visitPA.com Mountain Bike Race Team

Hum-ding-a-ling

2010-03-04T09:05:00.002-05:00

This weekend is the first race in River Towns Race Series and for our PAValleys.com Race Team - well it will be the first time many of us have run this far in a race ever. Should be a hoot. I may just ask my team mates to beat my legs with baseball bats. I'll probably recover from that more quickly than I will from the run and then I don't have to do the work. Mostly what I'm looking forward to is the format - 7.1 miles of scrambling up and down the mountain on things that will apparently resemble trails but may or may not be. It will be muddy. There will be snow. I will laugh at Rob. The Humdinger. Danville, PA. And, if you're looking to keep up with the goings on of the new team check out our new blog!

So long, farewell, and a huge THANK YOU

2010-01-25T16:02:00.003-05:00

On behalf of the entire team , a thank you is in order to all who made the 2009 visitpa.com mountain team possible. It was a huge success but all good thing must end. Check out the new team blog at http://blog.pavalleys.com/blog.aspx !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The past few years it was one of our duties to promote outdoor activities and help with tourism in the beautiful state of PA to humans of all over. I believe it worked. With the team doing events widespread it was not uncommon for random people to approach me and say " hey i've seen you and your teammates around, what exactly is visitpa?" That same person may have visited the website then go to maybe poconos, or even a trail system i told them about next time through PA after i got done with them. Or camp at some of my favorite parks, like promised land or french creek. With the diverse landscape and tons of outdoor activities it was an easy sell to these interested folk. And with seven racers on the team, stories like this were not uncommon. We've had some showing in major publications which sprung some widespread interest too. We had and still do have a great relationship with visitpa.com and hope we made them proud. Thanks you again!!!!!! Visit our 2010 efforts at http://blog.pavalleys.com/blog.aspx

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T08:55:00.002-05:00

Welcome to 2010!
It is that time when resolutions are made, goals are set and we look forward to another great year. With that being said 2010 brings lots of great racing to the horizon. Some of which you can find here, http://web.me.com/earthscapes66/RTRS_2009/RTRS_home.html and some of which you can find here http://www.masuperseries.com/2009/. The you throw in these incredible productions:
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9843
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9330
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9330
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9840
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9840

Holy Dang! More racin' than you can shake a stick at. Seriously folks, with all the great, unique events that are surrounding us 2010 should easily meet your racing goals.
I look forward to seeing my MASS friends at some events this year, and challenge you to challenge yourself and look into the RiverTowns race series.
Have a great year!
Hebe

My idea of creative humor

2009-12-20T07:28:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays

2009-12-16T09:53:00.004-05:00

Dakota (our team mascot), and the rest of our human team would like to wish our family, friends, and mostly our sponsors a happy and safe holiday. And a big thanks for all of our support this past season. http://www.visitpa.com/ , http://www.cannondale.com/ , http://www.cadencecycling.com/ , http://www.suunto.com/ , http://www.northwave.com/, http://www.deuterusa.com/ , http://www.ergon-bike.com/ , and http://www.gretnabikes.com/. And on a personal note, a thanks is in order to http://www.wtb.com/ who advised me on all tire selections this season which gave me a flat free season. and happy new year!!!!!!

In the words of the fat red guy, "OH YEEAAHH!"

2009-12-04T10:30:00.001-05:00

Yea, not Santy Clause. This guy.

I didn't see him the weekend before Tgiving at Allegrippis, Bald Eagle or Rothrock, but he musta been there 'cause there was a heck of a lot of "Oh Yeeaahh!'s" being shouted and hollered as we careened through the woods around State College doing some more Trans-Sylvania Epic course previews.

Friday was Allegrippis. That place is just a massive dirt roller coaster. The trails just keep egging you on. No rocks. No logs. Just pure unadulterated speed. You think, "Man, I'm freakin' moving! I'm going to pay for this later," but the grin factor is just way too big to slow down. So you go bat outta hell fast and a few hours later you're feeling it but good. Still doesn't wipe the grin off your face though.

Saturday was the Trans-Sylvania Prologue. We think we have it dialed. We rode out of the Seven Mountain Scout Camp through Bald Eagle State Forest to the east. Four miles of dirt roads to set you up. Next is the most tech part of the day with a single track rewarding an ability to pick a line through rocks and a very cool very rideable rock drop. Back on the dirt road for a mile or so and then into some swoopy singletrack fun where speed rules. A forest road and some twisties through laurel, dirt road, and a last single track leading you right back into and through the camp bring you home.

Lunch followed where we waxed poetically about all things Trans-Sylvania and toured the expansive camp to show off all the amenities awaiting participants. We're lucky to be able to provide a whole raft of lodging options from BYO tent to permanent tents to RV parking to small and large cabins - some offering kitchens and showers even with hotels as close at 10 minutes away in Milroy. Then there's the large nice mess hall where we can feed 200 or more at a shot and the camp store and offices where we're told we'll be able offer wifi services so everyone can tweet and update their Facebook status between stages. We know, if you didn't facebook it, it didn't happen. At least we have it for that chick that tried to run Ray off the road yesterday. A pool offers swimming though it admittedly could be chilly water in early June and the pond offers up boating and fishing - maybe not for the racer, but for the fam. All this stuff and the fact that the camp is all about kids most of the year allows us to pull together child care throughout the week as well.

Saturday afternoon took us to the Coopers Gap trails where we sampled bits a pieces of more goodyness with our buddies Rich and Bill from BikeFlights.com giving us the tour of trails like Deer Tick, Beautiful and Lewistown Contingent. These trails are constructed and ride differently than either Allegrippis or the Bald Eagle side of RT322 and, as g'ma was fond of saying, "variety is the spice of life." We kept of the variety end of things by making sure to take in Elk Creek Cafe, Bill Pickle's Tap Room, Genos, the Skellar, and more while visiting State College. Besides helping us map out the courses, the boys from BikeFlights.com are going to be helping us get folks into town for the week. If you know someone from outta town who might want to make the trip we'll hook 'em up with some killer service.

Sunday wrapped things up with trails from behind Tussey ski hill and may have been the best day yet. The Longberger to Tuxedo to Tussey Mountain to Camp Trail loop is almost too much fun for words. Our words anyway. Luckily some other folks who are much better at that sort of medium have chimed in:

Truck on over to see what Bicycling's Ms. Fit Chick has to say: Trans-Sylvania Rocks or head over to CyclingNews.com and check out the feature article on Racing the Trans-Sylvania Epic by our friend Sue George.

Heck, even Braden has started training. Lamby is his co-pilot. They're thinking of entering the Tandem category. Rob doesn't have a chance, no matter how much he's not listening to his coach.

Linglestown to Mount Gretna Tandem Ride

2009-11-29T17:55:00.005-05:00

Well I certainly can't step to Rob's Mexico post (see below), but we did have a sweet ride today. Nancy and I rode the tandem on some back roads from our house in Linglestown (just outside of Harrisburg) and made our way to Mt. Gretna. Gretna is an artsy little village, the site of one of the first MTB races I've ever done. Anyone remember the "Pinch Pond Classic" or "Pinch Pond MTB Race" or something like that? I think that Bill Gentile may have been involved in it's promotion.

Gretna actually has some sweet trails. Stop by if you are in the neighborhood. There is one that is pretty new and really rocky / challenging. Super fun.

Anyway, we got to Gretna, rode some rail trail, and back home. About 50 miles. Awesome weather, nice roads. Only hitch was some moron teenage driver who was in a hurry to get home and catch up on Facebook, Vampire novels, or whatever it is that she does. If you are behind a cyclist and want to pass, keep in mind that you should view the bicycle as another vehicle, just like you'd treat a car. Preaching to the choir, I'm sure.

Bye.

mazatlan, mexico bikeless vacation(almost)

2009-11-25T21:24:00.005-05:00

so it was supposed to be a week off the bike and just a nice vacation with the wifey. well, i tried. the pics here are in reverse order of our trip (my bad) , but i give a quick story first.---- Day1 flew to phoenix to visit a good friend of mine and his family. we start our trip to flagstaff immediately. -----day2 trip to the grand canyon(yeah its large)---- day 3 fly to masatlan, mexico relax and do nothing. ----day4 same old thang ---- day 5 uh oh, found a local bike shop and find out that mazatlan hosted the 2000 world cup xc race. ------ day 6 broke down and rented the bottom of the barrel mountain bike for 195 pesos a day(16 bucks). departed the resort for my first 6hr tour with my flattop plastic pedals , baggy shorts, and no helmet. checked out some of the locals single track which was awesome till i discovered some toilet paper. then some more toilet paper. then some piles of human crap. then more crap. it was land mine city and my handling skills came in handy. so gross. twenty feet later i come across the reason. a construction site where i guess they cut costs on a porto potty. ( no pics of this trail). next i hooked together a nice road loop. ------day 7 Today i found the world cup coarse and did a few laps , followed by a dirt road tour. ----day 8 after a nice boat tour, sarah broke down and got a bike too and gave her a tour of the downtown and road to the lighthouse mountain. ---- day 9 gave sarah a best of the best tour of trail , roads , and dirt roads. I was able to google earth all the dirt roads around and connect little villages. i would write down some coordinates before we leave and check once once in a while on my old school gps. so here some pics above, sarah ripping around one of the villages we found

endless dirt roads. dejesus would be in dirt road heaven

badass pic , i thought

this is a funny shot. we road up 150 vertical dirt road, the hiked up another 150 of steps while carrying these tanker bikes. so of coarse i thought it would be a fun idea to ride down. the fork will never be the same. i felt bad renting a bike while the owner had no idea what the bike was in for . if you ever do visit mazatlan, visit kellys bikes on the main drag. if the owner , fernando kelly, is around and his knee is better, he'll give ya a tour.

seeing how an entry bike holds up to seven feet to flat

pretending i know how to wall ride

showing up the cliff diver. (in back ground). no helmet needed here because if you fall to the left your done either way. funny part was the street vendors were yelling ," otra, otra" which really means other, but in this case they wanted to see another. they really just wanted to see the tourist gringo plunge to the boulders. who wouldnt?

hardest part of the world cup course. it was nice that the caution tape was even up in places after nine years. at least i knew i was still on track. fun little loop

took a shot of this thinking about the trials unicycle guy. he would be all over this railing

ever blog needs the on the fly self taken shot. here it is . the first and last one you'll ever see

i skipped this dirt road for obvious reasons

here was the first of many flat tire breaks. lots of thorns. check out that rig. the cog on the pulley was so big it could second as a weapon.

i think i see a line here. just adjust your rebound slower for the landing

snow bowl in flagstaff

somewhere in sedona. cool place

best ride ever

2009-11-15T19:27:00.009-05:00

Today Nancy and took advantage of the warm weather and did a really sweet ride from her parents place in Lewisburg. I tried to piece together some of the best scenic stuff I remember riding in the area when I was in college. I think I did a decent job missing most of the busy spots but still giving a nice tour of the area.
I am trying to figure out the best and most helpful way of sharing turn by turn riding routes. I a not crazy about MapMyRide but maybe it is the best option. Other suggestions?
Anyway, the ride was great. Hit some really nice country roads...here's a nice rustic (crumbling) barn.
We hit two covered bridges and also a pretty sweet section known as Twin Churches for obvious reasons.
Hope everyone got in a good ride (or whatever it is that you are into) today.
Mike F. just tipped me off to a sweet site call BikeRouteToaster. Here is a link to the course:
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=92318

Back on the Gas

2009-11-09T20:48:00.007-05:00

Saturday: The Wayne Scott Memorial Cross presented by the DCCoD and FSVS MAC race in Fair Hill, MD. The short version: Mike’s stellar bike-handling skills and flat-out speed brought him to the top of the podium yet again this season. That win, combined with a win and a second place finish last weekend unofficially gives Mike the MAC Masters title for 2009. While my race was cut short because I was feeling a bit under the weather, I did enjoy watching Mike ride oh-so-smoothly around the Fair Hill course that included tons of technical turns, traverses of the barns, and tricky squiggles through a sandy riding ring. (That was probably my favorite part to ride, too.)

Sunday: back in PA! Mike and I decided to combine some solid local cyclocross racing with family fun on a gorgeous, sunny, warm November day. After his decisive win the day before, Mike decided to take the day off; I wanted to race, so we headed down to the Spring Mount Cyclocross race presented by Philadelphia Ciclismo and sponsored by Cadence Performance Cycling and Multisport and VeloEuropa Imports/Cyfac. It was a deceptively challenging course through the scenic Upper Salford Park not far from Philadelphia. Racers flew through tight turns, ran the deep sand, leapt over the stream (twice per lap!) and the barriers, and navigated slick, deep muddy sections. There were few places to catch your breath on this course, and the unexpected mud drained your power. Fellow Emmaus, PA racer Christine Fennessy (South Mountain Cycles and Coffee Bar) led out the Women’s Open race, with me on her wheel. We traded time at the front on the first lap until I gradually pulled away and continued to a solo win; Christine finished second and Philadelphia racer Lisa Most (Engin Cycles) came in third. Mike’s encouragement kept me pedaling hard all the way through.

The race drew both experienced racers and plenty of beginners out giving ‘cross a try at a nearby race – one of the great things about having a strong grassroots cycling scene. The event was well-organized and the cheering was intense, so I think it’s safe to say everyone had a great time. With such beautiful weather, we were lucky to have some non-racing spectators, too: folks who’d come out to stroll through the park, walk the dog, or play with the kids at the playground and were then drawn to the crazy spectacle of a cyclocross race.

After my race was over, our son Isaac and I headed over to the playground where he hit all the one-year-old favorites: swings, sandbox and climb-on statues. I ended up chatting with a local woman out walking her dog who started asking me about the race when she realized I’d just finished riding. She’d never heard of cyclocross but ended up sticking around to watch the racers ride things she didn’t think you could on a bicycle. We found common ground talking about how riding a bike can be a great way for regular people with jobs and families to stay in shape and enjoy the outdoors with friends.

transylvania stage race preparations

2009-11-09T17:56:00.003-05:00

Yes , this was a better option than green cross #3. look at those smiles

kuhn making those rocks his you know what

check out the scenery on this one

some campground scenery

one of the lodges

some cabins

This is the camp where most of stages will start from. awesome accomidations . very cool scene

This past weekend kuhndog and i headed up to state college to get a feel on some logistics for the stage race next year that is over memorial day week.( see link on side of blog) We met up with sue from cyclingnews.com who got a good feel for what we are going to pull off for the stage race and why a race like this is needed in the northeast. We took a tour of the camp ground which will have everything from camping to daycare. there are cabins or tenting plots, rv spots(maybe with a hookup)a pool, playground, helicopter pad, a lake, dining hall, showers , first aid station,and we are even trying to pull off a communication station with wifi. yes it will be bada$$. As for the riding. well, we got a loop together already for the time trial and i believe it will not disappoint . It has a nice mix of singletrack and gravel road and nothing is too difficult. On sunday sue, kuhn, and i did another 3hr loop along a ridge (pictured somewhere here) which was amazing. Had killer flow and the options for a fun lines were endless. most of the trails we did on sunday will be part of one of the other stages. i'm giddy already

Off-Season Activities

2009-11-07T08:50:00.002-05:00

Since the mountain bike season is well over, Ray is not able to mountain bike, and well, because I enjoy it, i've been doing some trail running lately. Nothing crazy, just some nice mid-length trail runs. Ray has even joined in, despite the face that his body seems to reject it every time he starts to get into it. I digress. Two of my favorite areas to get a nice 1 - 1.5 hour trail run in are Boyd Bid Tree Preserve and Swatara State Park.

Boyd Big Tree is a conservation area that has about 12 miles of trails for hiking. Unfortunately, because of its "Conservation Area" classification, mountain biking is not permitted, but it is a great place to trail run. Most of the trails are doubletrack, with just enough rocky, technical singletrack to make things interesting. The park is basically located on the north side of Blue Mountain, which because of its location, offers several challenging climbs and descents.

Swatara State Park is a great, purely singletrack system of trails that also totals about 12 miles, however new trails are always in the works. These trails were designed and built by the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association and make for a beginner-friendly, super-fast, twisty ride. Rocks are almost non-existent, however there are numerous logs which are good for practicing log hopping skills. As for running, the trails are perfect offering gentle grades with numerous options to do a short or longer run.

