Pittsburgh Mountain Biking

No 24 Hours of big Bear this year.

2010-03-11T07:12:00.000-05:00

A friend posted this on her facebook page.

"For the first time in 19 years Granny Gear Productions will not be organizing a 24 hour race in West Virginia, the birthplace of 24 hour mountain bike racing. Granny Gear's Laird Knight has decided not to hold the 2010 edition of the 24 Hours of Big Bear but hopes to hold the event again in 2011."

She found it in Spokes Magazine - Serving Cyclists in the Mid-Atlantic States

Laird claims there was not enough money in it. I find that hard to believe.

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Google Maps Adds "Bike There" Option | Bicycle Times Magazine

2010-03-10T07:20:00.003-05:00

This is really cool.
I tested out a couple trips and it suggests known bike routes/trails when it can. It did a nice route from my office to OTB. 22 Minutes 3.1 miles.

Google Maps Adds "Bike There" Option Bicycle Times Magazine

PTAG schedule of big work days.

2010-03-03T05:12:00.007-05:00

Here it is. PTAG's 2010 schedule, straight from the PTAG Trails website.

March 7 - Sunday - big workday - North Park - Brian
April 11 - Sunday - big workday - Moraine - Dave
May 2 - Sunday - big workday - Hartwood - Maurice
June 6 - Sunday - big workday - Bavington - Ben
July 11 - Sunday - big workday - North Park - Jamie
July 16-20 - Fri - Sun - MTB fest - details pending - Mike
August 1 - Sunday - big workday - Boyce - Barry
Sept 12 - Sunday - big workday - Month of Mud - PTAG Race - Brian
Oct 3 - Sunday - big workday - open
Nov 7 - Sunday - big workday - open
Dec 5 - Sunday - End of Year Party ??? - Mike

Mark your calendars now! There will be plenty of small work days between these events. Join the email list to get all the info.

Bavinton Trail Maintenance Report

2010-03-01T06:41:00.001-05:00

It's bad. Mostly pine trees down, but a lot of them. Lora and I met Dave and his dog Ona, we had our dogs Ripley and Laila with us, at the normal parking area on 5 points road. We headed out on a long hike, Dave had snowshoes so he had the advantage. It was a nice day to be out in the woods even if we were struggling with deep snow.

We tried to stand up and brace smaller pine trees that the ice and snow had bent over and frozen the tops to the ground. A lot of dead pine had been snapped and had to be cut and removed. As many times as I rode those trails, some times it was hard to find the path because there were so many trees down. By the end of the day our legs were pretty tired, even the dogs were getting tired. There were some areas where the snow was still 2 ft deep. We cut a lot of trees, but only did about 4 miles and you know there are a lot more miles to be done. The concern is that if the trees don't get cleared from the trails before people start riding that a bunch of go side trails will be made.

Dave talked to the Post Gazzette about the trails.

5th Annual Trek Warehouse Sale - Sunday 28th

2010-02-25T17:30:00.007-05:00

Trek of Pittsburgh's big sale
Sunday February 28th! 8am - 5pm
There is always a line at the door before 8am. I got lucky and got a good deal on a pair of shoes at one of these sales.

Don't miss the ONLY day of the year to shop the 10,000sq. feet of cycling discount heaven! With items starting at just $1, and brands like Trek, Gary Fisher, Felt, Kona, Bontrager, Assos, Fox Racing, Castelli, SheBeest, Shimano, Sidi, Pearl Izumi, Nike, Thule, Saris, CycleOps, Blackburn and many more, YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE-DAY SALE EXTRAVAGANZA!

This is truly a destination event where you can save $$$ on all of

your cycling needs for the season, and THE perfect opportunity to pick

up your dream bike at a super deal!

PTAG - Bavington Workday February 28th 10:30am

2010-02-24T07:37:00.000-05:00

Meet 10:30 at 5 points

Bring saws. Bow saws especially
We'll be walking and cutting the fallen trees that are blocking the trails
Wear waterproof boots, sturdy gloves and safety eyewear.
Bring water and food (if you want to eat and get thirsty)

The 1st Annual OTB BALL Fundraiser Party!

2010-02-17T10:27:00.001-05:00

From the T.O.P Ladies, (The women of Trek of Pittsburgh)

It is for a good cause.

