Strange Things Afoot in Michaux

Sunday, August 26th We rode from Big Flat at 9ish am. There were new trails to be seen and we were prepared to see them. As riders continued to trickle into the parking lot, we prepared ourselves for what would inevitably be a damp ride. We warmed up on the rocks near the parking lot:At the start we had: Larry Camp, Martin Kell, Sue Witter, Dale Fitzsimmons, Mike Steininger, Darius Mark, Dave Kegley, ?John? from Shippensburg, and Rob Mazzei (if I forgot anyone - forgive me it was a few days ago). Larry led us out of the lot on a that took us over to the powerline downhill of Birch Run Road.

Martin and I showed everyone some really strange rockwork we had found the week before. These are some really well-placed stone towers that at balancing near a fire ring and camping area. This whole area is spotless and well-cared for. The rocks are balanced on eachother in a fashion that must take hours to complete. This area is a little creepy, but very cool - Martin calls it Roswell.



We then navigated (and I mean navigated) our way over to the bottom of Wildcat and the beginning of Abbey. Several of us cleaned the new tight switchback that Tommy M. and YBR put in to alleviate the erosion of the old fall-line climb - very nice work. We then hammered down to the reservoir. My ride at the reservoir:

Rob waits for the rest to arrive.

Larry, I never have a mechanical, Camp had several mechanicals and gracefully bowed out at the reservoir - he actually had another engagement as well. We rode Breast Trail and then climbed up Birch Run road, to Milesburn Road, to Ridge Road (bypassing Lollipop). From here we took Camp Trail 1 and Camp Trail 2 which dropped us out at Forest Road which we climbed back up to the powerline and then took a new, technical descent, crossed a stream, and suffered up a red-line, granny gear climb. This climb took us back up to Roswell and we returned to the Big Flat lot by the same trail we came in on.

No Wildcat from Big Flat - a major upgrade, not to mention all the new trail.

Ride Report

Sunday August 19th
Ride Leader: Dave Wilson
Arrived at Mont Alto parking lot with a mild drizzle starting. Forecast showed rain for the entire day. The lone member of my ride group was Jason McConnell--new to MBM, having just met Sue the week before. After waiting a few minutes for stragglers (there were none), we headed up the road to begin our ride with the rain becoming more steady. The ride leader was the only one who knew the trails so we were limited in the trails at our disposal. We ascended what i know as Lower Buckets up to the gasline. The weather was really cooperating, just a slight drizzle with little effect on the trail conditions. We proceeded to cross Hearth Trail and head up the roads to descend Four Logs and what i know as Wayne's Trail--i think i may have missed a turn somewhere in this section, because we finished that pretty quickly. We then climbed Turtle and headed back out to Staley for a trip back from whenst we came--across Hearth and down Lower Buckets. It was a beautiful morning for a ride with no mechanicals and only one wreck (me, on hearth . . . but i think i'll be alright, if you're worried--thanks for being worried . . . but really, i'll be fine, and my bike is ok, too . . . ). New guy Jason was a great ride partner--be sure to meet him in the future--and Sue, i think we've got him for the Iron Cross. I'm hoping to be more regular at rides now--was a busy summer for everyone, i believe. Hope to see you all on the trails!
Dave Wilson

MBM @ LHORBA'S Picnic

Yesterday, several MBM members traveled to Blue Knob State Park 1.5 hours west of Chambersburg to join the Laurel Highlands On&Off-Road Bicycling Association at their annual ride/picnic. The event drew over 50 people and featured road and mt. bike rides for all ability levels. Riders came from all around PA including members from the Rattling Creek Singletrackers (RCST), Nittany Mountain Bikers Association (NMBA), and there were six members representing the Mountain Bikers of Michaux (MBM): Aaron Hofelt, Emory Ehrenfeld, Mike Mucker, Darius & Michele Mark, and Martin Kell. Mike is the President of LHORBA, and with much help from LHORBA member Cathy and others, they put on a first class mt. bike event.

Here is Mike explaining the mt. bike ride levels: "my ride will be a Bataan-like death march, entirely uphill with few rests, we will visit every inch of rocky singletrack in the kingdom.........at least once - any takers." Sadly, a few of us who knew better, thought he was kidding.