Boyd's Big Tree and Swatara State Park are both great places to enjoy fall's mild temperatures and central PA's beautiful fall foliage! Check 'em out!

Back On

2009-11-03T07:44:00.003-05:00

As some may know, I busted my wrist about 6 weeks ago at the final race in the Michaux series. It was a bummer since all I had to do was finish and I would have placed 2nd in the series, which would have been monumental for me since I never even had been able to finish all three long races in a season. Anyway, got a sweet titanium plate installed on the radius to ensure quick and proper healing, and she's almost good as new.

Which brings me up to the story at hand. Yesterday I went for a ride on the old single speed road bike. Why ride the SS when fitness is less than stellar? Not sure, other than you have an excuse all set to go when you need it. It's a fun bike and I didn't feel like shifting. I rode to do a couple errands, then decided, just for the heck of it, to see how I could do on a climb after 6 weeks spent off the bike. The climb I selected is a touch one: Parkway West here in Harrisburg. The section I did takes 6-7 minutes when I am in shape, not sure of grade or any of that jazz. At the onset, the plan was to do as much as I could, then turn back and head home. To do the whole grade is a tall order on a SS.

So, I start up and after a couple curves in the road, who do I see but a road cyclist, fully decked out, looking real pro. He's headed up the same direction I am. So, of course, this changes things. I pretty much have to make it to the top or lose any claim that I own this climb (which, of course, I do, since it is in my back yard). Passing him was actually pretty easy since the SS dictates your speed. Finishing the climb was super tough, though. I have not dug that deep in a looooong time. I used the whole road, weaving side to side. Finally made it up, out of breath and hurting.

That's that. I'll have to introduce you to the single speed real soon. That's a story in itself.
Later.

River Towns Finale

2009-11-02T16:10:00.002-05:00

This past weekend Kara & I made the drive to Danville for the 14th annual DACC 5k. Being that the race was on Halloween, the promoters got into the spirit with theie parade float and some cool Zombie & Dracula costumes. They also used the Halloween theme to great success by having every corner marshalled by a volunteer in an oange race t-shirt. In just the three events we did in the series, the thing that stands out is how much passion the promoters and race series director have. Definitely enjoying the experience is paramount, and we are looking forward to doing more of the RiverTowns Series next year.
On to the race.
It amazes the amount of energy in teens. It is kind of cool to watch kids at running races go crazy for 1/4 to 1 mile just to see how long they can stay in the lead. The DACC race was no different. The passion of youth was in full force, as I was only 10th after a lap on the track. A nice steady pace put me at mile 1 in 5:30 and in third, with kara just behind at 5:48. We then turned on to a Dike to run almost 1/2 mile directly into a 15 mph headwind. I sat behind another guy until we were off the Dike and then made a steady made to run straight through. As the course turned I could see Kara coming off of the Dike and she had a comfy lead and was 6th overall. I hit the 2 mile mark around 11:15. I knew the last mile was predominantly uphill through the Danville State Hospital grounds. It was cool running through DSH, as I used to go there every Tuesday when it was part of my territory. That was definitely an interesting experience. I decided to hit it for the rise and see if I could drop the guy with me. Sure enough the TWO days of land training I had done in October must have paid off. I moved away and there was no knee or IT Band pain. I actually raced the last mile only glancing back once. Onto the track and my gap was secure. I crossed in 18:30 for the win and Kara rolled a 19:47 for the Women's win. After we did a little "Map My Run", we confirmed our thoughts, the course was a little long.
The event was great and I would highly recomend it. Super volunteers, safe course, nice ups, downs, turns, terrain changes, hot coffee, good eats and a super sweet $100 payout to win.
I dig this series.

What are you doing this weekend?

2009-10-29T10:52:00.002-04:00

Looks like the team will be all over the place this weekend. Hebe is running in Danville, THE Yozell's are on another mission of 'cross, Ray is drowning the sorrow of his busted ass wrist in the Finger Lakes and Robster and I will be hitting the farm and enjoying some poached Lamb after.

Press Camp for Trans-Sylvania is close to finalized and we can't wait to get those folks to State College so they can help everyone tune in to what awaits next May 30-June 5, 2010. Lots of updates to do to the site too and gotta get a YouTube channel up and running...and figure out how the heck to do videos. I've a bunch of cool footage from Iron Cross that would be great to get up before next year. I figure if that 5 year old on the Microsoft commercials can do it - well, never mind, I'm screwed.

Video after the weekend? There's a 50-50 chance I'll make it, though there is only a 10% of that.

Kuhn

green cross#2

2009-10-26T12:00:00.002-04:00

location : mahwah, nj----- total commute there: 82 miles-----race total: 1hr vo2max-----commute home: 85(got lost)----race position DFL(probably)-----Time on bike: 14hrs------Special thanks to giant tent for tools and warm socks to get home to one po'd wife. ----- also thanks to my lupine betty of doing providing enough light to get me home. you can go all night with a betty . giggitty. too tired to type more

Rest and relaxation.

2009-10-19T09:53:00.006-04:00

Well the first half of the cross season is in the books. Time for a well deserved rest after the mud fest that was Granogue and the suffer fest that was Wissahickon. First off let me just give a huge hats off to the DCCoD and Kelly and all the folks at Wiss and Human Zoom and The Sturdy girls for outstandingly organized and run races.
As mentioned Granogue was a real riders course . With a huge Nor'easter blanketing the area and hanging for days the grounds on the Estate were soaked through and torn up from the earlier heats. As the day progressed things deteriorated even more prompting the promoters to make corrections and change lines. All well and good unless it's during a race. Lot's of bike changes and a well working pit crew were a key. Finished the day 2nd after a back and forth day with Matt Kraus. Rodger Aspholm takes the win just ahead of us.
Sunday Dawned Cold windy and wet. The course at Wiss changed from race to race and dried out considerably by the Men's Elite race at the end of the day. We even had sun to look forward to.
In the Masters race it was Kraus and I at the start. Aspholm bridged at the start of the 2nd lap leaving me in his wake. Just didn't have the legs to go with him. In the end it was Rodger on the top step and Matt and I taking 2nd and third respectively. Second race went well till the 5 to go card showed up, legs emptied and boy it seemed to get cold. Still I made 10 bucks on the run up picking 1$'s out of the mud. Seems to help the legs when you can entertain the crowd.
Erica stomped on the woman's Elite race. After slipping a pedal at the start and dropping to the back of the race she showed grit and determination and worked her way all the way back to the top ten, finishing 9th for the day. That earned her 2 coveted UCI points and gets her off the back row at the starts. Watching her go from Mom to competitor is always a thing of beauty. And boy o boy can she ride well in the mud.
Like I started with, it's time for a rest. 8 weeks on leaves you tired but in our case still wanting more.

Foreshadowing????

2009-10-16T17:20:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow is another first in my year of many racing firsts. A canoe tri. I will be doing the Chili Challenge instead of Granogue this year. The Chili Challenge is a 20 mile bike race, followed by a 2.2 mile paddle in a lake and finishes with a 5.2 mile run around the lake. I am equal parts excited and nervous. Due to multiple injuries, I have been limited in my running. Lately my riding is not without a fair amount of pain. The race is part of a cool multi-discipline series called the RiverTowns Races, that hopefully will be supporting the team in ott ten, so I am going to see what all the good buzz around this event is.

With the ongoing and impending weather that we are experiencing, this will definitely be a challenge. With rain and temps in the 30's, much of the race will be won and lost due to staying warm and dry. We have so many clothes packed for the event, it is not even funny. The bike will be crucial to the race, not so much in the actual time, but in being able to be warm and dry. The need to be dry to start a 35 minute paddle in the cold rain can not be overstated. With rain pants and fenders mounted on each bike, we are opting for dry comfort. Take a gander at the rides above. Good stuff, fenders, aero clip-ons, cx tires, road gearing it is all good.

I will fill in the fine points after the race.

Hebe

Iron Cross 2009

2009-10-14T16:00:00.001-04:00

IC VII is in the books. Check out Rob pullin' down 4th overall and breaking for 4 hr barrier. Hebe, Ray, Nancy and me on race duties and enjoying a beauteaus day in the PA woods. I think we're all looking to get back in the mix in IC VIII, Oct 10, 2010! Enjoy this!!

Outside looking in

2009-10-13T21:44:00.002-04:00

That is a nice way to explain the good times at Iron Cross this past weekend. I decided to not race this year and volunteer for the day at CP2. It was such a different perspective to watch a race, albeit at one section where you see people for five seconds to a couple of minutes out of a 4-6 hour race. In that brief period you get a feel for the race. Who is good, who is off, and some race dynamics. What you get even more is the sense of friednliness of the racers and the comraderie. I made it a point to call out everyone I knew as they came through the checkpoint. A quick "hello", "you are doing great", something positive to go on for the next two hours. What was so much better in return was the thankfullness of all the racers.
Iron Cross was very rewarding for me this year. I helped out fellow racers, I enjoyed a beautiful day outside and I got an appreciation of how hard it is "to just hand out water".
Next time you have the chance to volunteer, do it. Without people giving back, we could never be able to race our bikes.

last horrah for endurance

2009-10-09T15:02:00.002-04:00

Ironically, this comes in the form of a cyclocross race appropriately named , Ironcross. It happens this sunday in michaux . Saturday is the ironlight which is a typical length cross race. Sundays event, however, is around 62 miles(i think) and mountain bike are allowed. And no license is needed. I remember trying this race a few years back and really racing for at least 15 minutes until i realized it was way easier to look around at the pretty colors of fall. (Some may call that ADD, i call it season tapering) From that point i kept a steady pace while enjoying a sunday joy ride. That being said, no matter your racing style this may very well be your last chance to enjoy a marked out, catered ride/race of an endurance distance. ------------On the west side this weekend make sure you check out a 24hr battle between brandon, chris e, josh t, earnie, and kelly. It's gonna be a good one. the battle takes place in Moab and can be followed in real time scoring on grannygear.com. i will be handing off my grannygear 24hr national points championship title to brandon for this year. (watched this year from the sidelines while taking a stab at the nue) He killed it in the last 2 events and has it wrapped up. Good Job!!!! I like to think i taught him a thing or two about 24s. But it may just be like those soccer dads that wish they were as good as their kids when they were that age. i can still beat him in 24hrs of landscaping.

Weekend wrap up

2009-10-04T21:38:00.004-04:00

here are some pics from the gap gallop. coach kuhn showed here trying to beat the calorie deficit. He burned 4000 but consumed 14000. Way to go coach. Yeah we were trying to get out $20 worth. What a fun tour . great weather , ride , and company. After yesterdays 5 hour tour with brandon at michaux , this century definitely finished off the legs. ----------------- And one special shout out is needed for the weekend. Goes to VMB. (valley mountain bikers)(bikevmb.com) They had a great turn out today for national take a kid mountain biking day, held at jordon park in allentown. I really wanted to go check it out and help but the century took a bit longer than i thought. I heard all the kids had a great time and the day went smoothly. Thank you vmb for helping the future of the sport. But don't let them get to fast. i'm not getting any younger.

Gap Gallop

2009-10-02T21:51:00.003-04:00

If any readers are unsure of their plans this Sunday and are close to the lehigh valley check out the Gap Gallop. This is a road ride put on by the lehigh valley wheelmen(and woman) with three options. A century, metric century , of a half. All options have stocked food stations of yummy goodness. Starts at northampton community college anytime between 7and 9. More info at bikereg.com The roads in this area are amazing especially this time of year. The full century takes you over Blue Mountain, along the northside of the mountain , through delaware water gap , and back(not the same way). I think you see a maximum of three traffic lights the entire time. Awesome riding!!! Go check it out

Super D at Blue Mt

2009-09-27T17:58:00.005-04:00

Yesterday while the rest of our team and the Mikes were probably playing follow the leader through smooth lush turf grass and jumping through sand boxes on their tippy toes,(although fun, i'll never understand cyclocross) i decided to thrown my hat into the ring of downhill. It was the last race of Blue mt vertical earth series in palmerton, pa. The specific discipline was super D which is a more gradual race course with an occasional flat spot or even small climb in the course. I like to go into these things with a pre excuse why i didn't win so i road to the race and decided to race my cannondale f29 instead of the perp which was down at the time and was built specifically for events like this.
I left the house at 8 and started my bike commute. By 915 i arrived and was well warmed up so i got in two high speed practice runs. At 11 we met up top and waited for our one minute interval start. I was waiting a bit back and heard somebody in a sarcastic tone" i cant believe somebody is racing with a lefty down this thing." Of course that somebody was me and that somebody also beat him by two minutes. Two minutes in a downhill course is like and hour in XC. My run was totally smooth thanks to big wheels and a big gear, except in the last 300yrds my chain got real stuck and i had to coast to the finish. I think i made up 30sec on the slight "climb" in the beginning compared to the big suspension bikes. I ended up 4th , 2seconds off of third with a time of 6:47. I was stoked when i looked at the timing board where most of the times were in the 7's and 8's.
I got to watch dual slalom event which is a blast. Got to see JaydeJesus , who taught me a thing or two about bike handling, have a really smooth run. You really need big ones for that event.
A good buddy of mine showed up and we did downhill runs till 5. Oh what fun. Despite my calves getting a workout from the hardtail , that bike was real fun on that mountain. I think Blue is open for free riding for a few more weekend. Go check it out.
It was either that i was bonking , or the rain that started, or my scenic route home that got me back at 7:00 and starving.
I was hoping for a podium pic but this will have to do. Good friend of mine , Chris Tollota(who may be possibly the smoothest rider ever), Dakota, and i after my run. I think i had fun. I'm smiling.

The not so GREEN cross schedule

2009-09-25T20:54:00.002-04:00

Since Robbie is way tougher than I, he may feel free to race GREEN this year. I on the other hand will continue to help Big Oil and drive to the MAC and PA series events.
That being said this past weekend opened up the MAC series at Nittany Croos in T-town. Mr. Yozell and I picked up where we left off last year at PA states. The VisitPA.com cross juggernaut was off on full swing dominating the front of the Elite Masters race. Immediately we make the group of five and proceed to drive the group. With Mike Y. riding extremely well it was a matter of us driving the pace and getting Mike to the front at the end.
With some strong team riding and incredible technical skills Mike Y was able to win the first event of the season by outsprinting our breakaway group of five. I came in a decent 4th. It had to be a cool sight to see "The Mikes" driving the front of the race.
More to come on day 2 of the MAC opening weekend. A little hint, a certain Mike who won on Saturday, may very well have won AGAIN on Sunday.
Thanks to our great sponsors. The new Northwave shoes were awesome, stiff, yet easy to run in. Tha Cannondale CAAD9 cross bikes are extremely stiff, and ride so smoothly. Without the support of all of our sponsors, especially VisitPA.com, we would not be able to do what we love.
Thank you.
Mike H

http://www.cyclingcaptured.com/2009-Cycling-Season/Cyclocross/Nittany-Lion-Cross-1315/9707725_5MDNa#658737825_Rkjuw

the green calender

2009-09-22T22:42:00.002-04:00

So every year about this time i get sick of driving. Hundreds of miles for work every week followed by hours in the car for races on the weekend. Well, not this fall. I have come up with the brilliant idea to plan my cross season with races close(well maybe) to my crib. i figure if i publicly post it, i'll be more inclined to stick to it. So here it is, the tentative calender.

9/26 Super D at blue mtn (palmerton, pa) ok, not cross , but crazy fun
10/11 Ironcross - i think i'll drive to this one
10/18 Wiss cross (philly area) bout 70 miles each way
10/25 Mahwah cross (northern jersey) this one will hurt, 80 miles each way
11/8 spring mount cross 35 miles each way
11/14 west windsor , nj cross (56 miles each way)
12/5 p-burg cross (a pleasant 10 miles away)

disclaimer: to the young impressionable readers. Doing something silly like this will not help you get stronger. it may in fact burn you out. i just don't know any better. stay tuned for some good bonking stories!!!

2010 team tattoo

2009-09-18T21:58:00.002-04:00

Fresh ink to celebrate the end of XC season even though i was one spot off of my top 5 NUE series goal. i heard Nancy is getting her entire arm done like this. should be sick!!!