Tracked ski bike

2010-02-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

I don't think this company is around anymore, but wouldn't now be a great time for one of these?

The Ktrack.

Video Cameras

2010-02-17T06:05:00.001-05:00

I like playing with video cameras and recording events and rides. Right now I'm using the standard GoPro Helmet Hero that they were kind enough to send me. It works great and I'll probably end up getting the HD model. The only complaint I have is the proprietary mounting system, which makes you use their mounts. I really thing they need to redesign them. The handlebar/seat stem clamp is flimsy and a pain to move from one place to another. Other than that I love the concept.

I just saw this info on a new camera that has a GPS built in, so it can track speed and altitude. Supposedly it can also record the GPS data that you could over lay on a map. If you could combine those two on a web page it might be pretty interesting. The camera is called the "gobandit GPS HD Action Camera" There isn't a lot of info about it and the video isn't to compelling.

Crazy deer.

2010-02-04T14:42:00.002-05:00

A deer ran into the side of my Baja this morning. I came around a bend and saw it and another one on the side of the road. I wasn't going very fast and when I saw them panic I stopped, but one headed right for me and literally ran right into the front fender and then tried to jump over the hood and landed right on it. I think it kicked the side mirror as it flopped around. It broke the glass and knocked it loose and then it took out the bug shield as it tried to get off. There is a dent in the fender and the hood.

We always tell our visitors "when you get close to the house, watch out for deer". I was about 1-2 miles from the house. We always see them and are very cautious, but what can you do when the deer runs into you? If I would have kept moving it probably would have missed me.

Damn deer. For those that might remember this DVE skit, I need to get a Joe Pesci deer whistle.

Dirt Rag Dirt Fest 2010 Announced

2010-02-02T17:05:00.005-05:00

Dirt Rag Magazine Blog » Blog Archive » Dirt Rag Dirt Fest 2010 Announced

May 21st-23rd

I'm already thinking about those sweet rolling trails.

Yep that's mud.

2010-01-25T07:17:00.001-05:00

A little muddy now that it has warmed up a bit. I had the dogs out on Saturday. I let them get nice and muddy. They had to get a bath before they could go back in the house.
I can't even imagine what the trails are like. It felt like spring, but we all know it is just mother natures way of screwing with your head.
Sent from a BlackBerry device

ATV riding in the snow.

2010-01-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

Oh what fun it is!

Subaru's Drive Magazine on Rays MTB Indoor Park.

2010-01-07T08:32:00.000-05:00

We get the hard copy, but you can read it online here.

First post of 2010.

2010-01-06T17:11:00.003-05:00

Wow a month since wrote something. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I wouldn’t exactly call this winter harsh, but it is consistent. I prefer the constant snow than when the temperatures go up and down. I’ve had a nagging cough since Christmas weekend. Buy stock in halls cough drops. The doctor put me on antibiotics, but I don’t think this thing is affected by it. Several other people I know have the same thing. When I lay down at night it’s the worst. Tried Mucinex, but it doesn’t seem to help much for this thing.

I had a great Christmas. Lora was extra good to me this year. She got an very special piece of artwork for me and she got me a really nice rifle. I gave her the several makes and models to choice from and she ended up getting the one I secretly really wanted. I felt like Ralphie in a Christmas Story. I feel very lucky to have such a great wife.

Twenty-Ten is here. No resolutions for me. I always have goals though. Make a few trips to Raystown lake, do longer rides, maybe get my dogs running with me at Bavington. Speaking of which there were talks of dog biting people on the PORC forum. It would depend on the situation, but I would call the police if I didn’t think it was a isolated accident or the owner was a jerk. Someone said they didn’t want the dog put down for biting. That doesn’t usually happen, unless it is a vicious attack. Usually the owner would get a fine. If I thought for one second that my dogs would bite someone, I would be very careful and muzzle them if I walked them in a public park. It is the responsibility of the dog owner. Most dogs bite when they are scared or protecting their owner, but again it’s the owner job to make sure that doesn’t happen. Be sure that you let them know you are there if you are coming up behind them and give them a chance to move out of the way. It’s also good trail etiquette. I understand wanting to take you dog off the leash, but we always kept ours on the leash when we walked at South Park. We got those 35ft retractable leashes. It lets the dog run a little, but we still have control.

I hope everyone has a great year.