Thomas had heard of my recent spat of mechanical troubles and decided that he would check my chain; Henry, prefers just to yank it.

Even nicer conditions than usual - the Blue Knob trails were in great shape and very dry.

We ran into the ride that had the wiser riders and stopped for a chat.

That is Cathy in the yellow jersey and body armor.

Then rode some great, technical, rocky singletrack - uphill.

A wicked steep granny-gear climb (we would ride twice this day) deposited us in a roundabout way at a classic Blue Knob vista where we linked up with a third mt. bike group,

And took a rest,

And some more rest,

We could see quite a few windmills off in the distance.

A self-portrait overlooking the Laurel Highlands.

A fresh log got the better of many riders. We climbed back up to the ski area, and after a brief mutiny led by yours truly, agreed to head back down (which was somehow to include more climbing) and drop off a batch of weary riders. This downhill is one of the finest in PA, Rock-n-Ridge. I exceeded 33 mph on the open section, bunny-hopped the first rock garden, and hit the short climb with speed. The trail then snakes its way down the ridge with miles of fast switchbacks.

Once we were back at the Pavia Run picnic area, a bunch of us stayed to eat, swim in the pool, chat with the other riders, play with kids, etc. Many mountain bikers of tomorrow were also in attendance.
Mike lubing each link of his chain individually in preparation of climbing back up the mountain.

Epilogue: Mike took some suckers back up the mountain, under what was undoubtably a blistering climbing pace, all but two (one who was fresh) bailed halfway and returned to both their senses and the picnic area. The others returned some time later. Mike and Yoda from NMBA logged close to 5000 feet of climbing on the day-Blue Knob style.

Additional Blue Knob Mt. Biking Photos here

Sunday, August 5th, 2007

The Sunday Mont Alto MBM ride is a classic, like bread and butter, salt and pepper, shake and bake, etc. - today was no exception. Mike, Martin, Rob, Bruce, and I were happy that the morning was cool and the humidity level was lower the preceding couple of days.

I broke my derailleur hanger on the way up the shelf, took two links out of my chain, and threw SRAM speedlink in before climbing up Black Andes to the gas line. We then took Sweeper up to the Besecker Gap Road then back down to Staley.

Bruce smiling at the top of Sweeper.

Martin and Rob contemplate the granny gear-ness of the ride thus far - no single-speeders on this one. Down Staley and climb the top of Turtle to Wayne's Highway over to Middle Narrows and climb up the ditch to Trees of Tomorrow/Lee's Rocks. Heaven or Hell has a gate meant to let riders know what is to come. After a couple attempts, Martin and Mike sent it.

Then we hit the Ramp. The Levels of Hell and some other moves

deposited us at the nice overlook facing Mont Alto where we snapped some pictures:

Went down the lower narrows then up Wayne's Trail to Turtle, which upon Rob's suggestion, we climbed to Staley, then blasted Charcoal Hearth over to Wirt Road. We then took the Buckets back down to Staley and ended by riding out the Park Trail.

See you next time.

Le Tour

The Grand Boucle is now over and as the doping dust continues to settle we see that many former favorites have exercised poor judgement in pursuit of greatness. Despite everything that has happened, this year's Tour was very exciting. Yesterday, Levi Leipheimer time trialed his way into third place with what was agruably the ride of his life, Alberto Contador held off a raging Cadel Evans to win the yellow jersey, and today Tom Boonen sealed the deal on his first green jersey.

We can only hope that those responsible for doping, stop; and those responsible for enforcement, continue to improve. As a fan, amateur racer, and frequent spectator the thought of clean riders getting their asses handed to them by riders who are doped up and not getting caught reflects poorly on the sport and makes us question everytime a rider wins or has a great day - is he doped?

This rider is clean, those behind him are probably not.

With Rassmussen (yes, he gets an extra 's' in his name now) sacked by his team sponsor, Rabobank, while in the yellow jersey a big-time sponsor has sent the message that it is better to lose than to win dirty or tainted (Flandis). Rabobank is paying the riders on the team the same bonus that they would have won had Rassmonkey gone on to win the Tour. Small substitute for Denis Menchov who was their original GC contendor and ended up riding support for Rassmonkey - forfeiting his hopes for a podium spot.