Mountain bike racers- maybe the most polite athletes around

2009-09-07T12:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the shenandoah 100, my fifth and final 100 mile effort for the season. I was pleased with my four previous results which already put me in sixth (or maybe even 5th depending on the last 100 out west finishes up) for the series. i never got a chance at this hundred in previous years, usually due to a 24hr conflict so i was excited to do something new. not to mention, events that chris scott puts on never disappoint. Probably why this event was sold out. The camping was awesome, along with all the other logistics that go into a 100 mile event. Chris also keeps in mind that not all want to finish a race and eat a hamburger, so he even has boca burger options upon your finish. I'm sold.
So the race was a gradual start but within 20 minutes it turned into a normal XC pace race. The lead 7 dudes(JB, Christian, Jeffery, Sam K, Jesse, Brandon, and Chris B) were out in front quite a bit . I settled in for a lovely day spent with Gerry P, Greg Kuhn, Blair, and one more tall dude which i unfortunately forget his name. Somewhere along the way Greg got ahead and we caught up to Beck who was recovering from a nasty headache. I told him to get on the train and i started feeling real strong. We dropped Blair and his buddy. Gerry , the animal that he is, gave some monster pulls and worked with me nicely. It was great having him around for most of the day. We eventually caught Greg K and i was still feeling great. Shortly after that (about the same time Gerry shouted out that we only had one more XC race left for the day, which i had some choice words for that comment) I started cramping a bit and the grade of the 15mile climb (called the soul crusher)was getting steeper. Gerry , Beck , and Greg started pulling ahead . They were about 30-40yrds ahead and i really wanted to stay with them so i rang by bell. Now, what other sport has people like this?? They actually waited. Only in mountain biking can you find racers fighting for the top 10 in the biggest , and the most highly contested series around actually look back and pause a bit so the slacker can catch up. The cramps kept coming so i backed of eventually anyway and road my own pace for the rest of the day.
At the end , i finished 10th place feeling great with a time of 7;40. My equipment was flawless from my Cannondale Caffeine(actually of top 10, 6 riders were on Cannondale), To my ever so comfortable Deuter hydration pack. Thanks to all our team sponsors. Hope we made you proud

Hmmmm home cookin'

2009-08-06T13:31:00.002-04:00

This past weekend I had the good fortune to go back to my old collegiate stomping grounds, Indiana, PA. I was going to Yellow Creek State Park to contest round #5 in the Mid-Atlantic XTerra series. Yellow Creek is a really cool park complete with sweet hiking and biking trails, nature centers, a swimming area with beach and power boating as well.
On the drive up I decided to take in a little more of our beautiful state, and opted for Rte 56 from Bedford to Johnstown. I travelled this route 20+ years ago going to college and still remembered parts, and was amazed by the sights and beauty. From the Johnstown Incline and War Memorial Stadium ("I don't want no stinkin' rut beer") to multiple five plus mile climbs the drive was great.
Sunday came around like the past three weeks in Western PA, rain. The already slick, greasy, water laden trails were only enhanced. About an hour before the race the ski cleared and all was good. The swim portion of the race was distinctly longer than the 800 meters advertised. Oh well, I got in a groove and swam second, third most of the leg. Into and out of transition I went and proceeded to be in the lead after about five minutes on the bike. My Cannondale 29er again worked flawlessly through the prolonged small, yes small, ring climbing. Once I hit the quick singletrack and the forest roads the big wheels just started rolling. I hit the run transition first, with the fastest bike split again. Out on to the soggy trails I went. The run felt great, even on the steep switchback climb it all felt good. With about a mile to go I could see no one was near me and I started to think i was finally going to win* (* I won in WV, but the swim was cancelled) one of these things. Out into the open and there is the finish. I ended up winning by 2:45 over some pretty good competition. The result pretty much sealed my #1 ranking for Mid-Atlantic 40+ regional champ. It also put me in a very good spot to win the National Point Series title for 40+.
Another great race came together in large part to our generous sponsors: VisitPA.com, Cannondale, Rudy Project to name a few.
Until next time.

Midnight at Marsh Creek State Park

2009-07-19T20:36:00.004-04:00

Late last night, Lowe Riders and Trestle Bridge Racing put on the Midnight at the Marsh night XC race. The concept was good... Night racing=FUN. XC racing (for the most part)=FUN. The real test would be the actual event. I admit I was a bit skeptical about this and figured it would be a 50/50 event. It could go either way...good or bad. I can say the LoweRiders did a bang up job for a first time event.

Vegan Rob and I showed up for the VisitPA.com team. After kitting up we rolled out to preride the lap. 5 miles long with a great mix of tight twisty sections and technical uphills combined with great downhills and recovery sections, the course was perfect for a night race. At 11pm, the race got off to a quick start and about halfway through the 4 mile prologue loop, Rob and I went to the front and never looked back. After trying to stay on Rob's wheel for a little too long, I dropped off the pace and rode by myself. With both the Elite/Expert and Sport racers on the course at the same time, you had to stay on the gas and hope that the person behind you wasn't in your category. Rob took the victory and I took 2nd about a minute behind.

After the race, the comments I overheard were all positive from racers about the course and event. Kudos to the promoters for a great event and thanks to the Marsh Creek State Park for allowing this event to happen.

No rest for the victor, Rob took off at 2am to drive 3 hrs to Michaux for the Curse of Dark Hollow today where he took 5th. Sick

Fair Hill

2009-07-12T20:56:00.002-04:00

Raced the Fair Hill XC race today. Pretty solid field in the Elites with me, Brandon Draguelis, Chris Beck, the twins, Martin Kell, Kyle Hammaker, and John Gwadcik. 27 miles of dusty, rooty and fast singletrack in the Fair Hill Resource Area.

After establishing the lead group, I proceeded to fall off the pace about 6 miles into the race. With the tight and twisty nature of the course it was easy to lose sight of the others and that was the end of the day for me. I rode my own pace and managed to pick off Martin who was having trouble with all the turns and John G. who was having shoe issues. After riding the majority of the course by myself I managed to crash and let John pass me back for the 5th spot.

Congrats to the Delaware Trail Spinners for promoting a great race with a fantastic venue.

Thanks to all the VisitPA.com team sponsors as well:
VisitPA.com
Cannondale
Deuter
Rudy Project
Deuter
Sunnto

The disease is spreading

2009-07-06T17:30:00.003-04:00

Thinking back to the last decade i like to think of some peoples lives i have helped change for the better from quitting certain bad habits, to help learning to ride, to even losing weight to get a better quality of health. I'm not bragging here(maybe a little), just a preface to my story.
Yesterday i raced a h2h race in Jersey on the way home from the beach. Always exciting to race somewhere new which has been a theme this season. So i'm warming up and a familiar face approaches me and makes some small talk. I usually rely on Matt Miller or Motormouth Matt to fill me in on names since i have a horrible memory but i was on my own. They were nowhere in sight. Turns out it was last years 24 hours of Allamuchy solo winner Emrah Ayhan. Last year my wife, Sarah , and i raced on a tandem Cannondale Mountain bike at the same race. Point of the story is he thought the tandem thing was so cool that this year he will be entering the tandem division with his son who looks only 12 or so. How cool is that??? Makes me wonder where i'd be now in racing if my father had me riding at 12 instead of breathing second hand smoke at the Beef House . Maybe Sarah and i will see you out there. Way to be a cool father and good luck to you and your son!!!!

Marysville/rb winter tri

2009-07-03T18:12:00.002-04:00

The 12 hour team relay (9hr solo) at the farm was a blast! Thanks to all who made it possible. From Mike's generous in-laws to Bill at gretna bikes for the light demos to all who even rolled up one strand of tape. It all helps the event . To those who missed it , to bad for you. my wife thought it was the best vibe she ever felt at a race. Very fun. In the end for the visitpa team , nancy rocked 3rd in the women solo, while ray and i took the top spot for duo , and wes and yozell got second. Coach Kuhn rocked a duo team also with Chris(From Deuter). They did awesome too with coach doing back to back laps while probably running on zero sleep. For those who stayed up long enough there was an educational q+a at rays camp site which was focused in slogans for your day to day life. Very inspiring. I even learned a thing or too. And oh yeah , the night time trial and short track went off without a hitch too. See you next year !!

While most of the team was racing at the farm , hebe was resting up on the mic for sundays exterra at rb winter. He did a top ten swim overall (yeas my wife beat him) , then crushed it on the bike which gave him a two minute lead overall. IN the end he got passed in the very technical run and lost the overall by only 10 seconds. WOW. He still won his age group by , i'm sure , a significant amount. Way to kill it hebe!!!

mohican 100

2009-06-18T21:55:00.002-04:00

A few weeks back was the 2nd stop on the NUE series, Mohican 100. After a 8th place finish at the cohutta 100 i was excited to take another dab at these point to point off road centuries. First off , if you even give a 100 a thought for a second , you should go for it. The sense of accomplishment is awesome and the amount of food is amazing. i actually was fatter when i got home from both of these events.
After an interesting drive to Ohio with Brandon, which included a stop at the taco bell managers house instead of a store(gps fault), we arrived shortly after midnight. A four hour nights sleep is always what you want before a 100. The start was at seven a.m. which was super high paced much like a regular XC race. The next 7hrs and 15 min were spent with some of my idols. I got to ride a good chunk of the race with Chris E, which is always cool. His riding style at these races is so smart i cant help to try to stay with him. Climb at a calm but brisk pace, then catch the groups on the downhills with amazing cornering speed and skill all while recovering. Also did quite a bit with Harlen Price which at the end was nice enough of letting me get the extra points since i'm chasing the series and not him. Although we tried like heck to catch the lead 6 riders the entire time it never happened. I was more than happy with another top 10 as the competition at these is some of the top talent in the country. Still not sure what i was doing there but was tickled pink(try to use this saying daily, it's fun) to be there. Next up is relay at Marysville then wilderness 101. PA's premier 101 mile backcountry race.

Camping with visitPA.com and Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers

2009-05-22T08:46:00.003-04:00

I'm leading a little mountain bike training camp coming up in about a month and since most of you who visit this blog likely do a little mountain biking I thought you might be interested. Here's a blurb from the Mid-Atlantic Super Series page about the camp and a link to our flyer.

"The Mid-Atlantic Super Series is proud to announce as part of our sponsorship with Cadence Multisport The Cadence Endurance MTB Racing Camp. This camp will be lead by Mike Kuhn, the Director of Coaching at Cadence and major MASS race and event promoter. As a veteran road and mountain bike racer including the Ultra Endurance 100 milers Mike is an expert in the correct preparation for endurance events of any type. As a special offer the price of the camp includes your entrance fee into either the Wilderness 101 or the Shenendoah 100. Only 20 spots available so reserve now."

To recap, that's three days of stellar riding, training, and instruction on how to race long distance events and entry into either race for $450. Sweet.

The camp runs the three days following the Stoopid 50. So you can choose to do Stoopid or not and increase the difficulty of the camp by doing so. That's the point of camps though. Camps are supposed to be hard. The idea is that you go into it with a little rest and then spend a few days really pushing yourself. You push yourself much more than you would regularly because the only things you need to do are ride, eat, sleep, and recover --- and have fun! It's like being a pro for a few days - only you don't have the pressure of knowing that if you don't win your next race its ramen instead of steak again this week! Then you rest coming out the other side of the camp and - voila! - you're stronger and faster and smarter and better looking than you were before. Well, maybe not necessarily the last one, but the other three I can guarantee.

The plan for camp is basically as follows. On Monday mid-day we'll meet in Coburn, the start of the Wilderness 101, and do an easier ride on dirt roads to check out the early parts and late parts of the race - these are key in figuring out how to ride this event. Tue and Wed will see us start the rides in other locations in the Rothrock State Forest that will allow us to access different parts of the 101 and over the three days ride almost all, if not completely all, of the 101 course. It will be stellar training and a course preview all in one!

I promise that you are going to come out of the camp far better prepared and far more confident in your ability in endurance mtb events and you'll be ready for your best ever race!

Catch up with me through work - Cadence Cycling and Multisport - 215-508-4300 - if you have any questions or to sign up for this great new camp!

Rockin' It

2009-05-07T16:48:00.002-04:00

Okay so we're about a week out from a race that I'm constantly babbling about how awesome it is and how the riding out of RB Winter State Park is some of the best in the state. If you like mountain biking you ought to come out. You don't even need to race the marathon since obviously that isn't everyone's cup of tea. Come out and do the 20 mile XC so you can check out the riding up there and get in the race effort if you're into that sort of thing. If you just want to come out and ride some trails and check out the place a bit then do that - its the only day of the year they'll be marked and there will be people out and about that can help you get around the forest. Now, if you're out there just riding keep in mind that the aid stations are for racers and make sure you take enough to get yourself around, but its a great opportunity to find out what RB Winter and Bald Eagle offer mountain bikers! You will not be disappointed by what you find.

The latest race info is on BikeReg as updating HighSpeedCycling.com is not going so well right now - but you can link right to the exact spot on BikeReg through my site - just click through the visitPA.com Rocktober logo!

Get rockin,
Kuhn

Escape from the Mud at Granogue--MASS #2

2009-05-04T16:48:00.003-04:00

This pretty much sums up the day of racing at Granogue yesterday. EPIC conditions. Despite curses toward the promoter, FatMarc V, a fun time was had by many.

A great way to break in your fancy new bike. Shameless but honest plug, the Cannondale Caffine 29er held up fantastic considering the conditions. I did try and clean out the drive train every lap, but no mechanicals or other issues. The top three elites all were on Cannondales....just sayin'.

Thanks to Dennis Smith for the photos.

Some post race video courtesy of Colt.

Elite Mens Podium:
1. Wes Schempf VisitPA.com 2:37
2. Brandon Draugelis Cannondale Factory Team 2:40
3. Rob Lichtenwalner VisitPA.com 2:41

more results at masuperseries.com

Team Relay Recap (Finally)

2009-04-15T09:11:00.003-04:00

Well more than a week after the VisitPA.com International Intergalactic Global Open Mountain Bike Team Relay Championship of the Universe Including the Anti-Matter One. (There, That Should About Cover It.) wrapped up, here is a quick and dirty synopsis.

Despite the rain the previous couple days, race day was clear, sunny, and windy. The course was soggy but not too muddy except for the swampy field section. With 70+ 4 person teams out on the course, it tracked in quickly and provided quite a challenge for the defending champs of VisitPA.com's "A" team. Like last year the "A" team, managed to put in the most laps with 18 and only 2 other teams had the same. If the relay consisted of only that then we would have been hoisting the cup again this year. Kuhndog had other plans and with a revised handicapping system, this year the result was quite different.

These 4 juniors from the Whiskey Springs Devo team turned themselves inside out to gain the top step of the podium and hoist the cup. Chapau lady and gentlemen. The best part of it was the kid in the blue jersey giving 110% to finish and lying on the ground after the finish shelled. When the final points were tallied the surprise on the Devo team's faces was awesome!!

Overall results and lap times are out on the innertubes somewhere, sorry I don't have the link.
I do know that Aaron Snyder had the fastest lap time of 13:04 and super fast lady from the HumanZoom/PBR team killed it with a 16:28.

Thanks to the Oesterlings who gave us use of their property, VisitPA.com and the teams sponsors: Cannondale, SRAM, Deuter, Rudy Project, and all the racers who ventured out. Great job everyone and hope to see you in late June at the VisitPA.com 12hr Stage Race.

northern boyz take the podium

2009-04-12T17:43:00.003-04:00

down in santos florida northern boys (left to right) rob lichtenwalner(visitpa.com), Harlen Price(IF), and Ernesto Marenchin(speedgoat) took the podium after a very fun flowing 12hour race.

Come one, Come all.....

2009-03-13T07:58:00.010-04:00

VisitPa.com and Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers are proud to present the 2009 Mid Atlantic Super Series Open House on Saturday March, 21. All the pertinent details are below Flyin' Ryan Leech's stone cold killer stare so check it out.

I'd like to highlight that starting at 9am there will be an advanced level ride (about 2 hrs) in the Wiss with some of VisitPa.com's finest....Mike "Super D Champ" Hebe, Rob "I Wear my Sunglasses at Night" Lichenwalner, Mike "Coach K" Kuhn, and Wes "Who's the Boss" Schempf.

