actors remove purses and utilize credit cards they steal.  They then hand personal information off to accomplice females matching the descriptions of the victims.  The females write checks to one victim from another victim's checkbook and cash thousands of dollars in checks at local and distant banks.  Checks from local victims have been cashed as far away as Indiana and New Hampshire. We are working closely with the State Police and authorities in other states to locate these individuals.  Park and forest visitors are urged to be aware of any suspicious activity.  Note license plate numbers and state of suspicious vehicles and report them to the nearest ranger or law enforcement office.  Do not leave valuable items in plain view and park in busy well lit areas if possible. 

UPDATE:  Leased vehicle with Tennessee tags observed at Fowler Hollow was turned in on Wednesday.  Suspect are now operating a black Infinity FX35 bearing PA registration GYZ8709.  This is most likely the vehicle they were in on Wednesday afternoon when they struck Little Buffalo and Colonel Denning. Be on the look out and please report any sightings or suspicious activity to local authorities.    

TeaBerry Race & Preride

I need a few people to help with the last checkpoint at the Teaberry race. Please use the email address at the right or post a comment and let me know if you can help.


We need someone to lead the ride this Sunday. Both Dave and I are out of town.
We were thinking it would be a Teaberry preride or post up.

Gotta Run?

One of our own members is making this happen. If you run you should check it out. I've added a link here: ROTC 10K 

Mud Banks

I'm planning to ride from the mud banks tonight from 5:30-7:30 if anyone cares to join me. I might have my wife with me and if so, the ride will be slower than usual. Anyone is welcome to join me (us). Nothing crazy, gonna try for 8-12 miles depending if my wife comes along.

Jeremy

Jersey REorder interest?????????????????

There has been recent interest in doing a jersey Reorder. I would like to try NOT to use any club money so I would like to see two new sponsors to keep the cost down a bit. If you are interested in Sponsor ship at $250 let me know! 

I would like to order short and long sleeve jerseys. The long sleeve turned out SUPER SWEET!

If you are interested let me know. Before the order is placed I will need all orders PREPAID once we have the true cost since I am putting the order on my Credit Card.

Our MINIMUM interest has to be 10 short sleeve or 10 long sleeve to even consider the order!

Currently I have interest in 5 short sleeve and 3 long sleeve post up if your interested!

Please post what you would like. We don't need sizes yet!

trouble in the Shed

The below quote from Joe's recent post sums up the problem.
Over the last several month's MORE has received a number of concerning communications from officials regarding mountain biking in the watershed. In chronological order, these include:

• MORE was emailed concerns from high level officials within DNR regarding mountain biking in the Watershed and potential impact to the land being managed as a wildlife management area. This was in response to internal DNR inquiries about mountain biking in the watershed prompted by DNR's trail coordinator.
• Subsequently, as part of a response on our next trail reroute project for the Catoctin Trail we received detailed comments and concerns from DNR about mountain biking in general (i.e. not project related) which included comments about illegal trail building, concerns about protected species such as rattlesnakes and concerns about habitat destruction. As a result of these concerns, our current epic loop project is on hold. We are working to get this back on track.
• Most recently, the City recently received a complaint from a citizen who came across users building trails. When this person talked to them they claimed to be with MORE. This person was not doing official MORE trail work and it is unknown if they were even a member. The citizen complained "riders are ripping rocks and trees up to construct miles of trail/ jumps/bridges" and users are posting directions to "local bike shops and website blogs".

Here's the link to the first post which kicked off pages of vitriol and typical MORE drama and hate.  Unfortunately, this was initiated by a couple of guys who have had so many fallings outs and ins with MORE over so many things over the past 5 years.  This will probably chase them away again,even though they were trying to be helpful.

The real point is that this could easily happen in the beloved Meeshow.
http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=233238#post233238

Don't assume from the 3rd bullet that the problem is jumps.  Read the whole thread if you want to understand the whole problem.

Tuesday Evening Ride

Mud Banks at 5:30pm. This should be a relatively stout evening ride that will continue through darkness. The loop will take us up Dead Woman's Hollow as well, so break out your lights and your climbing legs!!! Rumor has it HOTDOG will be present!!!