Discovery put two riders on the podium which should them find a new sponsor. Rumor has it that Compaq/HP may be stepping up. I thought that Steve Jobs should get in on the action by forming the iTeam, but perhaps there would be a clashing of egos between Steve and LA who is a part owner of the Discovery team.

Tour de France

The Tour is in full flight. American, Levi Leipheimer has been doing quite well and my main man, Tom Boonen, has been sprinting his face off.

Forget about the doping this is great racing and folks suffering in ways that only those of us who ride can even begin to understand.

You can catch highlights here: http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/news/articles/12809.0.html

Sunday Rides, 7/8

Three options for this Sunday:

1) Steve Seeber will be riding the Dark Hollow race sport loop again- leaving from Big Flat parking lot @ 9:00 am. Steve asks those that are interested contact him before Sunday sseeber@erols.com

2) Mike Steininger will lead a ride from Pine Grove Furnace (furnace lot) @ 9:00 am. Ride would be about 4 hours with an early out option making it around 3 hours long. A fun, singletrack downhill to the lake is the reward for those who stick around for the full 4.

3) and finally.... there will also be a ride from Mont Alto 9:00 am

4th of July Road Ride

There will be a MBM, YBR, HBC, WCS&B road ride this Wednesday morning (the 4th) at 8:30 am at the Carlisle Movie Theatre on Noble Road. We are shooting for 74 miles, but it could easily go to 100 - bailouts are available for those who have early picnic obligations:

Old Forge ride start

http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&tab=wl&ie=UTF-8&rls=GFRC%2CGFRC%3A2006-50%2CGFRC%3Aen&q=Old%20Forge%2C%20Quincy%2C%20PA

It's been a while since I've been to a ride from this starting point, but this gets you in the right neighborhood. Trevis, can you post some more specific details?

Mont Alto ride start

http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&tab=wl&ie=UTF-8&rls=GFRC%2CGFRC%3A2006-50%2CGFRC%3Aen&q=Mont%20Alto%20State%20Park

Link to Google Maps showing the location of the parking area where we meet. It is just east of Penn State Mont Alto, across the road from a large pavilion.

Weekly Rides

Thursday
Mont Alto 5:00

Sunday
Old Forge 9:00

Dark Hollow sport loop ride - June 16

Hey all,

Screamin’ Steve Seeber and I are going to ride the Dark Hollow sport loop (we hope!) this Saturday, June 16. We will be rollin’ out of the Big Flat parking lot at 9 a.m. on the dot. Come along and join us for the ride!

Chris

Weekly rides

From Mike Witter:

Thursday, 5PM, Mont Alto

Sunday, 9AM, Mont Alto

From Chris Bratthauer:

EDIT: Saturday, 9:00AM Big Flat parking lot, Dark Hollow Sport loop

Any one up for DH at Snowshoe??

On the way home for a few days!!! Looks like the 22-28th of June. We will be making a stop at Snowshoe WV on the 22nd for some DH fun if any one would like to meet us there!! DH Bike required!! (Sorry D no DH on your moots on this trip) Just leave a comment or better yet email me if your interested!! Look forward to riding with everyone!! I will be home with my friend Nate so I have to show him what the east coast can offer!!

Weekend action

9am group ride from Mont Alto on Sunday.

Y-Riders race in Carlisle Sunday at 12 noon for adults, 2pm for juniors.

Membership

We are in the process of finalizing our 2007 membership lists. If you plan on renewing your membership, please do so ASAP.

Simply mail $10 and your contact info to:

MBM
6132 Moser Rd.
Boonsboro, MD 21713

Thanks,

Darius
Grand and Eminent Archon of Membership

Giro d' Gilbert

The first annual Giro d' Gilbert was run yesterday and will be an annual occurance going forward during the Giro d' Italia. It is a 50+ mile road ride from Chambersburg, PA that features an extremely steep climb up on Gilbert Road into the Buchanan State Forest which borders the Cumberland Valley to the West. The Giro d' Italia is famous for steep climbs that finish on heinous wicked grades up dirt roads - Gilbert is no different. The main climb is 2.6 miles that averages over 11% has sustained sections of 20% and peaks out at 25%. Noticeably, the top half is on hard-packed dirt. For the inagural run we had an all MBM turnout including: Joel Moats, Cathy Large, Chuck Buczeskie, and Darius Mark. Joel had the wisdom to bring a bike with cyclo-cross gearing.