If you come for the day you will get a chance to see the Cadence staff perform a bike fit and LT testing for one of the VisitPa.com riders. This is an excellent opportunity to gain an in depth look and knowledge about the fit and physiological testing process. Feel free to ask Cadence's expert coaching staff questions regarding the fit and testing while it's being done on a team member.

Later in the day there is an indoor Computrainer class which highlight's Cadence's fantastic workout space and Cadence TV. I know what you're thinking, why do an indoor class when it's nice out? The answer is that the classes are an effective and super efficient training tool to be able to use all year long, especially Cadence TV. For $50/year you have access to any number of specific indoor workouts that you can do in your home! No more looking at stacks of Spinerval DVD's or other workout DVD's. You can pick and choose which workout to do and all you need is the innerwebs!!! Even if you don't want to do the class on Saturday just stop in and check it out.

So scroll down and get the 411 on the VisitPA.com/Cadence M.A.S.S. Open House....do it, Ryan says so.

MID-ATLANTIC SUPER SERIES (M.A.S.S.) OPEN HOUSE AT CADENCE PHILADELPHIA!

CADENCE IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE MID-ATLANTIC SUPER SERIES!

The Mid-Atlantic Super Series (M.A.S.S.) is the premier mountain bike race series in the Mid-Atlantic region. The M.A.S.S. has something for everyone including elite open class pitting the best racers of all ages against each other for substantial cash prizes, beginner junior classes for young racers, three team relay competitions, a festival weekend complete with a night time trial, and a 24 hour race at Seven Springs, PA!

CADENCE M.A.S.S. OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
9am-11am: VisitPA.com mountain bike ride (advanced level). Enjoy a challenging ride with the popular VisitPA.com MTB Team
11am MTB fitting: Observe as a Cadence fit expert takes you through a complete bike fitting
12pm LT testing: Observe as one of our coaches performs a blood lactate test
1:30pm: Join us for a Cadence indoor class led by coach and VisitPA.com team member Mike Kuhn
3:30pm: Join the VisitPA.com MTB Team on a skills building ride to learn tips and techniques to gain some free speed and improve your bike handling
5pm Power Lecture: The always popular power lecture led by coach Colin Sandberg will cap off a great day!

Plus, get 15% off all retail merchandise for registered M.A.S.S. riders during the Open House! AND, if you sign up for Bronze coaching on the day of the Open House you'll get 3 months for just $49 per month!

4323 Main Street, Philadelpha, PA 19127	P. 215-508-4300
www.cadencecycling.com	1-8PRO-CADENCE

Wes making us look good

2009-03-11T16:03:00.002-04:00

Yinzers see the VeloNews Race Guide 2009? See the two page spread with Wes in his usual position at the head of the pack leading out the section on XC rassin? No? Well go grab an issue and you'll have your very own photo of Wes for your wall! If you want a real keepsake to show off to the grandkids he'll be available to sign copies at all visitPA.com events this season and can make one out especially for you! I've alread had him sign 10 copies for me and will be passing them out as xmas gifts this coming holiday season. Get your own!

The blog test

2009-03-09T14:50:00.002-04:00

Well, as my first team blogspot entry ever, this is a real test. I figured i should backtrack a bit to early january to one of my two beginner skills training days at the Salbury trail system in Bethlehem, PA. This was a huge success with on one minor injury. (time to start damage waivers) The event was for Valleymountainbikers (vmb.com) , and about 30 toughed out the frigid temps. It was a great feeling to see so many new faces in the sport. Step one complete, step two, drag em to a race or two. ok , lets see if this works

Good Times

2009-02-20T10:26:00.002-05:00

Mountain bike season is literally around the corner, and there are some early season events that are in the Central PA region.

First off, in mid March there is the Michaux Mash. An event run by Fast Forward Racing, a regional junior development team. Basic info:

Event: Michaux Mash

Location: Michaux State Forest (Towards Big Flat Area)

Date: Sunday March 15, 2009

Time: 9am

Length: 4 hours

Categories:

Men Open

Women Open

Masters Open(35+)

Junior Open(<18)

Cost: $50

What you get:

Pint glass

Post race meal

Stocked Aid station

Some pretty basic mechanical support

4 hours of racing/training

Fun course with plenty of climbing and a blazing fast decent. Plenty of fun single track. Proceeds go to sending some of the best juniors in the mid-atlantic to MTB nationals in Colorado this year. Full course map and lots of other details are located on the event website.

Event Website: http://michauxmash.blogspot.com
Registration: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7562

Second, the event you know and love the VisitPa.com Team Relay. A 4 person team relay at the beautiful Oesterling Farm in Marysville, PA. This year, the handicap should make it difficult for an elite team to win this year, so come out and give it a shot.

2009 visitPA.com Events coming your way

2009-02-11T23:16:00.003-05:00

I know, the website needs some TLC. You know me, it'll be there. Probably about a week before the race.

Here's a quicky for you:

Team Relay (the first one, in April) - April 4, Saturday - name is changing, idea is not. 4 person teams only. Each team gets a handicap based on riders. We race for four hours. Laps take the fast guys about 20 min. Most everyone else takes longer. Unless they cheat. Someone smarter than me tabulates the results. Someone goes home with the team cup. Its fun. Invite your far away friends. You'll like it.

Rocktober - in May. I know, it doesn't make sense. May 16th. , Saturday - A long ass hard ass course last year, a little shorter this year. On paper anyway. Some fast guys who go top 10 in 7ish hours in NUE 100 milers took 7 hours to do the 75 in this one last year. Buck up and get tough. Probably do something shorter for yinzers who want it, but think low key categories for the XC. This one is all about the Marathon.

Festival and Race Weekend - June 26-28, Friday-Sunday - The MASS Par-Tay. Its on the Dirt Rag World Tour this year thanks to my friends at MASS. New dates and new racing. Short and sweet - 12 Hour Uno, Dos, and Tres Teams on Sat. Looking to get a noise variance for all y'all. If so 10-10, if not then earlier. Maybe a beginner/corporate 4-6er too. Nighttime Team Time Trial on Friday - start positions on the line. Sunday STXC with Z and Me on the mic. All the fun stuff you know and love - or don't know and love but will soon - downhill dual slalom tricycles, slow DH, bands, camping, beverages and whatever else we cook up. Working on the expo. Get your teams together. ***ITS A WEEK EARLIER THIS YEAR SO PLAN FOR IT***

Rattling 50 - its back August 22, Saturday. Its a marathon. Its about 50 miles. Its a sweet sweet course. Rattling Creek Trails. Maybe XC distance going on too, but is MASS Marathon only.

We're into it now so more soon,
Kuhn

A fine end and a solid beginning

2008-09-25T14:25:00.002-04:00

So mtb season pretty much wrapped up last weekend for the team with the MASS finals at Bear Creek. It was the end to another solid year of mountain biking in the mid-Atlantic and nationally for the visitPA.com team with all sorts of results all over the place - the highlights of the year:

National Champion Semi-Pro XC
National Champion Semi-Pro STXC
National Champion Women XC
National Podiums - Semi-Pro XC, Expert 34-39, Expert 40-44

MASS Champion - Team - small team category
MASS Champion - Elite Men XC
MASS Champion - Elite Men STXC
MASS Champion - Elite Men Endurance
Additional MASS Overall Podiums - Elite Men XC, Elite Men STXC, Elite Men Endurance, Elite Women XC

And while the mtb season winds down our entry into the 'cross scene as the visitPA.com kicked off with the Mikes racing in the first events of the mid-Atlantic's 'cross season. Hebe took a win at the Bear Creek cross weekend and Yozell and Kuhn took part in the first MAC race of the year at PSU Allentown. Yozell was even able to get the word out on cyclingnews.

Of course, the most important and exciting new beginning for the team was the recent birth of Isaac Yozell to Mike and Erica. Its good to know the team will be well represented in 2028 or so!

Time is UP

2008-07-31T11:27:00.004-04:00

I signed up for Transrockies eons ago and here it is.....less than 2 weeks away.

I've packed, trained, made lists of lists, made copies of all itineraries, numbers and contact information to easy my parents' minds, rode and strategized with my teammate Tim Dougherty, and finally memorized that 1.0mile = 1.6km.

I feel good. I am satisfied, knowing that I've prepared to the best of my ability and as long as my focus remains present and positive, I will be successful.
I do have many people who have encouraged and supported me through the season thus far.......for that I am forever in debt and know that I will repay your kindness with kindness to someone else along the way.

Thank you:
Cannondale, for your support along the way...without you I'd be bikeless!
Wes, Ry, Hebe, and Yozell--Thanks for your sage advice and role-modeling at Mt. Snow.

My Carrot: Seeing my sister at the final stage.
My Prayer: Lord, may my ups be longer than my downs. Amen

Michelle

P.S. I'll be posting abridged versions of the stages after I return and settle back into life, so stay tuned.....

Next Generation

2008-07-31T11:09:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of riding with these fine young folks along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, Pine Creek, PA. DCNR hosts an Adventure Camp for local urban youth and I led the mountain bike exploration/clinic for these day campers. Of course we had to find some single track to explore. These kids were strong, energetic and eager to share and learn about bikes and riding. For some, it was their first time on singletrack....but they ripped and rode the trail with speed and confidence.....who knows, maybe I'll be seeing them on the podium someday.....

Much thanks to DCNR for the effort and time to make this a positive learning experience for kids! Also, thanks to R.B. Winter State Park for loaning Cannondale bikes to this wonderful group!!

Michelle

Mt Snow eyes

2008-07-30T08:48:00.006-04:00

Here are some images from Mt Snow:

Michelle Winning the Expert Womens race

Old Popeye

SemiPro podium with Wes (1st) & Ryan (4th)

In what might have been...

2008-07-29T22:34:00.002-04:00

The best five days I have spent on vacation...
The most fun I have had with friends...
The most dominant performance of an MTB team at a National Championship event...
The funniest picture shoot ever, OK second funniest after the Stage Race...
That is a decent start to sum up the VisitPA.com National Championship weekend. On the business end we walked away with not one, not two, not three but FOUR Jerseys for the weekend. Throw in three more podium performances and yes we were over the moon.
From working the feed zone for Wes & Ry's awesome Semi-Pro race and the ensuing awards, to warming up with Yozell, watching Sunshine get her due, and finally standing on a podium at a National Championship race, then standing on the top step the next morning. This was about as surreal as it comes.
On behalf of the team I would like to thank everyone who has had a part in our success. Our friends and family who support us unconditionally. Our incredible sponsors, Cannondale, Ergon, Deuter, Cadence, High Speed Cycling, SRAM, Northwave, Rudy Project and most certainly, VisitPA.com. Without your generous support we could not enjoy racing and riding like we do. I hope in some way we do our share to increase awareness of your products, and make you proud the we represent you.
Thanks again and we hope to see everyone soon.

The Big Bike Game

2008-07-13T19:41:00.002-04:00

Next Friday, Saturday and Sunday is the big Bike Game of the year. Mt. Snow National Championships for the VisitPA.com squad.
I have the great fortune to be on a team with three national Champions, two of which are defending national MTB Champs, a National Series champion, a Pro and one of the most respected Endurance racers around. Riding with these guys totally ups my game. Yet with all of the talent that abounds on the team, egos are set aside. We are racers, and more than that, we are friends. I can not wait to go to Mt. Snow this coming week and watch my friends be crowned National Champions again. Who knows, maybe yours truly will find a little magic and ward off the boo-boo belly this year.
Enjoy your riding and best of luck to all MASS racers going to Mt Snow for a shot at the Stars and Stripes.

Sooooo close...

2008-07-01T08:26:00.002-04:00

... I can almost taste it
Twiddle your little fingies across the keys and register. If you do not you will miss, in no particular order:
the World's tannest human
The vanity of getting your pic taken
Little buddies family cooking you breakfast, lunch and dinner
This guy in a sleep deprived, semi to fully neurotic state
One of the final MASS appearances of Euro style
Some of the best singletrack fun known to man
Slow races, fast races, kid's races, bands, beer, marshmallow guns
Yours truly, OK that is not really a good reason. Still register now

You can eat watermelon, brownies and burgers any weekend of the summer. This weekend your inner sadist is screamin' to pedal your little bikey-bike down on the farm.
There is more fun to be had than you can possibly shake a stick at. Register now, so you will not be envious of all the cool kids who spent their weekend down on the farm

New Stage Race Doings

2008-06-30T00:21:00.002-04:00

Less than a week til that night ITT kicks off and we're working hard to bring together another bang up edition of the visitPA.com Stage Race and Festival weekend...besides all the good stuff you've grown to love we're adding some new twists!

Saturday evening is going to offer up some new fun events -

Trials - with a little help from our friend Topher we're going to put together a fun little trials course for you all. We'll have some easier beginner bits and some more challenging stuff for those of you with a trials rig in your collection. If you've never done it hop in and give'r a try. If you've got the skillz come and show us how its done!

Bike Polo - get your buds and form up a team! The games will be short and fast so you can try the trials too and we'll probably figure out a little impromptu tourney. If you've your own croquet mallet or polo gear bring it!

Hill climb course - we've made some mods and we're unveiling a revamped hill climb course that will give you a bit more dirt time on your way to the top of the ridge. Big Larry's been out there blasting it in for you so we hope you'll enjoy it - as much as one can enjoy a race up a steep PA ridge anyway!

More to come so keep checking back!

Mike

Round and Round and Roundtop they go.

2008-06-28T15:55:00.003-04:00

Ray and I took a little trip north last weekend to Athens, PA for the 12 Hours of Roundtop 2-bub competition. Thanks to Ray's tireless efforts and me not jacking it up too bad we took the overall win on a day where conditions varied from thick fog to beautiful skies and tacky trails to drenching thunderstorms that turned the course into a slip-n-slide.

12 Hours of Roundtop is a race that has remained a hidden gem for far too long. I've been there a few times now and I even have my own little Hat Trick of Roundtop (yes, I made this up, but its completely official) after this year. What's the Hat Trick? Wins in the solo, duo, and team competitions! Yep, at one time I was fast enough to actually win stuff and I didn't need Ray's help to do it. These days I'm darn happy he's on my team*.

Yes, Roundtop is a long way from the MASS epicenter, but much like what we try to do with the stage race weekend - create more than a bike race - is what they're after up at RT. Amenities like on-site camping, beer, bands, post race meals, night before meals, lunch, during race pizza (that has saved my backside in two years now - I think I may just start taking slices in the feedzone) are all part of this thing.

The course is a hoot too. Ray won the lap of the day with a 29.5 min on the clock. I'm thinking this place would rock for a handicapped MASS 12 Hour 4 bub team relay. Yep, handicap it like the US Open Relay and we'll all burn laps for 1/2 a day grinning like fools. Plus, this gets me the added benefit of somehow inflicting my particular idiom on yet another event and puts me one step closer to world domination.

It doesn't always work out this way, but it is nice when these trips aren't just about the racing but about the getting there too. The trip to Athens gave me an opportunity to do a little back road driving in a part of the state I'd not been before by way of Route 6, the Grand Army of the Republic Highway; the Pennsylvania piece of one of the original transcontinental highways and a designated Heritage corridor in PA. Turns out Route 6 wouldn't be any slower than the interstate highway system for this jaunt and would save me 60 miles roundtrip in the process - save that gas!! Back roads that used to be main roads PA here I come.

You know those blue historical markers along the highways - yes, the ones you blow by and never actually read and perhaps wonder who does stop? As I'm blowing by one I catch the word "Camptown" and of course that old ditty pops into my head. Turns out Camptown, PA is the namesake of the Stephen C. Foster song I always knew as Camptown Races (and as a slightly altered Boy Scouts pine wood derby tune), but was actually originally titled "Gwine to Run All Night." Mr. Foster spent some time in Camptown and apparently blew some coin at that town's horsetrack back in the day.

I didn't get a chance to stop by Camptown this trip, but I find it pretty cool that a little town in the middle of nowhere, PA was the inspiration for what is likely one of the most well known tunes penned in the USA. Had I not taken the trip down Route 6 I'm guessing I would have never learned this little fact. Here's to back roads to races!

Thanks for stopping by,
Kuhn

*And that Ry, Wes, Hebe, Yozell, Michelle, and Nancy are too as they all make me look good.