Barbie Bike Upgrade! Go big or go home!

Just had to share Maddie's first bike upgrade! Sweet Avid lever!

Sunday Ride 9-9

Ride from Big Flat.
Ride time 9am.
Thinking of heading Scientology-way ... oh my, does that mean climbing Canada Hollow????????

I hear there's a moto shindig up there on Sunday. Any votes for alternate locations?
How about Caledonia and we'll head up Secret?

Tonight's ride

Just thought I'd post up to see who is riding from Mont Alto tonight.

I'll be there.  5:00pm start unless somebody needs it later.  We've already lost enough daylight that a 5:30 start is beginning to look sketchy.  Get those lights ready people!

Hope to see a big bunch of riders this evening!  Please post if you are coming.

Thank you’s & Get your butt out to a ride!

Thank you to Dave, Jason & Ken for pulling me around the Shed today!  I had a blast!  (except for that uphill stretch).  I was really pleased that I could keep the waits to a minimum.  I was riding features that I couldn’t ride in the spring.  That brings me to the next thank you.

Thank you to MBM for the encouragement and patience on the Sunday rides!  My riding would not have improved without it.  I was grinning today after I cleared sections that I would have walked just a few months ago.  

A part of that was be due to Mike from the Rock Shox van that was at the enduro.  I’ve struggled to find the right suspension settings and Mike sent me out with some adjustments.  I didn’t get to fully test the new settings since I was stopping to pull arrows (especially on Four Logs and Turtle – thanks Buck).  Today I rode enough that I know the setup is spot on.  Thanks Mike! 

And finally: 

Get out to the MBM rides!  I hear too many other riders that worry they're not fast enough or good enough on the trails to come out.  Well you won’t get there not riding your mountain bike!  Get out and join us and you’ll get better, too!

Hans

Sunday Ride 9-2

I will be out of town and likely very hung-over on Sunday, so post your hearts out if anybody wants to lead a ride or just ride and offer for people to join.

On another note: there has been talk of doing a jersey-reorder. Anybody who is interested, post-up and we'll get a count to see if it's going to be substantial enough to move ahead.

MadCap viddy

Thursday night -->Bottom of Quarry Gap Road

A few of us are riding from the bottom of Quarry Gap Road tonight switching things up from the typical Mont Alto location.  Start time 5:30pm.

Thank you's and more!

That was a crazy journey we all just went through and I want to thank the MBM members for the work they put into making it such a success. It was a leap of faith for many of you and I appreciate you jumping into my vision of a good time. The end result was an event that provided an unforgettable experience for the riders, while exposing them to some of the most challenging riding in the world. The number of “Thank You’s” and “had a great time” comments that have come my way are proof that something special happened.

A good event is made up of all the components coming together to make a whole package. The participants came away safe, happy and ready to return next year! This was due entirely to everyone who stepped up and took on the stress of organizing something that we were all short on experience with.

Thank you Brian, our MBM president, for listening to the wishes of the club despite your hesitation when I brought the idea to the MBM. You really took on many of the details and made sure needs were filled. I could list them all out, but its a pretty long list! I know all you wanted was a beer and a break on Saturday!

Thanks to Donna for organizing volunteers along with many other things. Thinking on your feet and manning the timing tent were just a few of the other bonuses we got from you. Oh and the amazing cilantro rice for the burritos!

To Stephanie for the note taking, budget watching, meal making, and timing planning. I know there are other things but you get the idea! The burritos were amazing! I’m pretty sure that was one of the best post-race meals ever served at a Sunday race. When we realized we were going to be an hour or more ahead of schedule, you busted butt to be ready for the racers. They really appreciated that!

To Jody for being an advocate from the beginning, organizing the Monday trail work, working on the timing, and helping me see when mistakes were being made. It’s true, I don’t know everything. :)

Thanks to Larry for the DCNR interaction, for being a brain to bounce ideas off of and for coming out to help with trailwork. Sorry you couldn’t be there on race day! We missed you.

To Steve for radios and chiming in with wit and encouragement. And of course race day efforts!