The ride lasted 3 1/2 hours, 51 miles, and featured over 4,100 feet of climbing. Thanks to the long days we finished just after dark. Kudos to Cathy for bringing flashing bar lights. The ride profile looks like this:
Plan for this one next year during the Giro, as you can imagine we all had a great time.

Maximus

Check out Don's pictures from the race.

http://www.singlespeeder.smugmug.com/

It was intense.........well at least it was for Dale.

Stoopid 50 Weekend - June 8-10, State College

Hello All,
The rumors of a 50 mile race in beautiful central PA are true! Nittany MBA is hosting the 'Stoopid 50' weekend on June 8-10 near Penn Roosevelt State Park in Rothrock state forest. Events include a Friday night ride and Saturday morning rides led by Nittany MBA. We'll regroup Saturday afternoon in time for the fun events - the 2 Stoopidest things to do on your bike in Rothrock. First, a fun time trail down one the best trails in the forest. Then a lung busting hill climb, and finally a technical section to see who can go through clean! After a hard day, relax at movie night and build your courage for the long awaited bonfire bunnyhop competition.
On Sunday, Shenandoah Mtn Touring (W101,Shenandoah100) will be hosting the Stoopid 50 race at 9am. This will be a tough but rewarding course. You will ride sweet singletrack all day and it is possible the mtn laurel will be in bloom. This is the highlight of weekend for both race participants and spectators. Register on-line at:
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=4753
Chris has a much more detailed account of the weekend on the site. Come to race, come to ride or come to just hang out. Questions about the weekend? Post online at nittanymba.net.

HO

Hibernia Race Report

Hibernia STXC ahr-166 mhr-176

Expert A-Raced against Ryan Leech,Wes Schempf,Ray Adams,Kyle Hammaker,Nathan Diebert,Zach Adams,Martin Kell,etc…

http://www.mountainbikeracer.com/upcomingraces/display.php?raceid=954&page=tour&tourid=90

http://mlkimages.smugmug.com/gallery/2750470#146553912-L-LB

Couldn't match the starting acceleration of the leaders.Settled into a groove and started clawing people back after the second lap or so.Passed one of the VisitPA.com riders and was reeling in Tim Messersmith from Trek-but as the bell lap sounded everybody on the whole course seemed to surge ahead with one last attack and I lost hold on Messersmith.I attacked as well but still wasn't able to keep from getting lapped by the two leaders(Leach and Hammaker) 50 yards from the finish line.--------yay I wasn't last!!!!

HOT NEW CROSS BIKE FROM YETI !!

Yeti ARC-X
Those who live in Colorado have probably seen the occasional Yeti cross bike at the races�but they were rare, custom bikes that were made exclusively for elite racers and well-connected shop employees. Well, those days are over, check out the 2008 ARC-X

Nittany MBA Spring Group Ride

Hey Kids!

The annual spring Greenwood Furnace mountain bike group ride will be held Sunday, April 29th. It is a few weeks earlier than normal due to races and Mother's Day. We'll meet at 11am at Greenwood Furnace State Park in the picnic area behind the ranger station off route 305, just over the bridge on the left. We will have both intermediate and advanced rides. Nittany MBA will also have burgers afterwards. If people would like to bring a side dish or desert, it would be appreciated but certainly not necessary. This is always a fun time for everybody.

HO

Sunday MTB Ride

MBMers,

Is anyone going to show up at Caledonia?
I'm willing to ride RAIN OR SHINE.

If nobody wishes to do the same,I'm going to ride @ Mont Alto because I know the area better.-----
How about some feedback if you're gonna make it.

Put on your rain slickers for 2-2.5 hours.

Joel Moats

PS ---The Hibernia Short Track was cancelled due to the Huge Snow Storm we are having.Hmmm

Just not fast enough......

...the squirrel that is.

Ride Report - Where have all the cyclists gone?