Fieldwork II

2008-06-27T13:35:00.010-04:00

Cooling off takes on a whole new meaning today.

Rhododendron

I can't seem to identify this little bird, maybe you can?

Some food for thought (huckleberries)... I've found many well- established patches for the fall browsing. It's nice to see a good stand of mast in the woods, as long as we get periodic rains throughout the summer.

I can't get enough Mountain Laurel, here shown in pinkish variation.

Lovely leaves of the Moccasin Flower (Pink Lady's Slipper), which have yet to bloom, are one of PA's orchids, a beautiful cousin to the stunning Showy Lady's Slipper. I have yet to find a Showy Lady's Slipper this summer...more fieldwork for me....

Home sweet home. Enjoy! Michelle

Fieldwork in PA

2008-06-27T13:08:00.006-04:00

Starting out was rather enjoyable.
Mountain Laurel.....

Some fields of green.

Rare find of Sheep Laurel. Kalmia polifolia. One spotting in 3 days of traversing trails in central PA.

More pictures to follow..... Michelle

The Rocktober Files III

2008-06-20T14:04:00.002-04:00

Last wrap up from the visitPA.com Rocktober Challenge last month. There was some discussion after this thing about whether it might have been too hard. Like much in life I suppose the answer must be "it depends."

What I'm sure of is that the event is too hard for some people. This is definitely not a beginner's marathon. It may not even really be appropriate for a sport racer. When one figures that the guys at the front of this thing are national caliber endurance racers and they took almost as long to do these 75ish miles as they take to do some of the 100s...well, that means this was tuff. Or maybe they just all stopped to enjoy the scenery?

This is what I'm thinking for 2009: We're going to keep the endurance race where its at right now - 75 miles of mountain bike bliss. What we're going to do differently is make the event a little more accessible to the rest with either a long XC or (more likely) a relay.

It'll work like this -- since we've designed the course as a 3 leaf clover we can use the center point of the clover as a place to switch riders. Each team will consist of 3 riders and the teams will be required to have 1 beginner, 1 sport, and 1 expert on each squad. Beginners will do loop 1, Experts will take on loop 2, and Sports will finish it out on loop 3. I'm not quite sure how yet to integrate this into the MASS - perhaps just as a team event similar to the US Open Team Relay we do in April or maybe we can do some sort of XC points too with the results from each loop counting as stand alone XC points...we'll see.

Hopefully this gives those of you not into a 8-10 hour 75 mile mtb experience a little something to look forward to because as anyone who did the 2008 Rocktober Challenge will tell you, the riding in RB Winter and Bald Eagle is just plain spectacular.

Stage Race coming - July 4-6. Be there!
Kuhn

Coming Attractions

2008-06-12T14:22:00.004-04:00

The stage race info is up (mostly) and registration is open on bikereg.com. So, get yourselves ready for the best weekend of bike racing around - July 4th - 6th at the Oesterling Farm on more time!

There are some very significant changes to the weekend scoring this year so those of you who are concerned about such things should make sure to check out the new system!

The Rocktober Files

2008-06-09T22:14:00.003-04:00

So while its well delayed the rest of my Rocktober story went something like this:

Friday dawned wet. Real wet. So wet that you wanted to stay in the camper and not set up a 70ish mile long course. Too bad.

Luckily the calvary showed up today. Well, two guys on motorbikes anyway and it was just enough. First Mike Kryzytski, former RB Winter Mountain Bike Jamboree guru from way back in the day (before Ray was legal even) came by to lend support taking some time away from his custom woodworking business and headed back out in the muck with arrows for the roads. Ry was sent on his way by Cannondale to mark the trails of loop 3. Deuter rep and all round nice guy Chris Jones rolled in and was given the task of loop 2 trails by moto. Me, I headed out in the car and jumped in front of Ry hitting all the road/trail intersections and dirt road bits until roundevous with Big Larry at 1300 hours for some parking/reg sign set up. Meantime Kris rolls out in search of internet access for all the last minute stuff.

Somewhere along the line I get a call from Zach Adams who gives me some hope in mankind with a message that he'll be along shortly. Lucky for me Zach came down with a case of senioritis and was just not feeling well enough to make it to school that day. He took on a crucial piece of the marking puzzle when tasked with the role of dropping in Bear Gap to mark this challenging descent. Then once let go from their work confines, locals Miguel Fausto and George "Brushhog" Heim came by for last minute support and to bring by the reg files for Kris.

We rejoiced in the day by taking a spin into Mifflinburg for some hard earned ale and cow at the rather dang nice Scarlet D tavern on main street. It was a long tiring wet day and one we were glad was over. I can say that without a doubt the aforementioned folks were the reason this race worked. I could not have pulled it together without their help and, in particular, Mike and Chris on the moto's were invaluable. Thanks fellas.

Saturday dawned without actual liquid falling from the heavens and we again rejoiced. If there is one thing worse than setting up the course in the rain its actually racing and promoting the race in the rain. Thankfully, this nice big hole in the clouds stuck around for about 8 hours and most everyone was done by then.

When I say done, I do mean done. As in well done. Cooked through. Crispy. I received the most unusual feedback I've ever received from a race which went something like this:

Racer (finishing): "Where's Mike Kuhn?"

Me: 'I'm here. Nice job.'

Racer: "I don't know whether to shake your hand or punch you in the face!!"

Rob Lictenwalner: "Punch him in the face!" (I love my team mates BTW)

Racer: 'That was the hardest race I've ever done!'

This was a sentiment echoed by a number of riders and reflected in the 40% attrition rate. And while some thought this race was too hard many shared sentiments along the lines of it being "real mountain biking." This is the kind of mountain biking that we all did before short loops on less technical terrain became the norm for racing and riding. Mountain biking before trails became groomed and graded. Mountain biking that is more primitive. Mountain biking as it used to be and how it was when many of us fell in love with it.

That's pretty much what we were going for and that's definitely the kind of riding you'll find at RB Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest. If you didn't make it up for the race you should take the time to drive out and ride Old Tram, Pirate, Cowbell, White Deer, and the rest.
One more on the next time around coming soon.

See you around,
Kuhn

If this is not reason enough.......

2008-06-09T12:46:00.002-04:00

If this is not enough reason to buy a Cannondale, maybe these facts will convince you to buy local:

1. The Cannondale Plant employs over 460 folks in Bedford, PA.
2. Troy Laffey heads up the Green Initiative Team that recycles aluminum, cardboard, plastic and paper generated at the plant.
3. Cannondale is classified, in the state of CA, as a low emission and low waste facility.
4. Cannondale owns a cardboard and plastic compactor!!

Bar Stock to Bike Recap:

No pictures will adorn this lovely blog on my tour of Cannondale last week. That’s their policy. So, get yourself there and tour. You won’t be disappointed, my promise.

I was fortunate enough to catch Troy Laffey on the east coast and at the Cannondale factory, so you bet I hopped that train for a tour of the ¼ mile long facility, starting with the good-natured folks in Human Resources and ending with watching Jackie, packing Motos in boxes, way past quitting time. Jackie, you rock!!!

So, as linear as bike production seemed to me, it’s actually a wheel-like process. Cannondale makes most of the parts and the others, like tires, rims, saddles etc… are shipped in and assembled. It all comes together and assembled in an ergonomic assembly-line like method. I knew bikes have lots of parts, but really until you look at the process of putting each part on the bike, it’s overwhelming to imagine that over 100 bikes are shipped out on a daily basis.

Just the basic process of making a frame, starting with bar stock, was enough to set me spinning. Here's the basics....if I can remember it all.......machines cut, prepared the metal to be tack welded, welded, sanded, aligned, heat treated, aligned again, hand-painted, dried, decaled, clear-coated…..and all that for the frame.

So overall, the tour was amazing and informative, the guys who work there answered questions with professional ease, and the atmosphere was family-like. I am glad and thankful that I can support workers in the PA and that I am supported by them! It's a win-win situation!

Thanks again, Cannondale for your time and support!
Michelle

17 Years Gone By........

2008-06-09T12:35:00.002-04:00

Did you ever wake up and realize that almost half of your life has gone by? Well, riding my bike down a steep mountain road, it hit me square in the face….literally. I was hit by a Magiciada cassini (17 Year Locust) and it darn near knocked me off my bike. Stopping me dead in tracks, I wiped off the goo and realized it’d been 17 years since I’d seen those bugs.

Time stopped and I found myself in the woods with my sister and brother shooting these locusts out of trees with our Red Ryder BB guns. School was out, life was good…….working, swimming, playing softball, ….living every moment, doing what kids do.

Still, 17 years of my life have gone by, and it took a beady red-eyed bug to remind me that no matter what happens, I'm happiest when I live and enjoy the moment, because that's all I can be sure of.

Michelle

VEGAN ROB in the Allentown Paper

2008-06-06T11:12:00.002-04:00

Nice article on our teammate Rob Lichtenwalner. Good luck at Big Bear this weekend! Hope it's not nearly as hot as it's going to be in Danville.

we do this for fun....right?

2008-05-29T10:59:00.001-04:00

today was the rocktober challenge. kuhndog and highspeed cycling put on a great event, that was sadly not very well attended. as of wednesday of last last week there were 31 people registered. seriously people, don't bitch about not having shit to do when there is a fantastic event in central pa. make it a weekend and camp out for crissakes.

after the rain all day friday, conditions were expected to be nasty. yet again, despite the anticipated mayhem, it wasn't all that bad. (thank you ma nature)
from bikereg:

Its Longer
Its Harder
Its Rougher

and more inaptly named and inappropriately described than ever!

That's the theme of the '08 Rocktober Challenge at RB Winter State Park in
the Bald Eagle State Forest of beauuuutiful central PA.New for 2008 is a full
110k distance and the addition of even more rocky singletrack. We're
pretty sure that you'll realize why we kept the Rocktober name after only a
little taste of the course. A 3-leaf clover sorta trail configuramagation
allows us to keep the start, finish, and our checkpoints all in the same place
and makes spectating better than usual at an mtb endurance race. Okay, so
spectating at an endurance mtb race pretty much sucks, but at least this way
your s.o./kids/parents don't have to nap quite as long until you come back
around. We're thinking 5.5ish hours for the fast guys. We will have
a cut off at CP 2 of about 7.5 hrs.
Kuhndog hit the nail on the head with that description, except for the finishing time. He was off by a solid hour.
holey frijoles that was one of the two toughest races i've done. the other being bakers dozen earlier this year. hell the wilderness 101 is easier than this. about halfway through i started to feel the bonk coming on. the symptoms include fantastic thoughts of food (usually cheeseburgers) followed by hunger then no gas in the tank. right about this time a feed station appeared and i stuffed myself with as much food as i could. shortly after i blew out my rear tire and had to boot it with a used gel wrapper...sweetness. i can safely say i'm not looking to ride rocks anytime soon. seriously.
visitPA.com rolled it with rob taking 2nd, the legend-3rd, and me-4th. michelle rocked the W in the womens class.
speaking of the legend, he caught up with me at the 2nd checkpoint and we rode the last loop together. we had a gentleman's agreement that we would stay together until the finish and then he could finish in 3rd to take max points for the MASS endurance series. while riding together we got to talking and commiserating about how brutal and tough this course is. i knew it already, but i had to tell him what a stud he is. i mean seriously, if he has been doing the bike game for so long and now he's back to the dark side and absolutely killing it against the younger crowd. i wonder if he thinks this was epic?
kudos to kuhn, the volunteers that help make this a success and the pa dcnr.

Thanks to our sponsors: VisitPA.com, Cannondale, Rudy Project, Deuter, Northwave, Suunto, and Cadence.

Rocked Out - Thursday

2008-05-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

That was epic (BTW, results are up there too). I didn't get to ride it, but just promoting the thing was an epic event. We arrived at RB Winter State Park late on Thursday afternoon after taking literally all day to get up there from Center Valley with a short stop at the farm to load up poppa Kuhn's truck and another to pick up the camper from Kris's brother - this promoting stuff really is a family affair.

At this point I'm a bit stressed because there are about 70 miles of trails and dirt roads to mark and I'm now down to 2 hours of daylight on Thur and the day on Friday to get everything done since the race goes bright and early on Saturday morning. I have to get something done. I grab the Lupine Wilma and a battery and figure the first loop is less than 20 miles and is mostly double track and roads so no problem. I may want those lights for a little visibility on the road but shouldn't really need 'em.

Its amazing how much time it takes to put up a few arrows. You end up doubling back a lot to make sure the arrows are in a good spot or just to mark a spot you may have thought didn't need it originally. And somehow or other it ends up starting to get a little dark while I'm still on the top of the ridge. No worries, switch on the Lupine and away we go.

Except I grabbed the wrong battery from the stash. I grabbed the one from my work commute that didn't get re-charge time yet. I see the red indicator on the remote and I'm begin thinking..."I think the red light means I'm about out of juice. I wonder how much I have left? I wonder how long that little red light has been on? This descent is awesome, technical and rocky and the first time I've ridden it in 10 years. Oh, my lights just went out. Sweet."

There is nothing quite like riding a rocky technical descent by brail when you know your phone doesn't work out here and you're not sure that anyone back at camp really knows where you are and you have a 70 mile mtb race to promote the next day. I did the rest of the descent and the road back to RB on nothing but rods and cones - and put up a few more arrows since trail marking for the race should always come before personal safety. And I whistled dixie the entire way back as the boys had seen two bears on their ride two days earlier and I just did not need a head-on in the dark with one of those.

5 days camping: R.B. Winter State Park

2008-05-23T08:05:00.002-04:00

Last Thursday through Tuesday, 'milla and I set up camp at R.B. Winter State Park to help set up the Rocktober Marathon race course, do the race, and enjoy the spoils of the State Park and the Bald Eagle State Forest. Unfortunately, the region had some crappy weather (rain every day and chilly!) so it was a bit more challenging, but luckily the campground has very nice modern bathrooms to warm up and shower.
On Friday, Kuhndog told me I was to mark the final 18 miles of the race course. No big deal, minus the mid-40's and spitting rain. Nothing is worse than suiting up to ride in the rain. But once I hit the trail and warmed up, it was a great ride-all 4 hours of it. Between stopping at every turn to staple course arrows, reading the map and crashing, the ride that should have been 2 hours was a bit longer. Once back to camp, it only took 30minutes to regain feeling in my toes and fingers!

Saturday was the race, which was hands down an epic adventure at nearly 70 miles. My day didn't go very well, with 3 flats, a bent chainring, a water bottle cage that almost escaped and a wonky suspension fork. I pulled the plug after the 2nd loop (about 52 miles in), which only took 5:30!

Sunday opened with more rain, so the weekend campers left early, leaving a quiet park. After sleeping in, making great cottage cheese pancakes and helping the teammates pack up, 'milla and I headed to a beautiful gap to hike. The gap (no name I can find) was part of the race course, and has a really neat amphitheater built into a rock garden. We found a switchback trail that ran up out of the amphitheater, which we followed to the top of Buffalo Mountain. It was really beautiful: winding up a huge rock garden through the mist, on a very old trail that was laboriously stitched into the mountainside. We bushwacked down the mountain to a small stream to the North, and followed it back to the gap. It was a great place to explore, with a few trails/old logging roads to follow up the small mountain streams. Here it is:

View Larger Map
After hiking and exploring for 4 hours, we headed back to camp. I was pretty beat from the previous days race and then walking for 4 hours--but Camilla wanted to see more! Starting at 7pm, we went for a mountain bike ride on some great trails close to R.B. Winter. Camilla is new to mountain biking and rides a hybrid bike, so I chose a route that was suitable and really fun for both of us. I was really impressed with her strength and ability to ride singletrack! She totally loved it. The area has a reputation of being super rocky and hard mtn biking, but as we've proved, you can put together a nice 2 hour loop on nice trails that won't break you. Along the route we saw a bunch of deer and a porcupine, which topped off a great day of hiking and cycling.

Monday was the nicest day weather wise-which meant only occasional sprinkles and mostly sunny. We found The Hook Natural Area on the map and decided to make that the day's exploration. This turned out to be an amazing choice.