To Howard for the trail work and race day presence. For the course marking and the all around belief in the event.

To the Witters and Charlie for everything from trail-work, sweeping, and creation, and not strangling me (yet) for transgressions. Apologies to come..

Hey Zach Adams! Thanks for coming to the race too! It was pretty cool to see all the Michaux race promoters together at an event!

Of course the volunteers deserve a ton of thank yous. I know I’m missing specific names so I apologize to you for not getting all of you. To Dale, Hans, Vicki, Jill, Les, Alicia, Sarah, David G, Dave R! And to Sheena for the baked goods! Who else made goodies?

All the locals who stepped up and to my group of friends from Philly who came to help and spread cheer. Anna, Nick, Damien, Eric, Jeremy!

To the Gettysburg Bicycle guys for providing so much logistical support. From DCNR to insurance we couldn’t have done it anywhere near as easily without you. Your influence and risk-taking was invaluable. And you guys got to finally do a Michaux race!

To the Dirt Rag guys who care about grassroots events and believed enough to donate enough swag to choke a steam engine. They drove from Pittsburgh to do rider sweep! Thanks Matt and Steve!

Thanks to our other sponsors too for their amazing product to give away! Stan’s NoTubes rims, VP Components pedals, Lone Wolf Cycling course tape, coozies, and Bear Mountain Stickers for the vinyl stickers!

How about some apologies?
As with any new adventure we learn new things along the way and I sure had a few of those moments. It was stressful at times but the end result was a killer event and I am very proud of that.
It took a lot to make the Madcap happen. I’ve worked other events but have never undertaken a project this big. When MBM agreed to be a part of the event it was a big relief to have their support. As it morphed into solely an MBM fundraiser I took a more backseat roll than I had originally planned. I think than anyone had planned. I worked with Jes and made sure paperwork and the promotional side of things were happening. I felt like I was keeping an eye on things, chiming in when needed, and everyone was on task, but maybe people needed more input from me.

In the process of making these events happen, communication becomes the number one stumbling block. The summer became a lot more hectic for me than I had planned. Being self employed I took the freelancing job opportunities as they came. It took me away at key times, but I was confident in the MBM team. I apologize for not realizing how much direction everyone might have been looking for.

The biggest apology has to deal with trail work that I performed on Buckets. Specifically taking out logs when I should have left well enough alone. I’m really upset how this has turned out, because I originally came to the club to get their blessing to use the trails out of respect to the people who occupy the trails the most.

I know people are mad, and rightfully so, but I hope you understand my motivation. I look back and realize I was overthinking things but there were reasons I did what I did. When putting on an event I think of peoples experience and worry too much about it sometimes. On Buckets my two biggest worries were safety and flow. I didn’t intend to go out there on Friday and willy nilly remove logs. There were three that I had in mind and thought that I had some consensus with from another individual who I think of as an authority figure. One was the super-awkwardly angled log under the dead pine tree. Then there was one towards the finish that was on the side slope. And finally the built up log on the flats at the bottom before the slippery rocky built one.

When I got there I had those in mind but I also had just received dire warnings from both Jes and Rich about the issues of mountain bikers relations with DCNR and how we couldn’t afford a report or incident since we were on probation more or less. So I got carried away. I was feeling stressed and probably not in the best decision making mode. I started thinking about wet off-camber logs and racers coming down tired and stressed. I didn’t want hurt riders ruining themselves or have an unnecessarily negative experience.

I cut logs that I agonized over. Logs that I had been riding for years. Ones that I experienced their slow deterioration from an original freshness to ones worn in like the wooden handles of old tools. I learned how to lighten the rear end of my bike on these logs. How to suck it up and become a more refined rider. When I think back it feels as if I just closed my eyes and cut when the decision became too hard to debate.

I didn’t cut because I couldn’t ride them, I cut because I thought it would be safer or more fun for people (strangers) who hadn’t spent years learning how to twinkle-toe over these things. It never occurred to me before the race to actually alter any of the trails in any way. This is where I went astray. Apparently I didn’t need to worry since no one injured themselves on logs that were both off-camber and loose. ;)

To Mike, I apologize. I didn’t realize the history you had with the trail. I feel like I’ve been riding Buckets almost as long as I’ve been riding and I indulged myself in a sense of ownership. I’ll gladly come back this weekend and help drag as many logs onto Buckets as you like. I’ll reset the ones that were cut and pin them in. I have tools and carpentry skills.