Riders: Sue Witter, Chris Bratthauar

So it's a bit windier and colder than usual for this time of year...maybe 20 degrees or so with 20+ mph winds. I expected the ride to be lightly attended on Thursday night, but figured someone would show up. At 4:45 pm I was the only one in the parking lot and I was starting to think that the Thursday night ride location had changed without me knowing.

Then Witter's YUV (yuppie utility vehicle) slinked into the lot. Whew, I thought, atleast I don't have to ride in the cold by myself tonight. We both got dressed in enough gear for a January ride and headed out.

Once we got moving it was relatively easy to stay warm on the climbs but the descents were a bit chilly. Two hours on a cold Thursday night and we packed it in. We got back to the cars right about 7 pm with the temperature dropping along with the little sunlight that was left.

Hopefully, as the weather warms, the rest of the Thursday night crew will turn up.

Happy Easter!

Stuff for sale on eBay LOOK!! Cheap!

Tons of stuff in my Basement has to GO!! Hit the link to see my listings. If it dosen't work my eBay name is starnote12 .
New Avid bb7's
New Avid Juicy 5's
Rock shox fork (Dales old fork)
xtr cass 11-34
sram cass 970 11-34
xtr pods 9 speed
Bontrager Race external BB crank
Thompson stems and seatposts!!
29er wheels Bontrager Races NEW
Lemond steel road frame 57cm with EC70 carbon fork and HS

http://search.ebay.com/ws/search/SaleSearch?sofocus=bs&satitle=&sacat=7294%26catref%3DC5&fbd=1&sorefinesearch=1&from=R14&nojspr=y&pfid=0&fswc=1&few=&saprclo=&saprchi=&fss=1&saslop=1&sasl=starnote12&fls=4%26floc%3D1&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D0&salic=1&saatc=1&sadis=200&fpos=68102&fsct=&sacur=0&sacqyop=ge&sacqy=&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&sabdlo=&sabdhi=&saaff=afdefault&afcj=&afmp=&fsop=2%26fsoo%3D2&fcl=3&frpp=50

Thanks for looking at what I have for sale.

Thursday Night Ride Report

Riders: Sue Witter, Rob Mazzei, Dave Hamilton, Chris Bratthauar

Left the Mont Alto parking lot @ 5pm sharp taking the Park trail over to Staley. From there we decided it would be a good day to climb Shelf trail to stay off the low, muddy trails.

"Rocket" Rob took off ahead of the group and missed the turn on to Shelf trail. The rest of the crew debated for a few minutes whether we should leave Rob to the mercy of the mountain or follow him. We decided Rob should live and we headed up Ramp trail after him.

We regrouped in the clearing and climbed the rest of the way to Wirt Road. From there we headed across Charcoal Hearth trail to Staley Road. Climbed up Four Logs and then up to the fire tower. We headed down the trail behind the fire tower and across Crumble regrouping again on Snowy Mountain Road.

We climbed up Snowy Mountain to the top of Four Logs. The crew bombed down Four Logs and the top of Turtle where things started to get mushy, so we headed out to Staley Road. From there we coasted down Staley Road to the double track that leads up to Lower Buckets.

We made the short climb and headed back on to the singletrack. Lower Buckets was in great condition and we flowed down it like we were on rails. We finished up on the Park trail, making our way back to the parking lot.

We emerged from the woods around 7:30 pm, just as the sun was disappearing behind the trees. All in all a great ride to start the "Thursday Night" season.

Membership Renewal Time

We would like to thank you for your participation 2006 and look forward to your continued support of the club during 2007. You should have received an emailed membership invitation already - if not, let me know. Please update your contact information (email) and return with a check for $10 to us at: MBM, 6132 Moser Road, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Please feel free to invite any of your cycling friends to a club ride or to join MBM as well. If you would like any additional information, please contact me.

Happy trails.

Rides 3/29 and 4/1

Thursday, 3/29 Mont Alto @ 5 pm.

Sunday, 4/1 Maximus Sport Loop (sorta...). Meet at Bendersville Road Parking lot. Ride starts at 9 am.

Bad News, Good News

I took a walk in the woods around Mont Alto today with my kids. The BAD news is the ground is completely SATURATED.

The GOOD news is all the stinkin' snow is GONE!

Here's to a HUMID ride tomorrow morning...