View Larger Map
We rode our bikes South from R.B. Winter up Pine Creek Hollow Road, and stashed our bikes near the Mule Shanty Trail head. The path obviously wasn't used too often, with a lot of blow-down trees and overgrown rhododendron. But that was part of the charm of this amazing place. Following Panther Run on an old rocky railroad bed, typical of trails in the region which often follow old small gauge RR beds made of small boulders. We felt like the first people ever to be there (minus the new trail marking and RR bed!)-absolutely beautiful cliffs, hemlock groves, thick vegetation and crystal-clear water. We definitely felt like outsiders peeking into a wild, untouched world. Once we got to Molasses Gap Trail, the path was easier to follow and a bit more worn (thats not saying much though). We had lunch up on a cliff overlooking the stream. I was convinced that we'd spot a bear or a mountain lion, but no such luck. Eventually the narrow stream valley opens up a little bit offering a cozy place to nap under the sun. With the sun warming us and the stream rippling in our ears, it was a lovely snooze streamside.

Even though the weather was crap, we got to explore the fruits of the Bald Eagle State Forest, or just a small fraction of it. Between hiking in natural areas, cycling on the well maintained trails, and modern camping at the State Park-we had a very rich and memorable camping trip. I can't wait to go back to explore more trails, gaps and natural areas!

Thanks for reading,
Ryan

French Fried

2008-05-12T23:55:00.000-04:00

I spent six hours chasing Hebe around French Creek this past weekend at the second muddy enduro of the year and the first one in the Delmarva Jobs MASS Endurance Series. I'm collecting all the mud I end up wiping off the Scalpel after coming home from these things and am planning to build a few dirt jumps in the back yard by the end of the month.

French Creek is a beautiful state park in south east PA and offers some really great riding, hiking, and equestrian options. The guys from Bean's Bikes in Paoli did a great job on the course and have certainly helped create much more sustainable trails in park. There really only were a couple muddy spots on the whole hour long loop, but I guess those were muddy enough!

French Creek is only about an hour from me here in Allentown (and about the same from Philly and not a whole lot more from Harrisburg), but I don't get down there nearly enough for as close as it is to me. Of course, I don't get up to Jim Thorpe nearly enough either, which is arguably the best riding in the state, because the riding right here in Allentown is so darn spectacular. Like I've said before, mountain biking doesn't get any better than PA!

Back to French Creek - it was a good day for the team, a great course and we'll have a complete wrap up posted here soon, but I am definitely ready for a race that doesn't require as many hours to clean up after as it does to race!

I'm loving the gear this year and taking a look back at my performance by way of the Suunto T6s we're using. These are a lot more than just a heart rate monitor offering up data that gives much more than just beats per minute and while it takes a little reading up on the features - or working with someone who understands them - they offer some nice insights into the performance. Of course, one factor I don't need help figuring out is that I'm not quite where I want to be, but the Suunto is helping me figure out exactly what it is I need to do to get there.

Here's to hoping our new team clothing, Ergon grips, and mother nature's mild side show up for next weekend's visitPA.com Rocktober Challenge. The team clothing 'cause it looks so good, some better weather so we can see the gear at the end of the race, and those Ergon's so my hands don't hurt so darn much at the end of the next long one!

Kuhn

Roadside America

2008-05-12T09:19:00.000-04:00

Back in April, when 'milla and I were driving down route 78 on the way to the US Open MTB Relay (OH YEAH!), we decided to stop off at the Shartlesville exit (#23). I've driven past this little place called Roadside America dozens of times, every time wondering what the heck it is. One can tell from the old skating rink architecture and antiquated signage that whatever this place is, its gonna be something unique if not interesting. Roadside America was indeed both of these!

The place claims to be the 'greatest known miniature village' in existence, and I wouldn't doubt that claim. Upon entering the building and handing over a small entrance fee, you feel a sense that possibly, maybe, probably definitely you are entering a time machine-one that goes back in time. Inside is a giant model-trainesque scene of rural and small town America spanning time from several hundred years ago to the 1970's (or, modern times if you believe what they say).

It is a completely fascinating look at neat model building, geography, history, trains, bridges, cabins, towns, airplanes, wagons, cars, and industry. Once you've spent a half hour or so there, the lights go down, the music comes on and you experience the indoor village slowly going to sleep and waking up. I won't go into too much detail, but this is a nice little stop that worth taking, its kitschy and neat, and you can tell all of your friends you've seen the worlds greatest indoor village. Right here in Pennsylvania! And my team won the US Open MTB Relay the next day!

Thanks for reading, Ryan

Links:
-Roadside America
-visitPA Road trips

More Rocktober

2008-05-11T21:45:00.000-04:00

So I'm standing around with some folks swapping war stories after FC and they asked me to extend the deadline on the pre-pre-reg cost ($75) for the race at RB Winter this weekend. They'd been hearing some great things about the course about how pristine the area is the how challenging but fun the trails are but hadn't yet signed up on Bikereg.com and wanted to.

Since I'm such a dang nice guy I said sure and went in there last night and altered the up charge day and time so that the cost remains $75 for prereg for a bit longer. So, if you didn't yet sign up hurry up and do so and you can still take advantage of the lower entry fee cost.

BTW, the forecast for this weekend is a 30% chance of rain with high around 65 on race day.

M

Rocktober Updates

2008-05-11T21:43:00.000-04:00

Some news about the visitPA.com Rocktober Challenge for you -

1. Prereg closes at 8AM on Thursday morning and then gets absolutely very expensive on race day. So, take a couple minutes and go to bikereg.com to get signed up.

2. The course is a wee bit longer than 100K. More like one hundred and eleventy K or there abouts. There is a very small chance we'll cut out a piece, but that would throw off the aid station plan and we'd lose some of the stellar trail we've been working on for you. If you're coming you're already figuring on being out there all day long anyway so this is just more of a good time. Really I'm giving you even more for your money! You should so be thanking me.

3. If you are planning on coming up you should know that the RB Winter campground is rapidly filling up. There are several other camp grounds close to the venue and the closest hotels can be found in Lewisburg which is about 25-30 min away. visitPA.com should be able to help you find alternate lodging. By visitPA.com I don't mean Ray or Wes or Mike or Ry but rather by visiting the website at http://www.visitPA.com. However, your best way to get directions to the race is through our race site.

See you on Saturday!

Product reviews

2008-04-29T08:52:00.000-04:00

First off let me say two things.
1) This post will be long. It will also be worth your while to read it.
2) These are sponsor products. We chose to align with them because they are the best at what they do. I will point out salient features as to why these products are market leaders.

CANNONDALE
These bikes are some of the lightest and most predictable bikes I have ever ridden. My team Scalpel and F29'er are 22.5 lbs each. Each bike does have Stan's wheels.
29'er: Very good in tight twisty singletrack. Very easy to get the front end off the ground and hop BIG stuff. Climbs like a mt. goat. These are the three biggest praises I can give this bike. After riding a different 29er last year. This feel is very different. It just rides better. The bike feels very nimble and rides that way.
Scalpel: This is my first time on a full suspension bike. The Scalpel is neat because it is a pivotless 100mm travel bike. This design will save almost a full pound over other full suspension designs.
Due to rear suspension, the bikes absolutely sticks to everything. There is no rear wheel slide out or bounce when climbing. Coming from a road background I prefer climbs where I can stand & attack. The Scalpel is great here. The bike is great in singletrack and rolls through rock gardens almost as well as the 29er. Big wheels are just better. Hard to fool physics. Anytime you point the Scalpel downhill, it flies. It steers where you point it and you can always be pedaling, instead of off the saddle. This bike is my preference for any race greater than two hours, or where there are big rocky sections.
GRIPS: ERGON
Just buy them. This is probably the most inexpensive performance booster you can put on a bike. The grips help to relieve hand and wrist fatigue due to their ergonomic shape. This shape also allows a certain amount of leverage when pulling up when climbing. Ergon grips do have a model with bar ends attached for those who like bar ends.
Personal plug/story. I have had one carpal tunnel surgery. I should have my left hand done as well. One of my bikes has Ergon grips, the other is awaiting a second pair. When riding the bike without Ergon grips I get significant numbing and loss of grip strength in my left hand. When riding the bike with Ergon grips this is not an issue. The grip design and ergonomics alleviate any grip related problems.
HELMET: Rudy Project
Everyone needs a helmet. I have been racing for 21 seasons now. I was always a Giro person. That is until 4/5/2008. That was the day I first rode in my new Rudy Project helmet. The fit and feel will be different than anything you have ever worn. First the padding is like a web. There are no little pads that curl up or come undone. This design also keeps the helmet up ever so slightly higher. The benefit is to allow better airflow and moisture wicking. The tension device feels better than Giro as it feels like the helmet is coming down over your head like a cap, not a cinching front to back feel. This helmet is incredible, period.
GLASSES: Rudy Project
I used the Rydon frames for the first time at Greenbrier. These frames are so light and fit so well. There is an orangeish lens, which i used at Greenbrier and the standard dark lens. What makes these glasses so nice is that they can be custom-fit to your own noggin. The arms bend and flex. This way you can make them feel EXACTLY how they should feel on and around your ears. This also allows for a better position on your nose and eyes. Great specs.
H2O Packs: Deuter
I have not used this pack yet. My review will be in concept. What I like about this pack is that the pack sits off of your back slightly, this allows air to move between your back and the pack. This pack will PROMOTE cooling. That about the physics. Airflow over or under cool object creates a cooling effect. Air between an ice-filled pack and your back helps to cool. ie Bridge freezes before road surface. It is well documented that cooling vests increase performance by delaying fatigue. Yes, i am very excited to use this product.
LIGHTS: Lupine
Please speak with Ray or Kuhn about these. They can speak much more intelligently. From my reading the lumen's produced, burn time, batteries and design seem to be the absolute industry standard.
SHOES: NORTHWAVE
These shoes are sweet. If you have wide feet they are for you. The toe box is nice and ample. I absolutely can not wait until cross to roll these guys. I should finally make a season without cracking my big toenails halfway down. OUCH!
The fit is very comfortable. On the mountain shoe the ratchet design is small and works quite well. The ratchet position is adjustable. The soles are stiff with plenty of room for your cleats.
The road shoes are very stiff and extremely comfy. The sole has a rough material so your cleat will not slide. I am using a three strap shoe. I am coming from a strap and ratchet design, and have not noticed any downside.
HEART RATE MONITORS: SUUNTO
The sweet part about the Suunto for me is three-fold. There is a cyclometer feature in the watch so you can see all of your standard cycling functions on your HRM. It is downloadable, so your workout can be viewed to see exactly what the benefit was. Most importantly the monitor has a feature called EPOC. This feature works to assess just how hard the effort was that you put out. The feature seems similar to a TSB feature from CyclingPeaks. If you are serious about training and racing, you know that you need to asses form, fitness, and freshness to see where you stand. Until now CyclingPeaks was the only way to do this, and you need a Power-tap wheel to accomplish that end. Now Suunto has addressed this with their T6 HRM. This feature is sweet. Talk to Ry at a race about Suunto.
CADENCE: SHOP & COACHING
All of our sponsor products, minus bikes, can be seen and purchased at Cadence Cycling in Manayunk. This shop is one of the premier shops in the Mid-Atlantic area. it is THE premier training facility/organization in the Mid-Atlantic.
Coaching: I use a coach. I use a Cadence coach. My coach is Mike Kuhn. The reasons for hiring a coach are many. To get the most out of yourself you need to have an outside perspective to offer feedback. That point really is not arguable in life. You need someone to objectively give you feedback. Then as a person you need to apply that feedback. On a macro level, that is a coach.
A coach gives you years of experience to cull from. A coach will design programs that are specifically for you, based on your goals. A coach knows when to say more, and more importantly when to say that is enough.
Say what you will about coaching. No one NEEDS a coach. If you WANT to get the most out of yourself as an athlete, you will NEVER do that until you hire a coach.

So there are some reasons why VisitPA.com MTB team uses the products that we do. Hopefully this will encourage people to support these great companies. From a selfish standpoint, deep down we know these products are the best and give us an advantage just by having them. So if you chose not to use them that is alright, it just makes our racing a little easier.
Enjoy your season.
Hebe

What A Weekend! The promoter of the visitPA.com US Open Team Relay chimes in

2008-04-08T02:32:00.000-04:00

First, thanks for coming. We set a record at the visitPA.com US Open Relay and almost doubled last year's attendance! We were not expecting quite such a turnout and we're very psyched that you all seem as into this format as we are. This is what I've been going for in a relay for years. The results were very much along the lines of what we were hoping to see with regard to the mix of squads in the top 5. Where last year was a little too heavily weighted toward the elite teams, this year everyone was in the mix with 10+ teams within two to four points (1 equivalent lap) of the winners. The win was in question right to the end and while one of the four man elite teams did win it wasn't by much and they were pushed hard to do it.

Second, hope you liked it. I have to thank Kim for having a birthday and bringing her brother and his band, The New Kings of Rhythm along as they certainly helped to turn that fun factor up to 11 and added a super sweet touch to the event. That was all her doing and I take none of the credit for it. Although, I guess if I wasn't holding the event then The New Kings of Rhythm wouldn't have had a bike race at which to play. So, then it was actually all me. I suppose I will take credit for that too. Anything bad was likely Kris's fault so you can take that up with her. Or more likely its the complete opposite of what I just said.

Third, sorry 'bout the reg lines, but we're all over that for next time.

Fourth, results are coming - you know me, or if this was your first experience, or if you don't, I sometimes like to complicate things. The scoring on this race is one of those things that I've complicated. I'll have those results up very soon along with some extra stuff like every single lap time and a ranking of the all the lap times so you can see how you stack up. I figure this will save all of you scrolling back and forth for hours trying to compare how you did vs. your buddies and your competition - we'll have it for you all in one place. Be patient, its coming as soon as we figure out what actually happened with the points and stuff and who actually won. Yes, I just gave it to one of the visitPA.com teams since I run the race and co-produce the squad with big Ray. Your suspicions are confirmed. I'd have given it to my relay team mostly for being stuck with me for the day, but who would have believed that one?

I'm already working on next year and introducing a few new tricks. I'm thinking the '09 theme will be along the lines of "Everybody Runs!" Tell your friends and bring 'em in from all over. We don't think there is a better way to start the season and we hope you're starting to come around to our way of thinking.

Thanks for coming to our visitPA.com MTB Team/High Speed Cycling production and thanks again to our sponsors - visitPA.com - the place to go for all your visitin' PA needs, Cannondale, Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers, Suunto, Northwave, Ergon, Deuter, SRAM, Rudy Project, Psycho Lube, and Lupine. Without their support the team could not do what we do. If you happen to like what we do don't be afraid to show these great sponsors some love.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery or...

2008-04-07T23:29:00.000-04:00

If you can not beat them, try to join them.
That was the incredibly funny tribute from four young pro's to four older and old semi-pro's, this weekend at the 2008 US Open team relay championships. The four young guns decided to all dress up in VPA kit and memorialize their older and faster, at least on this day, heros.
The VisitPA.com real team US Open relay team was set to defend their 2007 title. With a line-up of no less than three National Champions in Wes Schempf, Mike Yozell and Ryan Leech and yours truly we were ready to take all comers. The team goal was to win the lap race, and to defend the title against the handicapped teams.
This great event allows beginners, juniors, men and women to all race for the overall win. I can say first hand that the VisitPA.com team races our guts out for 3:59:42, just so we could send out another rider for a last lap. That last lap was the lap that gave us the win.
With Wes leading off for VisitPA.com we were afforded a lead just three minutes into the race, and never looked back. Mike Yozell stretched the lead and handed off to me as I stretched it a bit more. I handed off to Ryan Leech who held his own against his counterpart on the young guns who was riding the fastest laps of the event. As the first hour passed our very trusty Cannondale F1 29er bikes were working flawlessly. The big wheels were turning and helping us increase the lead through hour two and three. After three hours we realized that we had exactly 1 hour and thirty seconds to ride our last four laps. We needed to turn fourth laps faster than 90% of everyone else's fastest lap. With great laps fro Wes, Yozell and myself we gave Ryan exactly sixteen minutes to win the race for us. The lap race was won at that point, Ry just need to finish before 4:00 so Wes could do a lap of fun. I headed into the woods to see Ry and give encouragement. It would be close. Yozell and I figured we would have 10-15 seconds to spare. Ry killedit and we had 18 seconds to spare. The race was ours. After some celebrating Mike & I decided to ride the last half-lap with Wes, as a demonstration that teammates win races as a team.
The day was a huge success with around 70 teams. All kudos for race management need to go directly to team director/founder Mike Kuhn of High Speed Cycling. I heard so many great comments through the day, about the event.
I would like to thank VisitPA.com for supporting the team. Cannondale bikes for supplying us with absolutely flawless machines. Ergon grips for the most comfy grips known to man. Rudy Project for the most comfy helmet I have worn in 20+ years of racing. SRAM for the absolute best shifting and brakes you can race with. I can not wait to use these products the rest of the year, as well as our other generous sponsor products from Suunto, Deuter, Northwave.
Thanks to all who attended the event.
Enjoy your season and remember to thank the promoters and teams that bring you these great events.
hebe

Patience please

2008-04-07T14:58:00.000-04:00

I can't wait patiently, that much I am aware of. The need to be perpetually prepared has always kept me on the go.....and up too late for too many nights! See, the first race of the NUE Series, the Cohutta 100, in Tennessee is fast approaching. I've been thinking about this race since January, and here it is...and there I was 1 week ago without a bike....