Howard I believe you had a lot to do with Buckets also and I apologize to you. Really it wasn’t done with ill intent.

Jody, you deserve an apology too. I never claimed to always be right, but I didn’t always realize where I was wrong. I don’t know everything and I like feedback. Except in the form of yelling. If I’m doing something you don’t like, let me know early. I thought I was communicating when I was doing things, but I realized I was relying too much on Facebook and group emails where messages get lost. Truly I’m sorry for that. It’ll be an area for improvement for me.

I welcome the opportunity to come and have a discussion about the race.

In the end I really care about Michaux and the trails there. I think we all did an incredible job putting on another event in the forest. It was different and brought a new group of riders to experience the unique Michaux trail experience.

         
I'll see you out there.

Harlan Price

ps. Sorry to the people I missed!

South Mountain Outdoors 2012 this weekend

http://southmountainoutdoors.blogspot.com/

Madcap Madness

Click to link of Ed Mcdaniel's photos!


 Matt Miller's Blog

Pics that Don Pagano took during the event

MadCap Course Marking

Anyone interested in helping mark the course meet at Mont Alto at 9am Saturday morning.

MBM Picnic August 25th

If you haven't been getting the news letters you may not know we're having a picnic for all members, family and guests at Camp Penn on Saturday. Camp opens at noon.
Please use the email address at the right and send me your contact info. I'll reply with a schedule and put you on the mailing list.            (No alcohol at Camp Penn please.)

The Madcap Enduro is here!!

Register here!

https://www.bikereg.com/Net/16736

Thanks to our sponsors:

Expect some sweet goodies from the East Coast's premier Mountain Bike Magazine!

Local trail lovers, Stan's NoTubes continues to pass the joy with certificates for two sets of Arch EX rims! 

VP is donating some incredible headsets and pedals for all you pump-trackers and flat pedal lovers. 

Maybe something like this?....

Thursday 8-23 Mont Alto Ride Relocated

Hey all, let's take a break from Mont Alto this Thursday. Meet at "Old Reservoir Lot", near Caledonia at 5:30.

Preride

This Sunday will be a preride of the Enduro course.
We will leave the Old Forge lot at 9am.

Timing test

Thursday we are going to test out our timing for the Madcap. Meeting at 5:30 in the Mont Alto parking lot if you want to join us.

Who are you?

Dinosaurs Taking Over

I was changing a flat, when Mooch spotted what I think was some sort of prehistoric animal.  He managed this picture of the savage beast.  We got away, no thanks to my super SLOW skills of changing a tube.  Little did I know we would encounter another reptile down the trail, a big black snake.  Being that he scared the crap out of me I decided not to stop to hang with Big Black. 

Representing MBM up north

The Moshannon Valley YMCA hosted its 3rd annual mountian bike race on Saturday at the Black Moshannon State Park northwest of State College.  This year they had 73 racers for the event. I must say the event is a nicely run event and well supported, contains some great single track and some lung burning forest road climbs.  Seeing that I have a camp about 15 minutes from the Park I decided to sign up and give it a go, mostly to learn some new trails to ride when I'm up at camp. Everyone that knows me knows that I can't just go for a nice easy ride, let alone in a race.  After a good dosage of suffering on the 21 mile course I was able to end up in 3rd place in the 35-44 age group and came in 8th overall in the sport class.  I did have another rider see my jersey who had obviously rode in Michaux say "this ain't Michaux, but it will do"(the course lacked the lots of rocks that we're used to, but I was OK with that because they were still great trails). If anyone is interested in doing the race next year you're welcome to spend a weekend at my camp. A nice bonus is the Allegrippas Trails at Raystown is on the way home and makes for a nice recovery ride.

Link to the ride mapped on Strava

The first climb

Coming into the finish

 Podium shot