Put me on the waiting list.

2009-12-01T06:16:00.002-05:00

I’m ready for the robotic implants. As soon as they can do it like Will Smith’s in “I, Robot” I’m in. Almost 20 years ago I never thought that the shoulder injury I had would come back to haunt me in my 40’s. Last year I reinjured it and had it checked out, MRI and some physical therapy. Basically there is a mass of scar tissue in my shoulder that doesn’t like to stretch anymore and it gets very sore. The problem is that if I don’t use it, it will only get worse. The more range of motion and the more I work it the better off I’ll be, although it really does hurt. I babied it on Sunday during my workout, but last night I didn’t. I had to take some Advil before bed so I could sleep. The throbbing is mind numbing.

My original injury was from a mountain bike ride at Settlers cabin. This was before there were dirt bike issues and the trails weren’t tore up. Before I went to a full suspension and before spandex was replaced by baggy shorts. I was following a few other riders down a hill and didn’t see the 3 little drops. They were only about 8-12 inches high, but I hadn’t been that long. I was ok on the first one, but I didn’t have quite enough time to recover before the second one. I landed ok, but went off the trail to the right. This was a field and the grass was pretty high, so I didn’t see the foot deep, 6 inches wide erosion ditch, which ate my front wheel. I don’t remember much after that, except pain. My shoulder was out. The torn shirt and scrapes on the back of my right shoulder showed the impact. I’m a natural when it comes to crashing, some people sprawl, but I always seem to tuck and roll. It pushed my shoulder forward out of the socket.

By the time I got to the ER it has slipped back into place. I worked at the Shady Side Hospital at the time so I went there. I knew the ER doctor as well so I was taken care of. I even got some physical therapy, so I figured it was all behind me. Now it likes to show up and torture me on a regular basis.

Similar to what Mike Tomlin said in his press conference after the last game, “I will not go quietly!” I learned long ago that you never give up and I don’t plan on it. I’m going to make my shoulder better; at least until my robotic transplant is ready. ;-)

Peace.

Another bridge at Bavington.

2009-11-23T15:02:00.001-05:00

I got an email from Ben that they had a new prefabbed bridge ready to go in to replace an old one, so I decided to meet up with a group on Sunday to put it in. We didn't have to haul the bridge to far, it was pretty heavy, but But Ben did strap a dolly to it making it easier to move.
It took us about 2.5 hours from start to finish. the new bridge is in solid and doesn't move at all.

We cut some brush and thorns on the hike out. I took Ripley with me and she had a great time. She was running around and trying to play with everyone. I got home in time to watch the Steelers game. I should have stayed in the woods. :-(

Light up night ride.

2009-11-19T16:33:00.001-05:00

Barry from Dirty Harry's sent this out via the PORC email list. Sounds like a fun ride.

"Friday November 20th: This is light up night for Pittsburgh. Usual drill is we meet at 8:00pm at the 1st Avenue And Grant Street Parking garage (you can park at the garage) at the downtown end of the Eliza Furnace Trail. We can assemble right in front of the Golden Triangle Bike Rental Shop next to the trail. If you have a roof top bike rack remember to take your bike off before you enter the garage. There are restrooms in the garage and at the trail head. The Pennsylvania Wheelmen are also meeting here so don't be confused with other bikers.

1) We start riding as close to 8:00pm as possible.Please be on time as it will be cold waiting. (If you get there late you can catch the group at Station Square as we come back from the first part of the loop)

2) You must have a helmet, lights (front and rear) and proper clothing depending on the weather. Bring warm clothes. (You can always use a head lamp duct taped to your helmet)

3) If it is raining hard we will not ride.

4) We do an 8 to 10 mile ride heading out the Eliza Furnace Trail to the Hot Metal Bridge, back through Station Square and then a circuitous climb up to the West End Overlook, watch the fireworks and then ride down over the West End Bridge, over 6th street and finally stop at Mama Luccia's Pizza at 433 Wood St. near Forbes Ave for pizza. BYOB is permitted! (you could bring a lock for a bike stack)

5) This ride has a lot of city traffic so you need to be comfortable riding at night with cars.

6) A mountain bike or cross bike is best but a road bike will work just fine.