WAS, thanks to some quick action by the guys at The Bicycle Shop, in State College for the connection to Troy Laffey at Cannondale, who pit-stopped in my hometown mid-route on his mega-transect across the nation for upcoming national events.

Speedy Delivery....24hrs later, a silver beacon arrives and a Cannondale bike is in my hands!!!

See this truly is amazing to me. I'm an average rider in the grand scheme of this racing scene, so the fact that I got upfront service says (to me) nothing about my abilities, but in fact, highlights Cannondale's priority to take care of their racers...and for that, they have my highest regards.

I raced the Cannondale Rush at Kuhndog's Kick-off M.A.S.S. Team Relay Event this past weekend in Marysville, PA. In a few words, that bike is light, quick and responsive to the tight track and logs, it climbs like a champ and descends with ease. Those Juicy Ultimate brakes are sooo smooth......

Not only do I have the nicest and prettiest bike that I've ever owned in my possession, but also have a peace of mind knowing that I'm riding on a solid bike made by a quality PA company..........and with that I will rest easy for a long time. THANKS Troy and Cannondale!!

Relay Update

2008-04-04T14:59:00.000-04:00

The course is prepped and we'll be running tape on Saturday. Please keep in mind that the course is not open for pre-riding until Sunday morning before the race. I turned about a 19 min lap yesterday so I may shorten it just a hair before the event, but I'm not sure where because we put in a fun new section of trail that I hate for you all to miss!

We're up to 216 riders - about 75 more than last year already and there is still time to pre-reg as that doesn't close up until Sunday AM. Please be sure to pre-reg as you'll save some coin and us some time.

I have one person who has contacted me looking for a team for this weekend so if there are still riders out there who don't have a full team together let me know and I'll put you guys in contact. There is also a thread on the MASS forums that is a good place to look for team members.

A couple notes - you will not be able to leave once the relay gets going as we're using the driveway as part of the course. Please keep this in mind if you have people coming to spectate - have them park out at the end of the drive so they can leave if they are not planning to stay for the whole show.

Dogs - remember, we don't allow them at the farm. We love 'em and you likely will see ours there. Its not about the dogs really. Its about avoiding the potential - even if unlikely - issues that come from dogs being there. We know this frustrates many of you because you love your dogs and want to bring them. Please leave them at home for the relay.

The weather is going to be fantastic and the racing is going to be sweet!

We'll see you soon!
Kuhn and the Gang (aka. visitPA.com MTB Team and our familial units)

Answers to your deepest and most troubling questions (about the US Open Relay)

2008-03-30T11:01:00.000-04:00

A couple q's have come my way in the past few days that are worth passing along.

1. Is the farm open for pre-riding? No. The farm is private property and is not open for pre-riding for the Team Relay. Please respect this rule. Anyone caught pre-riding the course will be barred from future competitions at the farm. The boys and girls on the Mountainside racing team will be organizing some rides at the farm this spring and summer with all the appropriate insurances and what-not so catch up with Mike Laub or Andy Hoover or one of the other team members for more info. These Mountainside led rides will be the only opportunity to ride on this course outside of races. Also, please be sure to thank these folks for all their help in getting the farm ready for the relay - they've basically done all the trail clean up and prep and saved me a ton a travel time and work. Thanks Mountainside!

2. Can we park next to our pit? Maybe. This is going to depend on weather and ground conditions, but obviously your cool pits are going to be far easier to set up if you can get your vehicle in close. What I will plan for is that teams may bring ONE vehicle in to their pit - so, if you show up in two vehicles put all the stuff in one to bring it to your pit. Easy enough.

3. Hows come there are different prices on mountainbikeracer.com/mbcx.com and bikereg/highspeedcycling? I'm still trying to get to the bottom of this. I think Bill was helping me out by putting more info up about the relay on his site and grabbed some 2007 info off my site to enhance my posting on his. I tried to fix this and can't actually change the text on mbcx so I've asked for his help in doing so. The correct prices, much to the chagrin of my anonymous friends, are on bikereg.com.

4. Will there be a kid's race? I wasn't planning one, but can add it if people want me to. Todd is putting up a survey on the board at the series site so chime in there if you want to bring your kids and watch them race around a bit.

More later. Thanks for tuning in.

2008-03-27T13:12:00.000-04:00

We're just over a week out now and registrations are starting to roll for the visitPA.com US Open Mountain Bike Relay. Thirteen teams so far - two visitPA.com squads to add with a guest appearance from Cannondale's regional rep and supporter of all things good in cycling Brian Kremmer since Ray and Nancy are headed south for a little training and racing vacation. Get your team registered through BikeReg.com and join us for a fantastic kick off to the season.

New Look Site!

2008-03-06T22:59:00.000-05:00

The visitPA.com Team's new race promotion site is up and active thanks to visitPA.com Team racer Ryan Leech, who in addition to be pretty fast happens to make some very nice websites. Information about the US Open Relay has been posted to the site and registration is live on BikeReg.com. Info about the Rocktober Challenge Marathon will be up with in the next week. Thanks for your patience while we redesigned the site, we think you'll find it a much nicer place to visit!

Updates to VisitPA.com Team Events

2008-03-01T15:48:00.000-05:00

We're working hard to bring our 2008 events together. We have a goal of not only putting on high quality bike races, but creating great experiences for our participants and coming up with events that are a little outside the usual xc bike race. The VisitPA.com Team's events for 2008 are:

Sunday, April 6 - US Open Team Relay
- A four person four hour long super sweet way to kick off the 2008 season!

Saturday, May 17 - Rocktober Challenge Mountain Bike Marathon
- 100k mountain bike marathon through gorgeous central PA and the Bald Eagle State Forest

Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6 - VisitPA.com MTB Stage Race and Festival Weekend
- Quite possibly the most fun event ever with great racing, camping, a beautiful setting, bands, beverages, expo, fun races, and whatever else with think to add! Includes an XC, STXC, Hill Climb, and Night Time Trial

Sat, Oct 11- Sun, Oct 12 - Iron 'Cross
- The longest cyclocross race in the USA and an event gaining an international following coupled with a fun "short course" cross race and a chance to ride in some stunning fall scenery through the ridges and valleys of Michaux State Forest in south central PA.

Visit out race promotion site at www.highspeedcycling.com for more information on these unique and fun events!

Rob's takes a Third and gets First podium in 2008!

2008-02-23T01:02:00.000-05:00

Rob takes his first podium as a VisitPA.com team member -- how sweet is it that we now have this guy on our team?!?! It all came together in a last minute trip to Florida for the 12 Hours of Santos where he took the first podium spot of the year for the VisitPA.com team.

Rob has made the trip to Florida a pilgrimage for a few seasons as he's raced and won the season opening 12 Hours of Razorback in years past. With the unfortunate demise of the Razorback park last year 12 Hours of Santos has risen up as the new early season Florida place to be seen.

Rob was certainly seen with what he calls his best Lemans start ever! When first checking out the sinuous course Rob made the decision to run like the wind at the start so as to not get caught behind the slower riders on the tight trails. Like the mouse pursued by the crazed broom wielding housewife, Rob made for his bike like his life depended on it. First to his bike in the mob scene start was a new experience, the flat tire waiting for him was, however, an old acquaintance.

After a bike swap Rob headed out at in very dead last tail end caboose lantern rouge position and had to make his way through the horde. With some stellar riding and patience born from years of ultra endurance racing, Rob made his way back into the top of the field around the half way point of the race and then proceeded to slowly swallow a few last riders before just plain old running out of time to catch the final competitors.

Since this was a training race weekend for him, Rob took the opportunity to check out his race bikes for the season and spent some laps on his Cannondale 29er and a few others on his Rush. He's still torn between the two and will likely choose one for some events and use the other when it is warranted --- it sure is nice to have a few of these at your disposal!

Look for Rob and the rest of the team in action at various training races during the next month and kicking off the 2008 MASS season at the VisitPA.com US Open Team Relay on April 5 where they look to defend their 2007 title and keep hold of the Championship Trophy!

The New Year Update

2008-01-14T10:35:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Party!

Some good stuff is coming together here at Chez Kuhn and the home of the VisitPA.com Team.

We told you about Cannondale a little while back and it looks like we'll be taking delivery of these beauties in the near future. You'll see the VPA boys and girls on a range of the bikes and we'll be sporting them on the trail - like the 29er 1 Caffeine and Rush Team - road - the super duper SuperSix Ultimate is the one we're drooling over - and in some 'cross racing this fall -

Yep, that's right, we're expanding a bit and will field a full 'cross team on the PA, Mid-Atlantic, and national circuits in 2008.
We're pretty excited to take this team in a new direction and spread the VPA vibe to the road and 'cross scenes this season. A few of the boys may even make an appearance on that concrete bowl in T-town. Ry is threatening anyway.

We also welcomed a few other new faces to the 2008 party and are very stoked to have these guys on board.

Ergon is providing us support at the bars by coming on board with their sweet grips, like those pictured here. The deal is that they provide more support to your hand and take some pressure off the ulnar nerve. I'm so loving these for the 100s I'll be dragging my butt through. Rob's been using these for a year or so and has found them to be the best choice for his 24 hour solo assaults. Of course, 24 hours of anything will kick your butt, but the Ergon's offer the best support for the long (or short!) haul. Check out that sweet neon color too! I've been waiting a long time to break out my old purple and yellow winter training jacket again.

Lots of color options from our new eyewear provider too as Rudy Project is stepping up with not only their superlative sport shades and casual sunglasses but with helmets too. My biggest problem is that I'm not really cool enough for most of these glasses so its good we have style mavens like Wes, Leech, and Hebe on the squad.

At the other end of things, Northwave is our foot covering device provider and you'll see us sporting these beauts, custom matched to PA's gold state symbol of the keystone just for the VisitPA.com Team! Not really, but its more sweet style points for us in these Raptor Carbons (there is a way better pic on the website so go there to check it out). We're hoping to sport some sweet podium togs from these guys too...watch for shots from the top step. Also on board are Dueter with some hydration packs to keep us topped off in the marathons and XCs and the guys over at Psycho Lube who will be keeping us running smoothly with their two step clean and lube system. We have a few more irons in the fire and we will hopefully have a few more partners to introduce soon. Thanks for visiting the VisitPA.com Team blog!

VisitPA.com's new ride

2007-11-21T08:48:00.001-05:00

Sometimes things are just as they should be and what could be more right that PA's mountain bike team riding PA's mountain bikes?!

VisitPA.com is on Cannondale in 2008 and we couldn't be happier about it! Cannondale makes bikes that are ideal for our racing pursuits; from their Caffeine 29ers which roll like crazy over the PA rocks to the lightweight travel of the Rush, a perfect bike for 12 and 24 hour attempts, Cannondale provides us exactly what we need.

We try very hard to not only showcase the great riding and recreational opportunities in Pennsylvania, but to also partner with companies that are based in or produce product in PA. Cannondale is one such company with a manufacturing center in Bedford, PA. We are looking forward to a long a fruitful relationship with Cannondale and can't wait to rock these bikes in 2008.

Slide on over to http://www.cannondale.com/ and check out the 2008 spread -- my favs are the new Scalpel (picture above) which I'll be riding in the 100s next season and how can you not savor the top of the line SuperSix Ulitmate (below)?!

VisitPA.com Team readies for 2008

2007-11-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

We're neck deep in 2008 preparations for the squad and have some exciting news (for us anyway). We're pleased to announce that everyone's favorite vegan, Rob Lichtenwalner, has signed on for '08 and will be looking to defend his title from the Granny Gear National Solo 24 Series in visitPA colors.

Speaking of our colors, we're working with Zach from Red Tettemer - the designer of our exceptional race logos and our first generation uniforms - on an updated look for the squad. Check back here for the first glimpse of the new gear.

The sponsorship search is full swing as well and we already have some great news, but will be holding off to make a full announcement in few days. Of course, anyone interested in coming on board as a sponsor of the state's official mountain bike team is welcome to contact us!

Curse of Dark Hollow Race Report

2007-07-19T00:13:00.001-04:00

visitPA.com Race Report

The Curse of Dark Hollow, 100km Endurance Race

Sunday July 16, 2007
Michaux State Forest, PA

By Flyin Ryan Leech

On Sunday, racers lined up for the second of the Michaux Endurance Series aptly named 'The Curse of Dark Hollow.' This race pushed riders to mental and physical limits that few wish to bear. VisitPA.com teammates Michelle Schneider and Ryan Leech signed up to test their skills, endurance and fortitude on this epic Michaux State Forest course. Michaux is known for its endless, rocky, technical trail system. The 7:00 am start time found the riders subdued, knowing that the next 6 to 8 hours would take every bit of energy in their bodies to complete the metric century.

The race started on a long descent, and by the bottom many riders of similar ability were already grouped together. Michelle, one of five women starters, kept with her well-tuned endurance pace and caught the lead female at the second feed station (25 miles). Ryan found himself keeping pace in 4th spot with a local rider for the first third of the race until early fatigue caused him to fall off the pace. Michelle spent the next 20 miles pitted against Cheryl Sorenson (the eventual women's winner). On a particularly technical downhill, Michelle missed a turn and found herself off course, adding on an additional 8 miles and losing contact with Cheryl for good. After finding the way back on course, Michelle kept a steady pace and a smiling face to finish in 8:33 for 2nd spot. Ryan rode solo for over 4 hours, slowly fading in the heat, on rocky trails, and over the long climbs. On the last section, he was passed by two riders, falling from 5th to 7th place overall, taking 7th overall in 6:47. In the end, he was more than happy simply to finish the race!

Find results here:

Big thanks to our sponsors:

VisitPA.com

SRAM Bicycle Components

Gary Fisher Bicycles

Please support our charity:

The Blue Butterfly Fund

VisitPA.com Mountain Bike Stage Race and Festival Weekend

2007-06-24T23:04:00.000-04:00

More info at www.highspeedcycling.com

Neshaminy MASS XC Report

2007-06-22T14:11:00.000-04:00

VisitPA.com Race Report
Guy's Neshaminy Super Series Race
June 17, 2007
By Ray Adams

Langhorne, PA was the site for Mid-Atlantic Super Series race #7, Guy's Neshaminy Classic. The weather was hot and the course was tough, featuring relentlessly rolling hills, tons of logs, and winding singletrack.
The visitPA.com mountain bike team fielded racers in four categories: X-Ray in the Elite men, Mike Yozell in Expert Masters 35-59, Mike "The Legend" Hebe in Masters 40-44, and Nancy in Elite Women.
As the four laps counted down, it became a race of attrition in the heat and never-ending twisty trail. Hebe and Yozell rode extremely well, winning their respective categories. Nancy finished 9th in the Elite women and Ray riding in for a fourth place finish amongst the Elite men. It was another excellent weekend for the team!
The the visitPA.com mountain bike team will be promoting the team stage race in Marysville, June 29-July 1. Come out and race, get rowdy, and enjoy!

Thanks to our sponsors:

VisitPA.com
SRAM Bicycle Components
Gary Fisher Bicycles

Please support our charity:

The Blue Butterfly Fund

Lumberjack 100 Race Report

2007-06-22T14:05:00.000-04:00

Lumberjack 100, Michigan
by Michelle Schneider

Just a few miles away from the shores of Lake Michigan, Michelle Schneider and Mike Kuhn raced in the 2007 Founders Lumberjack 100 Mountain Bike race. It was a long haul to the race, but well worth the 12-hour trip to race against the seasoned elite racers of the mid-west.
The course was four laps of a 25 mile loop which was filled with short climbs and tight twisty wooded sections, all being singletrack. Although the climbs were not long or steep, the ground was very sandy, making it challenging to find and hold a good line.
All riders started at the same time, gaining speed on one mile of pavement before hitting a sandy singletrack climb. From there, the course wound up and down through the woods, crossing many dirt roads, but never riding on them. Good lines became harder and harder to find as racers wore the trail and exposed the soft sandy ground, similar to a beach. Luckily for the racers, it was not sunny that day and even spat a few raindrops, or maybe that was the spray from the nearby Lake Michigan.
In the Mens race Mike Kuhn started with a fast pace in the top ten men. Eating and drinking was hard enough on the twisty path, harder yet when these men were pulling under 2 hour lap times consistently over the entire race. Mike placed a very respectable 15th, with a time of 7:51. He had time to clean up, eat, chat with Chris Eatough, the overall race winner, and cheer Michelle on as she rolled in.
In the womens race, Michelle started in 3rd place and hung onto her place until the 3rd lap, when she was passed by Erika Tieszen. Thinking she was in 4th place and needing to get some speed on, she pushed harder and swung over the finish line only to find out that the gal in front of here took an unexpected break from racing. Michelle Schneider placed 3rd, with a time of 9:31.
This weekend Michelle plans to attack the 12 Hours of Roundtop, at Athens, PA. Also, the visitPA.com mountain bike team will be promoting the team stage race in Marysville, June 29-July 1.

Thanks to our sponsors:

VisitPA.com
SRAM Bicycle Components
Gary Fisher Bicycles

Please support our charity:

The Blue Butterfly Fund

Stoopid 50 Mountain Bike Marathon Race Report

2007-06-14T10:45:00.000-04:00

VisitPA.com Race Report

Stoopid 50 Endurance Mountain Bike Race

June 10, 2007

Rothrock State Forest, PA

By Wes Schempf

Last Sunday was the inaugural Stoopid 50, a fifty-mile single loop marathon race held near State College in beautiful Rothrock State Forest. Presented by Mt. Nittany Wheelworks and Shenandoah Mountain Touring, the 50 was the first race of the newly revamped Mid-Atlantic Super Series endurance series.

Approximately 120 riders lined up for the start early Sunday morning in Penn Roosevelt State Park. Team visitPA.com was represented by Ray Adams and Wes Schempf in the open single speed category on their Fisher Rigs, and Mike Kuhn in the open men category riding his Fisher Paragon. Due to an unfortunate moving incident on Saturday, resident local Ryan too much rock, and not enough roll Leech was forced into a support role and wasnt able to contest the race.

With beautiful sunny skies and low humidity, racers rolled onto the course for a neutral start on the first mile and half of the fifty-mile loop. Competition in the single speed category was fierce, as some legendary characters were present including Gunnar Shogren, Buck Keich, and Topher Valenti. Shogren, a fixture on the east coast mountain bike scene from the early 90s on and all around great rider was someone to be watched.

The course was tough and demanding due to the technical nature of the singletrack and the preponderance of climbing. Once in the first section of singletrack there would be no opportunity for getting past other racers so this section was critical. Ray and Wes were able to get into the singletrack in decent position and shadow Gunnar, who was just ahead. Since this was Rays first race on a single speed, it took him some time to get used to one gear. Sections that he would be able to ride easily on his geared bike took on new challenge, as was racing the course for the first time.

Wes and Gunnar rode easily to the first aid station about 1/3 of the way into the course. At this point, Wes continued on to the steep and brutal hike-a-bike up Sassafras Trail knowing that the support crew of Ryan and Pat Leech and Nancy Nowicki were waiting with energy drinks and water. Having no idea what position he was in, Wes continued to push ahead while trying to keep enough gas in the tank for the rest of the race.

After decending into Greenwood Furnace State Park, racers had to climb back up to the second aid station about 2/3 into the loop. The aid station was a welcome relief from the miles of grueling rollers that racers faced. Coming into the aid station, Wes was surprised to hear that he was in the top 5 overall. A quick refill of the Camelbak, and one too many cold glasses of coke resulted in seeing competitors Gunnar and Ray roll into the checkpoint. YIKES!

Wanting to keep his position in front of Gunnar, Wes took off and punched it for the finish. However, the course wasnt done with its namesake. Plenty more climbing and technical riding were on the menu. Up the twisty Long Cut Trail and along Beautiful Trail, Wes was constantly checking for any sign of Gunnar or Ray. Fortunately for Wes and Ray, Gunnar was forced to stop and change his wheel due to a flat. Ray attacked and was able to gain a nice gap over Gunnar.

Once, over Chestnut Springs, it was almost all downhill except for the three miles of gradual climbing to the finish at Penn Roosevelt. Rolling across the line, Wes was greeted with the news that he was third overall and the first single speed. Ray finished several minutes back as fourth overall and second single speed.

The winning time posted by Brandon Draugelis was 4:16, in second was Aaron Snyder with a time of 4:29. Third, on a single speed, was Wes Schempf at 4:31, and Ray Adams in fourth, on a single speed, with a time of 4:37. Not bad for guys with one gear.

Mike Kuhn, who raced the Mohican 100 the weekend before, cruised into 14^th in the open. Mike is planning on racing the Lumberjack 100 this coming weekend. Best of luck to you, Kuhndog!

Special thanks to:

The promoters: Frank, Jim, Harry, and Cathy at Mt. Nittany Wheelworks, and

Chris Scott at Shenandoah Mountain Touring for organizing and running the race.

Teammates: Ryan Leech, Nancy Nowicki, and Ryans mom, Pat, for the support and feeds.

Sponsors:

VisitPA.com

SRAM Bicycle Components

Gary Fisher Bicycles

Please support our charity:

The Blue Butterfly Fund

--------------

Tour De Tykes Race Report, Danville, PA

2007-06-07T01:01:00.000-04:00

visitPA.com Race Report

Tour De Tykes Mountain Bike Race

Danville, PA

June 2-3, 2007

by Mike Hebe

The VisitPA.com squad was well represented this weekend at the 5th annual Tour De Tykes race weekend. Representing for the squad in the Elite category was series leader Ryan Leech, Wes Schempf, who was sitting third before the event, team leader Ray Adams, who is fresh off a win from the prior MASS event, and Mike Yozell, looking to show some good form. Arguably the hardest XC race of the season with 4,700 feet of climbing in just 18 miles, the Tour De Tykes course could not hold down the VisitPA.com elite juggernaut. With the race leaders suffering mechanicals, Wes & Ryan bided their time and rode to the front when it mattered most. Wes Schempf scored his first MASS Elite victory, rolling in on a flat tire! Ryan Leech rode to a strong 4th place and Ray Adams stormed back after a mid-race flat tire to finish 7th.

In the Elite Women's event Nancy Nowicki battled a cold and still managed to ride to a very impressive 2nd place finish.

Holding down the fort in the 40+ Expert field, Mike Hebe again went wire to wire for his 3rd consecutive series win.

In Sundays short track event, Ryan, Ray, and Mike tested their mettle again. After a blistering opening three laps Ray Adams went off the front with a solo attack which almost stuck for the next five laps. The tiring field reeled Ray in with about 1/2 a lap to go. Ryan then put the hammer down and attacked, with Ray in his draft. Ryan and Ray finished 1-2 for the day, with a great display of strength and teamwork. Mike suffered a flat while riding with Ryan & Ray's group and ended up running back to his car to get a spare bike to finish the event. While well out of contention, he still went on to catch a few riders and remind everyone that the VisitPA.com team will always race to the end.

All in all, it was a great weekend for the team taking victories both days in the Elite mens category! The team looks forward to the Stoopid 50 Mountain Bike Marathon this weekend and the Guy's XC event on June 17.

Thanks to our sponsors:

VisitPA.com

SRAM Bicycle Components

Gary Fisher Bicycles

Please support our charity:

The Blue Butterfly Fund

Women's MTB Clinics by VisitPA.com's Michelle Schneider

2007-06-04T13:33:00.000-04:00

Our team's baker of yummy bars (btw Michelle, I'm going to need some of those for the Lumberjack 100) is going to host a series of women's mountain bike clinics and rides this fall in the Williamsport area. The first clinic will be next Tuesday evening, June 12, with more to follow...check 'em out here.

Tour De Tykes and Mohican 100

2007-06-04T12:48:00.000-04:00

Most of the team headed to the MASS affiliated Tour De Tykes in Danville, PA where on Saturday Wes won the XC, Ry took 4th, Ray finished 7th, Nancy got 2nd, and Hebe won his age group!
On Sunday the brand new STXC saw Ray off the front most of the day softening it up for his teammates and in the end Ry brought home the win and Ray held on for 2nd!

Kuhn took a drive west to Ohio and rode around the woods for about 8 hours to finish 9th in the Mohican 100, the second race in the National Ultra Endurance series. You can read his race report (the way too long version) at http://kuhndogrides.blogspot.com/

Greenbriar Beat Down

2007-05-03T10:41:00.000-04:00

Smokin!

VisitPA.com Race Report
Greenbriar American Bicycle Challenge Race
Greenbriar State Park, MD
April 29, 2007
By Ray Adams

The visitPA.com mountain bike team would contest four categories in one of the East Coasts’ premier events, the Greenbriar American Bicycle Challenge Mountain Bike Race (AMBC). Drawing talent from around the nation, the event grows every year and features a great, challenging five mile lap course. The results of this race are used to qualify pro riders for the 2008 Olympics, and to qualify other categories for the mountain bike national championships in July in Mount Snow, VT.

Mike Hebe, one of the team’s 2007 additions, would take third place in the Expert 40-49 age category.

Nancy Nowicki finished fourth in the Expert Women 30-39 category.

In the Semi-Pro men’s category, visitPA.com took three of the top five podium spots. Flyin Ryan Leech and X-Ray Adams worked together for the first two of four laps, riding in first and second places. Leech would fall back slightly on the climbs, catching back to Adams on the rocky decent at the end of the lap. The duo eventually split up, Adams taking the win and Leech riding in for second place. Wes Schempf (“SSWes”) rode a geared bike, rather than his trademark single speed, today, and finished fourth.

In all it was an outstanding day for the team, with all of the finishing racers qualifying for nationals in addition to the day’s success.

Learn more about the team and our sponsors:

VisitPA.com
SRAM Bicycle Components
Gary Fisher Bicycles

The next race the team will be attending is the Cat Classic in Williamsport on May 5, 2007.

Mid-Atlantic Super Series Hibernia Duathlon and Short Track Races

2007-04-25T19:35:00.000-04:00

Hibernia Duathlon – Wagontown, PA

By Ray Adams

Capitalizing on their strengths, visitPA.com’s Ray and Nancy decided to enter the Hibernia County Park Duathlon as a relay team. Nancy was to complete the trail running legs of the race, while Ray would complete the mountain bike portion. The race began bright and early, with Nancy finishing the 1.7 mile run about 2-3 minutes down from the leader. Ray left the transition area with a vengeance, seeking to catch the race leader in his 12 mile pursuit. He passed many, but it was not until mile 9 that he caught the first place rider. Ray was able to put about three minutes into his team’s lead by the end of his leg. Nancy took off from the transition area with one goal in mind - to maintain their lead. She was able to do this with ease, finishing alone with nobody in sight. It was a great race for the duo.

VisitPA.Com Mtn Bike Team Wins MASS STXC – Wagontown, PA

By Ryan Leech

Sunday, April 22 marked the opening event in the Mid Atlantic Super Series Short Track Cross Country (STXC) at Hibernia County Park, PA. VisitPA.com's STXC specialist Ryan Leech won the Elite Men's fields over young Pro rider Kyle Hammaker, while visitPa.com's stalwart hardman Ray Adams took the 3rd step on the podium. Nancy Nowicki, one of visitPA.com's new team members for 2007, took the unofficial win in the women's race (unofficial because the women raced with the masters men category), proving that her leap to the Elite women's field isn't in vain.

The men's race started with a stomping field eager to make the pace brisk. Immediately, visitPa.com was on the front followed closely by entire field. After two laps of the 12 lap (30 minutes) race, a group five lead the race, which included Adams, Leech and Wes Schempf of VisitPa.com. After another rider slid out on one of the course's loose corners and held up a few riders, Hammaker and Leech were pitted against each other at the head of the race. They worked together to increase the gap over Adams and pro rider Rob Lichtenwalner. On the final lap, Leech made the winning move, blasting past Hammaker with half a lap remaining and took the win by five seconds.

The women's race was a combination of Master's men categories and women. Nancy Nowicki throttled the pace at the start, giving her an immediate advantage over her competitors. Halfway through the race, she had a comfortable leading margin. Nowicki's prowess on the bike allowed her to open up the gap with each remaining lap and dominate the women's field.

Michelle's Yummy Bars

2007-04-12T19:17:00.000-04:00

Just one of the reason's the VisitPA.com Team is so durn fast....Michelle brings these for us all the time!

Energy Bars
1/2c. chopped up peanuts
1/2c raisins or dried fruits
1/2c. sunflower seeds or other seeds/fruits
2c. oatmeal (any kind)
2c. rice krispies (or other)
1/2c. PButter
1/2c. brown sugar
3/4c.-1c. liquid (molassas, honey, karo etc)**

Combine first group in big bowl.(use any ingredients--chocolate chips,craisins, flax seed etc...I don't like peanuts much, so I add more driedfruits) Just make sure to get 5 1/2c. total of "dry" ingredients. Heat sugars and PB in microwave1-2min--stirring--every 30-45 seconds. Pour over dry ingredients and stir well. Spread and press into greased9x13pan. I spray the PAM on my hand and press into pan. Cool, cut, enjoi**Amt of liquid depends on dry ingredients used & humidity & preferencefor soft/chewy or firmer bars

MASS Team Relay Championship Roundup

2007-04-09T12:45:00.000-04:00

Race one of the Mid-Atlantic Super Series is in the can and Team VisitPA.com started the season with a bang by bringing home first and third place in the inaugural MASS Team Relay Championship (which was also promoted by the VisitPA.com Team in conjunction with HighSpeedCycling).

Ray, Wes, Yozell, and Hebe took the win and the MASS Team Relay Perpetual Trophy home with them while Zack, Ry, Kuhn and guest rider Nate Deibert took home the bronze. Team VisitPA.com's ladies Michelle and Nancy teamed up with Erica Yozell and Kyle Hammaker for this event.

These weren't the first podiums for the year for the team however with Team Captain and Grand Poohbah Ray taking 2nd at the Knobscorcher AMBC in the Pro/Semi-Pro field and Kuhndog getting his TTing on by helping to drive the Cadence Cycling and Multisport Team to a first place finish at the Carlisle TTT Challenge while Ray was off cavorting in North Carolina. Nancy, Ray's not quite yet officially better half, brought home a well earned 6th in her first attempt at Women's Expert at the Knobscorcher as well.

This weekend brings the MASS STXC series kickoff with the Hibernia Short Track on Sunday. Look for Ry, Zack, and Wes at the front of this race and eyeing up the season long series with support coming from the rest of the guys. The women will have their hands full as part of the Expert B field and will be banging head's with master's and supersport men during their race.

Two weeks, four podiums. Hopefully its just the start of things to come.

MASS Team Relay Championship p/b the VisitPA.com MTB Team

2007-03-28T00:52:00.000-04:00

With the real start of XC race season just over 1 month out the VisitPA.com team is putting together a fun little event at the Oesterling Farm in Marysville, PA in early April that should be great fun. The race is a short team relay event (think 4 x 100 in track - complete with batons even) but one that has the added twist of awarding handicapping points to each team. What we hope is that this points system will allow all the teams more equal footing in the race and will hopefully keep the outcome anyone's guess until the final minutes. We're excited to bring this new and unique event to the mid-Atlantic and hope that you'll put your own team together to join us on April 7. You can find more about the event at www.highspeedcycling.com.

Back up and running

2007-03-27T15:55:00.000-04:00

Ray, this is for you!