7) You can bring snacks and EXTRA CLOTHING for when we get to the Overlook. (it can get mighty cold while waiting for the fireworks)

This is a fun ride at a rather slow pace. The darkness and traffic make it a bit challenging so be careful. Try to wear bright jackets and have plenty of lights. There are some dark sections of bike trail we will be riding on. Weather looks dry at this point but cool."

Light up night info for the city can be found at
http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/light-up-night-2009

Dirt Rag Magazine Blog » Blog Archive » Cold Weather Riding Tips

2009-11-19T10:43:00.000-05:00

This is a recap of several installments, with links to them. I've never been a cold weather rider, but they make it sound so easy.

Dirt Rag Magazine Blog » Blog Archive » Cold Weather Riding Tips

Looking for rides?

2009-11-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

The only place to find out about all the rides is the PORC (Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclist) Website and E-mail list.
You can sign up for the E-mail right from the home page or you can just check out the calendar.

Weekly ride listings and special events.

They are also on Facebook

PTAG Year-end Party

2009-11-18T20:22:00.001-05:00

Sunday, December 13 at the Cabin in North Park

Meet 9:30, rides hikes start at 10:30.
Lunch at 1:30

Join us to celebrate the hard work and achievements of all of the volunteers for 2009. Highlights to celebrate for 2009 include; new trails at Moraine and North Park, getting the DRJ trail recognized by the County parks Dept., bridges installed at North Park and Hillman, Mountain bike Fest and more.

Food and beverages provided--covered dish or food item encouraged too
Rides and hikes for all levels will be arranged--weather permitting
Consider donating swag/cash for our awards presentation to the top volunteers.

Contact Mike Connors, Mikes E-mail ,if you want to donate or help with any part of this celebration.

I'm no creature of the night.

2009-11-11T17:45:00.000-05:00

The lack of daylight over winter really bums me out. I’ve already had to start putting blinking bike lights on our Dobermans to keep track of them when we go out after work. They step out of the spot lights on the back of the house and go invisible. Combine that with their tendency to chase deer and we’ve got issues. It's pretty dark by the time I get home. The parking garage I use for work has had too many thefts to leave my bike in the car and bringing it into the office isn’t a possibility. I know these are sound like excuses, but the season for me is pretty much over. I don't like riding in the cold. I snowboard in subzero temperatures, but riding my bike in the cold just doesn't do it for me.

We plan on getting in a few trips to Rays MTB indoor park, but it’s really time to start thinking about cross training. I’ve been cutting, splitting and stacking wood for winter, which is hard work, but a steady exercise regiment is needed.

We have a small gym in the house and a pool with a lap machine. We have a Bow Flex a spin bike and an elliptical machine. Out of all of them, the spin bike is the most boring. We have some spin DVDs and Lora bought some of the Biggest Loser workout DVDs. The spin DVDs are from the 80’s or something. They are really bad. The Biggest Loser workout DVD’s are actually pretty tough and entertaining.

Swimming is my thing though and I need to start doing it on a regular basis. It’s supposed to be good for my shoulder too. Now if I just put down the Xbox controller and get wet.

Another lost video

2009-11-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

No sound on this one, but some video from our stop at Raystown Lake on the way to RCST in September.
No audio on this one.

Videos

2009-11-03T17:37:00.001-05:00

Some videos I never posted. All were made with the GoPro Hero Wide.

Here is one from Rumble on the Ridge with my friend Scott.

Here is another time lapse I made. This one of clouds. This is a really cool feature of the camera.

And last but, not least. Just playing around with the camera.

Moraine Trail Maintenance Sunday November 1st.

2009-10-29T17:33:00.003-04:00

Time: 10 AM sharp.
Where: Moraine State Park, Davis Hollow Marina
What: 3 hours of work, then a ride (unless everyone wants to just work, but plan on riding).
Bring: Snack, water, Boots, gloves, work clothes, riding clothes, and your bike.
Working: Up on the new loop and two other small projects if we have enough people.
Tools: We will have all of the needed tools, but bring what you like. We will be doing rock work, and benching a small climb.
Contact: switchtartn at gmail dot com
Heads up: If you normally come via slippery rock or bypass the long road through the park there is a bridge out over I-79. Coming through the park is probably recommended unless you know your way around the back roads.

Food: We are working on getting food for everyone working, but I don't know who is providing it yet. I will have a 5 gallon jug of water on hand.